Packed with funtastic play facilities, wet play and gorgeous scenery, put Jurong Lake Gardens to the top of your must-visit list!
This wonderful island we call home is also dubbed the Garden City, and for good reason. In fact, Singapore always ranks high on the list of the world’s greenest cities, and we can totally see why. With Gardens by the Bay, East Coast Park and heaps more pretty parks and outdoor spaces on our doorstep, Singapore goes gaga for green (and who can resist an outdoor picnic, are we right?!). And adding to the list of our fave, family-friendly parks to take our kids to? Jurong Lake Gardens. Read on to find out why it’s the ideal place for a trip with the family.
GUIDE TO JURONG LAKE GARDENS WITH KIDS
What’s Jurong Lake Gardens all about?
Spanning a whopping 90 hectares, Jurong Lake Gardens is Singapore’s national gardens in the heartlands. It comprises Lakeside Garden, which stretches down the west chunk of the expanse, plus the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, and the Garden Promenade. Lakeside Garden is our fave, which is centred around the themes of nature, play and the community. It has soooo much space to soak up nature, greenery and lakeside views. We love!
Why go to Jurong Lake Gardens?
This is one beautiful park – making it a great spot for a picnic or alfresco catch-up with friends. And we’re calling it: it’s one of the best playgrounds for kids, as the facilities are amazing. For those living out west, we’re pretty sure this place is on your radar already, but for non-neighbours, it’s definitely worth making the trek to take a peek. Here’s what we think about the facilities when visiting Jurong Lakeside Garden with kids…
Things to do at Jurong Lake Gardens
1. Run amok at the HUGE play area!
We were in playground heaven at Forest Ramble! This area is the gift that keeps on giving – it’s HUGE. Inspired by nature, it’s got awesome equipment that encourages children to mimic the natural movements of animals and insects. So, for instance, you can bounce on trampolines like a frog, sail through the air on a swing like a butterfly, or soar on the zipline like a heron. Also: that slide. To hell with adulting! Note: it’s closed every Monday for maintenance.
2. Go for the ‘gram
When you’re all wiped out from all the play, older kids and teens will enjoy a saunter ’round the Grasslands – it’s total Instagram heaven. (We went on a quiet afternoon, but we reckon weekends are rife with romantic couples’ photoshoots!). Make a beeline for the Lone Tree, which is made from recycled iron bars salvaged from old park pathways. It’s a sculpture that’s inspired by the area’s industrial park and is seriously atmospheric.
While you’re there, swing by Rasau Walk, the mesmeric, meandering red boardwalk along the water’s edge. Just note that the north and south access points are the most pram-friendly routes there – the ‘Earth Trail’ paths are all pebbled. Ain’t no stroller got time for that. The Logs Trail, a ‘grammable cluster of wooden stumps from old trees, is also great for pics.
3. Get splash happy with water play
What kid doesn’t love free water play? None we know! Make Clusia Cove your aqua tot’s first port of call and get ready for some splash action. You’re gonna need it out in this heat! While this area is without all the bells and whistles of bigger water playgrounds, the play pools are awesome in their own way. We love that they mimic tidal patterns and there’s sand underfoot for a beachy vibe.
4. Fuel up on bites and bevvies
Need refreshments? Drinking fountains are dotted around the park and Fusion Spoon is in the north end of the park, which serves up Asian and Western noms. It’s open Monday to Friday from 4pm to 10pm and Saturday to Sunday from 10am to 10pm.
5. Make use of the baby-changing facilities
Got a teensy freshie who needs nursing? A bub in need of a nappy change? No worries – there are family rooms dotted throughout the park, so rest assured there’ll be no stressing about where to clean bub’s bottom.
6. Bring Fido too: Jurong Lake Gardens is dog-friendly!
No need to leave your furry friends at home – there’s a fenced dog run for well-behaved dogs here. Huzzah for pooch-friendly visits! It’s open from 8am until 10pm each day.
7. Rise of the machines
Forgotten your mozzie spray? Left your sunscreen at home (note: it gets verrrrry hot here)? Got a blister? No worries – there’s a vending machine for that!
8. Get active
If you like your parks with a side of sports, you’re in luck! As well as a couple of fitness corners, there’s also PAssion WaVe, which offers a whole host of water sport activities (closed Mondays) on Jurong Lake. There’s also an indoor gym and outdoor lap pool operated by SportSG at the south end of the park.
Jurong Lake Gardens: details at a glance
Address: Jurong Lake Garden, Along Yuan Ching Road and Boon Lay Way, Jurong.
Opening hours: Jurong Lakeside Garden is open 24 hours, daily. For individual opening times for the facilities, double check the website before setting off!
Getting there: Lots of bus routes stop off near the park, plus there’s Lakeside MRT nearby too. Driving? There are two car parks (fees apply). For the north carpark (best for Forest Ramble and Clusia Cove), turn in at Chinese Garden Road. For the south carpark (best for grasslands and ActiveSG), turn in at Japanese Garden Road.
Top image: photography by Amy Potter
