From the best eats to family-friendly activities, here's our guide to the best things to do with the tykes in Buona Vista!
Ah, Buona Vista… You might’ve never brought the kids to this neighbourhood – surely there wouldn’t be anything for a kid to do at a science and tech hub, especially not when there are plenty of other kid-friendly activities to do in Holland Village or Clementi. Well, you’ll be surprised to know that this suburban district’s actually pretty kid-friendly – there are plenty of restaurants, activities and even two parks in the vicinity for the kids to run around, too. It’s also home to the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) headquarters! Curious to know more? Read on to find out!
What to eat at Buona Vista: Restaurants, cafes, & hawker centre
1. TCE The Caffeine Experience
This roastery cafe is serious about its coffee. As you walk closer, the aroma of freshly roasted coffee hits you before you’ll see its roaster sitting outside its shop. Run as a social enterprise, TCE The Caffeine Experience not only provides employment for ex-offenders, they also offer guidance to youths steering them away from youth delinquency. Ask any of their staff about their premium beans, they will be more than happy to suggest a flavour profile for you. The other thing we love, is that they care for beautiful, adopted cats at their cat cafe, The Cat Experience, just next door.
Where: TCE The Caffeine Experience, 1 Vista Exchange Green, #01-21 The StarVista, Singapore 138617
Opening hours: Daily 10am – 8pm
2. Dewgather
Located on the first floor of Star Vista, Dewgather has some delightful brunch items and delectable mains but one of the highlights of their menu has to be their Candy Floss French Toast – thick brioche toast topped with crème anglaise ice cream, brown sugar crumble, crushed pistachio, berry compote, and pretty purple candy floss! They also have set meals for the kiddos like fish fingers, Napoli pasta, and chicken karaage that come with orange juice, apple juice or hot chocolate.
Where: Dewgather, 1 Vista Exchange Green, #01-46 The Star Vista, Singapore 138617
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 8am – 9.30pm, Sun 7am – 9,30pm
3. The Lawn Cafe
Lush greenery, alfresco seating and healthy grub – The Lawn Cafe is as green as it gets if you want a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. You get to design your own salads and grain bowls or choose from their Chef’s signature options – all their food is vegetarian, vegan and halal-friendly as well so they meet most dietary restrictions! Not only will the food taste good, it’ll make you feel even better! This pet-friendly cafe is a great spot to hang out with the furkids; it’s pretty breezy in the mornings and you might even get a go on the nearby swing!
Where: The Lawn, 31 Biopolis Way, #01-07, Nanos, Singapore 138669
Opening hours:Mon – Fri 10.30am – 7pm, Sat – Sun 8.30am – 2pm
4. Twyst
The kiddos feeling a little adventurous? Twyst has some interesting fusion pastas to try out like their Miso Butter and Laksa Olio which adds a nice Asian “twyst” to classic pastas. You can also customise them by selecting your choice of protein like duck or prawns and get a free add-on like truffle oil. Best part is they’re very affordable, starting from $10.50 to build your own pasta! This is kid-approved!
Where: Twyst, 9 North Buona Vista Drive, The Metropolis, #01-15, Singapore 135858
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 7.30am – 8.30pm
5. Colbar
Go back in time at Colbar, a colonial bar and cafe at Whitchurch Road. Not only is it a great respite on a hot day, but the cafe also appears unchanged from the ’50s, which will certainly fascinate the kiddos! Plus, the cafe serves up a selection of delicious local and western dishes that the tykes will love. Psst, it’s also pet-friendly so your furkids can go, too!
Where: Colbar, 9A Whitchurch Rd, Singapore 138839
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 11.30am – 8.30pm. Closed Sun
6. Café Melba at Mediapolis
A blend of Melbourne and Asian cuisine, Café Melba is no stranger to folks who have been to Goodman Arts Centre. But there’s no need to travel all the way there to have delicious food – just head to Mediapolis for a meal with the kiddos instead. The little ones can select from a range of yummy dishes, from mini French toast cubes, pancakes or chicken schnitzel with fries, to pasta, homemade pizza or a kids brekkie. Plus, get your hands on a kids’ club gold card and collect a loyalty stamp on every visit – members will not only receive a snazzy card, but get lots of great perks with every visit. What’s more, kids get to eat for free every Monday. And to top it off, they’ll get to jump around the cafe’s bouncy castle, too. Solid hours of fun for all the kiddos!
Where: Café Melba at Mediapolis, 1 Stars Ave, #03-01, Singapore 138507
Opening hours: Mon – Thu 8am – 9pm, Fri – Sun 8am – 10pm
7. Swensen’s Unlimited
Not just Swensen’s but Swensen’s Unlimited, complete with 48 rotating ice cream flavours, seafood, live stations, and more! Set in the Geneo, the one with the cathedral-like lobby, this Swensen’s offers a scenic backdrop for hosting large-scale events – think wedding, corporate functions, and of course, birthday parties! Buffet prices start from $35 per adult for lunch and get this, kids under 5 years old dine free, with every paying adult! Keep a lookout for our updates on this!
Where: Swensen’s Unlimited, 1 Science Park Drive, Acacia Geneo, #01-06, Singapore 118221
Opening hours: Daily 11am – 11pm
8. Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe
We’ll never get tired of our local breakfast – kaya toast, half-boiled egg, and coffee. But what sets Great Nanyang apart from its competitor downstairs, is its retro decor, complete with sewing machine, typewriters, T.V. and other memorabilia from the yesteryears. More than eggs and toast, their menu also includes local favourites like Curry Chicken, Prawn Noodles, and Nasi Lemak. We do like the frothy Coconut Coffee; there’s something satisfying watching it overflow! Bring your furkids and sit outdoors, there’s a special seat tucked right at the corner that looks like the back of a truck! Cute! Don’ forget to snap some shots at the cathedral-like lobby of Geneo and take a walk at the nature park – there’re some swings and an exercise playground there, perfect for kids and furkids!
Where: Great Nanyang, 1B Science Park Drive, #B1-32, Geneo, Singapore 119315
Opening hours: Daily 8am – 8.30pm
9. Timbre+ One North
With over 40 local and international food selections, Timbre+ One North is more than an upgrade to the regular hawker centre. Not only does it have a jam-packed live music calendar, it also run social events such as the Saturday Social Fiesta @ Paws and Pints Yard. Every Saturday from 5pm – 8pm, the urban food park turns into eat and play wonderland for kids and furkids. Let the kids go wild on the bouncy castle, or challenge yourselves to some family-fun games like giant Jenga, Connect 4, and more.
Where: Timbre+ One North, 73A Ayer Rajah Cresent, JTC LaunchPad @ one-north, Singapore 139957, Singapore, Singapore, 139957
Opening hours: Mon – Thu 7am – 12am, Fri – Sat 7am – 1am & Sun 11am – 10pm
10. Ghim Moh Market
There’s tons of great breakfast food to eat here at this local hawker centre, with swarms of residents descending upon this place every weekend to get their favourite brekkies like roti prata and fried carrot cake, to chicken rice and prawn noodles. Our favourite? Order the Ghim Moh Chwee Kueh, traditionally made steamed rice cakes topped with a salty, savoury radish relish. The kids (and you) will love this one! It gets crowded during lunchtimes and expect stalls to be sold out by evening time.
Where: Ghim Moh Market, Blk 20 Ghim Moh Rd, #01-54, Singapore 270020
Opening hours: Some stalls are open from as early as 6am
Family-friendly activities Buona Vista
11. The Train Pod by Tiny Pod Hotels (Opening soon)
Tiny pods is known for turning containers into co-living spaces and The Train Pod is their latest creation. If your little one is into trains, a staycay at Singapore’s first train hotel is a must-try! This unique hotel is made from upcycled SMRT trains, with bunk beds and a stand-up shower fitted inside. You’ll find the familiar MRT maps and stickers of The Thoughtful Bunch – Stand-up Stacey, Move-in Martin, and friends. Outside, MRT seats are repurposed as benches with shelter and tables so you can hang out and mingle with the other “passengers”.
Where: The Train Pod, 69 Ayer Rajah Crescent, Singapore 139961
12. lyf one-north Singapore
This may be built more for co-living but it’s quirky design and vibrant interiors make it such a fun stay for the family. Think bird-shaped seats scattered on the lawn, big, bold colours in the laundry room, and a swimming pool overlooking the verdant surroundings of One- north. Make full use of the peaceful weekends, rent a bike or walk to explore the parks and bridges around One-north. You’ll be surprised at the amount of nature and history that lies amidst the office buildings. Furkids will love the nature exploration and yes, lyf is now pet-friendly!
Where: lyf one-north Singapore, 80 Nepal Park, Singapore 139409
13. The Star Theatre
Bring the kids for a music, dance or theatre event at this spacious performing arts theatre in The Star Vista! Your best bet? Check out their list of current and upcoming shows on their website. Better yet, check out our list of theatre shows for the year here.
Where: The Star Theatre, The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green, #04-01, Singapore 138617
14. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
Do your kids love dinosaurs? If so, you’ll want to drop by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum to see real dinosaurs bones in the flesh. The museum also has a collection of more than 2,000 museum exhibits in 15 thematic zones that showcase the biodiversity and heritage of Southeast Asia. Don’t forget to buy your tickets before going! Watch this before you go!
Where: Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, 2 Conservatory Dr, Singapore 117377
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 10am -6pm, Closed Mon
Price: For citizens: $9 per child , $17 per adult. Standard tickets: $15 per child, $24 per adult
15. Kent Ridge Park
There’s nothing better than getting some fresh air outside. Explore Kent Ridge Park with the fam, where one of the last battles for Singapore was fought during World War II. The park also has a high biodiversity of wildlife too – try to spot animals as you take a stroll through the vicinity. Alternatively, head to the eastern side of the park to the pond to see some turtles and fish, and continue your journey on a walk along canopy walk to see more wildlife. If you’re feeling adventurous, the trails will take you all the way to Bukit Chandu Museum and Hort Park!
Where: Kent Ridge Park, Vigilante Dr, Singapore 118176
16. Rochester Mall
This mall has a great number of kid-friendly activities for kids of all ages to enjoy! The munchkins can learn taekwondo at Jeong-in Taekwondo, or music from Kindermusik With Love Studios. And, while you’re waiting for the kiddos to finish their classes, you could always pop into one of Singapore’s most gorgeous Starbucks outlets for a cup of joe. Fair warning, it can get pretty crowded!
Where: Rochester Mall, 35 Rochester Dr, Singapore 138639
17. Playgrounds at One-north Park
One -north Park connects all the developments along One-north, so, besides getting up close to nature, you’ll find playgrounds scattered along the way. Right next to Elementum and the MRT tracks, there’s a spacious and simple playground where kids get to run around, climb, and slide. Head to Biopolis for a toddler-friendly playground next to Peperoni Pizzeria – sometimes you’ll see students from a nearby childcare centre playing during outdoor time. As you walk along Slim Barracks Rise road, you’ll come to another playground with taller slides. Walk a little more and you’ll arrive at the Nature Playgarden at One-north. Here, you’ll find bamboo chimes, a sensory walk, balance beams, wall ropes, and more.
Where: One-north Park, 10 Biopolis Rd, Singapore 138670
Have a great time, folks!
