7 Kid-friendly high-element obstacle courses in Singapore
Instead of letting the little ones crawl all over your furniture, why not bring them to these high-element obstacle courses? These are kid-friendly (think reasonable heights for different age groups and very safe) and parents can even join in the fun too.
When you're done exploring these obstacle courses, make plans to go to check out these free water parks and the best public pools in Singapore.
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For friendly competition
Let the little ones climb to their hearts’ content at this multi-activity play centre. A range of rock walls are available, including two speed-climbing auto-belaying walls. Those as young as five can try to balance on the two-storey indoor high elements obstacle course, with the help of a parent, who are encouraged to climb with their younger kids. But the highlight at Let ’em Play is Singapore’s first augmented reality rock climbing wall. Challenge another player to hit as many bats as possible, climb a set route or pass a ball back and forth – all while hanging onto the wall, of course.
For variety
New Zealand's indoor climbing theme park Clip 'n Climb has set up base at HomeTeamNS Tampines' space located at the refurbished Our Tampines Hub. You won't find any run-of-the-mill climbing stations here, though. Test your limits and scale over 19 colourful themed walls ($25/90 mins) that range from easy for the rookies to difficult for the more experienced. The best part? The park utilises an automatic belay system, which means you and your friends can climb the different walls at the same time without having to take turns belaying one another. But don’t let its quirky looks fool you, each station stands at 8 metres and are designed to be mentally challenging, featuring different types of grips and obstacles. Experience a twist in rock climbing at the Dry Ice wall where you’ll be given ‘ice picks’ – a pair of wooden sticks – to scale the structure and maneuver yourself to the top.
For the whole family
Nope, that’s not a bird or a plane. It’s just a bunch of children flying through the foliage of Bedok Reservoir Park in one of Forest Adventure’s three courses.
The Kid’s Course ($34/hour), for those aged five to ten years old – and at least 1.1 metres tall – features 16 aerial obstacle crossings before finishing with a 15-metre flying fox all the way down. For toddlers under four, there are trapezes, balancing beams and a spider net to navigate in the Mini Course ($15/three rounds). And adventurous kids ten and up are allowed on the Grand Course ($46/adult, $43/below 18), which packs in 35 ‘stages’ and four flying foxes – across water, no less – found 6 metres off the ground.
And fear not, parents: kids will be connected to a continuous safety line throughout the course and will not be disconnected until they’ve reached the end. While you aren’t allowed on the Mini Course, it has a raised platform for you to be nearer to your nervous tots.
For adrenaline junkies
Sixty kilometres-per-hour, 75 metres up and 450 metres long. MegaZip ($32/Singaporeans and PRs, $39.90/non-residents) is one of the longest and steepest zip lines – and probably fastest – in the region. While there is no minimum age to take the plunge, children need to be at least 0.9 metres tall – and they’ll still have to take flight in tandem with an adult. The reward? A breathtaking view of Siloso Beach.
Kids taller than 1.2 metres can navigate their way through ClimbMax ($39), a high-ropes course amid eucalpytus trees. There are three levels of difficulty, each with a dozen obstacles, to pick from – they range from 5 to 15 metres above ground.
For hot days
Beat the heat at this indoor playground (from $9, free for infants below 12 months). The main attraction is the Adventure Highlands ($5.50/circuit), a rope course with a suspension bridge that puts your kids’ concentration, balance and nerves to the test. The lower course is designed for those below 1.1 metres – parents can walk beside them – while the upper level is for everyone else, adults included. And children above five and adults interested in rock climbing can scale The Cliff to improve their agility and hand-eye coordination, no prior experience needed.
It’s not just all about the older kids, though. There’s also a ball pool with orbs that light up in a kaleidoscope of colours and a ‘kinetic sand play area’ where toddlers build their own simple sculptures.
For science lovers
KidsSTOP
This edutainment centre (entry from $5) uses hands-on activities and facilities to introduce the wild world of science to those aged 18 months to eight. And, as you’d probably guess by now, gravity’s a big part of it.
Enter The Big Dream Climber. This fantastical two-storey-high wall features elements plucked from the mind of the Mad Hatter: hanging doors, flying fish, giant gears and huge leaves greet kids at every corner. And if they manage to scale the wall, they’ll arrive at the Music Zone, where they can go nuts on drums and organs, constructed from PVC pipes.
For birthday parties
Chalk up brownie points with your kids by celebrating birthdays with an adventure party. And at this SAFRA centre, you’ll have a 15-metre-high, 400-metre-long sky walk – don’t worry, there are safety instructors and all the necessary equipment on hand – to take things to the next level. Literally.
There are indoor bouldering gyms, rock climbing walls and a laser tag facility to lose yourself in. Walk-ins aren’t accepted, though – you’ll have to make an advance booking, and there’s a minimum group size of 15 ($588.90/group).
More places to bring your kids to
Best indoor playgrounds for kids in Singapore
Too hot outside? Let your kids run riot at these adventure indoor playgrounds
Best farms in Singapore
Farms? What farms? The Little Red Dot is as famous for its agriculture industry as Jamaica is for bobsledding. But even though less than 1 percent of our land area is dedicated to farming activities, there’s an impressive variety of farms in Singapore. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly activity on the weekend or a getaway from the hustle and bustle, pick any of these for a breath of fresh air.
Best public parks for kids
Sure, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and all that. But as much as we’re proud of that fact, there are scores more public parks in this ‘City in a Garden’ that are perfect for unleashing the little ones in.
Best free water parks in Singapore
Singapore's weather can get quite hot, so cool down with the whole family at these aqua playgrounds around the island. We've checked out where to go for the best sprinklers, bubblers and water fountains that are great for kids, and adults, too. Best of all, as they are in public spaces, they come free of charge (no admission fees).
Child-friendly restaurants in Singapore
We pick out five joints to take the little ones to – without expecting a tantrum in return
