6 whimsical and colourful playgrounds in Singapore to check out

Photo credit: National Parks Board

Remember the days you spent at playgrounds, hanging from bars, running up the slides, or playing hide-and-seek? You may get this, but your children, not so much. In this digital age, introduce your little ones to a world of fun beyond the four corners of their devices at the many playgrounds around Singapore. Time to ditch the devices and bring the kids out for a wonderful play day whether it’s over the weekend, school holidays or during your next trip to Singapore. We’ve rounded up some playgrounds island-wide just for you; each with a unique adventure to offer!

Uncover the mythical beast at the ‘Dragon Playground’

Playgrounds were created as spaces for respite, away from the overcrowding city in the 70s. Photo credit: Jimmy Tan

Commonly referred to as heritage playgrounds, there are four Dragon Playgrounds in Singapore that have survived the test of time (since the 1980s!). Of the four, the Toa Payoh Dragon playground situated in the heart of Singapore, is the only one that’s sand-based, whereas the others are laid with rubber mats. The playground designer chose the dragon as he was inspired by the Chinese Zodiac sign, which symbolises power and tenacity. To date, the distinctive mosaic dragon has been featured in tote bags, stickers and even at the National Day Parade for Singapore’s 50^th birthday. Explore the playground at no cost!

Location: 28 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310028

P.S. Learn more about Singapore’s playgrounds at ‘The More We Get Together: Singapore's Playgrounds 1930 – 2030’ exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore from now till 30 September 2018. 

Soak in the sun, sand and sea at Marine Cove

Conquer the ‘lighthouse’ at Marine Cove. Photo credit: National Parks Board

Look to the east of Singapore for the Marine Cove Playground, nestled in East Coast Park overlooking the sea. The playground spreads across an area of 3,500sqm and incorporates a marine theme. The older kids can venture up a suspended rope bridge to a three-storey tall 'lighthouse', while younger adventurers can climb a short bouldering wall and explore the drum sets and fun mirrors at the junior-friendly area. At Marine Cove, you can find equipment for children with special needs, such as sensory play panels to enhance motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Simply wash up at the playground’s private showers after working up a sweat.

Location: 1000 East Coast Park, Singapore 449876

Slide into a children’s paradise at Admiralty Park

You can easily spend an entire afternoon ‘sliding around' at Admiralty Park. Photo credit: National Parks Board

Admiralty Park is the largest park in the North of Singapore, boasting the most number of slides in any park in Singapore. There are 26 slides in three different play areas – the ‘Junior Play’ with wide open slides that parents can ride with their kids, the ‘Adventure Play’ with a 9-metre tall double-barrel slide where kids can race against one another, and the ‘Family Terracing Play’ with a 32-metres long, High Adventure Roller slide for a real kick. The playground caters to all ages and also has a swing for wheelchair users at the Junior Play area. Take your time to conquer the entire playground as no payment is required!

Location: 31 Riverside Road, Singapore 730000

Find Alice in a fantasy garden at Westgate Wonderland

Be intrigued by a fantasy garden where everything is larger than life. Photo credit: CapitaLand

Wander into a fantasy garden in the west of Singapore, where nature takes over and everything’s larger than it should be. Westgate Wonderland, the largest rooftop mall playground in Singapore, has a towering treehouse and giant replicas of insects and flowers. Kids can climb around in the 10-metre tall treehouse and a giant flower pot, or interact with flower installations and spinning canopies that respond to touch with musical sounds and lights. Tip: Bring a change of clothes because a mini waterpark awaits. Drying areas are available, so get ready for a splashing good time!

Location: #04-00, Westgate Mall, 3 Gateway Drive, Singapore 608532

Fly into a happy place at Changi Airport

Slide down from the top to the basement in a matter of seconds!

Don't let the rain or scorching sun stop you from having fun — take it indoors at Changi Airport! If you’re catching a flight or find yourself in eastern Singapore, check out the indoor Slide@T3, the world’s tallest slide in an airport — 12-metre high — where both young and old can spiral down at up to 6-metre per second. For every $10 spent at Changi Airport in a single same-day receipt, you can redeem one ride on the exhilarating slide. Not ready for that kind of thrill? Try the shorter version for free at Basement 2 instead. Both rides are open from noon to 10:30pm daily.

Location: Changi Airport, Terminal 3, Arrival Hall, Level 1 (Public Area)

Jump around in The Chandelier or simply appreciate it as a work of art

If you’re flying out from T4, you’ll want to check-in early because a 16-metre tall and 10-metre wide rope playground awaits. Climb up The Chandelier with your kids and descend a fireman’s pole like a pro — you might even end up having more fun than the little ones!

The playground will make its debut in late 2018, so do keep a lookout!

Location: Changi Airport, T4, Departure Lounge (Transit Area)

Beyond the crazy running and sweaty foreheads, playgrounds are great for children to interact with other kids and practice their social skills. It’s also the perfect stress buster for busy parents, so take some time to check out these playgrounds with the kiddos and have a whale of a time!