Vintage Dragon Playgrounds in Singapore From the ‘70s Where Your Parents Used to Play At

Getting loud, dirty, and spontaneous helps a child’s mind foster creativity and experience adventure through playgrounds. In the 1970s, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) introduced the vintage dragon playgrounds featuring swings, see-saws, and slides inspired by Singapore’s culture and identity. Since then, it has become a heritage icon and a key component of every Singaporean’s childhood memory.

Designed by HDB’s in-house designer, Khor Ean Ghee got inspiration from the Oriental dragon of the Chinese community in the city-state. If you’re in the mood to take a trip down memory lane, here’s where to find the iconic vintage dragon playgrounds in Singapore.

Full Dragon Playground (Toa Payoh Lorong 6)

This is a full-sized vintage dragon playground in Singapore with a sandpit and is considered the most famous among others. It has also been recognized by various international blogs as one of the best playgrounds across the globe.

During the good old days, people used to see several high-rise buildings that cover the Toa Payoh dragon playground where children played for free!

In 2014, these blocks of flats were demolished but the iconic playground was unscathed. Its head and tail are made of mosaic tiles and painted in orange. The interior of the dragon’s head is covered in blue, with two slides that lead down to either the dragon’s head or the sandpit below.

Location: 28 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore

Mini Dragon Playground

Situated nearby the Full Dragon Playground is its smaller and less popular version. It doesn’t have a long dragon body, but it features a slide and stairs perfect for toddlers.

Location: Between Blk 240 and 241 Toa Payoh Lor 1 Singapore Full

Dragon Playground (Ang Mo Kio Ave 3)

Located in the northern part of the city-state, this dragon playground in Singapore features another full size of its kind. It is known for its dragon's long rib cage and soft-padded ground, keeping playtime.

The dragon head is embellished with terrazzo tiles while its spine is built with steel rails and metal ladders, making sliding better compared to bumpy concrete slides.

However, some say that dragon playgrounds with a sandpit feel more nostalgic and related to their childhood.

This playground features three metal ladders at the head and two in the middle of the yellow steel ribs where kids can practice climbing through the dragon’s eyes that serve as the window out to view the surroundings. Parents should mind the gaps between the metal ladders as these might not be suitable for younger kids, so extra precautions are necessary.

Location: Beside Blk 571 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 Singapore

Baby Dragon Playground

Let’s travel to the east side of the city as we explore the last dragon playground in Singapore. The so-called “baby dragon” is the only playground left untouched or not modified (except the sandpit) due to its limited space. This playground is also made with mosaic but compared to the other three dragons, it only has stairs going to the head.

Location: Between Blk 53 & 54 Pipit Road Singapore