Sembawang is the northernmost residential town in Singapore, and while many Singaporeans have an impression of it being staid and slow; residents of the estate love it for its tranquil charm.There are plenty for families in Sembawang, including community events and parent group meetups.
Once home to the British naval base pre-independence, the Sembawang of today is a neighbourhood with plenty to explore. Check out the integrated sports and community hub, community spaces, mainland Singapore’s one and only hot springs at the Hot Spring Park, get some sea breeze at Singapore's northernmost beach, dine at seaside restaurants overlooking the ocean, visit historical sites–or do them all.
This is your sign to hop on over to Sembawang if you're ever in the northern ‘hoods, you won't regret it.
Get active at Bukit Canberra
Image source: Families for Life @ Community
Since the opening of Bukit Canberra, the integrated sports and community hub has been a popular spot amongst residents to stay active and connect with others in the community. Families can enjoy various sports facilities at Bukit Canberra, from an indoor sports hall to a swimming complex and the biggest ActiveSG gym in Singapore. Situated within Bukit Canberra, the Sembawang Polyclinic was also recently opened on 25 November 2023. A parents meet-up was recently co-organised by Families for life (FFL), National Healthcare Group Polyclinic (NHGP) and Care Corner Singapore at the Health Studio located within the Sembawang Polyclinic in December, where families enjoyed a series of parenting talk and a fun-filled cooking demo led by FFL volunteers. Look out for more parents meet-up in Sembawang coming in 2024! 😊
Read and learn together at Sembawang Public Library
Image source: Families for Life @ Community
Located within Sun Plaza Mall, the Sembawang Public Library offers a cosy and conducive space for families of all ages, but especially for parents to bring their children for beneficial reading and learning time. With container-shaped spaces and reading decks, the library design took inspiration from the nautical and maritime heritage of Sembawang town. The Programme Zone in the library hosted regular storytelling and parent-child sessions. FFL recently partnered with NLB to run a parenting programme called WiseJourneys in November 2023, where parents learnt from one another how to develop their child’s language and communication skills. Stay tuned for more parenting programmes by FFL to be held at the library!
Dip your feet into the Sembawang Hot Springs
Image source: NParks
Pack a pair of slippers along with your washed feet and make a beeline for Sembawang Hot Spring Park - home to mainland Singapore’s one and only natural hot springs (another hot springs exists on Pulau Tekong). We kid you not, the mineral-rich water that wells up from the ground is hot and soothing, and many believe it to even have medicinal properties. Visit the idyllic park to dip your feet into the soothing water, or even cook an egg or two for the fun of it!
Enjoy an easy breezy day out at Sembawang Beach and Park
Image source: My Nice Home by HDB
Located in Sembawang Park is the tranquil Sembawang Beach. Perhaps less well-known than the East-side beaches like Pasir Ris, East Coast and Changi, Sembawang Beach is only one of two natural sandy beaches here in Singapore and a perfect family spot if you're yearning for some salty sea breeze, sand between your toes, and sea water to splash around in. There's plenty to do at the Park too - fishing at the jetty, barbeques at the BBQ pits, and an iconic battleship playground for the children.
Catch some seaside eats
Image source: NParks
There's something charming about eating by the sea. Maybe it's the breeze that works up an appetite or the briny scent of the ocean that makes food taste better. Whatever it is, Sembawang is a little-known spot for a delicious seaside meal or two. We recommend Beaulieu House at Sembawang Park and The Patio Dine by the Sea at PAssionwave Sembawang for that right-by-the-sea dining experience.
Scope out some historical sites
Image source: Roots.gov.sg
With its naval past, Sembawang is a treasure trove of wartime sites for history buffs to sniff out, such as bunkers and storerooms from World War 2. An added bonus is the presence of a gazetted National Monument: the majestic-looking Canberra House. Once the most grand building in Sembawang, the House (formerly known as Admiralty House) was the home of the most high-ranking officer on the naval base.
Don't know where to start? Roots offers great two or three hour historical heritage self-guided trails, which will take you to the major landmarks and sites of the neighbourhood.
Find support for families and have fun together
Image source: Sayang Sembawang Facebook
As a FFL@Community town, there are lots of activities and programmes going on, for parents and their children living in Sembawang. Parents can join the existing parent peer support group (PPSG) meet-ups in the neighbourhood to connect with parents, share parenting tips and experiences with each other through FFL-organised meetups and also get updates on upcoming events and activities happening in the neighbourhood and beyond. Join the Sembawang & Woodlands Parents Telegram Group today here. Family days, carnivals and festive celebrations are also on the cards in 2024, so stay tuned!
In addition, you can check out these family programmes offered by FFL appointed social service agency, Care Corner:
Whether you’re a young married couple, soon-to-wed or newly-wed couple, or transnational couple, these programmes can help you improve communication between you and your significant other, so you build a firm foundation for your marriage.
This one's for parents with children between the ages of four to six years old! Over the course of five weeks, you’ll learn 10 evidence-based strategies to support your child’s learning journey through play and common home activities in a programme developed by the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Parenting Research Centre in Australia. Keep a lookout for any upcoming Purposeful Play sessions in the neighbourhood!
Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme)
Struggling to relate to your growing tween? Or simply wondering how you can better help them navigate through the ups and downs in life? Triple P is an evidence-based programme that offers you useful techniques to support your child up to the age of 16 years old on how to develop their psychological, social and emotional competence.
Register your interest for any of the three programmes here!