If you're looking for an affordable indoor playground in Singapore that's also inclusive to kids of all ages and abilities, check out The Artground at Goodman! We review our favourite parts, and yearly theme changes – the latest being 'Lost Islands'!
With two young kids to entertain every weekend, I’m always on the hunt for fun activities in Singapore that don’t cost a limb. And if it’s indoors so we can enjoy a respite from the unforgiving Singapore heat? Score! I’ve hopped around to many of the indoor playgrounds in Singapore with kids in tow and The Artground at Goodman Arts Centre is one of the standouts on my list for its spaciousness, inclusivity and affordability. This impressive indoor playground in Mountbatten offers entry from just $5 and it’s best for babies and kids up to nine years old – and we’ve been visiting for years!
After witnessing three of its yearly theme changes and watching my own kids grow with the space, it’s incredible to see how The Artground builds on existing features in its indoor playground. The spacious entrance usually houses two to three new interactive play stations; the main ramp in the centre of the Visual Arts Space offers accessibility to children with special needs; and there are smaller zones around the space for kids to tinker in. We also love the blackbox theatre, which often hosts workshops and interactive theatre shows for kids on weekends.
In 2022, there was ‘Clean Up, Or Else’ which explored house chores in a fun way, followed by the local food-themed Masak Masak play space in 2023, then the transport-themed M.A.P exhibit in 2024. This year they’re back with a new theme that’s just opened on 19 April 2025: Lost Islands!
Lost Islands: New theme at The Artground @ Goodman
We were so excited to step into The Artground’s new Lost Islands theme. The designers from The Merry Men Works have transformed the play space into a magical kampong-inspired indoor playground, featuring mystical sea creatures and not one but two slides taking centre stage! Every illustration in this new theme was created by artist Rahmi Dewi Pertama, who hails from Bandung, Indonesia. As a mum of a special needs child herself, she made sure to create engaging visuals and sensory-friendly activities for kids.
Sea dragon slide & Adventure Island
My little ones had a blast sliding into the foam pit at Adventure Island, which not only boasts a slide but also features multiple Nusantara legends and stories at its sides (more on those below!). It’s hard to miss the majestic sea dragon next to it, which is no doubt a highlight of the play space! Here there are wheelchair-friendly ramps that go all the way up to the top of the slide and also lead to a baby-friendly play area.
Kampong Kids
If you have crawling babies, the Kampong Kids section is where you should let them roam! Soft foam covers the entire floor space, and we especially love the glittering backdrop of fairy lights that adds an extra magical feel. There are two teepees here with ‘campfires’ and cosy interiors so little ones can pretend they’re camping. Don’t miss the mini foam pit that babies can climb into, with sea stars, lobsters and fish-shaped pillows!
Puppet shows: Wayang Kulit & Wayang Golek
Rahmi, the artist behind Lost Islands, is particularly adept in puppet show storytelling. In this corner of the Visual Arts Space, kids can explore the Sundanese art form of Wayang Golek (puppetry using carved 3D wooden puppets) and Wayang Kulit (the shadow puppet art form originating from Java and Bali) which we’re more familiar with here in Singapore!
Treasure hunting, the bumboat wet market & magnet gachapon
Upon entry to The Artground, every child will be issued a ‘money card’ to exercise their financial literacy through play. Kids can hunt for hidden coins and head to the UOB Learning Playzone, which features a bumboat wet market! For every gold coin, kids can chop on their money cards and use it to ‘buy’ seafood and vegetables. Both my kids enjoyed this section of the indoor playground. My two-year-old had fun ‘shopping’ with his little basket while my five-year-old was thrilled to find ‘treasure’!
There are silver coins hidden around the playground too, and these can be used at the gachapon machine in the same zone. In each gachapon, kids will find a magnet to stick onto the wall. Here, parents can learn all about the different causes The Artground supports.
Island Theatre dress-up corner and interactive zones
At the Island Theatre, my kiddos had a blast dressing up as a butterfly and dragon! There’s also a chance to don life vests at the Fishing Boat corner so kids can pretend they’re fishing. What we love about The Artground is kids really get to interact and explore at their own pace. My son discovered lift-up flaps with the names of various sea animals (and their Malay translations) and peeked into tiny holes with a world to uncover in each one, all by himself!
Learning about legends
How much do you really know about Kusu Island, Pulau Ubin or Pulau Sekudu (aka Frog Island)? While the kids played, us parents learned a thing or two about the various islands around Singapore thanks to the stories displayed all around the space. There are interesting regional legends too, such as the tale behind Komodo Island and stories from West Java.
Lost Islands at The Artground at Goodman Arts Centre is now on and expected to run till 2026. We hope you check it out and enjoy it as much as we did! Keep scrolling for info on opening hours and cost of admission.
Past editions of The Artground at Goodman Arts Centre
M.A.P (Many Alternative Possibilities)
Back in 2024, we got to check out M.A.P (Many Alternative Possibilities) and had so much fun exploring this space created in collaboration with the students of Pathlight School. The students showcased their love for transportation and inventive ideas into the play space. They incorporated an ERP gantry at the entrance, depictions of various MRT ‘passengers’, and even a supersized MRT map! Kids even got the chance to role play as engineers in the Tinker Terminal, which offered Montessori toys like wooden train tracks and tools for building.
Top tips for visiting The Artground at Goodman Arts Centre
If you’re looking for lots of thrills and spills, you won’t find it here. The Artground at Goodman Arts Centre is big on low-stimulating, child-led play so kids can explore at their own pace. If you have children with special needs or sensory issues, they’ll enjoy the interactive activities at The Artground – it’s one of the only inclusive indoor playgrounds in Singapore.
Opening hours & prices at The Artground @ Goodman
Opening hours: 9.15am to 10.30am, 10.45am to 12pm, 1.45pm to 3pm, 3.15pm to 4.30pm, 4.45pm to 6pm, daily (closed for intervals between sessions for cleaning and sanitisation)
Price: Explore tickets are $5 per pax (adult or child) on weekdays; $8 per child and $5 per adult on weekends and public holidays. Free admission for Blue and Orange CHAS card holders!
The Artground at Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Rd, #01-40 BLK J, Singapore 439053
FAQs
Do I need to book tickets before visiting The Artground at Goodman Arts Centre?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to pre-book your tickets online before heading to The Artground. However, the centre does accept walk-ins, subject to availability.
Do we need grip socks to enter The Artground?
Everyone who enters The Artground is required to wear non-slip grip socks, except pre-walking babies. Socks are available at the counter for $3 per pair if you did not bring your own.
Is there a nursing room at The Artground?
Yes! The Artground’s Baby Care Room is kitted out with a comfy nursing chair, privacy screen, changing table, water dispenser and power sockets. Bonus: there’s also a Prayer Room for Muslim guests!
Is The Artground suitable for children with special needs?
Yes! The Artground prides itself in being an inclusive play space, allowing children of all ages and abilities to play in its Visual Arts Space.
