Many Singaporeans know Bedok as a hawker food haven – the mature estate has several hawker centres with lip-smacking local delights ranging from bak chor mee and carrot cake to herbal soups.

However, before Bedok became known for its great food, well-established amenities and family-friendly set-up, it was a simple town that grew around Sungei Bedok (Bedok River) – Bedok was also one of the earliest documented places in Singapore.

In the past, the larger Bedok also included Siglap and Tanah Merah, both places still retaining a certain laidback charm compared to newer estates. This makes the region a great place to visit for families hoping to escape the downtown crowds.

Heartbeat @ Bedok

Image source: TimeOut

Built in 2018, this seven-storey community space houses a polyclinic, public library, senior care centre and swimming pool, and is where community events happen regularly. Swing by on the weekends for a refreshing swim and escape the heat with some family reading time at the library.

Outdoor Play Corridor

Image source: NParks

Get your bicycles out for a spin along the 4km-long dedicated cycling and pedestrian paths linking Bedok Town Centre to East Coast Park and Bedok Reservoir Park. In between, you will find little stations for you to rest your legs, decorative elements that hark back to Bedok’s past as a fishing village, and simple (but effective) play structures for the young ones to expend their energy.

Bedok Reservoir

Image source: Forest Adventure

Nestled between Bedok and Tampines is the picturesque Bedok Reservoir, which was excavated to provide earth for reclamation. Younger kids will enjoy the sandy playground near the Wawawa Bistro or simply watch canoeists at training on the weekends. More adventurous folks can make a beeline for Forest Adventure, a treetop obstacle course, great for anyone aged five and above. If you want to take things slower, a sunset stroll around the reservoir is one of the most beautiful ways to round off a family outing.

HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir

Image source: Youthopia.sg

There are loads to enjoy for the entire family at HomeTeamNS’s newest clubhouse. You could go for a swim and dine at one of the eateries in the building. Bigger kids will love the thrilling indoor obstacle courses at Action Motion and the water playground Aqua Adventure with a massive 85m-long tunnel slide and other exciting features. Entry fees apply for the swimming pool, Action Motion and Aqua Adventure.