One of the key heartlands in the east is Pasir Ris, a vibrant community with a welcoming atmosphere. Originally home to a group of Malay and Chinese kampongs and known for its plantations and beach, Pasir Ris has since been developed into a thriving residential area since 1983, with HDB apartments, MRT lines and a variety of attractions and facilities.
The name “Pasir Ris” is generally attributed to the Malay word for a bolt rope, a vital piece of sailing equipment in reference to the area’s long, sandy beach facing Pulau Ubin. The name could also mean “White sand” for the same reason.
At Families for Life, our focus is to help families and couples grow closer together, and Pasir Ris will soon be home to one of our newest initiatives FFL@Community (FFLC), which will be available in all 24 towns across Singapore by 2025.
Below, we will explore some programmes for family bonding and suggestions for some family-friendly features in this coastal community.
Image source: Opengovasia.com
All about family bonding
Get to know your neighbours through community activities and enjoy a wide range of recreational activities with your family at Pasir Ris East Community Club and Pasir Ris Elias Community Club.
For the bookworms in the family or to bond over books, pay a visit to the Pasir Ris Public Library! It is a treasure trove of everything literary, including interactive storytelling sessions, educational programmes for children, and even has a special space for youth called the Teens’ Mezzanine.
Surf and sand
One of the biggest attractions in this area is the beautiful Pasir Ris Park. This calm and family-friendly park by the beach is a great place to experience nature, and for all manner of outdoor activities – including picnicking, bicycle riding and water activities. The park features barbeque pits, extensive play areas for kids, a mangrove boardwalk, and a three-storey Bird Watching Tower to suit all your adventuring needs. If a day out in the sun is what tickles your fancy, visit the Pasir Ris beach and you won’t be disappointed.
Image source: PAssion Wave FB
Wet and wild
For adventure lovers and water sports enthusiasts, Pasir Ris offers an exciting array of activities. People’s Association PAssion Wave (PAWV) provides kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. So bring your family to explore the waters while enjoying a stunning coastal backdrop.
For those looking for an exciting time, enjoy a day of splashing and laughter at Wild Wild Wet, one of the biggest water parks in Singapore. This colourful water park provides a welcomed break from the Singapore heat, and features many rides that are sure to excite and delight.
Image source: Gallop Stable IG
Gallop Stable
If you are feeling a little more equestrian, why not check out Gallop Stables, one of the few horse stables in Singapore. This novel attraction offers riding lessons, stable tours and even photoshoots with their steeds, making this a versatile and unique place for the family to visit in the Pasir Ris area.
Support for families
A great place to let your hair down with your family is the Civil Service Club at Loyang. This government-run group of chalets is the perfect place for a family getaway and provides a variety of amenities for a range of activities, including basketball courts, barbeque areas and swimming pools.
For other family needs, you can check out these family programmes offered by non-profit organisations:
Pasir Ris Family Service Centre (PRFSC)
Should your family need to work through some social and emotional issues, this centre has a team of qualified and accredited social workers and counsellors who can help with your concerns and bring about positive change.
AMP Singapore
Whether you are a youth, soon-to-wed, or have children, AMP has a range of educational, training, counselling and research programmes for the Muslim community. The association offers counselling services in the areas of debt advisory, premarital and marriage counselling.
FFL Programmes at Pasir Ris
You can also join other Pasir Ris parents in Pasir Ris & Punggol Telegram Group, an online community based in Telegram where parents can connect and share information about events happening in Pasir Ris, plus learn parenting tips! Whether you're a parent looking for peer guidance or wanting to share your knowledge, this group is the perfect place to connect with other parents in your community
You can check out the various FFL marriage and parenting programmes. There are parenting programmes such as Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme) and Purposeful Play to equip yourselves with strategies and techniques to enhance your children’s growth and wellbeing.