We know Bencoolen's been in the spotlight recently, but we've got the deets on two more kid-friendly 'hoods in Singapore: Novena and Toa Payoh!
One of the reasons we love living in Singapore is the fact it’s just so darn easy to get anywhere, even if you don’t drive. You can hop on a bus (kids love riding the bus!) or get on the uber-clean MRT to get anywhere with kids – hassle not included. This time, we’re taking a trip to the cool ‘hoods of Novena, Balestier and Toa Payoh. Once again, we’ve done our homework to bring you all the kid-friendly goodness to be had in this part of Singapore town. You’re welcome.
Novena, Balestier and Toa Payoh with kids: At a glance
- Playgrounds – Best for free outdoor play
- Toa Payoh Heritage Trail – Best for public housing history and heritage landmarks
- Balestier Heritage Trail – Best for pre-war architecture and a self-guided walk
- Burmese Buddhist Temple – Best for Burmese Buddhist heritage
- Novena Church – Best for church architecture and a quiet stop
- Lam Yeo Coffee Powder – Best for traditional kopi and coffee beans
- Kidz Amaze at SAFRA Toa Payoh – Best for indoor climbing, sliding and soft play
- Climb Central Novena – Best for rock climbing with kids aged four and up
- Shaw Theatres Balestier – Best for family movie outings
- Family-friendly malls – Best for indoor activities and to beat the heat
- Local food – Check out our top picks for hawker favourites
- Family cafes – Head straight to the best brunch, cafes and restaurants
- Ice cream shops – We love a cool stop as much as the kids
Planning note: Toa Payoh Town Park and Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall are currently closed. See their listings below for redevelopment and restoration updates.
Things to do outdoors in Novena, Balestier and Toa Payoh
1. Check out all the cool kids’ playgrounds
Best for: Free outdoor play and nostalgic playgrounds
We’re huge fans of kids playing outdoors and getting a good dose of vitamin D. That’s why we love the fact that Novena and Toa Payoh have great playgrounds for climbing, sliding and just having a swingin’ good time! Of course, the iconic Dragon Playground in Toa Payoh deserves a special mention. It still retains its original sand surface – a nostalgic treat for kids and parents alike! Plus, it’s one of Singapore’s remaining dragon playgrounds that have lived to witness the Singapore story, marking chapters of our childhood with memories of play, freedom, and joy. It was a popular design for HDB playgrounds during the 1980s and many of us grew up playing in it. But sadly, these older playground designs began to be phased out from 1993 onwards as safety standards changed. So, we are cherishing whatever we have left. When your little ones are worn out from all that running, hit up the community library nearby at Block 35 for a breather. Yes, you can even bring home the books, for free! Also on our cool playground radar is the Toa Payoh Crest Playground and Toa Payoh Sensory Park, which encourages kids to use all their five senses to make the most out of their visit. In Novena, we love the Thomson Road Playground on Lincoln Road. The shady trees keep our bubs safe from the sun, and it’s also a quick walk to United Square Mall. Dragon Playground in Toa Payoh, 28 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310028 Toa Payoh Crest Playground, 131 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 Toa Payoh Sensory Park, Lorong 5 Toa Payoh Thomson Road Playground, Between Thomson Road and Lincoln Road, beside United Square
2. Embark on a Toa Payoh heritage trail
Best for: Public housing history and heritage landmarks
Aside from its scrumptious food, Toa Payoh’s rich history calls for a heritage trail. The trail will have your kiddos and you discovering the gems of Toa Payoh with a trip back through its history. It’ll be a great way to introduce its history, for instance, Block 53 was the “VIP Block” which played host to many VIPs, including the late Queen Elizabeth II during her 1972 visit to Singapore! Follow this self-guided trail to cover every corner of this historic town (estimated time three to four hours). Or opt for one of the three shorter themed trail routes. We recommend the Public Housing and Shared Spaces trail that will take approximately one and a half hours because that covers the dragon playground and “VIP Block”.
3. Go on the Balestier Heritage Trail to see historical landmarks
Best for: Pre-war architecture and a self-guided walk
Balestier has an eclectic mix of architecture, truly a place where you can still see pre-war shophouses! Think a mix of old and new. Join the Balestier Heritage Trail where you can see a number of historical sites, from colonial-style villas to traditional shophouses and temples. This thematic trail introduces you to some landmarks that have shaped Balestier Road from its early days to the recent past. Also, this is a self-guided trail so you and the kiddos can take it free and easy!
4. Visit the Burmese Buddhist Temple
Best for: Burmese Buddhist heritage
Just around the corner in Balestier is one of Singapore’s oldest temples. Step inside to admire its Burmese-style architecture and impressive marble Buddha image. The main Buddha image was sculpted entirely out of marble in Mandalay before shipping to Singapore in 1921. Just imagine the feat to transport this at that time! Burmese Buddhist Temple, 4 Tai Gin Road, Singapore 327873
5. Check out the iconic Novena Church
Best for: Church architecture and a quiet stop
You may know this iconic landmark as Novena Church, a well-known Catholic church that offers mass and devotion sessions for those of the faith. Its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere make it a sight to behold, even if you’re passing through. Conveniently located a short walk from Velocity, a popular shopping mall, it’s easy to spot and makes for a lovely stop on a family day out. Church of Saint Alphonsus, 300 Thomson Road, Singapore 307653
6. Head to a coffee factory
Best for: Traditional kopi and coffee beans
If you’re cruising down the Balestier food trail for a caffeine fix, there’s no way you’ll miss this gem of a coffee factory. Lam Yeo — meaning “Nanyang” in Hokkien — has been fuelling coffee lovers since 1959. Here, owner Tan Peck Hoe keeps the tradition alive, roasting beans with sugar and margarine to achieve that signature rich, black hue that makes local coffee so irresistible. But while the classic coffee powder is still a fan favourite, Mr Tan knows that modern tastes crave variety. That’s why he’s added a new twist: speciality coffee beans, roasted plain and ground only when you buy, ensuring every cup is as fresh as can be. Perfect for busy parents and coffee lovers alike! Lam Yeo Coffee Powder, 328 Balestier Road, Singapore 329760
7. Explore Toa Payoh Town Park (closed for redevelopment)
Best for: Future park outings; currently closed
This pretty green spot has long provided a nice respite from city life, with shady picnic spots, mini-bridges and ponds. However, Toa Payoh Town Park is currently closed for redevelopment as part of the Toa Payoh Integrated Development, which is expected to be completed by 2030. Save this one for a future family outing! For a picnic in the meantime, head to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, one of Singapore’s largest urban parks. Toa Payoh Town Park, Junction of Toa Payoh Lor 2 and Toa Payoh Lor 6
Indoor things to do in Novena, Balestier and Toa Payoh
8. Explore the most kid-friendly malls in Toa Payoh & Novena
Best for: Enrichment, shopping and family meals
There’s a reason why United Square Shopping Mall is known as a Kids’ Learning Hub. If you’re looking for after-school lessons for kids or a place to shop for birthday pressies (it’s got a Toys R Us!) or clothes, United Square Shopping Mall is the one-stop shop for anything kid-related. It’s just a quick walk from Novena MRT and fully kitted out with a luxe nursing room and family restaurants. There are often events going on in the main atrium and our perennial fave – the Zoomoov animal rides – on the first level. You can also check out Velocity@Novena Square, a family-friendly mall with plenty of facilities to make your visit easy and enjoyable for parents and kids alike. There’s a nursing room for parents who need a quiet spot to feed or change their little ones. Shaw Plaza on Balestier Road is the perfect spot for family fun! With an outdoor playground, a movie theatre, plenty of dining options, and enrichment centres, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
9. Play the day away at the amazing Kidz Amaze at SAFRA Toa Payoh
Best for: Indoor climbing, sliding and soft play
If the weather’s looking grey, kids will love this alternative – the Kidz Amaze indoor playground at SAFRA Toa Payoh. Spanning a massive 12,700 square feet, it has an awesome jungle gym and a maze with fun play elements that’ll keep your kids climbing and jumping. Younger bubs will love the cute soft play areas that have been specially designed by early childhood experts to help develop their motor skills. Pretty cool stuff, we think!
Kidz Amaze, SAFRA Toa Payoh, 293 Lor 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319387
10. Unleash your inner monkey at Climb Central at Novena Square mall
Best for: Rock climbing with kids aged four and up
Looking for a fun weekend activity? Head to Climb Central at Novena Square mall for a walk-in rock climbing sesh or check out its kids’ programmes. It has dedicated climbing lanes for kids and even kid-sized climbing shoes and harnesses. Parents can join in the action! Children aged four to 12 must be actively supervised by an accompanying adult, with a maximum of two children per adult. For walk-in climbing, kids must be at least four years old, over 16kg and taller than 1m. Climb Central also holds birthday parties and holiday camps for future climbers.
Climb Central, Novena Square, 238 Thomson Road, #03-23/25, Singapore 307683
11. Catch flicks with the fam at Shaw Theatres Balestier
Best for: Family movie outings
The Dreamers theatre hall at Shaw Theatres Balestier is a kid-friendly cinema to catch the kids’ fave flicks! With cosy seating on bean bags, kids’ play areas (including a ball pit!) and toys to play with, going to the cinema has never been more fun!
Shaw Theatres Balestier, 360, Balestier Road, Shaw Plaza, Singapore 329783
12. Get your culture fix at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (currently closed)
Best for: Older history buffs; currently closed
Closed for restoration works; reopening is expected in 2027 Over in Balestier, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is one to keep on your radar for when it reopens. It has been closed for restoration works since 16 September 2024, with reopening expected in 2027. But if you’ve got younger kiddies, feel free to skip this one. It features galleries dedicated to the history of modern China and the role the overseas Chinese played in supporting the revolution – much too heavy for the young ones, we think! But if you’ve got slightly older history buffs, it’s one to revisit after the restoration works.
Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, 12 Tai Gin Rd, Singapore 327874
Where to eat in Novena, Balestier and Toa Payoh
13. Go local for lunch
Best for: Hawker favourites and local comfort food
When in Toa Payoh, make the most of this heritage ‘hood and go local for lunch. Check out Blk 93 Lor 4 for a delish plate of nasi lemak (the sambal chilli will have you coming back for more). One of our personal faves? The ban mian (feel free to skip the anchovies) at Blk 75 Lor 5 and the muah chee from Hougang Muah Chee at the HDB Hub Basement. You may want to wash it all down with a nice cup of kopi by Kopifellas at Blk 190 Lor 6. Did we mention its local noodle dishes and toast menu? How about some famed chicken rice? Boon Tong Kee in Balestier must ring a bell! This iconic establishment is the place for the best Chinese fare which includes chicken rice, cereal prawns and fried chicken! A good one for the kids! Or try some traditional Bak Kut Teh, a peppery pork broth, at Balestier Bak Kut Teh.
Toa Payoh Palm Spring Market, 93 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310093
Hougang Muah Chee, 480 Lor 6 Toa Payoh, #B1-01, Singapore 310480
Kopifellas, 190 Lor 6 Toa Payoh, #01-574, Singapore 310190
Boon Tong Kee, 399, 401 & 403 Balestier Road, Singapore 329801
Balestier Bak Kut Teh, 365 & 369 Balestier Road, Singapore 329785
14. Graze all day at these family cafes
Best for: Brunch, cafe classics and dim sum
Looking for cafe food? We love The Clue-less Goat in Goldhill Centre for its poached eggs on toast and delicious coffee. There’s also aMarmalade Pantryat Oasia Hotel for cafe classics like pasta and Caesar salad. If you’re at Square 2, try the dim sum at TungLok Teahouse.
15. Treat yo’self to some of the best ice-cream in town!
Best for: Ice cream and waffles
Believe it or not, you can find some of the best ice-cream in town in Toa Payoh and Novena. Over at Blk 131 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, Creamieris one of our fave ice-cream shops for kids in Singapore. We love the fact everything is homemade and that the staff take the time to whip up unusual flavours. There’s also Shrove Tuesday at Blk 94 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh with TDF waffles and generous servings. Our top tip? Get the salted caramel! If you’re going to United Square Mall from Novena MRT, pop by Udders and get the peanut butter crunch flavour.
See you and the family soon in Novena, Balestier or Toa Payoh!
