Best Free Playgrounds in Singapore
Play & Dine: Your Ultimate Guide to Best Free Playgrounds in Singapore with Kid-Friendly Restaurants Nearby
Singapore is a fantastic city for families, with a reputation for being both clean and safe. But between all the attractions and activities, finding places that keep the little ones entertained without a huge expense can be a challenge. That's where this guide comes in. We’ve done the legwork to bring you a curated list of the best free playgrounds across the island, each paired with a nearby kid-friendly restaurant. Say goodbye to the post-playtime "I'm hungry!" meltdowns and hello to a day of effortless fun and delicious food.
Where to Find the Top Free Playgrounds in Singapore with Nearby Kid-friendly Restaurant Spots?
PLQ Parkside Playground at Paya Lebar Quarter 3
Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) is one of Singapore’s newest lifestyle hubs, home to a wide mix of shops, dining, and family facilities. Beyond its mall attractions, families will love the PLQ Parkside Playground, a free outdoor play area designed for children.
Location and access:
The playground sits beside the PLQ3 building, directly across the road from the main mall. It’s easy to reach from the shopping complex and makes a great stop before or after a meal at PLQ.
Playground features:
Outdoor Banyan Tree-inspired design
Bright orange towers linked by a large climbing net
Twisting slides and mini bouldering rocks
Structures that encourage climbing, balance, and creative play
The design draws inspiration from the banyan tree. Known for its vast aerial roots that connect and spread across wide areas. Just like the tree’s canopy invites people to gather, the playground’s interconnected structures encourage small to older kids to explore together.
Free and family-friendly with also Paid Indoor Play Area Option
The playground is open to all and completely free. Families looking for indoor playground will also find paid play zones inside the mall, offering more options in one destination. Look for Smigy indoor play area at PLQ Mall #03-05/06
Where to eat nearby? Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant at PLQ3
Tanglin Cookhouse
After a fun-filled afternoon at the free outdoor playground at Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ), parents are often on the lookout for a convenient and welcoming place to refuel. Look no further than Tanglin Cookhouse, a gem located right in PLQ3 that perfectly blends British and Singaporean cuisine. With its fantastic kid-friendly menu and inviting atmosphere, it's the ideal spot for a family meal.
Why Tanglin Cookhouse is Perfect for Families and Kids?
Tanglin Cookhouse isn't just a restaurant; it's a family-friendly oasis. Its all-day dining concept means you can swing by anytime from brunch to dinner, making it a flexible choice for post-playground plans. The fusion of British and Singaporean dishes offers something unique for everyone, including flavors that even the little ones will enjoy.
The restaurant's outdoor dining area is a huge plus. Not only is it pet-friendly, but it also provides a clear view of the nearby outdoor park playground. This allows parents to keep an eye on their kids as they play. Giving them a few extra minutes of fun before the meal begins. The open-air setting is also perfect for families who enjoy a more relaxed and casual dining experience.
A Menu Just for the Little Ones
Tanglin Cookhouse goes the extra mile to cater to its youngest guests with a dedicated "For the Little Ones" menu, designed for children aged 12 and below. Each main course comes with a complimentary scoop of vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate ice cream, turning a simple meal into a delightful treat.
Here are some of the kid-approved dishes on the menu:
Salmon Creamy Tomato Pasta ($14): A nutritious and flavorful choice, this dish features tender salmon and a creamy tomato sauce, making it a healthy and delicious option for little pasta lovers.
Mushroom Cream Pasta ($13): A classic creamy pasta that is a guaranteed hit. The savory mushrooms and smooth sauce are perfect for picky eaters.
Meaty Beef Bolognese Pasta ($13): A comforting and hearty dish. This Bolognese is packed with rich beef and served with Parmesan cheese a surefire way to please any child.
Mini Fish and Chips ($15): A timeless favorite. This miniature version of the classic British dish is served with coleslaw and garlic tartar sauce, making it a fun and tasty meal.
Chicken Pop & Fries ($15): The ultimate comfort food combo. Crispy chicken pops and golden fries, served with coleslaw, ketchup, and mayo, are a guaranteed hit and a perfect reward after a long day of playing.
With its delicious food, convenient location, and thoughtful menu for children, Tanglin Cookhouse at PLQ3 is the perfect place to round off a day of family fun.
Paya Lebar Quarter 3 (PLQ) 2 Tanjong Katong Road, #01-07 PLQ 3 Singapore 437161 Tel: 3125 8835
Other Fantastic and Best Playgrounds Located Across Singapore Shopping Malls
Beyond the convenient location at PLQ3, Singapore is home to a variety of unique and exciting playgrounds for kids, many of which are located inside or just outside popular shopping malls. These spots offer a perfect mix of playtime and refreshment, ensuring a stress-free day for parents.
1. Space Exploration at Marina Square Playground
This dry play area can be found on Level 3 of Marina Square. The space-themed play area for kids offers simple play elements within the air-conditioned comfort of the shopping mall. It's a perfect spot for younger children who will love the soft-padded ground and a playground that is well-suited for a quick energy burst. This playground on level 3 consists of equipment that is suitable for kids who enjoy imagination and gentle play.
Nearby Kid-Friendly Restaurant: Suki-ya is an excellent choice for a family meal. Kids love the interactive experience of a hotpot buffet. They can choose their own ingredients and cook their food right at the table. It turns a regular dinner into a fun and engaging activity.
2. Outdoor Fun at VivoCity Play Court
As one of the most popular outdoor playgrounds in Singapore. The Play Court at VivoCity on Level 2 is a fantastic space for kids to play. This dry play areas is a must-visit for kids of all ages who want to have some fun climbing, sliding, and spinning. The playground structure here is perfect for getting outdoors and letting kids run freely. It's a truly dynamic play area for kids that will keep them engaged for hours.
Nearby Kid-Friendly Restaurants: VivoCity boasts several excellent dining options for families. For a high-quality meal, Barossa Steak & Grill is a perfect choice. For a more interactive dining experience, families can visit Tajimaya Yakiniku for a fun self-grill session, or Suki-ya Hotpot for a hotpot buffet that kids will love.
3. A Whimsical Journey at Great World Playland
This imaginative Great World Playland adventure playground is a wonderland of travel-themed structures. With a low climbing structure designed to look like a hot air balloon, this playground for kids is perfect for letting their imaginations soar. The play equipment here also includes a ship and a train. The padded play area and climbing nets allow kids to make their way up safely. It is a fantastic playground structure that kids can climb and explore.
Nearby Kid-Friendly Restaurant: After a global adventure on the playground, head to Bangkok Jam. This Thai restaurant offers a wide array of flavors that families will enjoy. With a kids' friendly menu that introduces young palates to new and exciting tastes in a familiar format.
4. Splash and Play at Kallang Wave Mall’s Splash-N-Surf
For a day of water-filled fun, look no further than this fantastic Kallang wave Mall water playground on the rooftop of Kallang Wave Mall. The water play area provides a refreshing and exciting way for kids aged to get soaked. The play structure here features a mix of gentle slides and a thrilling orange tubular slide. This wet play area with its sprays and dancing fountains is a fantastic water park experience for the little ones. It is truly one of the most exciting wet play areas around, with a view of the city skyline that kids will love.
Nearby Kid-Friendly Restaurant: Located within the mall, Typhoon Cafe is a great place to stop for a bite after all the water fun. The restaurant offers a menu of Taiwanese-inspired dishes and treats that both parents and kids will find delicious and satisfying.
5. Towering Heights at East Coast Park
East Coast Park is a classic family destination, and its main playground at Coastal PlayGrove is a total showstopper. The playground consists of a massive, reimagined play tower that is one of the tallest outdoor play structures in Singapore. It’s an awesome challenge that encourages kids to climb and explore the various levels, all while being a great spot for older children to burn off some serious energy.
6. The Train Adventure at Tiong Bahru Park
For a truly unique playground, you have to see the Tilting train playground Tiong Bahru Park. Its star attraction is a tilting train that younger kids and older ones alike can climb and run on. It’s a whimsical and creative space that also has plenty of other swings and slides, making it a great spot for a day of toddler play and general fun.
7. Mega Fun at Pasir Ris Park
Pasir Ris Park is huge, and so is its playground. This adventure-packed spot has a fantastic variety of equipment for all ages. There are climbing frames, slides, and even a large trampoline area where kids can bounce to their heart's content. Located conveniently near Pasir Ris Mall, it’s a perfect spot to let the kids run free after a day of shopping or exploring the park's lush greenery.
8. Nature's Playground at Singapore Botanic Gardens
For a quieter, more nature-filled outing, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a fantastic choice. The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is a special area within the park that’s designed with a "farm and garden" theme. It has dedicated zones for younger kids with gentle slides and sand play, giving them a chance to explore and learn about nature in a safe environment.
9. A Hidden Gem at Bidadari Park
Bidadari Park is a newer, tranquil spot that offers a beautiful and peaceful environment. The playground here is integrated with the park's natural surroundings, providing a more rustic and calming play experience. It's a great choice for families looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy some quality time in a lovely, green setting.
10. Forest Fun at Tampines Green Forest Park
Another great spot for a nature-themed adventure is the playground at Tampines Green Forest Park. The playground consists of a large, forest-themed play tower that feels like something out of a storybook. The structure is an impressive sight and a fun challenge that encourages kids to climb through its various levels and bridges. It’s a wonderful place for kids to feel like they are exploring a real forest while staying in a safe and secure play area.
A Wonderland of Play and Dining Awaits!
From the iconic best free outdoor playgrounds in the heart of the city to the suburban gems in the west of singapore, this guide proves that family fun is boundless. From shopping mall playground or a nature park, there are countless awesome free options for families. The play structures suitable for kids are designed for every age group. From toddler play areas to incredible spots suited for older kids who love to climb.
This guide provides the perfect itinerary for parents with kids in tow. Your kids can explore, kids can enjoy, and kids to run around in a wonderland for the kids. It truly highlights Singapore's best spots for a day of play and dining.