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 going the extra mile 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 spot for a family day out. So grab the kids and your kitchen sink of essentials and head on out to explore this beautiful part of town!
Click below to read more:
Things to do
Where to eat
Getting to Seletar
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. 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!
Where: Seletar Aerospace Park, 2 Park Lane, Singapore 798386
2. Take a stroll around The Oval
Besides 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.
Where: 15 The Oval, Singapore 797874
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 Hampstead 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.
Where: Hampstead Wetlands Park, 1 Baker Street, Singapore 799977
3. Lower Seletar Reservoir Park
Chillin’ at Lower Seletar Reservoir Park is a good time waiting to happen. You’ve got the Family Bay, where they’ve just spruced up the stage for some cool performances, a fun water play area, and a groovy bioswale rain garden. Don’t forget to take a leisurely stroll on the Heritage Bridge. If you’re up for some aqua action, there’s kayaking and dragon-boating for kids to try. And if you’re a fishing fan, there’s a jetty where you can try your luck with tilapias or snakeheads. Fitness buffs, this spot’s got you covered too. It’s an all-in-one hangout for everyone!
Where: Yishun Ave 1, Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, Singapore 769139
4. Singapore’s last fishing village
The Seletar fishing village is like a time capsule – the last place where fishermen are still doing their thing and making a living from their daily catch. You and the fam can check out the cute little kampong, and guess what? It’s also an awesome spot to catch a killer sunset!
Where: Seletar Fishing Village, Seletar North Link, Singapore 797445
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 Jewel these days, but whose 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. 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. 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: Rower’s Bay Park, Seletar Club Road, Singapore 798273
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. Boh Geh Uncle Canteen
The former Seletar camp, dating back to 1969, is a fantastic no-fuss space to simply kick back and relish the moment. While you won’t find anything overly Instagram-worthy here, it’s a place that effortlessly transports you to a bygone era, offering a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle. With just three food stalls, you won’t be overwhelmed by choices, but what you will find are delectable options at incredibly affordable prices. It’s the kind of spot where you can unwind, savor great food and drinks, and let time slow down – a true hidden gem for those in search of a relaxed and nostalgic experience.
Where: Boh Geh Uncle Canteen, 398 Piccadilly, Singapore 798638
2. Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafè (temporarily closed)
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. Di Wei Teochew Restaurant
When you visit Di Wei Teochew Restaurant with the family, get ready for some seriously tasty Teochew grub with those light, fresh flavours. You’ll find classics like melt-in-your-mouth braised duck, fu yong omelette, which is comfort food at its finest, and some soul-soothing fish maw soup. It’s a real treat for your taste buds!
Where: Di Wei Teochew Restaurant, 1 The Oval, Singapore 797859
3. 5 by Sans Facon
Right smack in the middle of Seletar Aerospace, there’s this sweet French joint dishing out some seriously cosy home-style eats. Picture this: it’s chillin’ in a slick black and white colonial building, so you know it’s got those good vibes going. Perfect if you’re looking to escape the city craziness with the fam for a low-key hangout. Trust us, this spot’s a hidden gem worth discovering.
Where: 5 by Sans Facon, 5 The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park, Seletar, Singapore
3. Chingu @ The Oval
Loungin’ in a spruced-up colonial beauty, this place is takin’ Korean BBQ to a whole new level. Round up your crew and dive into the Banquet bonanza. Get ready to chow down on some seriously tasty meaty goodies like juicy wagyu ribeye steaks and more. But here’s the kicker – they’ve got some offbeat mozzarella squares and pineapple to slap on the grill for a little extra fun. And if you’ve got some folks who aren’t feelin’ the BBQ vibe, no worries – they’ve got other grub that’ll keep everyone happy.
Where: Chingu @ The Oval, 7 The Oval, Singapore 797865
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
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.
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 Hangar66 WOA Aviation, Singapore, Singapore, 797509
Getting to Seletar Park
Getting to this picturesque spot is a breeze, with convenient access from three major expressways – TPE, SLE, and CTE, making it just a 20-minute car or taxi ride from the city. If you’re in the mood for a more relaxed family adventure, there are plenty of bus options like 39, 86, 102, 103, 117, 168, and 858, as well as shuttle bus services to choose from, ensuring that your journey is as easygoing as your destination is beautiful.
Enjoy your travels to Seletar, folks!
