Ever wondered what was out in the far north-east of Singapore and whether it’s worth the hike? The answer is Seletar, and most definitely yes!
We get it: Singapore is modest, but it can still be an effort to visit a new neighbourhood, especially if you live in the opposite direction or plan to bring the kids. But, we say it’s totally worth the extra effort to sample the hidden gem that is Seletar. Not only does it have some beautiful green space and amazing cafes, but it also has loads of kid-friendly things to do, making Seletar the perfect family day out. So grab the kids and your kitchen sink of essentials and head on out to explore this beautiful part of town; we promise it’s worth the effort!
Things to do with kids in Seletar
1. Explore the Seletar Aerospace Park (and the plane-themed playground!)
The Seletar Aerospace Park might not sound all that pretty, but trust us, it is. We also think this is where you’ll be spending most of your time on a trip to Seletar. For starters, if you’re going to convince the kids into a trip this far, you need to promise them some awesome things to do in return. And, the plane-themed playground at Seletar Aerospace Park is just the ticket. There are two dedicated play spaces, one perfect for littles, and the other is sure to keep older kids entertained. The main draw is, of course, the plane-themed play structure, complete with double slides! There’s also a pretty cool twisty slide coming down from the air traffic control feature. And don’t worry, there are swings if that’s a favourite for your kid (with bucket seats too, yay!). There’s more fun back down on land, with a giant board game stencilled onto the floor that will keep them (and you!) busy!
2. Take a stroll around The Oval
As well as the plane-themed playground, Seletar Aerospace Park is also where you’ll find The Oval, with its lovely green space and history to boot. Most of the restaurants in Seletar can be found here too, in beautiful colonial black and white houses. Back in the 30s, this used to be home turf for the British Air Force, and what a pretty home it was. It’s a great place to have a stroll around post-playground fun.
3. Get back to nature at Hampstead Wetlands Park
Add a nature trail to your list of things to do with kids in Seletar at Hampsted Wetlands Park. Just across the road from The Oval, this small but pretty green oasis is a circular loop complete with boardwalk and viewing decks. Get the kids to spot the birds and the dragonflies along the way. There are usually loads of professionals with their cameras looking for wildlife too, so it’s a great spot for budding wildlife photographers if your littlies fancy themselves behind the lens.
4. Go plane spotting
Did you know that Seletar Airport was the original airport for Singapore long before Changi was around? It might not quite compare to the wow factor of Changi and the Jewel these days, but who’s kid doesn’t love an airport regardless?! Yes, flights might not be so frequent, but you will definitely spot a private jet or two, and you can get a little competition on with plane related i-spy (it goes down a treat!). There are tables perfectly positioned next to the runway (with a barrier in between, of course) if you want to pack a picnic whilst you plane spot.
5. Watch the dragon boats at Rower’s Bay Park
Another spot to explore in Seletar with the kids if you’re after a nature fix is Rower’s Bay Park. It’s a fair distance away from the above sights (a good 50 minute, not so picturesque walk), so you might want to opt to drive or taxi if you can. Named due to its popularity with boat enthusiasts, kids will have fun spotting a kayak or even a dragon boat here. There’s also the boardwalk that runs along Rower’s Bay, looking out over the tranquil Lower Seletar Reservoir. Watch out for lots of wildlife along the way – we can’t promise you crocs like Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, but you’ll still see some interesting critters. It is Singapore, after all! Psst – if you want to get some great pics for the ‘gram, head here for sunrise (we know the kids are capable of an early get-up, especially on the weekend).
Where to eat with kids in Seletar
It’s all going down in Seletar Aerospace Park when it comes to the best kid-friendly restaurants in this part of town, so you don’t need to stray too far! Here are our favourites…
1. Wildseed at The Summerhouse
The Summerhouse is a dream for the ‘gram. With its picture perfect black-and-white exterior and pretty gardens, you’re in for a treat. It’s also home to one of our favourite cafes, Wildseed (if you haven’t checked out the other branch in the Southern Ridges, you really should). A great option for breakfast, or a leisurely lunch, the kids might even keep still when they see the waffle factory menu! Heading sans kids? The Summerhouse makes a fab date night location, too – check out the garden domes!
Where: Level 1, 3 Park Lane, Seletar Aerospace Dr, Park, 798387
2. Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafè
For a cafe with a difference, Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafè is wheely good (sorry – we couldn’t resist). Situated next to the runway, this cafe hotspot has a thing about bikes, so kids will love the biking decor throughout. There’s a good mix on the menu, too, with both Asian and Western dishes on offer, but you’re really here for the novelty and views!
Where: 80 Seletar Aerospace View, MAJ Aviation Building Singapore, Singapore 797563
3. Wheeler’s Estate
With a prime location near the playground and a great stretch of lawn for the kids to roam (pictured top), Wheeler’s Estate is a very popular choice for families (read: book in advance, especially on the weekend!). Get a spot on the verandah and take in the views; the food is pretty awesome too. We say opt for Saturday brunch, with its dedicated menu including everything from staples such as smashed avo, to a rather fancy crab benefit! Don’t let the kids spot the ice cream sandwiches until the end (psst – they also offer vegan options, yay!).
Where: 2 Park Lane Singapore 798386 Park Ln, Singapore 798386
4. Youngs
Youngs is another great family-friendly restaurant in Seletar hidden in this neck of the woods. We think the brunch is really reasonable too. It also has a great kids’ menu with everything from mac n’ cheese to pizza. Each meal also comes with a free gift to keep them entertained. And, there’s a fab little playground (closed at the min, but fingers crossed it will open soon!)
Where: 3 Hyde Park Gate, Singapore 799531
5. Hanger66
Continuing the trend of dining with a difference, if you want to keep with the plane theme, then Hanger66 is where it’s at. Based in a (you guessed it) aircraft hanger, this is sure to earn brownie points with the kids. Plus, there’s excellent runway viewing to be had, as well as a kids’ menu including a breakfast choice of omelette or the ever-popular fish and chips!
Where: 66 Seletar Aerospace View WOA Aviation Hangar 66 Level 1, Singapore 797509
Enjoy your travels to Seletar, folks!
