What’s another good way to beat the heat other than ice cream? Cold water! Not just drinking refreshments, but also dipping in a swimming pool. Then again, if you have kids, one of the things you’ll constantly worry about is the risk of drowning. So, what’s next? You take them to a water playground instead. As the name suggests, it’s like a typical playground, but with an additional fun factor — water.

If you have no plans for this weekend yet, why not take your young ones to one of these water playgrounds in Singapore?

Far East Organization Children’s Garden

Whether you have a toddler or a pre-teen, this playground with a view is designed for them! There’s a Toddler Play Zone for children aged one to five where your kids can enjoy a colourful, interactive play space with the Fish Fountain, along with a swaying bridge and over stepping springs. For kids aged six to 12, the Water Play area features motion sensors that create a sequence of water effects according to your kids’ movements.

As of July 2022, the playground is open every Thursday to Sunday, including public holidays, from 9 AM to 7 PM. Last entry is at 6 PM. Opening hours are subject to change so it’s best to check the Gardens by the Bay’s website before visiting. Admission is free.

Location: Far East Organization Children's Garden, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953

Splash-N-Surf at the Singapore Sports Hub

Splash-N-Surf offers three zones: Kids Water Playground (free), Lazy River (S$2), and Stingray (S$30 to S$S35 per hour). The first one is ideal for your little ones, while the last two are okay for pre-teens but will need an adult companion.

The Kids Water Playground is split into two: the Kids Pool and the Water Play Area. The pool is 0.6 metres deep, and there are lifeguards on watch. Still, if you don’t want your kids to take a dip, the play area is enough to keep them busy. You can take them to the colourful slides or the coconut trees and mushroom cap showers. There are also sprays that maintain a gentle pressure, so they don’t hurt your little ones, and a walkway surrounded by water sprinklers.

If you simply want to float while being drifted slowly by the waters, the Lazy River is right for you and your young ones. This winding river is designed to encircle the waterpark, so you can sit back and enjoy the Singapore skyline. Don’t worry about your kids falling because the water is shallow (about one metre in depth).

Splash-N-Surf is open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM. Be sure to read their Conditions of Entry before visiting. For venue closures, you can check the specific play zone’s schedule.

Location: Splash-N-Surf, Level 3, Kallang Wave Mall, 1 Stadium Place, Singapore 397628

Waterworks at Science Centre Singapore

This fun-filled attraction at Science Centre Singapore (SCS) lets your kids enjoy while learning. One of the highlights at Waterworks is its Water Clock Tower, which comes with an anemometer to measure wind speed, a rain gauge to measure the amount of rainfall, and a windsock to indicate the wind’s direction. The Water Maze is also full of water jets so your kids can play around with changing water pressures.

Waterworks is open daily from 10 AM to 12:30 PM and 2 PM to 4:30 PM depending on weather conditions. Wearing of appropriate swimwear is required. Admission is free with every SCS ticket purchase. No onsite ticketing counters are available, so it’s best to pre-book before your visit.

Location: Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Rd, Singapore 609081

Water playgrounds that are temporarily closed (but we wish to open again soon!) as of August 2022:

• The 3 House at Changi City Point
• Happy Park at Waterway Point Playground
• Outdoor Wet Playground at IMM