Singapore might be known for its towering skyscrapers, yet it’s also a city where you can easily find lush green spaces and thrilling playgrounds for kids. Looking for things to do in Singapore? We’ve touched on some of the best whimsical and indoor playgrounds that are worth visiting before. This time, it’s all about heading to the great outdoors. After all, outdoor play isn’t just fun; it's essential for the holistic development of children.
In this article, we embark on a journey to discover some of the best around the city. Whether it is their thoughtfully crafted designs or innovative features, these outdoor playgrounds provide a much-needed respite for young explorers looking to swing, slide and climb to their fullest.
1. Far East Organisation Children’s Garden at Gardens by the Bay
Situated at Gardens by the Bay is the Far East Organisation Children’s Garden, an outdoor playground featuring a combination of three play areas—the Water Play, Toddler Play and The Treehouse. These areas were designed to cater to different age groups and interests.
The Water Play area is a huge open space with water jets, foundations and buckets. Here’s where kiddos can get a refreshing respite from the tropical heat, perhaps by splashing around in shallow pools or running through water tunnels. This particular spot is best suited for 6- to 12-year-olds.
On the other hand, the Toddler Play area provides low climbing structures and equipment, including a little swing, and even a suspension bridge and bouncy rides for younger kids.
There’s also the Treehouse Area. As its name suggests, this is where you’ll find charming treehouses that serve as lookout points. This play area consists of tall structures, net ladders and poles that lead players to a more elevated platform. From the top, children can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding gardens before sliding their way down!
As more climbing is involved, this area is better suited for kids above 6 years old. Other brave kids are welcomed too, though best supervised by an adult.
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday & Public Holidays - 9:00am to 7:00pm. Waterplay closure: 6:30pm
2. Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
The Jacob Ballas Children's Garden is Asia’s largest garden dedicated to children (aged 14 and under), offering a delightful blend of interactive experiences, educational opportunities and natural wonders. What stands out about this garden is how it was designed to emulate natural habitats, where flora and fauna co-exist.
There are various play areas scattered throughout the gardens. Inside the grounds, children get to walk along streams into treehouses, slide down tube slides, navigate bridges, zip through flying foxes, and even put their agility to the test along log obstacles.
The place feels almost like it came out of a children’s fantasy book, as you’ll stumble upon enchanting scenes like giant toadstool shelters that make for good photo opportunities too.
Aside from play areas, the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden also features hands-on learning experiences—from sensory gardens to vegetable patches, where children get to explore different aspects of plant life. At the interactive stations, kids can also have a go at generating power for fans and lights by cycling and more.
Address: 481 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259769
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 8:00am to 7:00pm
3. Jubilee Park at Fort Canning
Set amidst the lush greenery of Fort Canning, the Jubilee park is one of the best playgrounds in Singapore that’s great for a fun family day out. The playground is equipped with modern play structures and amenities like bouncy nets, rope bridges, and slides that are well-built into hill slopes. Safe to say, children will get to play to their heart’s content here. There’s also a variety of slides to choose from—gentler slopes for the younger kids and steeper ones for the adrenaline-seeking souls.
Moreover, The park’s well-maintained lawns offer plenty of space for picnics and leisurely strolls. As much as Jubilee Park at Fort Canning is fun for kids, it’s also a place that’s steeped in history and cultural heritage. Besides watching the little ones run wild at the playground, parents can also choose to explore the park’s rich historical sites with the little ones, or even take a stroll through heritage trails that offer insights into the country’s past.
Address: River Valley Road
Operating hours: Open daily, 24 hours
4. Marine Cove Playground at East Coast Park
This next playground—the Marine Cove, is another expansive outdoor recreational space that offers a plethora of activities for both families and children. In fact, it stands at 3,500sqm (about three storeys tall)! At the centre of the playground sits its main attraction—a tower that’s modelled after a lighthouse, which is further connected to three slides of different levels and widths. On top of that, there are also adventure play structures like climbing frames, as well as sensory play panels, talking tubes, spinning wheels and a drum set.
Best of all? It’s located in close proximity to the beach. This seaside setting helps provide a scenic view of East Coast Park and a refreshing escape from the tropical heat. Nothing beats a mouthful of food after a long day out at the playground. Feel free to pack your own meals, or enjoy a variety of nearby family-friendly dining options near Marine Cove Playground, ranging from western fare to fusion delights.
Address: 1000 East Coast Park, Singapore 449876
Operating hours: Open daily, 24 hours
5. Pasir Ris Park Playground
Speaking of seaside settings, the next option is another favourite getaway for families in the east—the Pasir Ris Park Playground. Due to its idyllic location, the playground gets ample breeze from the shoreline as well as shade from massive trees. One of the main attractions of this playground is its iconic 7m mega-play tower that features multiple levels of climbing nets. There’s also a spinning disc and ‘pirate ship’ that’s set in a sand pit.
Another interesting feature is the three bright climbing holds that have been fitted onto a hill slope for little ones to make their way to the top. Once they are above, they can slide their way down to the base! Let’s not forget the wide number of swings at the sandy play area that invite kids to kick their feet in the air. For those coming by car, the playground is located close to car park E and can be reached by Elias Road.
Address: 125 Elias Road, Singapore 519926
Operating hours: Open daily, 24 hours
6. Forest Ramble at Jurong Lake Gardens
Moving over from the east to the west is the next playground—Forest Ramble at Jurong Lake Gardens. This is the largest play garden located in the heartlands. Fun fact: Its overall design is inspired by animals that live in freshwater swamps.
At the Heron Play area, for instance, kids get to whizz across a zipline and then roost at “nests” that are located on both ends. As frogs commonly inhabit swamps too, the Frog Play zone beckons little ones to hop around sunken trampolines; or in this case, from one lily pad to the next.
The Otter Zone, on the other hand, is a quick test of motor skills. Logs are piled above one another for kids to scamper and climb over. The Monkey Play Zone is pretty self-explanatory. With vine-to-vine low ropes around the space, kids get to swing from one place to the next, much like a real monkey would do. All in all, the Forest Ramble boasts a ton of wood and natural materials, making it an enchanting playground that stands out from the rest.
Address: 104 Yuan Ching Road
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 8:00am to 10:00pm
7. Admiralty Park Playground
Like most playgrounds in Singapore, the one at Admiralty Park doesn’t fall short of slides. This particular one, however, is known for its longest outdoor slide at 34 metres long.
Leveraging on the hilly terrains of Woodlands, Admiralty Park boasts 26 slides in total. Pay attention to the five different types—from open slides to closed-in tube tunnels, curved roller, straight roller and huge wide metal slides that hold more than one person at a time.
You’ll likely spot other features around the playground, things like sandpits, suspension bridges and even an inclusive wheelchair swing at the Junior Play area. The Admiralty Park playground offers a dynamic experience. Visitors will also find educational signs informing the importance of environmental conservation, thus enhancing learning among children and families.
Address: 6A Admiralty Road, Singapore 732006
Operating hours: Open daily, 24 Hours
8. Battleship Playground at Sembawang Park
Nestled at the northern corner of the island is the Battleship Playground within Sembawang Park. The playground is designed to be maritime-themed as a way to pay homage to our former Sembawang Naval Base, where British warships used to dock between the 1920s-1970s.
The entire playground’s essentially modelled after a warship, what with its gun turret, propellers and even smokestacks. There’s loads to explore here that might help tire the kiddos. They’ll get to navigate the ‘ship’ through climbing structures, monkey bars, fireman poles and a rock wall.
Keeping in line with the naval theme, children can reach the sloping deck either through a porthole or climb up roles like how pirates would. There’s even a spot that resembles the hull of ships, where they can take a quick rest before sliding their way to exit!
Address: Sembawang Road
Operating Hours: Open daily, 24 hours
Beyond just play, playgrounds serve as recreational spaces that can be beneficial for children’s learning and socialising. Best of all? They’re some of the best free places to visit in Singapore.
With a wide variety to choose from, kids can unleash their imagination, develop crucial skills, and create cherished memories with loved ones at the same time. Sick of the hustle and bustle of urban living? Grab your sunscreen and let the outdoor adventures begin!
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