#Selbsseries I Top 10 Outdoor Places for kids

September 8, 2021

Here we are, coming close to the end of the year, and the pandemic is still ongoing. Travelling plans are out of the window, but I refuse to let myself feel so affected by it. I love to travel, explore new places, and try new cuisine, but if there is one thing Covid19 has taught me, it is to appreciate what we already have. Singapore is indeed filled with so many beautiful things. While it is a city, it is also an island with lots of nature. I can't say I SUPER love nature, but over this past 1 year and half, it has grown on me. With the ongoing restrictions, I feel safest amongst the greeneries and away from the crowds. Nothing beats getting a good dose of Vitamin D from the sun, and seeing the joy of my kids on the swings, running around and climbing trees!

Here are 10 outdoor places I have explored. They are not in any particular order, but I do have my favourites.

(FYI: My kids are 4 years old, 20 months, and 5 months. Most of these activities are suitable for my 2 older ones.)

1) Fort Canning Park - Jubilee Park

For those who are staying near the Downtown line on the MRT, the Fort Canning Station exit brings you right to this gorgeous park. I don't have many pictures because we are usually so occupied as there are so many play areas.

Pro Tip: Avoid weekends and bring along a mat. The Tiong Baru Bakery is also near the playground, handy for a quick light bite.

2) Bishan Park

This park has many hidden gems, you have to walk and find them. I really love the pond area as we saw many insects, creatures and plants. Too bad my camera couldn't capture them.

Pro Tip: Bring along some light bites as I did not see any cafes or shops around.

bishan park

3) East Coast Beach (Cyclist Park)

I grew up going to the beach a lot so seeing how this park evolved is so special. This area is called Cyclist Park, or you can Google P.S Cafe to get here. It has a little nature playground and the waters are usually rather clean.

Pro Tip: If you sense the weather is going to be rainy, this spot is good, as there are shaded areas near the toilet and P.S Cafe.

east coast beach

east coast park

4) Bedok Reservoir Park

This has to be on my list because it is very close to home. We go here almost every other day and my kids know the spaces well enough for me to kind of "snooze" for a bit. (Not sleep for real, but mummies would understand this.)

I love that it's a sandy playground, something that is hard to find these days.

Pro Tip: Again, it is very accessible on the downtown line, exit Bedok Reservoir and it is a 5 mins walk. bedok reservoir park

bedok reservoir park

5) PLQ Playground

This place is good for when you need to swing by NTUC to get groceries or quick dinner. There are two malls nearby: PLQ and Singpost. Ideal for Daddy to take the kids to the playground and for you to do a quick shopping. My favourite Scoop Wholefoods is there too!

Pro Tip: Avoid weekends, weekday mornings are the best!

PLQ

6) Telok Kurau Park

This is truly a hidden gem. I love how it has a nice path around the park for kids to scoot or cycle and we can get a good view of them. If you are up for an adventure, the park connecter leads you all the way to east coast beach.

Pro Tip: Late afternoons are nice as it is not crowded and because its a very shaded park, I do get there as early as 4pm.

telok kurau park

7) Gallop Extension

This is an extension of the Botanical Garden. If you are driving, get to Gallop Extension itself as it is not part of the main garden. We went there by train and it was close to a 30 mins walk to get there!

Pro Tip: Once you are done with the playground, go upstairs where you will see a cafe (The Bee's Knees) and a nice green lawn with colonial-style buildings. What a sight!

botanical garden

8) Gardens By the Bay

We know this place very well but I recently found a beautiful spot to have a little picnic. When you exit the MRT, you will pass by these mirrors and murals. Once you go up to the first level, head right and pass by the little dome.

Pro Tip: Even on a weekend, this spot is empty!

gardens by the bay

9) Esplanade Park

Now that we do not have many tourists, this is such a nice place to go.
The rooftop of Esplanade has a nice space for kids to just roam around. There is also Pip Playbox where you can do some simple activities. More info here as bookings are needed.

Pro Tip: Once you are done with the rooftop, you can walk along the water area, grab coconut ice cream and head to the playground.

esplanade

10) Helix Bridge

This is a simple trip via MRT where you can alight at Promenade. You will see the Singapore Flyer and pass by some maze before reaching the Helix Bridge itself. We headed in the morning, and by the time we got to MBS, it was lunchtime.

Pro Trip: If your kids are big enough, bring a scooter along!

helix

helix bridge