5 Fab Kid Friendly Cafes
Simple pleasures such as dining out can turn into a nightmare when you have the littlies in the tow. That’s why we’ve scouted these rad kid friendly cafes that boast easy access (no stairs!), ample space (a rarity in land-scarce Singapore), kid-friendly staff, and amenities!
EatPlayLove
Situated in Kampong Glam, EatPlayLove is aptly vintage, whimsical and full of nostalgia. The café sells old-school Singaporean toys and snacks, and serves a mix of Thai and Western cuisine at affordable prices. But the main draw for your littlies (probably adults, who get a wider selection of more complicated crafts, too!) is the corner of the café dedicated to crafting – $5 gives each kid 2 hours of unlimited crafting. Definitely a place the kids will want to come back to!
EatPlayLove, #01-07 Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918, p. 6444 6400. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 12pm-10pm. Closed on Tue.
Grub
This café in the middle of Bishan Park boasts fabulous, yet kid-friendly grub – but do go early or expect a long wait (sorry, no reservations!). That might not be a bad thing because the folks at Grub will buzz you on your cell phone when your table is ready. So in the meantime, take the little people around this tranquil (something rare in Singapore!) park or spend some playtime at the bespoke playground – sand included –nearby.
Grub, Bishan Park, 510 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 569983, p. 64595743. Open Tue-Fri 5.30pm-10.30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-2.30pm, 5.30pm-10.30pm.
Slappy Cakes
Food fun at this American joint will satisfy even the pickiest eater! The kids get to make their own pancakes at the table with batter served in (child-proof) squeeze bottles. Allow them to unleash their creativity with the pancake batter – make hearts, trucks, or even Spongebob. The best part, you won’t hear complaints about the food from the little tykes – because they made it themselves!
Slappy Cakes, #01-20/21 The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287994, p. 6465 1814. Open Mon-Fri 10am-9.30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-9.30pm.
The Bank Bar + Bistro
Kid-friendly dining in the CBD (we’re not kidding!) becomes a reality at the Bank Bar + Bistro. Trying their best (and succeeding, we think) to entice families into the city on weekends, not only do kids have their own menu that doubles as a colouring sheet – (crayons included! -), they eat free with every main order by an adult. The biggest hit with the tots is probably the kid’s playroom equipped with padded floors (don’t worry, parents!), a selection of toys, and a never-ending screen of cartoons.
The Bank Bar + Bistro, #01-01 One Shenton,1 Shenton Way, Singapore 068803, p. 6636 2188. Open Mon-Thu 11am-12am, Fri 11am-1am, Sat-Sun 9am-12am.
A for Arbite
The Kampong Glam little sister of the original Arbite in Serangoon Gardens, A for Arbite has the trappings of a kid-friendly environment – tall ceilings, bright stylish furniture, wall chalkboards, and paintings for décor. Lego, pick-up sticks, and other toys are toted out to entertain the tots as you ponder the options on the kid’s menu. The extensive beer selection is pleasing to all the mamas and the papas too!
A for Arbite, #01-01 Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918, p. 8321 2252. Open Tue-Fri 11.30am-2.30pm and 5pm-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 9am-9pm. Closed on Mon.
Image credits: EatPlayLove, Grub, Bank Bar + Bistro, A is for Airbite.