Planning for a hike with the family this weekend? Check out these recommended places for both young and old to enjoy!
Finding activities to do with your kids in Singapore?
Hiking is one of the best ways for a bonding session and clocking in some exercise for all.
It's also a great way to let your kids discover nature and hidden nooks in Singapore.
Read on to discover 10 kid-friendly spots to begin!
Photo credit: TODAY
Safe for young knees, the main trail at Dairy Farm Nature Park is paved, so don't worry about roughing it out with your little ones here.
Make sure to visit the Wallace Education Centre for interactive activities about Dairy Farm's changing landscapes.
Interesting wildlife exists here too, such as monkeys, pangolins, butterflies, and rare species of dragonflies – your young ones would definitely enjoy meeting them!
Photo credit: nparks
Looking for a relaxing walk with the kids? Look no further.
Thomson Nature Park flaunts a relatively flat terrain with clearly marked routes that makes it super easy to venture around this 50-hectare park.
There are 5 trails you can embark on in total – Macaque Trail (0.35km), Langur Trail (0.15km), Ruins and Figs Trail (1.5km), Rambutan Trail (0.4km) and Stream and Ferns Trail (1.4km).
The routes are pretty short and easy, so it's a suitable spot for kids under 5 years old.
Photo credit: little day out
Yearning for a solid adventure away from the hustle and bustle of city life?
Round up the whole family for a day trip to Pulau Ubin's very own Puaka Hill. Getting to Pulau Ubin is a simple 10-minute boat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to Pulau Ubin's Ferry Jetty.
Upon arrival, refer to a map that you can easily locate at both the Ferry Jetty and specific junctions around the island and you'll be able to find Puaka Hill Hut – the starting point of the 74m ascent.
You'll be able to soak in the breathtaking views once you get to the top of the hill, with views of Ubin Quarry, Johor Strait and Malaysia.
Need a quick pitstop but can't find a rest shelter?
Bring your own one along with our 2-second tent.
It fits up to 3 people nicely, and sets up in just two seconds (hence the name) – we're not kidding!
Photo credit: Time Out
This 3-in-1 beach-mangrove-park is a must-go if your kid loves animals and basking in the great outdoors.
Explore the mangrove swamp on the boardwalks and bird-watch at the three-storey viewing tower at Pasir Ris Park.
If you're lucky, your kid will be in for a treat of mudskippers, tree-climbing crabs and monitor lizards swimming in the waters.
Did we mention that the park comes complete with maze gardens, playgrounds and even pony rides? It's an outdoor haven for the young ones!
Photo credit: nparks
Gone were the days of a simple pavilion and a gigantic lake in Chinese Garden. Due to recent renovations, Jurong Lake Gardens now flaunts a newly renovated 90-hectare wonderland for young and old alike.
There are plenty of gardens to take easy hikes around here, such as the Grasslands habitat, where wild birds reside. Another one to check out is Southern Promenade, where flora and fauna like the Malayan Banyan and Rain Tree are located.
After completing your hike, you'll be pleased to discover a myriad of obstacle courses to entertain the kids here too, like a nature-inspired playground called Forest Ramble, or Clusia Cove – a unique water playground experience to cool off on a hot day.
Photo credit: Cheekiemonkies
Continue along Pasir Ris Park connector towards Tampines and you'll hit Tampines Eco Green – a sprawling greenery of grasslands, freshwater wetlands and a rainforest.
Search for the walking trail with this hidden gem to discover its inhabitants, including various species of dragonflies, spiders, birds and butterflies.
Kill two birds with one stone by putting this on the itinerary after you're done with Pasir Ris Park!
Photo credit: The New Age Parents
Situated in Botanic gardens, the Learning Forest was designed as an add-on to the existing 6-hectare rainforest to form an extended forest habitat.
The area is split into three different highlights – a bamboo garden, a wetland ecosystem and a botanic garden of wild fruit trees.
If discovering more about Singapore's rainforests is on the agenda for the whole family, then look no further than this charming spot.
Photo credit: ExplorerSG
If flora and fauna or grassy terrains aren't up your kid's alley (yet), Southern Ridges is a great preliminary spot to kickstart their love for the outdoors.
The 10km trail consists of pram-friendly park connectors to Mount Faber Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park, Labrador Nature Reserve, and Telok Blangah Hill.
Kids will enjoy playing atop Henderson Waves, the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore that's definitely great as a pitstop for a family picnic as well!
Photo credit: BYKidO
Spanning 81-hectares, Chestnut Nature Park is the biggest nature park to date, and is made up of two parts: Chestnut Nature Park (South), and Chestnut Nature Park (North).
There are two main trails here – the Northern Hiking Trail spans around 3.5km, while the Southern Hiking Trail around 2.1km.
The Northern Hiking Trail is split into two trails as well. The first, being the 2km Northern Trail that features a nice shady walk among tall trees with a flat and gentle terrain. You'll be able to get to the Chestnut Nature Park Observation Tower on this route too! However, do take note that it is not a loop, so you will need to plan for a detour or a later exit.
The second of the Northern Hiking Trail is the 1.5km Nature Trail that is a loop, which might be a more convenient option if you are going to be parking at the main car park.
The Southern Hiking Trail would be more suited for older kids as it features a steeper and rockier terrain. However, plus points for its looped route, which will bring you back to the starting point near the car park.
Thrill-seeking young ones will be pleased to see mountain bikers speed by on parallel trails as they take on the hiking trails here!
Photo credit: hasayang.wordpress.com
No stranger to those living in Punggol and the North East, Punggol Waterway Park is home to scenic water bodies that emanates peaceful and zen vibes.
The route consists mostly of designated pathways along the waterway. There are plenty of rest stops and shelters to rest up if junior gets tired easily.
Kids will love exploring highlights like the Recreation Zone, where they can get to play to their hearts' desire at sand and water play areas. They'll also enjoy playing on the Adventure Bridge – a suspension bridge that allows you a peek into the scenic views of the waterway.
We hope you found this article useful!
Do remember to preserve the environment by clearing all your litter, and respecting the various codes of conduct as you embark on these trails with your little ones.
Happy hiking!
