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!
WHERE TO GRAB A BITE
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!
Colbar, 9A Whitchurch Rd, Singapore 138839, p. 6779 4859
Morganfield’s
Baby got delicious back ribs at Morganfield’s! This American BBQ restaurant has delicious Southern food that is perfect for sharing with the kiddos, from golden fried wings and loaded chilli nachos to a scrumptious seafood basket and wagyu rib-eye steak. We love the restaurant’s signature ribs – you can even pick from five different barbecue sauces to complement your meat. The best part of eating at Morganfield’s? The munchkins get to eat for free on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays – woo!
Morganfield’s, The Star Vista, #02-23 Vista Exchange Green, Singapore 138617, p. 6694 3635
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!
Café Melba at Mediapolis, 1 Stars Ave, #03-01, Singapore 138507, p. 6352 2721
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 fishball noodles, to century egg congee 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!
Ghim Moh Market, Blk 20 Ghim Moh Rd, #01-54, Singapore 270020, p. 9176 6850
CULTURE VULTURE
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 Sistic’s list of current and upcoming shows on its website. Better yet, check out our list of theatre shows for the year here.
The Star Theatre, The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green, #04-01, Singapore 138617, p. 6636 0055
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!
Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, 2 Conservatory Dr, Singapore 117377
Sandcrawler Building
This one’s a treat for all Star Wars fans, both young and old. Die-hard fans might recognise the building, which resembles the transport vehicle in the Star Wars movies… Any guesses? That’s right – it’s a sandcrawler! Not only is it home of Lucasfilms’ regional headquarters in Asia, but it’s also the only place in Singapore where you can snap a photo with a Yoda statue. Love this one, the kids will.
Sandcrawler Building, 1 Fusionopolis View, Singapore 138577
GET THE WIGGLES OUT
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.
Kent Ridge Park, Vigilante Dr, Singapore 118176, p. 1800 471 7300
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 Jeongin Taekwondo, or music from Kindermusik With Love Studios. Have a Van Gogh in the making? Sign them up for classes at Studio Haroobee School of Visual Art. Or, if your tyke loves Lego, sign them up with Brickz 4 Kidz coding programme where they’ll learn to use innovative approaches during Lego play. 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!
Rochester Mall, 35 Rochester Dr, Singapore 138639, p. 6570 3966
one-north Park
Bring the kids round to one-north Park for a picnic at its spacious open lawn, or to play at its playground where the kids can roam free. Plus, the park also has unique light structures that make for some interactive shadow play, too!
one-north Park, 10 Biopolis Rd, Singapore 138670
Have a great time, folks!
