Tag: fun

7 Free Playgrounds In Shopping Malls To Bring Your Kids To Over The Weekends

Don’t know where to bring your kids to over the weekends? Don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket?

You no longer have to worry as we have a list of FREE playgrounds in shopping malls so you can get your shopping done while the kids can go ham at the playgrounds!

Get Out And Play

1. Westgate

Westgate Wonderland is what we’d describe as Disneyland for kids. Gear your kid up for this playground as it is touted to be the largest rooftop mall playground in Singapore!

This fantasy garden themed outdoor playground is divided into three playing areas suitable for toddlers and the older kids.

The tallest structure in this playground is a 10 metre tree house that kids can ascend via the criss cross nets inside the tree trunk.

There’s also a small rock climbing wall at the side of this tree house.

The water play area however is the highlight of this playground. You’ll see little water jets sprouting from the ground and even buckets of water that will tip over your kids!

There’s a drying station which is free to use so your kids can dry off easily. Just remember to pack some towels and a change of clothes for your kids!

Trust me, your kids will thank you and call you supermom/superdad for bringing them here!

Rating: 5/5

Westgate Wonderland
Address: 3 Gateway Drive, Level 4, Singapore 608532
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

2. IMM 

This playground at IMM wins hands down for being sheltered. So yay to no sweaty (sort of) kids!

Just like your usual neighbourhood playgrounds, it consists of activity boards, rock climbing walls, slides and balancing beams.

If your kids need to cool off from the heat, this playground has a water play area as well.

This water play area beats any other playground as it boasts a pretty cool water slide and water guns for kids to shoot water at each other with.

So if you’re looking for an alternative playground in the west asides from Westgate, IMM is the perfect choice.

Rating: 4/5

IMM
Address: 2 Jurong East Street 21, Level 3, Singapore 609601
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

3. Changi City Point

Conveniently located next to Changi Expo MRT, The 3 House at Changi City Point has a dry and wet play area for your kids.

Rating: 3/5

The 3 House
Address: 5 Changi Business Park Central 1, Level 2, Singapore 486038
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

4. VivoCity

VivoCity’s playground boasts play features, water fountains and even trampolines! This playground is popular and often packed with kids over the weekends.

This playground is divided into two playing areas for children of various age groups. There are shorter slides catered for the younger kids whereas the older kids can enjoy climbing ropes and sliding poles.

There is also a wet playing area that will light up in a colourful pattern everyday after 7pm.

Don’t worry parents, there are plenty of shaded sitting area around the playground and eateries when everyone gets hungry from playing.

Rating: 3/5

Vivo City
Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk, Level 2, Singapore 098585
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

5. Waterway Point

With so many BTO flats surrounding the Punggol-Sengkang Area, it’s no surprise that the number 1 place for most young parents to bring their kids to is Waterway Point.

Waterway Point has 2 playing areas – Wonderland (indoor playing area) and Happy Park (outdoor playing area).

Adopting an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ theme, the indoor playing area is catered for the younger ones and best part, it’s air conditioned so mum and dads don’t have to stand in the heat.

The Happy Park is divided into a wet and dry playing area. The tunnel slides are a central feature of the dry area and there are shorter slides catered for the younger ones as well.

The wet area features a small lake with flowing water – perfect for keeping cool in the outdoor heat. There’s also a small section for parents to towel dry their kids and change their clothes after all the playing.

Rating: 4/5

Wonderland and Happy Park
Address: 83 Punggol Central,  Both playgrounds are located on Level 2, Singapore 828761
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 9.30pm

6. Kallang Wave (Singapore Sports Hub)

Bring your kids and beat the heat at the Splash N Surf water park and playground. There’s even a lifeguard on duty so you know your kids will be in good hands as they run wild here!

This water playground features water sprinklers, slides (with different options for children of varying options), fountains, a merry-go-round and pretty much everything else you can imagine.

There’s also a kids pool which is a mini pool with a depth of 0.5m so your little ones won’t be left out!

If you’re willing to pay a small sum to play with your kids, there’s a lazy river where you and your child can float along leisurely. Tickets costs $2 and can be purchased at the Splash N Surf Information Counter.

Rating: 5/5

Splash N Surf
Address: 1 Stadium Place, Singapore 397628
Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm daily

7. Paragon Shopping Mall

Who would’ve thought there would be a kids playground right smack in Orchard Road. If your kid is getting cranky and you’re busy picking out your Jimmy Choo, let them run around at the playground located on the 5th floor of the mall.

The playground has all the basic playing stations such as slides, tunnels and ride-on horses. It’s not the fanciest playground but it sure is a good pit stop for your kid after all the shopping!

Rating: 3/5

Paragon
Address: 290 Orchard Road, Level 5, Singapore 238859
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

Also Read This Aroi Mak Nasi Ambeng Swaps Rendang And Achar For Green Curry And Mango Salad

(Header Image Source: Playpoint Singapore Pte Ltd)

We Tried Glamping For The First Time And It Was As Awesome As It Looks

If you own a Tumblr or a Pinterest account, you’ll probably have seen picture of glamping – large, spacious tents furnished with stylish bedding, cushions, and accessories.

For those of you who are coming across the term ‘glamping’ for the first time, it’s a combination of two words that typically don’t go together: ‘glamourous’ and ‘camping’. Like the term suggests, glamping is camping with a chic twist.

Now, this Instagram-worthy trend is available on our very own Singaporean shores!

With Glamping Society, you won’t have to move a muscle – all the heavy lifting is done for you. Everything is set up nicely for you, so all you have to do is bring your own clothes, toiletries, and entertainment.

Here’s what went down during our 2 day 1 night glamping experience at East Coast Park.

Our 2D1N Experience At East Coast Park

Because a total of 20 of us were glamping, Glamping Society gladly accommodated our request to have 3 tents. While each of the bell tents can accommodate up to 6 people, we felt that the main tent (the most spacious tent) was big enough to fit 2 or 3 more people comfortably – you just need to bring your own extra sleeping bags.

When we saw the tents fully set up, we were impressed by how pretty it was.

The plush cushions, fairy lights, buntings, and overall bohemian look provided the perfect setting for hipster Instagram photos that’ll make your friends green with envy. There was even a big flamingo float in the main tent! While it was pretty random, we have to say it made for some pretty cool photos.

While the two smaller tents didn’t match up to the main tent in terms of decorations, it was still comfy and welcoming with amenities like airbeds, cushions, a fan, a mini bar, and a cute picnic basket.

We were pleasantly surprised by the snacks and chilled drinks provided. Unlike the mini bar of a hotel, you won’t have to pay extra for consuming the goodies they’ve provided. Another treat we didn’t expect was the working fan – a clever touch that ensures it doesn’t get stuffy in the tent!

Thankfully, it wasn’t as hot as we thought it would be. The only thing some of us were really bummed out about was that no towels were provided, so we couldn’t bathe. (Glamping Society has stopped providing towels due to the constant damage.)

In all, we had a lot of fun barbequing, playing card games, and lounging on the airbeds as we stayed up all night talking.

The location of our tents offered pretty views of the sea and this was the beautiful view we woke up to:

Verdict

Taking into consideration factors like comfort, aesthetics, space, amenities, and cleanliness, here’s what we loved, what we didn’t love as much, and a couple of tips for you to keep in mind for your own glamping adventure!

Things We Loved

What we loved most about our experience had to be the pretty decorations. They made for pretty photos and gave the tents a romantic, cosy atmosphere at night – great for heart to heart sessions with friends and even better for cuddling with your partner!

We also loved that the main tent was spacious enough to fit all 20 of us. A refreshing alternative to a hotel staycation, it was definitely a unique experience for all of us. We also liked that snacks were provided – these came in very handy when we were hungry in the middle of the night!

Things We Didn’t Love As Much

While our experience was great for the most part, we wish the two smaller tents were jazzed up a bit more. A flashlight would have been a handy addition to the amenities, especially since it was quite dark out at night. Another issue we had was that the air beds deflated with time, but at least they provided us with air pumps that made it easy to re-inflate them.

Tips To Make The Best Of Your Glamping Experience

1. Check out the map before deciding where to set up camp

We stayed at Area G, which is very far away from the main hub of East Coast Park.

While this might mean peace and quiet away from crowds, you won’t be able to find any food near you. If you pick this location, make sure you bring plenty of snacks and drinks to avoid going hungry or thirsty!

Also, consider where the public toilets are when picking your tent location. You don’t want to have to walk a distance when you need to take a leak in the middle of the night. So, make sure you check out the map before deciding on where to set up camp to ensure you get the most ideal glamping spot!

2. If you intend to have a BBQ, book pits in areas D and G

If you intend to have a BBQ party while glamping, you can request for your tent(s) to be pitched near certain BBQ pits. Just note that the official camping sites are areas D and G, so be sure to book the BBQ pits in those areas.

3. Zip up your tents before settling in for the night

If you’re not a fan of bugs, zip up your tents fully before settling in for the night. You don’t want to have to deal with a cockroach entering the tent at 3am in the morning like we did.

4. Bring your own entertainment

While Glamping Society provides plenty of luxurious amenities, you’re in charge of creating your own fun. Bring card games, portable speakers to blast your favourite songs (Glamping Society also no longer provides speakers due to constant damage), a guitar, and good company for a truly fun time!

In all, we had a blast glamping. The tents were pretty, clean, spacious and sleeping arrangements were comfortable – at least for most of us. A totally unique experience, this is definitely something you should try at least once in your life!

To book a tent for yourself, check out their website here.

Also read Welcome To The Dark Side – These 13 Black Foods Will Surely Soot Your Tastebuds

5 Hipster Hang Out Spots In Singapore That You Should Visit With Your Best Friends

All of us would remember fondly of a hangout spot where we spent many hours with childhood friends, pretending to be pirates and big bad wolves. As we grow older, this communal playground slowly disappears. But that does not mean that the fun has to end now that we’ve all grown up.

In Singapore, we’re lucky to have so many different hangout spots offering a game-and-food experience. We can bond with all our best buddies over different games; from pool to electronic darts to a sinister board game to Guitar Hero. The best part? All at a reasonable price.

Here are five superb hangout spots you can check out. Whether you want to kill some time, have some fun, or create new memories with friends, you’d find something you like.

Cue Guru

Cue Guru is my first choice when it comes to killing an hour between plans, especially if there is some time between finishing dinner and a movie. Averaging about $10 to $20 per hour, depending on the time of day, it is a great way to have some fun without breaking the bank. You can easily split the game cost between a few friends.

For food, try the $28 combo available at Cue Guru. It comes with a jug of Tiger Beer and a plate of crunchy popcorn chicken. The $25 weekday value combo, which is only valid from Monday to Thursday 11 AM – 3 PM, comes with two hours of pool games, a choice of two mocktails or juices, and a snack. If you’re a little thirsty, order from the bar. It is usually well stocked with designer beers, wine and cocktails.

Cue Guru is currently available in two locations: Bugis+ and Kovan.

Cue Guru Bugis+
Address: Bugis+, 201 Victoria Street #03-19, Singapore 188067
Tel: 6509 6002
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 1 AM from Mondays to Thursdays and Sunday, 11 AM – 2 AM on Fridays, Saturdays, Eve of Public Holidays, and Public Holidays

Cue Guru Kovan
Address: J Forte Sportainment Centre, 50 Hougang Avenue 1, Singapore 538885
Tel: 6280 8800
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 1 AM daily

iDarts Halo

Just right next to Cue Guru in Bugis+ is iDarts Halo, a fantastic hangout spot to hone your electronic dart throwing skills while spending time with friends.

There are six such hangout spots, operated by iDarts Singapore, all across the island – from Boon Lay to Punggol to Tampines. This particular setting in Bugis is perfect for the young cosmopolitan city-goer who would like some liquor to go with their missiles!

For beer lovers, especially, there is an ongoing daily happy hour promotion. You’ll receive a Carlsberg and Kronenbourg beer tower at $62 and $72 respectively. If you’re more of a cider kind of person, check out the new fruity ciders at the bar!

iDarts Halo
Address: 201 Victoria Street Bugis+, #03-24, Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 6634 9662
Opening Hours: 12.30 PM – 1 AM Sunday to Thursday (and Public Holidays), 12.30 PM – 3 AM Friday, Saturday and Eve of Public Holidays

Saint Games

Can video gaming be serious? Saint Games says yes! Opened in 2009, the household brand is today located at The Cathay and Bugis+. It offers fun-filled game time to people of all ages!

This is the perfect hangout spot for those whose friends are obsessed with console gaming, from PlayStation 3 to the Nintendo Wii, and the Xbox. Game selections include classic Xbox titles, Rockband, Guitar Hero, Raving Rabbids, and more!

If you’ll be catching a movie on the same day, check out Saint Games @ The Cathay’s special tie up with Cathay Cineplexes, which is just a few floors up. Show your movie ticket for that day and get an extra 30 minutes of gameplay time, on top of your existing purchase.

Saint Games @ The Cathay
Address: #03-06, Handy Rd, Former Cathay Building, Singapore 229233
Tel: +65 6397 2285
Opening Hours: 12 PM – 10 PM Sundays to Thursdays, 12 PM – 2 AM Fridays to Saturdays

Hideout

Hideout is exactly what its name implies: a shelter from the outside world, an escape to a second reality. Located in Peace Center, a mall that really only comes alive after dark, this hangout spot offers a brief respite with board games and console games available for rental.

The rooms are spacious, soundproof, and furnished with the most comfortable bean bags! All these to provide you with a totally private gaming experience. With more than 30 board games available, including card games like Bang and Saboteur, and the latest gaming consoles in town, prices start at $9 for the first hour per person for first-timers, and $6 per person for subsequent hours.

Hungry? You will be able to purchase snacks from Hello Panda biscuits to spicy instant noodles to M&Ms. Eat while you play!

Hideout
Address: #03-04/05 Peace Centre, 1 Sophia Rd, Singapore 228149
Tel: +65 6837 0686
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 11 PM Sunday to Thursday, 11 AM – 1 AM Friday and Saturday 

Settlers Cafe

Perhaps you are not a console gamer, or maybe you just prefer something more old school. Try a game of Catan or Ticket To Ride with your friends for an hour or two at Settlers Cafe. It’s conveniently located in Clarke Quay. With many promotions available, from ladies night to student packages, gaming for an affordable fee is not too far from reality!

Food is also not a problem at Settlers Cafe, with an a la carte menu touting many scrumptious dishes! Dishes available are Jumbo Chicken Sandwich for $12.90 to Beef Lasagne for $9.90 to Tumeric Chicken for $12.90. You can also order light snacks and beverages, including several alcoholic choices.

One of our favourite titles at Settlers Cafe is Pandemic. It’s a 2-4 people strategy game that requires the players to stop and treat a virus that will soon conquer the whole world! If you’re looking for more of a party game choice, go for Taboo, a game that will guarantee a good laugh, no matter what.

Settlers Cafe
Address: 39 North Canal Road, Singapore 059295
Tel: +65 65350435
Opening Hours: 6 PM – 11 PM Tuesdays to Thursdays, 12 PM – 1 AM Fridays, 1 PM – 1 AM Saturdays, 2 PM – 8 PM Sundays, Closed on Mondays

With these five great hangout spots in mind, the next time you’re planning a gathering, whether it’s for the traditional board-and-card game enthusiast, the Xbox expert, the darts fan, or the pool champion in your clique, you’ll be sure to find something that makes everyone happy. Keep creating new memories! The fun does not end, play time starts now!

(Header image credits: @shaneinfinite, words by editor)

Also, read Stuck In Singapore? Here Are 10 Uncommon Places To Visit For A Different Kinda Fun!

Thought You Knew All About Singapore? Here Are 10 Uncommon Places That’ll Guarantee A New Experience

Even if you’re not going abroad, you can look to our very own humble abode for fun things to do and places to explore. Singapore isn’t just about Orchard Road or Gardens by the Bay. We’re almost as sick of these places as you are!

Well, fret not! Come the weekend, you can look forward to something else to do! Here are 10 interesting and uncommon places to visit for a different kind of fun.

1. Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle & Dragon Kiln

Dubbed one of Singapore’s most well-kept secrets, the Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle is a place that combines heritage, history, discovery, and fun. It gives vibes of an old museum and you can actually buy proper pottery and art at a reasonable price!

There’s also the Dragon Kiln (a furnace/oven for burning pottery), one of the oldest surviving brick-built kilns in Singapore for wood firing. If you’d like to learn more about pottery, Thow Kwang also hosts a series of workshops that will give you your Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze “Ghost” pottery moment.

• Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle
• Address:  85 Lorong Tawas, off Jalan Bahar
• Contact number: +65 6268 6121
• Operating Hours: Daily, 9am-5pm
• Website: Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle

2. Lazarus Island

Are you looking for a beach to visit, but find that those at Sentosa are overpopulated? Why not try Lazarus Island instead? Accessible by a causeway from St John’s Island, Lazarus Island is home to an untouched tranquil beach.

You could take a dip in the clear turquoise waters, and bring along a picnic basket for a picnic on the pristine white sand. For the best beaches in Singapore, read this.

3. The Observatory at Science Centre

Stargazing, anyone? With a location near the equator, Singapore has an advantageous location. It allows stargazers to catch a glimpse of the constellations in both the northern and southern celestial hemispheres. If you happen to be in the west, drop by the Science Centre to check out the exhibits and end off your visit with a sky full of stars!

• Science Centre Observatory
• Address: 21 Jurong Town Hall Road, 609433
• Contact number: +65 6425 2500
• Operating Hours: Friday 7:45pm- 10:00pm
• Facebook: SCOB

4. Pulau Ubin

It’s a great destination for those who would like to escape the hustle and bustle of the city (especially from the crowd!). Just swap the MRTs for rental bikes and enjoy nature.

5. MegaZip Adventure Park

Up for an adventure with your buddies? Head down to Sentosa’s MegaZip Adventure Park to get your adrenaline going. Hang 450-metre high up and swing across a jungle, beach, and the sea at a speed of up to 60 kilometres!

Not a fan of swinging across Sentosa? Check out Climb Max, an obstacle course consisting of three levels of aerial ropes at 15 metres high. That sure sounds like the next Singapore Ninja Warrior course!

• MegaZip Adventure Park
• Address: Imbiah Hill Rd, Sentosa Island, 098967
• Contact number:+65 6884 5602
• Operating Hours: Daily, 11am-7pm
• Entrance fee: $50++
• Website: Image source: Bounce Singapore[/caption]

  The thought of hanging around Orchard as something fun to do probably did not cross your mind. But how about bouncing around the latest indoor adventure park that is strategically located in Orchard?

  Bounce Singapore is an epic urban playground that consists of interconnected trampolines, Freerun Terrain Park (like the one on American Ninja Warrior), and “Leap of Faith” – jump on a raised platform and leap out to catch hold of the trapeze. Best part of all? It’s indoors and you won’t get sunburnt from all that fun.

  [caption id="attachment_11345" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image source: Bounce Singapore[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11346" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image source: Bounce Singapore[/caption]
  • Bounce Singapore
  • Address: Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Road, #09-01
  • Contact number: +65 6816 2879
  • Operating Hours: Sun-Thurs (10am – 10pm), Fri-Sat (10am – midnight)
  • Entrance fee: $24++ (general admission), $19++(student discount)
  • Website: Bounce SG

  7. Singapore Botanic Gardens

  [caption id="attachment_11381" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image source: Image source: Image source: blognacarona[/caption]
  • Singapore Botanic Gardens
  • Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
  • Contact number: +65 6471 7138
  • Operating Hours: Daily 5am-12am
  • Website: Singapore Botanic Gardens

  8. Mint Museum Of Toy

  [caption id="attachment_11431" align="alignnone" width="586"] Image source: gridho[/caption]

  You’re never too young or too old for toys! This toy museum will delight both adults and kids with its vast collection of vintage toys and memorabilia from around the world.

  With over 50,000 pieces of vintage toys, this collection is considered one of the finest in the world. Even the five-storey building that houses the museum is a work of art and has gained international recognition at Architectural Awards.

  [caption id="attachment_11437" align="alignnone" width="602"] Image source: Javier Wu[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11439" align="alignnone" width="601"] Image source: afiq_castello[/caption]
  • Mint Museum Of Toys
  • Address: 26 Seah Street, 188382
  • Contact number: +65 63390660
  • Operating Hours: Daily 9:30am-6:30pm
  • Entry fee: $15
  • Website: Image source: Souce: Image source: The Natural Traveller[/caption]
    • Changi Chapel & Museum
    • Address: 1000 Upper Changi Rd N,  507707
    • Contact number: +65 6214 2451
    • Operating Hours: Daily 9:30am-5.00pm (last admission at 4:30pm)
    • Entry Fee: Free admission
    • Website: Image source: Image source: puripurikan_daus[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11458" align="alignnone" width="800"] Image source: addgrainonearth[/caption]
      • Singapore City Gallery
      • Address: 45 Maxwell Rd, The URA Centre, 069118
      • Contact number: +65 6321 8321
      • Operating Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
      • Entry Fee: Free admission
      • Website: Singapore City Gallery

      With 10 uncommon places to check out with your friends for a different kinda fun (and some really pocket-friendly ones), which one would you visit first? While you’re at it, also check out The Singaporean Bucket List – 10 Challenges You Die Die Must Complete.

      Header image source: Tiny Pieces Of Paper & Quirky Imagination Was All It Took For Instagrammer To Make SG Fun Again