Heading out with a child with special needs is no easy feat, but we're glad that there are many options for inclusive parks, playgrounds and attractions in Singapore for families with children of all abilities. Mum of four Nicola Gennaoui shares her top tips!
Are you a parent of a child with extra needs? Do you get that anxious feeling about going to a playground or attraction when you don’t know what to expect? Will it be easy to navigate? Will it be too crowded? Will my child and myself feel included?
Being a mum of an eight-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who is wheelchair bound, I get all those feelings on a daily basis. Thank goodness Singapore is heading in the right direction on inclusion, and progression is on the forefront! Below is my go-to list for those who need to plan before venturing out for the day and to make your visit as stress-free as possible. Inclusive swings, ramps, sensory fun, nature and the latest technology are all part of the inclusive and accessible entertainment for your special little one to try out!
Marine Cove at East Coast Park
Marine Cove at East Coast Park is a huge 3,500sqm fun filled playground. It is jam-packed with the usual all time favourites, like climbing frames leading up to towers, netted adventures and swings.
Inclusive features: What Marine Cove also has are inclusive swings, a big web swing and a wide tunnel slide big enough for a parent or caregiver to team up with your special little person to give them the extra support they may need.
Marine Cove at East Coast Park, 1000 ECP, Singapore 449876
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Well of course we love this one! As it says in the name, it is a Children’s Garden, however what it doesn’t say is that it’s an inclusive children’s garden. This serene garden has a wheelchair-accessible trampoline, an immobile web swing to let the kiddos lay down and listen to the sweet sounds of nature, and also a flat and even pathway that’s easy to manoeuvre a wheelchair. If you have the time, consider taking a stroll through the Botanic Garden’s after and stop in at the quaint Ice Cream Man and Friends shop. The service is uber kind, especially to those who need that little extra bit of TLC!
Inclusive features: Wheelchair-accessible trampoline, immobile web swing and a flat and even pathway for wheelchairs.
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, 481 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259769
Opening hours: 8am – 7pm (last admission at 6.30pm), closed on Mondays (except when it falls on a designated public holiday)
Admiralty Park
Admiralty Park is a national park complete with peaceful forest and mangroves walks. It’s home to over 100 species of animals, 40 of which are birds. It also has 26 slides which range from beginner to advanced, has a fantastic playground that includes a wheelchair accessible swing and even has a gym. Do note that while this park is wheelchair-accessible, some of the more adventurous pathways are not paved and therefore not all are wheelchair-friendly.
Inclusive features: Wheelchair-accessible swing and mostly wheelchair-friendly pathways.
Admiralty Park, 6A Admiralty Road, Singapore 732006
Cloud Forest at Gardens By The Bay
Cloud Forest at Gardens By The Bay is a great option for escaping those sweltering extra hot days when you don’t want to go to yet another mall to stay cool but you do want to do something that connects you to nature. The Cloud Forest is set in a spectacular glass dome and it’s perfectly balanced with a mystical cloud which covers the top of a large mountain, cool air (temperatures between 23 t0 25ºC) and is home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. As you climb the aerial walkway up the mountain engrossed by the ‘clouds’, be sure to keep a lookout for some of the world’s most fascinating plants. Climbing the mountain is a smooth walk and there’s the option of wheelchair-accessible elevators.
Inclusive features: Wheelchair-accessible elevators and aerial walkway. Wheelchair rental also available at Gardens by The Bay at $2 per day (located at Arrival Gift Shop, The Canopy Ticketing Counter and Floral Fantasy Ticketing Counter).
Cloud Forest at Gardens By The Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, #03-02/03, Singapore 018953
Sentosa Sensoryscape
Sentosa Sensoryscape is the brand new permanent attraction based in Sentosa. Its 30,000sqm space is set to heighten all your senses. The Lookout Loop promises spectacular views for your eyes to feast on, the Tactile Trellis will elevate your touch and let you explore an array of textures while the Scented Sphere speaks for itself, increasing your sense of smell with Singapore’s natural aromas. Symphony Streams will calm the heightened senses with relaxing sounds of trickling water balanced with the warm coastal breeze; maybe save this soothing space until last as you may be ready for bed after this tranquil stop! There’s also the Palate Playground, set to tease the tastebuds with local herbs, spices and edible plants so your palate is in for a treat. And finally, the Glow Garden, which is a lit-up pathway that brings together technology, art and nature in what would usually be a dark night sky.
Inclusive features: This new space is completely wheelchair-accessible with ramps and lifts where required. Open 24 hours!
Sentosa Sensoryscape, 3 Siloso Road, Singapore 098977
The Science Centre Singapore
Science Centre Singapore in Jurong has many fun and inclusive attractions, in particular the lightning show as well as the tornado simulator. Even on very busy days, there is still enough space for you to not feel cramped. Don’t forget to pack your swimwear either as they also have a really fun and easy water play that’s engaging for all to get involved.
Inclusive features: Sensory bags (created for families with children on the autism spectrum) and wheelchair loans available on a first-come-first-served basis at the entrance located at Level 1, Visitor Services Centre. Check out the Sensory Levels Information Guide for an idea of the sensory level, in terms of light and sound at each exhibition.
Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park never fails to entertain those who love that extra sensory stimulation. Its huge space is full of friendly activities such as the reflexology path and the Butterfly Habitat. The water play area is simple and not at all hard to navigate on foot; we also love the sand play and of course the wildlife-watching (including turtles, fish and sometimes otters) in the river where you can wade and follow the stepping stones.
Inclusive features: This park is wheelchair-accessible and has lots of wheelchair-friendly activities.
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, 1384 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 569932
Future World @ Art Science Museum
Future World at ArtScience Museum let’s you immerse yourself into a majestic world of digital art, lights and interactive installations. This peaceful world is for everyone especially those who get overwhelmed with lots of noise and movement. Take a minute to sit, stop and to let yourself be. Let the flowers, clouds or waves engulf your every being or move into the next room and watch the whale sharks gracefully swim under your feet or take a moment to engage with some technology that will blow your mind as you wonder how it’s all possible! There’s a fun slide for those who are able to get up the stairs, otherwise the rest of the space is very wheelchair-friendly.
Inclusive features: ArtScience Museum is wheelchair-friendly with automated doors. All levels are accessible by lift and all walk-through spaces in the galleries are at least 1.2m in width. Manual wheelchairs are available upon request free-of-charge at the Visitor Experience Information Counter on Level 1. Service dogs are welcome. People with disabilities (PWDs) and one accompanying caregiver can purchase concession tickets when visiting the museum!
Future World at ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974