Singapore may be small but look hard enough, and you’ll discover plenty of hidden gems for family outings. Packed within our dense garden city are shady nooks and crannies of idyllic open spaces, perfect for family picnics.
No matter which area of Singapore you reside in, there’s bound to be a green space nearby where adults can shoot the breeze while the kids run free! Here are 4 of our top picks:
In the North: Sembawang Park
Tucked away at the northernmost tip of our island is small, leafy Sembawang Park. Resplendent with mature trees and an iconic 30-metre-long jetty with wooden coastal boardwalk, the place is ideal for families looking for a quiet afternoon spent in nature.
There’re lots to see and explore for such a modest park. Look out for maritime-themed references to the area’s rich naval heritage, from a children’s playground built to resemble a battleship to street signs that are a reminder of its past as a major British naval base.
Image source: Roots.gov.sg
In the South: Labrador Nature Reserve & Park
Located right next to the buzzing Southern waterfront promenade of Harbourfront, Vivocity and Sentosa island is Labrador Park and Nature Reserve. Deeply intertwined with Singapore’s history as an early trading port and World War II battleground, the area is now a family-friendly recreational space that boasts a 300-metre boardwalk and two seaside playgrounds.
Pack a picnic from the malls or nearby Seah Im hawker centre and spend a leisurely afternoon exploring war relics from the past – such as gun emplacements and machine gun bunker – or remnants from its pre-colonial days as a pirate’s hideout.
Image source: NParks
In the East: Changi Beach Park
East Coast Park or Pasir Ris Beach may be more well-known among residents in the East, but those in the know will tell you that Changi Beach Park possesses a unique, laidback kampong charm of its own.
Dabao yummy nasi lemak and other popular hawker fare from Changi Village for a picnic on the stretch of sandy shore. Spend the rest of the day plane-spotting the huge jumbo jets taking off and landing at nearby Changi Airport. Feeling up for an adventure? Hop onto a bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal and head out to Pulau Ubin for some island fun!
Image source: NParks
In the West: Jurong Hill Park
Regular visitors to Jurong Bird Park may have noticed a spiralling landmark perched atop a nearby hill. Known as the Lookout Tower, it is one of two distinctive features of Jurong Hill Park. Built in 1970 by Jurong Town Corporation, the Tower provides an expansive view of the surrounding industrial area and Jurong Island in the distance.
The park’s other claim to… well, fame is its Garden of Fame, where heads of state and other dignitaries planted trees to commemorate their visits to Jurong Industrial Estate. With little meal options in the vicinity, do prepack food if you’re intending to picnic in this serene little park.
Image source: Roots.gov.sg
Do take note of the latest safe distancing measuresfor outdoor social gatherings before you head out. Or save these picnic spot ideas for future outings when the Covid-19 situation eases up.