From Jalan Merah Saga to Lorong Mambong, we round up all the family fun in the Holland Village area - kid-friendly restaurants and shopping included!
Our perfect weekend with the family involves eating at kid-friendly restaurants, hanging out at the park and stocking up on gourmet organic goodies at local shops. And whenever possible, there’s nothing better than sneaking in some cheeky pampering time before a date night. But life with little kids in tow is hectic, so all of the above needs to be close to home. That’s why many families choose to live in super family-friendly, central Holland Village. It also helps that it’s just 10 minutes from Orchard either by Holland Road or MRT. So if you’re looking for your next condo, leafy home or just keen to explore a new neighbourhood, we’ve got all the insider tips and tricks to this very awesome Singapore suburb.
Things to do in and around Holland Village with kids
1. Explore the HDB Playgrounds on Holland Avenue
The HDB playgrounds on Holland Avenue have been keeping kids entertained for years! Start strolling away from Holland Road at the corner of Holland Avenue and Taman Warna and you’ll soon stumble upon two HDB playgrounds. If the kids still have energy to burn, continue down the road and stop in at the two additional playgrounds (one across the other side of the road) and one on the corner of Commonwealth Avenue. Good luck getting the kids to leave!
2. Hit the Holland Village Wet Market and Food Centre
We love visiting a wet market with the kids, and luck should have it that Holland Village is home to a pretty awesome one. Small, so without being overwhelming, it’s great for whiling away a morning exploring the stores and spotting lots of new fruit and veggies on offer alongside the staples. Once you’re finished (and are weighed down with sufficient bags), head next door to Holland Village Food Centre. This is another great fam-friendly hawker option with delicious fare that will satisfy the kiddos too. Bringing a little one? There are also baby chairs available, yay!
3. Discover more outdoor spaces, like Singapore Botanic Gardens
Although Holland Village doesn’t have any big parks itself, its convenient location means it has loads of green spaces, just a stone’s throw away. The most famous (and a firm fave) has to be Singapore Botanic Gardens, just a few stops on the bus. Or, if you’re after a hidden gem then check out the nearby Rail Corridor. This scenic stretch runs from Woodlands all the way to Tanjong Pagar and was originally the railway connecting Singapore with Malaysia. It’s now been transformed into an amazing pathway, perfect for exploring.
After more playgrounds? Head to Watten Estate (a 10 min drive from Holland Village), which has a pretty awesome play space, and lots of shade and scooter paths! You can pop to the Greenwood strip of restaurants once you’re done! One final option (yes, there’s more!) is Sunset Way Playground which offers a huge, leafy space with play equipment and fitness station. We said you’d be spoilt for choice!
Where to eat in Holland Village with kids
Holland Village has a vibrant dining scene with abundant cafes and restaurants offering every cuisine you could crave, and plenty of kid-friendly options too. Here are our top picks!
1. The Daily Scoop
Otherwise known as the quaint, tree-lined Chip Bee Gardens strip, Jalan Merah Saga is jam-packed with excellent options. At the start of this foodie fest road, you’ll find The Daily Scoop – a sweet treat jaunt serving up top-quality ice cream, both in terms of taste and value. Kookie Monster for the kids and Salted Mr Brown for you would be our recs!
The Daily Scoop, Chip Bee Gardens, 43 Jalan Merah Saga #01-78, Singapore 278115
2. Sunday Folks
The folks here want you to have a bit of Sunday in every day of the week, which you can get from its delectable offerings. Kiddos want something cold to combat the Singapore heat? Its ice cream comes in artisanal flavours. Get a waffle along with your soft serve. A big fan of anything chocolate? Its famed Rich Cognac Chocolate Ganache Cake will have you salivating and savouring every bite.
Sunday Folks, Chip Bee Gardens, 44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-52, Singapore 278116
3. Tiong Bahru Bakery
One of our favourite coffee shops (with some serious scrummy pastries), Tiong Bahru Bakery also has a residence on Jalan Merah Saga and is very popular. You can expect a line come the weekend and even some weekday mornings for that matter. But it’s totally worth it. Opt for an outdoor seat so the littlies can enjoy the vintage ride-on toys parked up here. Psst – this spot also opens early at 8am, winning!
Tiong Bahru Bakery, Chip Bee Gardens, 43 Jalan Merah Saga #01-74, Singapore 278115
4. Original Sin
In the market for some delicious Mediterranean vegetarian food? Look no further than this staple – Original Sin. It’s a great spot for a family lunch or dinner with both indoor and alfresco dining options. There’s enough variety on the menu to keep the kids happy too. We can recommend the build-your-own pizza as a particular hit!
Original Sin, Chip Bee Gardens, 43 Jalan Merah Saga #01-62, Singapore 278115
5. % Arabica Coffee
If you need a seriously good coffee to kickstart your day, then make a beeline for this minimalist joint. Decked out in head to toe white, this slick cafe serves up delicious (and in our case, much needed) coffee to the Holland Village crowd. It’s another popular one, so expect a queue!
% Arabica Coffee, Chip Bee Gardens, 44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-58, Singapore 278116
6. Baker & Cook
Baker & Cook is our go-to for coffee, cakes, fresh bread and moreish dips. It’s also a great brunch spot with the kids. Like a lot of the cafes along Jalan Merah Saga, it has outdoor seating to take advantage of too.
Baker & Cook, Chip Bee Gardens, 44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-56, Singapore 278116
7. Da Paolo Pizza Bar
This is one of our favourite pizza joints in the ‘hood (and there’s a good selection) with its thin-crust bases and inventive toppings. Also don’t miss Da Paolo Gastronomia round the corner either. This is a foodie’s paradise for stocking up on rustic Italian fare such as ready-made lasagne and rocket salad, pasta sauces, slices of pizza and indulgent desserts (tiramisu – yes please).
Da Paolo Pizza Bar, Chip Bee Gardens, 44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-46, Singapore 278116
Da Paolo Gastronomia, Chip Bee Gardens, 43 Jalan Merah Saga #01-74, Singapore 278115
8. Fatboys The Burger Bar
Alongside our favourite jam-packed restaurant road, Jalan Merah Saga, Lorong Mambong across the way is also worth checking out and is home to some cracking restaurants. We go there with kids in the early evening when the street closes to traffic (6pm). Fatboys The Burger Bar is a hit with the whole family for its good ol’ royale with cheese and fries and the oh-so-creamy mac and cheese. The booths inside are better for younger children as the high stools outside are a little perilous.
Fatboys The Burger Bar, 29 Lorong Mambong, Holland Road, Singapore 277689
9. Pizza Express
Always a staple to have on your list, Pizza Express can be relied upon to deliver the goods when it comes to family-friendly restaurants in Holland Village. The kid’s menu options are super and reasonably priced, which is sometimes a tricky task to find! Even the fussiest eaters should be well catered for here. Once the kids are refuelled, they can always burn off some energy in the small green space outside.
Pizza Express, 251 Holland Ave, Singapore 278981
10. Project Acai
Are you on a health kick and trying to get the fam to join you? Perhaps this cafe can help you out in that department. Its bowls, which are dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly, are prepared fresh every day with heaps of fruits and superfoods. You can get the acai smoothies, if drinks are more your thing.
Project Acai, 27 Lorong Liput, Holland Village, Singapore 277738
11. Holland Village Market and Food Centre
We’ve already mentioned this as something to do with the kids, but it should be on your radar for food too. The kids rate the chicken rice, and we always order the Japanese gyoza and famously spicy 363 Katong Laksa. The fresher-than-fresh squeezed juices cool down frazzled kids in the heat of the day!
Holland Village Food Centre and Wet Market, 1 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277700
12. Martin Zwerts
While you’re in Holland Village, you’d probably expect at least one place serving Dutch cuisine. Lo and behold, Martin Zwerts! Its award-winning frites, made from premium Dutch potatoes, should be the first thing you order when you’re at this snack shop. Pair that with the frikandel special, a meat sausage that’s cut in the middle and stuffed with onions and sauces. Utterly heerlijk!
Martin Zwerts, Holland Piazza @ Holland Village, 3 Lorong Liput #B1-07, Singapore 277725
Where to shop in Holland Village
1. Our Second Nature
This is an absolute find and one of our favourite shops to visit in Holland Village. As well as being a cute clothes shop for you and your mini-me (think matching co-ords), Our Second Nature also serves delicious coffee and has a small, yet beautifully designed, play space. It’s a little haven in Holland Village, and we’re pretty sure we could spend most of our day here!
Our Second Nature, Chip Bee Gardens, 43 Jalan Merah Saga #01-66, Singapore 278115
2. The Butcher
The Butcher is the place to shop for a BBQ with friends. Snap up fresh Australian meats and delish condiments to compliment your meal.
The Butcher, Chip Bee Gardens, 44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-50, Singapore 278116
3. Phoon Huat
Phoon Huat is so much more than just a baking supply store; it’s the cheapest place to buy gourmet cheese (including bulk), frozen berries and staples like olive oil and nuts. Load us up!
Phoon Huat, Chip Bee Gardens, 44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-48, Singapore
4. Ten Feet Tall
For the back-to-school crew, Ten Feet Tall carries a range of quality school shoes and offers a professional fitting service to boot. You can even make an appointment with a podiatrist and donate used school shoes too!
Ten Feet Tall, Holland Village Shopping Centre, 211 Holland Avenue #02-16, Singapore 278967
5. Lims Arts & Crafts
Lims Art & Crafts is a staple and a reason alone to visit Holland Village. It’s an absolute treasure trove too with an eclectic mix of Asian furniture, gifts and other finds. Top tip: head in without the kids if you can so you can have a good browse of all the hidden gems. Just try leaving empty-handed!
Lims Art & Crafts, Holland Road Shopping Centre, 211 Holland Avenue #02-02/#03-12/#03-44, Singapore 278967
6. Ling Wu
This brand’s handbags are versatile in terms of design and functionality. Everything is made with sustainable practices in order to minimise leather waste. There’s definitely something that will suit the lady figure in your life, from clutches and satchels to genderless toast bags. A worthy investment that can last you for a long time.
Ling Wu, Chip Bee Gardens, 43 Jalan Merah Saga #02-78, Singapore 278115
7. Bynd Artisan Holland Village
If you’re after an extra special present for a friend or other half, then look no further than Bynd Artisan. There’s a beautiful range of personalised leather and paper goods to choose from with incredible attention to detail and craftsmanship at work. We’re pretty sure you’ll earn huge brownie points with gifts from here!
Bynd Artisan, Chip Bee Gardens, 44 Jln Merah Saga #01-54, Singapore 278116
8. Independent Market
Another must-visit in Holland Road Shopping Centre is Independent Market. This is our go-to store for birthday gifts, especially if you’re after something a little different for the person who has everything. The store is all about Singapore, offering unique gifts produced locally by independent Singapore designers and makers. There’s plenty for the kids too, from super-cute stationery to Singapore-themed games and books.
Independent Market, Holland Road Shopping Centre, 211 Holland Avenue #03-01, Singapore 278967
Where to spa and pamper in Holland Village
Holland Village is a spa and beauty hub, with literally hundreds of nail salons and massage parlours. Here are a few to have on your list!
1. My Happy Feet
If you’re into reflexology, then hotfoot it over to My Happy Feet. With a range of foot treatments and massages, you might want to leave the kids at home and make an afternoon of it!
My Happy Feet, 21A Lorong Mambong, Holland Village, Singapore 277680
2. Cecilia Westberry
Cecilia Westberry is the place to head for some well-overdue pampering. There are pretty much all treatments on offer here, and the facials are next-level wonderful. Home visits can also be arranged at your convenience if you want to create your very own home spa!
Cecilia Westberry, 6 Holland Close #01-20, Singapore 271006
3. Strip
Strip will wax or IPL your bod into bikini shape. We’ve heard the boyzilians are rather effective too for brave men out there!
Strip, 34C Lorong Mambong, Holland Village, Singapore 277691
4. The Nailist
Looking for a mummy-daughter mani and pedi? We’ve found just the spot at The Nailist. Bonus that there are two options to pick from in Holland Village, so you should always be able to bag an appointment!
The Nailist, Holland Road Shopping Centre, 211 Holland Avenue #03-31/32 & #02-32, Singapore 278967 and Raffles Holland V, 118 Holland Avenue #03-03, Singapore 278997
Now go forth and conquer… we’ll see you Holland Village soon!
