The best playground in Singapore with sand
Forget about Where’s Wally: the real question is where did all the good ol’ fashioned playgrounds go? We’re talking a playground in Singapore with sand, people. We did the hunting for you, and we found what you’re searching for!We recall spending many afternoons as wee little tots (a looong time ago) scampering about our neighbourhood playgrounds, mucking about in the sand, and getting all down and dirty (much to Mum’s chagrin). So we say: gather the fam, strap them in, and head to the best playground in Singapore with sand, pronto!
West Coast Park
On the other side of Singapore lies another playtime paradise: West Coast Park. What makes it so special? Imagine eight different play areas that’ll cater to the kids of all ages – from terrorizing toddlers to surly tweens. We bet they’ll will love mucking about the obstacle course and zipping around with the Flying Fox. The only issue? Getting the littlies to leave after a day of fun will be a Herculean task.
West Coast Park, 71 West Coast Highway, Singapore 126844.
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Forget about Disneyland: the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is closer to home and it’s free! With slides and seesaws, the sand playground within will provide plenty of good ol’ fashioned fun for your tots. But wait, there’s more! Spread out over two hectares are other nature attractions to explore like tree houses, suspension bridges, mazes, and caves, making it a veritable kiddy wonderland.
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569. Open Tue-Sun 8am-7pm (closed on Mon).
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
This one wins the award for being postcard pretty. Imagine an avant-garde castle set against a leafy green backdrop and you’ll get the adventure playground at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Slides, wooden climbing structures, a fireman pole, and even a rock-climbing wall: it’s a fairytale play land come true for the little ones. And when they eventually get bored (as we all know they do!), there’s loads more to explore at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, like the water playground, a 300-metre forest walk, and the park’s centerpiece – a natural meandering river. Truly perfect for a day of laid-back fun for the whole fam.
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Singapore 569981.
Tiong Bahru Adventure Playground
Tiong Bahru folks really have it good. The wonky train-themed playground at its park is so darn freakin’ adorable, it’ll even get adults squealing in delight. Kids (five years and older) can scamper around inside the carriages of the train or take a spin around the merry-go-round (wheeee!) for a rollicking good time.
Tiong Bahru Adventure Playground, Tiong Bahru Road.
Gardens By the Bay’s FEO Children’s Garden
Gardens By the Bay’s answer to playtime plaisir is the FEO Children’s Garden. This newbie to the sandcrawler domain features not only separate play areas for your baby bubbas (ages 1-5), but also for the older kids (ages 6-12). Here’s where you go for climbing, exploring, and hours of activity, and to cool off, head to the water play area for splashy good time.
Gardens By the Bay FEO Children’s Garden, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953, +65 6420 6848. Open 9am to 9pm daily (closed Mondays for maintenance).
Pasir Ris Park
Sure, Pasir Ris Park is located in the far Eastern corner of the island but rest assured it’s worth the trek. What’s not to love? Sun, sand, sea, a huge adventure playground kitted out with slides, mazes, a zip line, and plenty of space for hyperactive tots to run wild. Don’t forget to check out the five metre-high spider web: perfect for your little monkeys to test their climbing skills (and give you a mini heart attack as they scamper to dizzying heights!). Note: construction is currently being carried out to upgrade sections of Pasir Ris Park. Expected completion date is later this year.
Pasir Ris Park, Singapore 519116.
The beach!
You didn’t think we’d leave out the granddaddy of all sand playgrounds, did you? That’d be sacrilege! Sure, there aren’t any swings, slides, or seesaws at the beach, but think of all the fun activities your tots can only do by the shore: building sandcastles picking seashells, and (our favourite) burying Dad in the sand! Singapore has no shortage of beaches to explore – but our top pick? Palawan Beach at Sentosa. Not only is it super kid-friendly (with Port of Lost Wonder just a hop and a skip away), parents can kick back with a drink in hand at the nearby Bora Bora Beach Bar. Win-win for all!
Images: West Coast Park (by Choo Yut Shing), Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden (Singapore Botanic Gardens), Tiong Bahru Park (NParks.org), FEO Children’s Garden (Gardens By the Bay), Sentosa Palawan beach.