Whether it’s bike riding, swimming, rollerblading, having a barbecue by the beach or simply grabbing brunch with the kids, East Coast Park is the place to be!
The sun is shining, you’re in the mood for some fresh air in the great outdoors, and the kids have plenty of energy to burn. So where do you head with the family? East Coast Park, of course! This gorgeous sandy stretch in Singapore has tons of fantastic outdoor activities for kids, including a huge lineup of cycling, skating or scooting routes, and some of the coolest playgrounds in Singapore. To add to the mix, East Coast Park also has a wide expanse of beach for serious bucket-and-spade action, as well as barbecue pits perfect for cooking up a family feast. Or if you fancy, check out the kid-friendly cafes and restaurants at numerous locations (including our fave at Parkland Green). Well, it’s no wonder families love this pocket of the island.
How to get to East Coast Park
There are so many carparks at East Coast Park that if you are driving over you would think you’d be okay for a spot… Not always the case at the weekends, folks! If you can take public transport or a taxi then that’s the best way to get there stress-free! Bedok MRT station is the closest if you are coming in by train. From there, take the bus 401 on weekends which will take you directly to the park itself. And if you’re heading there during the week, hop on the 197 to Marine Parade Road outside Parkway Parade and walk through the underpass.
Or, you could always cycle from home. Warning: it’ll take you a good couple of hours, and you’ll want to plan plenty of rest stops along the way if you’re biking with the tykes. Don’t forget to wear your helmet!
Things to do in East Coast Park
1. Explore the East Coast on wheels via bike sharing apps or bicycle rental shops
With 42km of coast stretching from Changi right round to Tanjong Rhu, this is one part of town where the family can get busy with some cycling fun (don’t forget to check out our handy guide to cycling with kids before you push off). Don’t worry if you don’t have your own set of wheels: opt for bike-sharing or head to one of the bike rental outlets found in abundance along the park. Prices generally start at around $8 for two hours and you can choose from every type of bike imaginable, including a family four-wheeled pedicab, tandems and cycles with training wheels for smaller tots. Rental booths also have rollerblades, scooters, waveboards and skateboards for hire for some wheelie fun through the park. List of bicycle rental shops in East Coast Park:
- Bike Stop @East Coast Park Area B, East Coast Park Service Road, Singapore 439172
- Bike Stop @ East Coast Park Area E2, 1220 ECP, Singapore 468960
- GoCycling @ East Coast Park C4, 1030 East Coast Park, Car Park C4, Singapore 449893
- GoCycling @ East Coast Park G1, 1490 East Coast Park, Singapore 468965
2. Have a sandcastle competition on the East Coast Park beach
Pack up a picnic, your bucket and spades, your sunscreen and your mozzie spray and head to the sand for a good old fashioned day at the beach. With 15km of coastline, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to pitch camp for the day.
3. Skate over to Xtreme SkatePark
If you have a budding skateboard ninja then they’ll absolutely want to check out skater’s paradise, AKA Xtreme SkatePark. This is THE place to hang with the kids who are not only cool, but friendly and helpful too. It’s perfect for making new friends and for picking up some awesome skills as the tykes shred on their board.
4. Set sail on the high seas
If waterskiing doesn’t float your boat, then there are still plenty of high seas activities to be had. Book kayaking, stand up paddleboarding (SUP) or windsurfing adventures with Water Venture East Coast, where you’ll find lessons for all ages and skill levels. Psst, you can also sign the kids up for sailing lessons, too!
5. Hit the playground and free water play at Marine Cove & Coastal Playgrove
National Parks has outdone itself with the enormous 3,500sqm children’s playground, with features suitable for ALL kiddos, regardless of age and abilities. Our kids literally stopped in their tracks with their mouths dropped open when they first caught sight of the endless array of slides, climbing structures and swings (yep: swings!), before running off to bounce around every last inch of the equipment. There’s a LOT to do here, folks!
For smaller tots age two to five years, steer them over to the play area designed specifically for little ones. They will have a ton of fun with the talking (or, rather, shouting) tubes, fun mirrors and drum set. There are also plenty of less-daunting slides, a roundabout, bridges and wide spaces for them explore too.
For braver nippers age five to 12, the sky really is the limit! Mum might have to peek from behind her fingers while kids scale the lofty heights of the three-storey play tower, which has no less than three slides to zip down once they have conquered the obstacles! But kids will love navigating the climbing nets, wobbly bridges and ropes in their quest for adventure. And once they are done scaring parents half to death with their dare-devilry, there are still the monkey bars, triangle climbing frame, see-saw, balance beam, swings and mini-climbing wall to check out too.
The massive outdoor playground gets an extra thumbs up from us for having inclusive elements within the area so that children of all abilities can join in the action. Special play equipment includes sensory play panels, lots of musical instruments dotted around, interactive games and also a fantastic swing that has an accessible seat for less mobile kiddos, and an extra safety harness for added security.
Make sure you bring hats, sunscreen and stay hydrated. It’s also best to time your visit for the morning or afternoon when it’s a bit cooler as the playground doesn’t have a great deal of shade and it gets hot.
6. Pitch a tent
Bring out your inner Scout or Girl Guide and set up a tent along East Coast Park. While we’re not talking glamping, this is a surefire hit with the kiddos for discovering life away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Designated camping areas can be found at areas A and G along East Coast Park, along with basic amenities including toilets and showers. You’ll need to apply for a permit, which can then be used for a maximum of four days. That’s your easy peasy short break sorted.
7. Make a splash at Singapore Wake Park
Water sport fans wanting to make a splash will love Singapore’s only cable-ski park: Singapore Wake Park. This fun adventure water sport spot offers all ages and abilities the chance to try wakeboarding, wakeskating, waterskiing and kneeboarding. Book an intro session for children and beginners before testing out your moves! Hot tip for parents: it’s a good spot to sit and chill with a bottle of beer on a hot sunny day while the tykes shred in the water!
8. Book a barbecue pit by the beach at East Coast Park
Whether you’re camping and fancy getting into the spirit by cooking outdoors, are looking for somewhere fun and easy for a birthday party, or just fancy throwing some meat on the BBQ and creating the best burger in town, the family will love booking a pit at East Coast Park for a fun alfresco dining opportunity. Book a pit online through NParks (there are over 80 pits but they do get snagged quick, so make your booking early). And don’t forget the ketchup!
Where to eat in East Coast Park
There’s something on the menu for even the fussiest of eaters at the huge choice of kid-friendly dining options in East Coast Park. Parkland Green has a wide selection of cool eats and Marine Cove is another great place to hit up for easy eats with the kids. Or why not eat local and work your way through a huge list of Asian foods being fried, grilled and boiled at Laguna East Coast Lagoon Food Village? Check out the list of best restaurants and eateries in East Coast Park below – some are even dog-friendly!
1. East Coast Lagoon Food Village
Nothing beats a good plate of barbecue wings or satay by the beach! East Coast Lagoon makes all your hawker food dreams come true in East Coast Park with the option to try so many delicious cuisines all at once. Complete the experience with a fresh coconut or sugarcane juice to quench your thirst after a stroll or cycling along the coastline. Some highly recommended stalls here include Haron Satay 55, Ahmad Spring Satay & BBQ Chicken Wings, Geylang 29 Charcoal Fried Hokkien Mee and Stingray Forever BBQ Seafood. It can get very busy on weekends, so we highly recommend heading to East Coast Lagoon Food Village on weekdays for dinner if you’re after a more laidback vibe with the family.
Opening hours: Varies by stall – best to come on weekday evenings, with some stalls open from lunchtime on weekends
East Coast Lagoon Food Village, 1220 East Coast Park, Singapore 468960
2. PS.Cafe East Coast Park
PS.Cafe East Coast Park is the perfect spot to enjoy casual dining in style. Look forward to their signature menu, featuring the must-try truffle fries and the cakes, of course! We especially love the playground and toddler-friendly exploration garden so your little ones can run wild if to get the wiggles out while you eat.
Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday & Public Holidays, 8am – 10pm (Last order at 9pm); Friday, Saturday & Eve of Public Holidays, 8am – 10:30pm (Last order at 9.30pm)
PS.Cafe, 1110 East Coast Parkway, Cyclist Park, #01-05/06/07, Singapore 449880
3. East Coast Commune
East Coast Commune at Marine Cove, East Coast Park is a beautiful and spacious kid-friendly cafe with a menu of good coffee, breakfast bites and healthy dishes. Our favourite bit? The dedicated kids’ corner with Montessori toys and children’s books! This cafe in East Coast Park also often hosts kids’ events like storytelling sessions and and holiday programmes.
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesdays – Friday, 8am – 5:30pm; Sat & Sun: 8am- 9pm; closed on Tuesday
East Coast Commune, 1000 ECP #01-03 Singapore 449876
4. Brewerkz East Coast Park
Families love Brewerkz East Coast Park for a weekend brunch! Located in Parkland Green, this restaurant in East Coast Park offers indoor and alfresco dining options with a menu of fresh beachside appetisers, pastas, burgers and sharing platters.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 5pm – 11pm; Saturday & Sunday: 12pm – 10pm
Brewerkz East Coast Park, 920 East Coast Parkway #01-20-24, Singapore 449875 Singapore
5. Tash Tish Tosh at Marine Cove
Looking for halal food in East Coast Park? Tash Tish Tosh at Marine Cove offers just that, serving up hearty dishes and even an affordable all-you-can-eat buffet spread for dinner! Breakfast is available at Tash Tish Tosh from as early as 9am – dishes include nasi lemak, french toast, and even a ‘Pizza Breakfast’. Yum!
Opening hours: Wednesday-Monday, 11am – 11pm (Last order at 10pm)
Tash Tish Tosh at Marine Cove, Marine Cove #01-02, Singapore 449876
Other restaurants to check out in East Coast Park:
- Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Marine Cove, 1000 ECP, #01-01 Marine Cove, Singapore 449876
- Enak Enak Restaurant, 1202 ECP, #01-01 East Coast Seafood Centre, Singapore 449881
- Coastal Rhythm at East Coast Park, 1206 ECP, Unit #01, Singapore 449891
- JUMBO Seafood East Coast, 1206 ECP, #01-07/08 East Coast Seafood Centre, Singapore 449883
- KNS Restaurant, 1110 E Coast Park Service Rd, #01-03/04, Singapore 449880
- Fico, 1300 East Coast Parkway, East Coast Park Area F, Singapore 468964
- McDonald’s Marine Cove, 1000 ECP, #01-05 Marine Cove, Singapore 449876
- Starbucks Parkland Green, 920 ECP, #01-17 Parkland Green, Singapore 449875
Love this guide to East Coast Park? Check out our roundup of Singapore’s best parks and our favourite beaches too!