Role playing for real!
There are loads of different indoor play centres in Singapore where kids can run, jump, slide and wriggle. But there are not too many where they can be a doctor, a superhero or a postman. Which is why we went to check out The City Interactive Learning Playground at Liang Court. Always on the lookout for a different play experience we decided to bypass tube-slides, tunnels and climbing walls and give role-play a try. It was nothing short of imaginative!
Learning While Playing
It’s no secret that children learn and benefit greatly through role-play. It allows them to copy mummy and daddy, use their imagination and make sense of the world around them.Designed for two to eight year-olds, The City is exactly what it claims to be: an interactive learning playground and The City’s “Imagination Stations” allow children to freely apply their creativity and learn from other children around them. Planning, working together, negotiation, and problem-solving skills all come to the fore.
The Space
The space is divided into areas like a supermarket, doctor’s office, fire station, beauty salon, and a cafe. Kids can dress up in various costumes, depending on what they want be and try on a job for size. We got a real kick out of observing the activity and dialogue that went down during our visit as we took a load of in the seating area. It was also more relaxing than our usual play centre experience of trying to locate the kids in a jungle of apparatus. By the end of the session the kids had been police officers, nurses, and teachers!
What to Bring
Pack your socks of course! But don’t worry if you forget – you can buy them there for $5 a pair and add to your collection of colourful play centre branded socks. You may want to pack a cardigan or jumper sweater too as they keep the space quite cool. Snacks and drinks are available there and can be eaten in the seating area.
Activities and Classes
The City also offers daily learning-development activities, along with monthly, educational, playtime themes. The City also offers a Speech and Drama Course if you want to go further in building confidence in your kids. The course is designed for children age four to seven, and aims to develop oral skills, and nurture imagination and resourcefulness. Each 10-week course includes 10 classes that run an hour each session.
Cost
You’ll get the most bang for your buck at The City by visiting during the week, as they offer unlimited play for $22 ($18 for kids under age two). On weekends, school holidays and public holidays, playtime is limited to two hours. Babies under age one and adults can hang out in The City for FREE (if accompanied by a paying visitor)! The superhero area containing soft blocks is probably the best place for young babies as there are soft mats on the floor, however you’d be best to visit in the morning when there are not so many older kids about.
Birthday Parties
A birthday party at The City would be loads of fun, in our opinion! The birthday kid receives exclusive use of The City’s party room for their guests and there are two packages for parents to choose from: both offering party set-up, invitations, party food, and gifts. The packages look pretty fabulous if you’re looking for an all-inclusive event.
Location
The City is located inside Liang Court, close to Clarke Quay. If you need to get some shopping done, Liang Court has five floors of shops, including laundry service, restaurants, apparel, and the Meidi-Ya Japanese supermarket. If you’re looking to extend your day there’s a plethora of activities going on next door at Clarke Quay.
The City, #03-04A Liang Court, 177 River Valley Road, Singapore 179030, p. 6250 6507, Open daily from 10am-7pm.
Images courtesy of Juan Pablo, Memory Lane Pix and The City