Cafe Melba is opening a third outlet at Mount Sophia (near Dhoby Ghaut) in March 2021.

Known for its all-day breakfasts, traditional weekend roasts and its kid-friendly space, Cafe Melba first opened at Goodman Arts Centre in the East of Singapore in 2012. It has another outlet at Mediapolis in the West of Singapore.

The new Cafe Melba at Mount Sophia will also be incorporating a grocer concept as part of the cafe for the community and residents.

Cafe Melba
31 Mount Sophia
Singapore 228480
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Opening in March 2021

Being a parent is hard in so many ways.

Bringing kids out for a meal can be extremely difficult, especially if there is no entertainment to keep them occupied. However, nothing beats having the time to bond with your loved ones over a hearty meal and to see the goofy smiles on your kids’ faces. Kids are fickle creatures and probably have the same attention span as a puppy. That said, having kid-friendly elements such as a playground or a kids menu would help family meals a lot less chaotic.

From cafes with a soft-fall playground to a mini buffet catered to kids and a dedicated reading corner to the little ones, here is our guide to 13 kid-friendly restaurants in Singapore.

BAYSWATER KITCHEN

Situated along Marina at Keppel Bay and boasting a stunning waterfront view, Bayswater Kitchen will definitely be one restaurant both the young and younger will enjoy dining at. Adults can choose from a wide range of seafood options and kids aren’t excluded either—children under 12 years old can choose from their kids’ menu, of which the Fish & Chips (S$14) are highly recommended!

2 Keppel Bay Vista
Singapore 098382
Tel: +65 6776 0777
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat: 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 11.30am – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

CAFE MELBA

A restaurant concept that blends the best of Melbourne and Asia, Cafe Melba provides a gourmet yet casual dining experience. A temporary oasis away from the hustle and bustle, Cafe Melba caters plenty of events for both little ones and adults alike and their kid’s set menu includes fruit juice or plain milk as well as a choice of chocolate, strawberry or vanilla ice cream

Block N #01, 90 Goodman Road, 56
Singapore 439053
Tel: +65 6440 6068
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Mountbatten

CARROTSTICKS & CRAVINGS

Located within Loewen Gardens in the Dempsey area, Carrotsticks & Cravings is an Aussie-inspired cafe with a huge outdoor space where kids can go wild. What’s more, this space entails an entire trampoline where children can have fun after getting their meal from the kid’s menu which comes with loads of nutritious options!

75E Loewen Road
Singapore 248845
Daily: 8am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Road

DISTRICT 10 BAR & RESTAURANT @ UE SQUARE

Bringing your kids out for a meal at a restaurant is already tough enough, let alone a bar where angsty adults get tipsy. However, District 10 Bar & Restaurant’s outlet at UE Square caters to families regardless of age—with a bouncy castle for the kids, sip on a cocktail without having to worry that your kids cry out of boredom!

81 Clemenceau Avenue
UE Square Shopping Mall #01-15/16/17
Singapore 239917
Tel: +65 6738 4788
Mon to Wed: 11.30am – 11pm
Thu: 11.30am – 12am
Fri: 11.30am – 1am
Sat: 10am – 12am
Sun: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

EDGE

One of our favourite restaurants when it comes to lavish buffet spreads, Edge’s buffet lineup is always set to impress diners old and new, kids and adults alike. Their huge space now comes with a room dedicated to the little ones with a variety of kid’s offerings, and even a balloon sculptor who goes around crafting masterpieces while your kids are having their meals!

Pan Pacific Singapore, Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sunday Brunch: 12pm – 3.30pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

E-SARN THAI @ GRANDSTAND

Priding themselves on serving authentic North-Eastern Thai cuisine since 1994, E-Sarn Thai @ Grandstand is the perfect venue for you and your little ones to enjoy the intense Thai flavours—of course, their menu comes with several non-spicy, kid-friendly options. The casual dining spot has a play area where the children can have fun at!

200 Turf Club Road #01-13
The Grandstand
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 6468 4484
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Sixth Avenue

FRESH FRUITS LAB

Incorporating fruits into their menu as much as possible and vibrant pastel colours in their decor, this cosy cafe in the West is great for brunch and is a place that kids will surely love. Besides plating their food in an adorable manner, the place even features a bouncy castle out back! Their kid’s menu features items which are mostly priced below S$10.

28 Clementi Road
Singapore 129754
Tel: +65 6803 7472
(Closed on Mondays)
Tues to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat & Sun: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Kent Ridge

HUBER’S BISTRO

Occupying the same space where their huge 2-storey butchery is, Huber’s Bistro is one of the best places possible for a fun family outing. After your kids are done with gobbling down fresh meats, take them out back where you’d find a soft-fall playground out at the back that’s shaded and gated.

22 Dempsey Road
Singapore 249679
Tel: +65 6737 1588
Mon to Fri: 9.30am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Road

IKEA

A restaurant that needs no introduction, IKEA caters to families wholeheartedly with the use of plastic utensils for kids and a dedicated kid’s menu that’s affordable and hearty at the same time. Delish meatballs, chicken wings and a play area complete with a fun space to play at the showroom area, IKEA leaves little to wonder as to why children are always begging their parents to take them there!

317 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159965
Tel: +65 6786 6868
Sun to Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

NATIVE KITCHEN

Located within Village Hotel at Sentosa, Native Kitchen is a restaurant that celebrates the best of islander cuisine. As if its close proximity to exciting attractions such as the Palawan Pirate Ship, Universal Studios Singapore, The Merlion and Kidzania doesn’t already make it an ideal spot for family gatherings; the restaurant itself makes dining with your kids a whole lot easier!

Native Kitchen provides interactive menus which have puzzles and mazes for the kids to solve to keep them preoccupied while waiting for their food. What’s more, they also provide children’s utensils so moms and dads can save the hassle!

Native Kitchen
10 Artillery Avenue Sentosa Island
Village Hotel at Sentosa, Lift Lobby
Singapore 099951
Tel: +65 6722 0818
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

OPEN FARM COMMUNITY

If you often bring your child out to dine, then Open Farm Community should be no stranger to you. This restaurant encompasses a farm-to-table concept, and kids will surely love their huge kids’ sandpit with wooden cow playground which is set amidst lush greenery and multiple quirky sculptures.

130E Minden Road
Singapore 248819
Tel: +65 6471 0306
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 12am
Sat: 11am – 5pm, 6pm – 12am
Sun: 11am – 5pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Road

QUENTIN’S EURASIAN RESTAURANT

There are few restaurants in Singapore dedicated to serving Eurasian food, let alone one that has a play area for kids so you can bet that Quentin’s The Eurasian Restaurant is a gem. The restaurant has a separate play area for children to let loose at, at this space includes a mini playground, mini ball pond, ride-on toys and even a reading corner.

139 Ceylon Road Level 1 Eurasian Community House
Singapore 429744
Tel: +65 6348 0327
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 2pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

THE HALIA

Nestled within The Botanic Gardens, The Halia is a great place for a tranquil meal. The restaurant’s all-day menu has plenty of tantalizing European-Asian options for diners to choose from, and children can take their pick from children’s menu, which also comes with connect-the-dot puzzles and mazes that will surely keep the kids occupied.

What’s more, this restaurant is Halal-certified so our Muslim friends can head over and enjoy a meal here with their little ones too!

1 Cluny Road,
Ginger Garden
Singapore Botanic Garden
Singapore 259569 Tel: +65 8444 1148
Mon to Thu: 9am – 9.30pm
Fri: 9am – 10pm
Sat: 10am – 10pm
Sun: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

Life races ahead so fast that we sometimes don’t even realise what’s happening and how much we need to bring ourselves to a pause just to take in how we feel. That desperation for a brief reprieve is how we find ourselves booking our next flight out, or if we can’t, we do with a holiday within our sunny island.

Today, we have a new destination in the South of Singapore to share. Well, we’d like to think of Native Kitchen as a destination. It is located within Village Hotel at Sentosa and it is a restaurant that celebrates the best of islander cuisine.

Aside from serving up an International breakfast, Native Kitchen specialises in Polynesian and Islander cuisines which offer a myriad of dishes using the freshest ingredients and culinary techniques that bring out their natural flavours. With that, prepare your taste buds for a gastronomical feast that will leave not just the belly, but the heart full as well.

The family-friendly restaurant boasts serious resort vibes and with so many attractions in the proximity, it is no wonder Native Kitchen is fast becoming one of the hottest spots in Singapore for families, big groups or even if you just want a casual weekend date. Here are 8 reasons why we love Native Kitchen at Village Hotel at Sentosa.

A LITTLE PARADISE TUCKED AWAY IN THE HEART OF SENTOSA 

What we love about Native Kitchen goes beyond their food—it’s a tranquil respite far from the hectic city life. Whether it’s with a group of friends, your significant other or your family, they have created the perfect environment for some much-needed intimate time with your loved ones.

Despite being conveniently close to the city, Native Kitchen somehow manages to detach you from the stresses of the concrete urban jungle and transports you to a space where you can rejuvenate, relax and pamper yourself with good food and even better company.

STONE’S THROW AWAY FROM KIDZANIA SINGAPORE AND OTHER EXCITING ATTRACTIONS  

We appreciate how the restaurant is a stone’s throw away from plenty of exciting attractions that we know your kids will love such as Palawan Pirate Ship, Universal Studios Singapore, The Merlion and Kidzania.

This makes the restaurant even more ideal because what is a family day out without some nice dinner after?

If you’re eager to get some tanning done or if the kids want to build some sandcastles, you can also bring them to Palawan Beach which is just in the vicinity. After a day of feeling the sand in your toes and the sun on your skin, you can head on over to Native Kitchen for some seriously good island-inspired food.

SPACIOUS INTERIOR WITH A TROPICAL RAINFOREST AMBIENCE 

There is nothing not to love about Native Kitchen’s interior — breezy, spacious and modern, this beautifully furnished space will be your new favourite hangout spot. The lights bathe the place in a warmth and cosiness that adds to the tropical vibe set by the woody furniture and decorative plants.

With its rattan furniture, solid wood tables and lush plants, the tropical theme throughout the restaurant truly makes one feel like they have escaped to a completely different country!

We also appreciate how they have a mixture of both small table settings for more intimate sessions as well as long wooden tables to fit larger groups of people.

SHARING PLATTER FOR LARGE GATHERINGS

To keep you prepped for any large gatherings that you may be hosting, Native Kitchen has an array of sharing platters that you can get to feed the masses.

Yes, you will be spoilt for choice, but we highly recommend their Meat Platter (S$118) which features a juicy assortment of proteins such as short ribs, striploin steak, jumbo satay skewers and pork shoulder.

CHILDREN & FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING 

Native Kitchen is a family-friendly dining outlet that provides a chic yet cosy space for families to unwind and spend some quality time together.

Do your kids get impatient while waiting for their food to arrive?

The kids-friendly restaurant is equipped with children’s utensils as well as interactive menus to keep the children entertained. The puzzles and maps drawn onto their menus will have them so engrossed that they may not even realise that the food has come. Yes, chuck them iPads aside and truly bask in your relaxing “holiday”.

To refuel before or after a day of non-stop fun and games, your kids can indulge in Native Kitchen’s extensive children’s menu with favourites such as Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti (S$13), Fish & Chips (S$12) and Spaghetti Bolognese (S$13).

Seriously, how would any kid not like these? The Fish & Chips are really good; the lightly-battered white fish are not overly oily. The Chicken Alfredo is for the little ones who love their cheeses and cream!

ISLAND-INSPIRED MENU 

Resort vibes = island-inspired menu.

Some of the unique dishes that you can look forward to at Native Kitchen are the Island Ceviche (S$18), Misoyaki Butterfish (S$40) and Big Kahuna Burger (S$28).

A standout for us was the Kalbi Short Rib Loco Moco (S$24) which consists of an insanely tender short rib patty perched atop a bed of steamed jasmine rice and surrounded by a moat of smoked mushroom gravy. The dish is finished off with a lovely poached egg that provides the dish with a creamier consistency when the egg is broken and beaten into the rice.

ASIAN FLAVOURS 

For something up your Asian alley or to please the older folks in the family, be tantalised by a range of Asian dishes such as Chili Crab Linguine (S$30), Singapura Laksa (S$28) and Hainan Island Chicken Rice (S$24).

Well, we insist that you get the Bebek Goreng (S$25) which is essentially an Indonesia-style duck confit. The dish consists of an incredibly crispy and tender Balinese styled deep-fried duck leg, kicap manis, spicy hot sambal and fragrant jasmine rice.

MASTERCARD DINE 4 PAY 3 PROMOTION

Enjoy a dine 4 pay 3 for mains promotion at Native Kitchen when you pay with a Mastercard Debit or Credit Card. This promotion is valid on all days including eve of and on public holidays from now until 30 Sep 2019.

Terms and Conditions

• Promotion valid from 1 Apr to 30 Sep 2019, including eve of and on public holidays.
• Payment must be made with valid Mastercard Debit of Credit Card for promotion to be valid.
• Promotion applicable for mains in ‘Comfort Food’, ‘Fish’, ‘Poultry’, ‘Rice/Pasta/Noodles’ section only.
• Promotion strictly for dine in lunch & dinner only.
• Promotion cannot be used with other promotions, vouchers, discounts, loyalty cards, special offers, rebate cards and/or privileges unless otherwise stated. Splitting of bills is strictly not allowed.

Native Kitchen 
10 Artillery Avenue Sentosa Island
Village Hotel at Sentosa, Lift Lobby
Singapore 099951
Tel: +65 6722 0818
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

This post is brought to you by Native Kitchen. 

Having kids is pure joy, right up until the point they start to whine, cry and cause a scene in public. That’s right, nothing sucks the living joy out of a family outing quite like a tantrum-throwing child.

Dining out is inherently difficult if you have a kid that’s easily restless but it doesn’t always have to be a problem. All you need is something that’ll keep them occupied, for instance, an iPad with cartoons playing on loop (as per the norm nowadays), or better yet, a kid-centric menu with attractive yummies or even space for them to run wild and free.

Don’t own an iPad? Well, fret not mommies and daddies because here is our list of 15 restaurants and cafes in Singapore that are great for your little ones, ensuring that you’ll be able to enjoy family time through proper bonding.

CAFE MELBA

Cafe Melba is a relaxed cafe and restaurant concept that blends the best of Melbourne and Asia, providing a gourmet yet casual dining experience. A temporary oasis away from the hustle and bustle, Cafe Melba caters plenty of events for both little ones and adults alike and the best part? Breakfast is served all day, every day, and don’t even get us started on their kid’s set menu which Includes fruit juice or plain milk as well as a choice of chocolate, strawberry or vanilla ice cream

Block N #01, 90 Goodman Road, 56
Singapore 439053
Tel: +65 6440 6068

CAF CLICKAFOOD

CAF Clickafood is a new pastel-themed cafe by Boat Noodles and popular singer, Ang Juyang. The family-friendly cafe at 339 Upper Paya Lebar Road (near to Lorong Ah Soo) features 5 different menus including Korean, Local, Western, Thai cuisine and drinks at reasonable prices.

The cafe also uses pastel-coloured Yamatoya baby high chairs from Molco.

339 Upper Paya Lebar Rd
Singapore 534953
Tel: +65 6970 5077

FRESH FRUITS LAB

No surprises here—Fresh Fruits Lab (FFL) is our favourite cafe in the East of Singapore. This has never changed since our first visit in 2015.

Keeping its core laboratory theme and incorporating fruits into its menu, FFL boasts a colourful, pastel interior that is both whimsical and photogenic. It is also a kid-friendly dining outlet with a play corner for your little ones as well as a low-salt kids menu that is so reasonably priced.

351 Changi Rd, Singapore 419818
Tel: +65 6677 6741

GRUB

With a name like grub, one would naturally jump to the conclusion that these folks are all about greasy burgers, full-fat milkshakes and loaded fries. On the contrary, they’re all about creating gratifying food using only the freshest produce—that’s always a good thing especially for parents who only want the best for their children.

Nestled in Bishan Park, GRUB offers diners a beautiful view of the park and kids, an opportunity to head over to the nearby playground post-meal!

510 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1
Singapore 569983
Tel: +65 6459 5743

IKEA

How many of you immediately thought, “meatballs!”, the minute you saw the title? Popular for its canteen-style concept, IKEA is a great place to take your kids out to. With a kid-friendly menu and a play area for the little ones to run wild, this is one place that guarantees good family bonding on top of delicious food.

317 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159965
Tel: +65 6786 6868

NATIVE KITCHEN

Located within Village Hotel at Sentosa, Native Kitchen is a restaurant that celebrates the best of islander cuisine. As if its close proximity to exciting attractions such as the Palawan Pirate Ship, Universal Studios Singapore, The Merlion and Kidzania doesn’t already make it an ideal spot for family gatherings; the restaurant itself makes dining with your kids a whole lot easier!

Native Kitchen provides interactive menus which have puzzles and mazes for the kids to solve to keep them preoccupied while waiting for their food. What’s more, they also provide children’s utensils so moms and dads can save the hassle!

10 Artillery Avenue Sentosa Island
Village Hotel at Sentosa, Lift Lobby
Singapore 099951
Tel: +65 6722 0818
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

JONES THE GROCER

More than just a gourmet grocer, Jones The Grocer astounds with its massive spread of delectable nosh. Ideal for a brunch on weekends with the family, lunch or a quick coffee Jones the Grocer is a go-to for any meal. Their kids’ menu has also been tweaked to give little ones the vitamins and nutrients they need while remaining appetising above all.

#01-66/67, 1 Kim Seng Promenade
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 6820 0930

MARCHÉ MOVENPICK

Set in a Swiss Alpine village, delight in a myriad of scrumptious dishes such as their delicious rostis—crispy on the outside, fluffy in the middle and served with a dollop of sour cream—or their super-thin wood-fired pizzas. Let your little rascals go wild at the children’s play area while you dine in peace and bring them back to enjoy their own free Picky Kids meal—available from Monday to Thursday with a minimum spend of S$60 in a single receipt.

3 Temasek Blvd, #01-612 to 614
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6337 3134

O’COFFEE CLUB XPRESS

If you ever decide to bring your little ones to the airport to see aeroplanes, be sure to stop over at O’Coffee Club Xpress. The kids’ menu here is valid for children aged 12 and below and begin at only S$6.90 each and every item comes with a complimentary fruit juice! The icing on the cake? If you choose to order a sandwich or a pasta, your kids get their meal free!

65 Airport Boulevard, L2 LF1 Terminal 3
Singapore 819663
Tel: +65 6585 6369

PLATFORM 1094

If getting accepted into Hogwarts is a lifetime dream of your little one, then you—or rather they—have to know more about Platform 1094, a Harry Potter-themed cafe along Serangoon Road. Run by the same team behind Fresh Fruits Lab, Platform 1094 is where your (and your kids) wizard dreams come true. They serve up a slew of hearty yet whimsical dishes that will surely entice the little ones.

1094 Serangoon Road
Singapore 328192
Tel: +65 6204 6003

PIZZA EXPRESS

If you raised your child to love pizza and all things related to Italian food, you did a spot-on job. Specialising in gourmet, hand-made Italian pizza and a variety of hand-made pasta, Pizza Express is one of the best places to enjoy real-deal Italian pies. Bringing a pack of hungry children? Order up their Dough Balls Doppio to share!

7 Fraser Street, #01-01/02
Duo Galleria
Singapore 189356

SUPER LOCO

Priding themselves on family-style Mexican cuisine, Super Loco offers diners fun, vibrancy underscoring the main attraction which is, sensational grub made using fresh ingredients. Brunch is available on weekends for those looking to indulge in a Mexican-themed brunch affair whereas kids get to enjoy their los ninos menu—their version of a kid’s menu—all throughout the week.

60 Robertson Quay, #01-13
The Quayside
Singapore 238252
Tel: +65 6235 8900

THE COASTAL SETTLEMENT

Surrounded by lush trees and endless sea of greenery, and filled to the brim with lots of retro memorabilia and knick-knacks from the good old days, dining at The Coastal Settlement is always a joy for both the young and the young at heart. Be sure to ask the staff to give you a tour of their many antiques—it’d be a good history lesson for the kids too.

Their menu boasts an array of local favourites but with a contemporary twist to them. Whether you’re a photographer, a cafe enthusiast, a nature lover or a mother of two, you’re bound to find something worth falling in love with—your kids too.

200 Netheravon Road
Singapore 508529
Tel: +65 6475 0200

WILD HONEY

A wildly popular all-day breakfast spot in Singapore, Wild Honey is famed for its menu of breakfasts from different parts of the world from freshly baked bagels to bacon and pancake-loaded American breakfast. What kid doesn’t like waking up to pancakes or waffles?

333A Orchard Road #03-02
Mandarin Gallery Singapore
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 6235 3900

Time flies by way too quickly—it may feel like the December holidays were just over, but in reality, the March holidays are just around the corner! For parents, this means fretting over where to bring the kids to keep them entertained for a week and that in itself is no easy task.

It can be quite a chore to find activities that kids will gladly put down their electronic devices for, but don’t worry, we have you sorted with this list of 16 kid-friendly outdoor activities in Singapore that will keep your children away from their iPads and phones this March holiday.

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Photo Credit: The Straits Times 

ADMIRALTY PARK PLAYGROUND

Admiralty Park Playground is heaven on earth for children and all of you who are children at heart. The sprawling playground features hilly terrains filled with 26 slides, bridges, burrows and a plethora of other fun structures that will leave the kids entertained for hours on end!

Admiralty Park Playground 
31 Riverside Road
Singapore 730000
Daily: 24-hours
Nearest Station: Woodlands

ADVENTURE COVE

If your kids love theme parks and water, Adventure Cove would be the perfect destination for your family during the March holidays. The park features high-speed rides, thrilling slides and a winding lazy pool that the children will love. The place even has a corner for you to watch the manta-rays and tropical fish swim by; it’s the perfect spot for a nice family photo!

Adventure Cove 
8 Sentosa Gateway
Singapore 098269
Tel: +65 6577 6000
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

CHINESE GARDEN EXPLORING 

Chinese Garden—this gem in the west is not just another park in Singapore. The beautiful gardens are chock full of activities and there is plenty of room for exploring. With its gorgeous pavilions, towering pagodas, and large grassy lawns, Chinese Garden is a great place to have some playtime with your children.

Chinese Garden 
1 Chinese Garden Road
Singapore 619795
Mon to Sun: 6am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Chinese Garden

Photo Credit: Mapio.net 

BUILDING SANDCASTLES AT THE BEACH 

This age-old activity still works like a charm — kids love building sandcastles and it is one activity that can keep them occupied for hours. Singapore is also no short of clean beaches such as Palawan Beach and East Coast Park, so having a day out at the beach building sand castles and getting a tan would be a safe and fun option this March holiday.

EXPLORING SUNGEI BULOH WETLAND RESERVE 

This hidden gem at the northwest side of Singapore is teeming with different species of animals. The natural habitat is known to be home to a large variety of plants, birds and other animal inhabitants, making it the perfect place for the kids to immerse themselves in nature and to learn a little more about Singapore’s wildlife.

FARM VISITS 

Singapore is well-known to be a concrete jungle, but did you know that we still have our fair share of farms? Most of these places are tucked away in the North side of the country and it is a great opportunity to bring your kids away from the hectic city life to let them see another side of Singapore. We are sure that they’ll love the adorable animals!

Some farms to check out are Hay Dairies Goat Farm and The Animal Resort.

Hay Dairies Goat Farm 
3 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4
Singapore 718859
Tel: +65 6792 0931
Wed to Mon: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Kranji

The Animal Resort 
81 Seletar West Farmway 5
Singapore 798061
Tel: +65 6482 1160
Tue to Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Fernvale

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GARDENS BY THE BAY 

Singapore’s famous and futuristic Gardens by the Bay is a massive, gorgeous space that is home to the renowned Supertrees. Aside from that, the gardens have an abundance of trees and plants just waiting to be discovered and it is the perfect place to bring your kids to immerse themselves in nature.

GO-KARTING 

Are your kids dying to learn how to drive but they are underage? Bring them for a round of go-karting and let them feel like little adults! Round up your whole family and have a race to see who’s the better driver!

One place you can go to go-kart is The Karting Arena.

The Karting Arena 
200 Turf Club Rd, #01-01B The Grandstand
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 9627 6771
Tue to Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sixth Avenue

INLINE SKATING

Test how well your kids can balance themselves on wheels by teaching them how to inline skate! Once they’ve gotten a hang of it, you guys can zip around and take part in friendly races with each other.

You can learn how to inline skate at Inlinex Henderson.

Inlinex Henderson 
201 Henderson Road, #07-05 APEX
Singapore 159545
Tel: +65 6858 2887
Mon to Fri: 12am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

Photo Credit: NParks

JACOB BALLAS CHILDREN’S GARDEN 

Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden was designed specifically with children in mind and its main aim is to educate and instil a love for nature in children. The whole garden is a learning environment that will teach kids more about Mother Nature as well as allow them to have fun at the same time.

Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden 
481 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 259769
Tel: 1800 471 7300
Daily: 8am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

KAYAKING 

Kayaking is a fun-filled activity that will train kids to not only paddle a kayak but also to have teamwork. There are different programmes out there for kids of different ages and capabilities, so you don’t have to worry about your kid not being able to manage.

One place that does a great job in teaching kids how to kayak is the Singapore Canoe Federation.

Singapore Canoe Federation 
Kallang Water Sports Centre, 10 Stadium Lane
Singapore 397774
Tel: +65 6344 6337
Nearest Station: Kallang

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Photo Credit: The Straits Times

KITE FLYING 

The beauty of kite flying is that it really shows you and your kids that hard work does pay off. After labouring over your kite and putting it together, you get to reap other benefits by watching your beautiful creations take off in the sky. Singapore also has plenty of open areas for you to fly your kites, making it a convenient activity.

Photo Credit: Orto 

LONGKANG FISHING 

People from the kampung days really knew what’s up when it came to keeping kids entertained; kampung fishing is a classic activity that the older generation did when they were kids, and this simple yet thrilling activity will with no doubt keep the children entertained for hours. The look on their faces when they successfully catch a fish is absolutely priceless!

One place in Singapore that you can bring the kids over too for some kampung fishing is ORTO. For only S$12, your child will get a plastic tank and a fishing net (returnable) to catch small fishes.

ORTO 
#01, 81 Lor Chencharu, 01
Singapore 769198
Tel: +65 6257 8858
Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 10am – 8pm
School Holidays (Tue to Fri): Timing varies, refer their Facebook for updated timings
Nearest Station: Khatib

Photo Credit: Unscrambled.sg

POKEMON HUNTING 

The Pokemon craze has not died down just yet! Pokemon Go is the perfect activity to keep your kids active and alert while they have fun. Bring them around Singapore for a Pokemon hunt and let them explore our sunny little island as they run around trying to catch ‘em all!

SINGAPORE ZOO

If your kids are animal lovers, the perfect place to bring them to would, of course, be the Singapore Zoo. The Zoo has a plethora of different animals to check out and the interactive exhibitions allow kids to be able to learn more about the animals while having fun.

Singapore Zoo 
80 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729826
Daily: 8.30am – 6pm
Tel: 6269 3411
Nearest Station: Kranji

HSBC TREE TOP WALK @ MACRITCHIE 

The tree top walk is perfect for those of you who have very hyperactive kids! Take your little bundles of energy on a walk here and let them submerge themselves in the lush greenery. The view from above is also pretty magnificent and some shots of your kids here would look great as your new phone wallpaper.

Tree Top Walk @ Macritchie 
601 Island Club Road
Singapore 578775
Tel: 1800 471 7300
Mon to Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

Our favourite Fresh Fruits Lab (FFL) is back at it again. They have opened a second cafe—Fresh Fruits Lab Z Edition—in Clementi just behind NUS.

The new outlet is nothing short of amazing. Just like their previous branch, they stick to the core of incorporating fruits into their menu as much as possible, being kid-friendly, and serving up absolutely delicious food at even more reasonable prices than before.

We already know what’s great at their first branch, so what is it about The Z Edition that makes it fantastic? A bouncy castle for kids during the weekends! And on top of that, there are some tweaks to the menu and here is everything we love.

From now until 30 Nov 2018, kids below 8 dine for free during weekends at Fresh Fruits Lab Z when you quote ‘ladyironchef’. Every order of a main course comes with a complimentary kid’s main (from the kids’ menu).

Calling all mommies: this is also the next brunch spot you must bring your kids to for a jolly good time!

BANGING APPETISERS

Just like before, FFL serves their signature cold-pressed juices in a small test tube for you to sample, and in an adorable beaker should you order the full-size ones (averagely S$5 per glass).

We ordered the Spam Fries (S$8) as well as the Golden Brown Chicken Wings (S$8)—both served with homemade sweet chilli sauce.

The chicken wings had a lovely crispy skin that readily soaked up sweet garlic taste of the chilli. It was well seasoned down to the bone, and juicy without being oily. The light batter coating the spam fries also had an interesting texture to it, that provided a pleasant contrast between it and the soft spam inside. Despite being deep fried, it wasn’t greasy at all.

VALUE-FOR-MONEY MAINS

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. The Classic British Fish and Chips (S$12) is our all-time favourite main at FFL.

As plain and boring as it sounds, the portion size is massive, and the fish remains firm, flaky and delicately soft, encrusted by a thin layer of white ale batter. Their homemade tartar sauce boasts a slight spice to it that made the whole dish even more enjoyable. As if the generous serving is not filling enough, it comes with a side of fruit salad and truffle fries.

Another main to try is the FFL Baked Rice (S$9). The rice is cooked in buttermilk before being baked with a layer of mozzarella cheese, and it is pleasantly cheesy without being cloying or heavy. With bacon, chicken ham and mushrooms in it, kids are bound to love this dish of baked rice for sure!

The Grilled Pork Loin (S$15) is also a chef’s recommendation. Tender, thick and juicy, each morsel was a delight in itself to eat.

Served with mashed potatoes, eggplant pesto and green zucchini, the flavours intermingled with one another to highlight and emphasize the natural sweetness of the meat. It also comes along with pesto mayo sauce and apple chutney that helped to change up the flavour profile as we ate it.

Cafes are usually not known for their steaks, but FFL’s Angus Rib Eye (S$22) is definitely worth its price. It is a genuine 250gm of Angus ribeye that’s tender and soft, with the perfect amount of chew before easily sliding down your throat.

We loved how with every chew it released more of that beef flavour we all know and love, which melded well with their brown sauce that was slightly sweeter than the typical chargrill or mushroom sauce.

We also enjoyed their Cajun Chicken (S$10), which is really a simple yet comforting roasted cajun chicken served with grilled vegetables, sweet corn and mashed potatoes.

BITE-SIZED FUN FOR THE KIDS

Just like their first branch, FFL aims to cater to the entire family. Treat your kids to deliciously adorable meals such as FFL’s Teddy The Daddy (S$8), Little Miss Koala (S$8) or Chicken Little (S$10).

Their kids’ menu is prepared with less salt, without compromising on any of the other flavours for the children to enjoy. That is, if they’re willing to cut into something so cute.

From now until 30 Nov 2018, kids below 8 dine for free during weekends at Fresh Fruits Lab Z when you quote ‘ladyironchef’. Every order of a main course comes with a complimentary kid’s main (from the kids’ menu).

They also offer cake decorating to allow your kids to have a hand at crafting their own desserts. Choose from a range of their signature and have your children’s creativity flow from the tip of their chocolate pens.

For those kids that just can’t sit still, there’s a bouncy castle out in their backyard—set up at Fresh Fruits Lab Z on weekends. Boy, won’t the kids get so excited about this!

Your kids will absolutely love the bouncy castle where they can bounce and run back and forth. Fresh Fruits Lab Z Edition is the perfect place for parents to kick back and relax with good food while their children entertain themselves.

During lunch hours from 12pm to 3pm (except on public holidays), FFL offers a set menu consisting of a drink, salad and main for only S$10.90++.

For the alcoholics, you’d also be glad to know they have daily beer promotions. The most bang for the buck ones being Wednesdays for students, with beer towers at only S$39 (U.p. S$49–53), and Fridays with two towers going for S$89! Worth it!

Fresh Fruits Lab – The Z Edition
28 Clementi Road
Singapore 129754
Tel: +65 6803 7472
(Closed on Mondays)
Tues to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat & Sun: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Kent Ridge

Fresh Fruits Lab
351 Changi Rd, Singapore 419818
Tel: +65 6677 6741
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/ Kembangan

This post was brought to you by Fresh Fruits Lab.

No surprises here—Fresh Fruits Lab (FFL) is our favourite cafe in the East of Singapore. This has never changed since our first visit in 2015.

The themed cafe has seen a revamp recently and it is nothing short of amazing. Still keeping their core laboratory theme and incorporating fruits into their menu, FFL now boasts a colourful, pastel interior that is both whimsical and photogenic.

It has also become a kids-friendly dining outlet with a play corner for your little ones as well as a low-salt kids menu that is so reasonably priced.

How can a cafe make us fall in love so much? FFL always does it best. Here are some of our favourite dishes from its current menu. You need to bring your squad here for your next gathering!

So you think the cafe only looks pretty?

FFL has always been consistent with their food. No effort is spared to serving only the best—from their dedicated culinary team (most of the chefs have years of experience cooking and baking in top hotels in Singapore!) to the freshness of ingredients.

The menu goes beyond a typical cafe’s standards. It has a wide range of appetisers, salads, mains, desserts, coffee and juices; basically everything that attributes to a good meal. And as its name and theme suggest, FFL incorporates fruits as much as possible into everything for that healthy and refreshing touch.

FFL SIGNATURE FISH & CHIPS

If we had to pick only one dish to love at FFL, it would be their Signature Fish & Chips. Fish & Chips may sound boring but wait till you’ve tried FFL’s version!

For just S$19, you get a huge piece of beer-battered pacific dory fried to a golden perfection. As if the generous serving is not filling enough, it comes with a larger portion of fruits salad, a mountain of fries and homemade tartare.

This is comfort food for the soul, guys.

SOFT-SHELL CRAB PASTA

Also at S$19, this pasta is our favourite among the four choices on the menu.

Featuring a huge and crispy soft-shell crab sits atop al dente spaghetti, the Soft-Shell Crab Pasta is a slightly spicy rendition that is not for the faint-hearted. The chilli crab sauce is homemade, by the way.

FFL DA BOMB BURGER

Need your burger fix but don’t want your wallet to take a beating? The FFL Da Bomb Burger (S$19) will make your trip to FFL worth the while.

This beauty is everything a burger should be—juicy beef patty (200g) that is grilled to medium well, fresh romaine lettuce for the crisp,

SALMON STEAK

A healthier option for the ladies (and even the kids) is the Salmon Steak (S$26). This dish is set on fire (literally) as it is served to you and the end result is a sweet piece of pink salmon that boasts a subtle smoky flavour.

It is accompanied by asparagus purée, mashed carrots, arugula and a homemade grape sauce served in a cute onion cup! That is a fair bit of greens if your skinny jeans are getting a little tight but you still need good food in your life.

SPARKEY THE DOG

This is probably the cutest item on the kids’ menu. At only S$10, this is a pancakes dish that is prepared with low-salt bacon and ham. It is completed with fresh blueberries.

BOO-BOO BEAR

This is too cute, even the adults might not be able to resist the Boo-Boo Bear (S$13)!

And it tastes as good as it looks. We wouldn’t want to cut the bear up but the fried sweet potato cake is too yummy to pass. Stuffed with chicken, zucchini, mushroom and tomato, the sweet potato cake is wrapped with an egg—yes, the bear’s blanket.

LIGHTNING CARS

The perfect dish for your boys (or girls who love cars!), the Lightning Cars (S$12) is a simple yet hearty grilled chicken that is tender and flavourful despite the fact that no salt is used in cooking.

This chicken main is served with purple sweet potato purée and mixed fruit skewers for a more balanced meal.

CREEPY-CRAWLY

Fancy something more filling for the older kids? The Creepy-Crawly (S$13) is a wholesome tortilla wrap that is jam-packed with yummy smoked duck, onion, lettuce and carrots.

There is also a side of homemade fruit yogurt—blueberry, strawberry, granola, honey yoghurt.

ULTIMATE PEANUT BUTTER CHOC CAKE

FFL has a dedicated pastry chef and he bakes the prettiest French-style sweets. The one that we really love is the Ultimate Peanut Butter Choc Cake.

Priced at S$7.50, this decadent treat is our newfound guilty pleasure. Every mouthful of the dense cake is so rewarding; the taste of the rich peanut butter lingers on.

TEA BY LUPICIA INFUSED CAKE

For a lighter but no less satisfying cake option, this doll is your best bet. The Tea by Lupicia Infused Cake is also priced at S$7.50 and it totally reminds us of sweets we’d see in French patisseries.

The whiff of the aromatic tea will first enrapture you, and as you take a bite, you’d realize just how well balanced the sweet and bitter notes of the tea are.

EMERALD GREEN APPLE TEA

The Emerald Green Apple Tea (S$12) may not sound like much, but just wait until you see it in real life. Served in a test tube, the Emerald Green is made of butterfly pea tea, green apple juice and soda water. Get your phone ready and watch as the staff adds in edible dry ice for a mini explosion. We won’t spoil it for you; make sure you order the drink when you are at Fresh Fruits Lab!

COLOURED LATTES

Just when you thought coloured lattes are so gimmicky, you might want to consider trying FFL’s versions. These 4 pretty colours are all achieved using natural ingredients.

There is the Beetroot Latte which boasts a shocking shade of pink, the Sweet Potato Latte which is the gorgeous lavender-coloured cup, the Butterfly Pea Latte which spots a dreamy blue hue, and the Matcha Latte in the usual green.

Because zero artificial colouring is used for these lattes, you shouldn’t expect a super sweet cup with strong flavour notes. Instead, think good old latte with nuances of sweetness and aroma.

Fresh Fruits Lab
351 Changi Rd, Singapore 419818
Tel: +65 6677 6741
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/ Kembangan

This post is brought to you by Fresh Fruits Lab.

Rhombus Pizza SG is a new Muslim-owned pizza buffet restaurant that allows you to pick your own toppings, design the pizza of your dreams and bake it yourself. Create and eat to your heart’s content for 90 minutes.

Allow your creativity and appetite to take flight as you select from a wide variety of toppings from savoury sausages to sweet chocolate chips to create your ultimate pizza. The buffet costs S$15 for adults, S$12 for children between the ages of 7 and 12, and children under seven get to dine for free!

The shop space is rather small and despite only being able to seat a maximum of 10 diners at one time (yes, it is that small), it is still pretty cramped especially if you have to ferry to and fro from the condiments and toppings station. It is also good to note that reservations have to be made prior in order to get a seat here.

Like kids at a candy shop, we spent a great deal of time picking from the huge selection of toppings—with more than ten savoury toppings and seven sweet toppings to choose from. The usual toppings include ham, sausages, shrimp, pepperoni, capsicums, mushrooms, corn and a whole lot more.

The process is pretty straightforward. Slather on a thin layer of tomato sauce over the top of your pizza dough, add your ingredients and lastly, top it off with a generous handful of mozzarella cheese, after which, proceed to bake your masterpiece in the oven provided.

The centrepiece of every table is an adorable electric pizza oven. In order to cook your dolled up piece of dough, simply slide it into the slots on the side and leave it there to cook for 6-7 minutes and for the cheese to get bubbly and delicious.

No hearty lunch would be complete without a decadent and insanely rich dessert. Undecided on what we wanted to top our dessert pizza with, we went for everything—Nutella as the base, topped with chocolate chips, marshmallows, Oreo cookie crumbs, crushed corn flakes and rainbow sprinkles for good measure.

Overall, we had a decent time at Rhombus Pizza SG. Although the food itself was mediocre at best, the experience of crafting our own pizzas (and making a huge mess) with good company definitely makes up for it.

The pizza buffet at Rhombus Pizza is available at an introductory price of S$15 per adult from now until 31 August 2017. Please note that the usual price of the pizza buffet is S$18 per adult.

Rhombus Pizza SG
116 Changi Road,
Singapore 419718
Tel: +65 9844 0210
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

Raising kids in Singapore is not a cheap affair and a family meal can be costly, especially when you bring them to a good restaurant; even kids’ meals at many eateries do not come cheap.

We often see parents sharing mains with their little ones—either to save money or to “not waste food”. More often than not, it’s the former.

Fortunately, there are some restaurants in Singapore that have been generously offering free meals for children. Here are 5 Restaurants in Singapore Where Kids Dine For Free.

#1 MORGANFIELD’S SINGAPORE

The rib restaurant is best known for its signature dish called Sticky Bones, which is slow cooked and smoked in their kitchen. They currently have three outlets in Singapore, and they are at Su ntec City Mall, The Star Vista and Vivocity.

For every main course purchased by an adult, the family gets to redeem a kids meal for a child under 8 years old or 120cm in height. A maximum of two kids meals is allowed for redemption, and this is only available on weekends and public holidays.

#02-23, The Star Vista 1 Vista Exchange Green
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 6694 3635
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

#2 CAFE MOSAIC, CARLTON HOTEL SINGAPORE

The international buffet spread includes seafood such as oysters, tiger prawns and salmon sashimi; and local favourites in the likes of Rojak and Laksa.

Cafe Mosaic runs a special promotion over the weekends for their buffet lunch. Apart from having activities for the young ones, children below 6 years old dine for free, with a maximum of two children per table.

Weekend Buffet Lunch Sat & Sun: 12pm – 3pm Children Activities: 12pm – 2pm

Carlton Hotel Singapore
76 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189558
Tel: +65 6338 8333
Daily: 6am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

#3 CAFE MELBA

Your kids get to join the Kids Club and with every kids meal purchased, they can collect loyalty stamps and receive a mystery gift on every visit. Collect 10 stamps to join the Kids Gold Club and receive perks such as a free kids’ meal on every single visit.

Even if you aren’t a member, Cafe Melba at Goodman Arts Centre runs a weekly promotion where kids get to eat for free on Mondays when parents buy a main meal.

Goodman Arts Centre, Block N #01-56
90 Goodman Road
Singapore 439053
Tel: +65 6440 6068
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Weekends & PH: 8.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Mountbatten

#4 CHILI’S SINGAPORE

Indulge in Mexican food over the weekends at Chili’s with your family. With every purchase of an Adult Entree, kids under 12 are entitled to a free meal from the kids’ menu—choose from Kid Pizza to Kid Ribs Basket and Kids Grilled Chicken Sandwich.

Children eat for free every Tuesday and Thursday at Chili’s outlets in Tanglin Mall and Resort World Sentosa. This goes for the outlet at Clarke Quay Central, with the addition of Sundays. Do be mindful that this promotion does not extend to eve of and on public holidays.

Clarke Quay Central, #01-18
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
Singapore 059817
Tel: +65 6225 1687
Sun to Tue: 11.30 am – 10pm
Wed to Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

#5 BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Brussels Sprouts is well-known for being a family-friendly restaurant. Entertainment such as colouring activities and children’s play areas will keep your kids busy while you enjoy your food.

Apart from Friday and Saturday, kids under the age of 10 get to eat for free from 5pm to 12 midnight with every adult meal purchased and the menu includes favourites such as meatballs, sausages, fish and pasta.

The Pier @ Robertson, #01-12
80 Mohamed Sultan Road
Singapore 239013
Tel: +65 6887 4344
Mon to Thu: 3pm – 12
Midnight Fri: 2pm – 2am
Sat: 11am – 2am
Sun: 11am – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

This August sees Singapore turning 51 years old, Charlie Puth performing in Singapore for just a night, and a series of performances taking place in conjunction with Singapore International Festival of Arts.

Get your calendar ready, because we are just about to share with you several highlights this August that you would be interested in.

From the annual Durian Festival, Universal Studios Singapore’s Soak Out Water Party to the last leg of The Great Singapore Sale, here are 7 Exciting Events That Are Taking Place in Singapore This August 2016.

Source: Jay Sansone

#1 CHARLIE PUTH ‘NINE TRACK MIND TOUR 2016′

Taltented Charlie Puth might be a relatively newcomer in the industry, but he has gone strength to strength with record-breaking songs such as See You Again and One Call Away.

His concert will be held at Sentosa’s The Coliseum and tickets start from S$108.00 each (exclusive of booking fees).

When: Wednesday, 10 August 2016

#2 DURIAN FEST 2016

The annual Durian Fest is back!

It is essentially a durian buffet, alongside many other tropical fruits. Held across three days at Resorts World Sentosa, it is a must-do for all durian lovers. From D13 to Mao Shan Wang, you can feast on unlimited supplies of premium durians. All you have to do is head to the stands, select your durians and the staff will have it cut open for you.

More info can be found here.

When: Friday, 19 August 2016 to Sunday, 21 August 2016

#3 EVERYTHING BY MY SIDE

Everything By My Side is the brainchild of internationally-acclaimed Argentine artist Fernando Rubio. Held at The National Gallery Singapore, it is part of the Singapore International Festival of Arts and tickets for the three-hour show is priced at S$10 each (excluding booking fees).

When: Friday, 12 August 2016 to Sunday, 14 August 2016

#4 NATIONAL DAY

Every 09 August marks Singapore’s birthday and yes, our mighty nation is turning 51 years old this year!

This year’s National Day Parade will be held at the National Stadium for the very first time over the past decade. While not everyone has tickets to the parade, you can still catch all the action live on TV or book a restaurant with fabulous views of the fireworks.

When: Tuesday, 09 August 2016

Source: RW Sentosa Blog

#5 SOAK OUT WATER PARTY

Missed the fun-filled Songkran Festival in Thailand last April? Well, Singapore is having its own water party at Universal Studios Singapore.

There are designated wet-and-dry zones just in case you need to seek refuge. An after-party will also be held on selected weekends.

When: From now until Wednesday, 10 August 2016

#6 THE GREAT SINGAPORE SALE

The ten-week long Great Singapore Sale (GSS) is sadly coming to an end. This is your last opportunity to snag some really amazing deals – yes, we are referring up to an unbelievable 70% off original prices.

Shopaholics will also know that the best deals are always saved for the last leg of GSS. Expect further discounts on already-discounted items!

When: From now until Sunday, 14 August 2016

#7 THE MACALLAN WHISKY PAIRING & SHARING WORKSHOP

Conducted by The Macallan Brand Trainer Keith Nair and The Macallan Brand Ambassador Randall Tan, The Macallan Whisky Pairing & Sharing Workshop will be featuring four whiskies and an assortment of canapés.

40 of our readers will be invited to this exclusive event at Changi City Point. Try signing up for a slot and you might just be one of the lucky ones!

When: Saturday, 13 August 2016

Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay – Singapore’s biggest yuletide fair - is probably the most talked about attraction in Singapore this Christmas.

Christmas Wonderland is for everyone – young and old, lovers and friends. The Garden lights up in full glory when night falls, and it is a picturesque sight that is nothing short of stunning. It is little wonder everyone is putting this on their Christmas to-do list.

It runs from 27 November 2015 to 03 January 2016, and is open from 4pm to midnight daily. If you are planning a trip, here is a simple guide on What To Expect At Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay.

THE PARKING SITUATION IS CRAZY

Set off earlier, because chances are, you are gonna be stuck in a queue – a queue to turn in to the car park, and a “queue” to park your vehicle. We joined the long line of cars at about 7pm, and only got an unofficial lot at 7:45pm.

There are various car park and entrances, but we suggest turning in to the Meadow car park because it is a relatively shorter walk to the rides and carnival games area. There is also a “designated area” for unofficial parking – if you know what we mean.

Of course, the main entrance sees the longest queue, so those with more patience can turn in from that entrance.

WEAR LIGHTER CLOTHES

Singapore doesn’t have the kindest humidity level; we all know that, yes? Even more so at Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay, where the human density is high and being less than one arm’s length apart from another human means it is going to be even hotter.

Go dressed in lightweight apparels and fuss-free clothes. Breathable sportswear works best, as with a pair of good walking shoes. You are gonna walk a lot, so ditch them heels. It may be a Christmas Wonderland but we ain’t gonna survive with furry capes and high heeled boots.

Skirts and dresses aren’t advised unless you do not mind the “exposure” when you take the rides and fool around on the Trickart set (we will talk about this in a bit).

DO NOT BRING BIG BAGS

This is not a rule, but it is always easier to move around with minimal baggage, yes?

And when it is going to be so crowded, all you want is to simply enjoy the night without having to worry that someone might stick their hands into your bag through your blind spots.

ADMISSION TO CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND

is free. Yay!

But rides and games are payable – optional, of course. Strolling around the beautiful compound is still free, so is snapping a thousand and one photos.

PREPARE (LOTS OF) CASH

While admission is free, you should still be prepped with cash on hand – for the rides, for the games, for the food, for candy floss, for souvenirs…

The rides and carnival games are payable via tokens, and generic tokens are sold at various token booths across the compound. To give you a gauge, a go on the big slide costs S$8 per person, and a carousel ride is S$10 per person. Yes, that is why you need lots of cash.

CARNIVAL GAMES

Expect many booths of carnival games that are suitable for both young and old. They are mostly kids-friendly, but of course, the help of an adult may increase your chances of winning that Minion/ Toy Story stuffed toy.

We tried most of them, and let’s just say there is a reason why we could easily count the number of visitors who walked away with prizes with a pair of hands.

LUMINARIE

Light sculptures after light sculptures, these architectural gems are handmade in Italy and can be spotted throughout the Garden.

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!

The 20.3-metre wide Ice Palace is a highlight of the Christmas Wonderland, and it features both a Snow Playground and an Ice Skating Rink.

Open from 4pm to 11pm daily, it costs S$12 for a 30-minute session at the Snow Playground (inclusive of boots) and S$14 for a 45-minute session at the Ice Skating Rink (inclusive of skates). The admissions are payable via tokens only, so get your tokens ready (buy them at the Token Booth) before you queue up!

You should bring your own socks and gloves, though. Otherwise, they can be purchased at the booth.

FOR THE YOUNG ONES

The kids will have a ball of a time with the many rides that are favourites at typical European Christmas fairs.

The vintage Carousel is the most gorgeous, and makes a perfect backdrop for photos! Hop on for a ride at S$10 per ride per person.

There is also a big slide that is 14 metres tall. Toddlers are not advised to take the ride unless it is with the company of an adult. It costs S$8 per ride per person.

Kids will also love the Magic Swing – a safe ride with harness and the accompaniment of the evening breeze. It costs S$8 per ride per child.

And something for the whole family is a ride on the Christmas Train, where you will be taken for a spin around the Garden to admire the festive lights alongside all the other happy souls onboard. It costs S$6 per ride per person.

Do note that for all the above, the payment mode is via tokens and the tokens have to be exchanged at the Token Booth prior to the ride.

FOOD AT CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND – YOU CAN GO WITHOUT DINNER

Lots of dining options are available at the Garden, including food trucks, pop-up restaurants and a food court.

Some names include Harry’s, Waterfall Ristorante Italiano by Shangri-La Hotel Singapore and Culina.

PICNIC, MAYBE?

But of course, you are more than welcome to pack your own basket and have a picnic on the many grass patches and corners at Gardens By The Bay. That is quite some unadulterated fun you can enjoy under the Christmas lights with your loved ones!

TRICKART

Have fun with the original 3D optical mirror-illusion at the TrickArt corner and create a portrait that is one of its kind! This is probably the only time you get to “sit on Marina Bay Sands”, and go on a Sleigh Ride. *cues Christmas carols*

PHOTO BOOTH

Otherwise, there are regular photo booths that you can have fun at and get some photos taken. They are at S$5 per session.

Have fun at Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay. Merry Christmas and have a happy new year!

SAFRA Punggol will be SAFRA’s latest addition, and it is set to open in 24 April 2016. The main attraction of the new club is none other than Splash @ Kidz Amaze – Singapore’s first Indoor Water Playground that will span over 23,000 square feet! Sounds exciting already, yes?

Inspired by the new location in the Northeastern side of Singapore, SAFRA Punggol will include several water-related activities, which also means a lot of unadulterated fun.

SAFRA has their usual playgrounds – the ‘Kidz Amaze’ – but SAFRA Punggol’s Kidz Amaze Water Playground will be the first one that is water-centric, unlike the typical dry playgrounds.

While other SAFRAs all over Singapore have facilities such as bowling alleys and such, this indoor water playground at SAFRA Punggol will truly set themselves apart from the rest of the SAFRAs.

You can expect that the new indoor water playground to be very safe and kids-friendly, somewhere where the whole family can enjoy themselves altogether. The playground will boast huge slides that everyone loves, a range of activities, and everything that is centred around the theme of ‘Enchanting Deep Sea’.

This includes a multi-level Elevations™ – a play structure with eight different play decks, multiple water features and five slides, including two tube slides and a family slide suitable for all ages. There will also be a themed Splashpad® with eight different features and a range of water effects to keep the fun and interest level high for one and all.

People living around the Punggol or Northeastern side of Singapore certainly has something to look forward to! Otherwise, we are traveling there anyway to check it out when they finally open their doors to the public!

Images: SAFRA

We understand that not every restaurant in Singapore is kids-friendly and parents often end up having to compromise on their food preferences and/ or places to dine at. And this post is dedicated to all selfless parents out there who always place their children’s needs ahead of theirs. Dining is a social activity that one and all should enjoy, and you need not alienate yourselves from the scene just because your little ones can’t be with you.

We have these featured restaurants that are complete with baby chairs, kids’ menus and kids’ utensils. There are also exciting activities within the premises to keep the young entertained while the adults indulge in some great food.

From entertaining the toddlers with District 10 UE Square’s weekend bouncy castles to bonding with your children over DIY pancakes at Slappy Cakes, Singapore has an increasing number of restaurants that are catered to family’s needs.

Here is our guide to the Kids-Friendly Restaurants in Singapore.

Read: Guide to 11 Kid-Friendly Cafes in Singapore.

#1 BRUNETTI

Originally founded in Melbourne, Brunetti is an iconic Italian dessert specialty cafe that serves a delectable variety of European-style sweet treats. Brunetti’s menu also boasts a range of savoury dishes. The colourful array of cakes and macarons will definitely impress both the kids and adults.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

163 Tanglin Road
#01-35 Tanglin Mall
Singapore 247933
Tel: +65 6733 9088
Sun to Wed: 8am – 9pm
Thu to Sat: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#2 BRUSSEL SPROUTS

Located in Quayside Isle, Belgian restaurant Brussel Sprouts is an ideal destination for a relaxing family meal. There are kids-friendly play equipment at the lawn which will keep the children busy, and the best part is that your kid dines for free on weekends!

31 Ocean Way
#01-01 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Singapore 098375
Tel: +65 6684 4344
Tue to Fri: 5pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

#3 COASTAL SETTLEMENT

Coastal Settlement is a family-friendly restaurant located near Changi Beach Club. The East-side eatery serves an interesting mix of Asian and Western cuisine with an emphasis of enjoying “retro” food in present times and setting. Coastal Settlement has high baby chairs, plastic tableware and a kid’s menu for those whose little ones are tagging along. There is even an outdoor playground for children to mix and mingle!

200 Netheravon Road
Singapore 508529
Tel: +65 6475 0200
Tue to Sun: 10.30am – 9.45pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

#4 DISTRICT 10 UE SQUARE

Bar-cum-restaurant District 10 UE Square might be a popular after-work hangout place, but it is actually an even better brunch spot for families on the weekend. A bouncy castle is inflated every Sunday outside the restaurant for kids to frolic while adults can enjoy some contemporary European cuisine.

81 Clemenceau Ave
UE Square Shopping Mall
#01-15, 16 Lor 17 Geylang
Singapore 239917
Tel: +65 6738 4788
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 12am
Fri: 11.30am – 1am
Sat: 9am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

#5 FRESH FRUITS LAB

Fresh Fruits Lab (FFL) is our favourite cafe in the East of Singapore. This has never changed since our first visit in 2015. After a recent revamp, FFL now boasts a colourful, pastel interior that is both whimsical and photogenic.

It has also become a kids-friendly dining outlet with a play corner for your little ones as well as a low-salt kids menu that is so reasonably priced between S$10 to S$13.

351 Changi Rd, Singapore 419818
Tel: +65 6677 6741
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/ Kembangan

#6 MARCHE MOVENPICK SUNTEC

Marche Movenpick’s spacious interiors and kids-friendly setting will allow busy moms to relax during mealtime. There are sheets of colouring papers and states of crayons to keep the kids entertained, and that is not it – there is even a two-storey playground equipped with a mini bridge! If your children are more into watching videos on your iPad, fret not, as there is also free wifi.

3 Temasek Boulevard
#01-612 to 614 (Tower 3 East Wing)
Suntec City Mall
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6337 3134
Mon to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri: 10am – 11pm
Sat: 10am – 11pm
Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

#7 QUAYSIDE FISH BAR & BISTRO

Another favourite at Quayside Isle is seafood restaurant Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro, who strives to present diners with the freshest and tastiest seafood. Their supplies of fishes come from all over the world and are air flown in daily. The restaurant is definitely kids-friendly, and the food are wholesome for your precious darlings to indulge in!

31 Ocean Way #01-11
Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Singapore 098375
Tel: +65 6268 8633
Mon: 5.30pm – 12 midnight
Tue to Thu: 12pm – 12 midnight
Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 10am – 1am
Sun: 10am – 12 midnight

#8 SABOTEN

Japanese Restaurant chain Saboten is famous for their delicious pork tonkatsu. Despite having over 500 outlets across the world, Saboten’s food remains topnotch. Saboten at 313 Somerset is a popular branch due to its central location and parents will be relieved to know that the restaurant has not just a kids menu but also high baby chairs.

#B2-02/03, 313 @ Somerset
313 Orchard Road
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 6333 3432
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#9 SLAPPY CAKES

Slappy Cakes is unlike any ordinary pancake parlour. Instead of waiting to be served, the restaurant allows you and your child to create your own pancakes! A fun-filled day is guaranteed should you grant them the permission to play with their food. Allow your creative juices to flow as you guys freely design your dream pancakes.

The Grandstand, #01-20/21
200 Turf Club Road
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 6465 1814
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

#10 SPRUCE

Tucked away in a relatively remote corner of Tanglin district, Spruce is a kids-friendly restaurant famous for their lip-smacking Italian-American brunch items. Your child gets to dig into hearty meals of cheeseburger and spaghetti with juices, coke or sprite at just S$12++ while you savour into sumptuous mains such as braised beef short ribs (SGD 34++) and prawn pasta (SGD 22++).

320 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247980
Tel: +65 6836 5528
Mon to Fri: 10.30am -10.30pm
Sat to Sun: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Redhill

For more recommendations, read our guide to 11 Kid-Friendly Cafes in Singapore.

As you become parents, it’s inevitable for you to put the needs of your children before your own and to make sure that they are well-fed even when you are bringing them along for a gathering with friends, hence the constant need to look out for Kid-Friendly Cafes in Singapore. Some cafes only offer main course items in their menu, which is often frustrating as you cannot possibly stuff your children with such large portions of food.

Other than the portioning, another concern for parents is to make sure that their children can be kept occupied after the meal. Thankfully, most cafes in this list provide outlets of entertainment such as playgrounds or art and craft activities to keep your children engaged while you chat the afternoon away with your pals. These amenities are often available within your reach so your children will not be able to escape from your sight.

Without further ado, we share with you 12 Kid-Friendly Cafes in Singapore. Now, you and your little ones have more options when dining out!

#1 CAFE MELBA 

Nestled in the compounds of Goodman Arts Centre, Cafe Melba serves as a unique all-day dining destination for you and your family. It faces a luscious greenery, serving as a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Your children too, get a chance to be pampered with a kids menu and the bouncy castles parked outside the cafe for a ball of fun!

Goodman Arts Centre
90 Goodman Road, BLK N #01-56
Singapore 439053
Tel: +65 6440 6068
Mon to Fri: 10:30am – 10:30pm
Sat to Sun: 8:30am – 10:30pm
Nearest Station: Mountbatten

#2 EAT PLAY LOVE

Dining at Eat Play Love gets your children’s creative juices flowing, with a table specially set for craft-making with the provided art materials in-house – create little works of art or DIY products, at a nominal rate of S$5 for 2 hours. This cafe is a popular venue for a kid’s party, with a Thai-Western fusion menu that are nothing too complex nor spicy for the little ones.

Aliwal Arts Centre
28 Aliwal Street, #01-07
Singapore 199918
Tel: +65 6445 6400
Mon, Wed to Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Closed on Tue
Nearest Station: Bugis

#3 FIKA SWEDISH CAFE 

Apart from the ubiquitous Western cuisine found almost everywhere, Fika Swedish Cafe encourages you to experiment with food from Sweden and gets your children exposed to a different cultural root. The halal-certified cafe has a Swedish kids menu.

9 Raffles Boulevard
#01-20 Millenia Walk
Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 6336 7234
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

#4 FOOD FOR THOUGHT 

Food For Thought at Botanic Gardens offers a huge space for dining, as well as a playground located right outside the cafe for the young ones. A specially curated kids menu and colouring sheets are also provided to please them while you get your breakfast fix and dose of caffeine. This cafe serves as a great location for parties and events too!

Singapore Botanical Gardens (Tanglin Gate)
1 Cluny Road, #B1-00
Singapore 259569
Tel: +65 6338 4848
Daily: 8am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#5 KITH CAFE

At Kith Cafe, you get to enjoy your meal with the view overlooking the beautiful marina. For those parents who prefer their children to sit at the table, you can also request for toys to keep them occupied, which the cafe is more than happy to provide.

Kith Cafe has a kids menu – choose from choices such as pastas, grilled cheese sandwich and pancakes – that will keep the little ones happy while you enjoy your brunch.

31 Ocean Way
#01-08 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6734 9007
Daily (Except Tue): 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

#6 NOM BISTRO & BAKERY 

Situated conveniently at MacPherson Community Club, NOM Bistro & Bakery will be the perfect cafe to delight your kids with decadent rainbow cakes. In addition, your young ones can have fun at their mini indoor playground modelled after the iconic old-school dragon playground. There is also an affordable kids menu!

Macpherson Community Club, Level 1
400 Paya Lebar Way
Tel: +65 6747 3839
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Macpherson

#7 PRIVÉ CAFE

Fancy dining with a view overlooking the marina? At Privé, not only will you be greeted with a scenic sight of yachts and sails, you get to enjoy your meal amidst the slow-paced surroundings and unwind over quality time with your family. A bespoke kids menu option is available for your children at S$12 – with a choice of a main, dessert and drink.

Marina at Keppel Bay
No. 2 Keppel Bay Vista
Singapore 098382
Tel: +65 6776 0777
Mon to Fri: 9am – 12am
Sat to Sun, PH: 8am – 12am
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

#8 RIDERS CAFE

Since Riders Cafe is located adjacent to Bukit Timah Saddle Club, the little ones can watch the horses while dining. They get a chance to ride on them for a mere sum of S$10 on weekends, too. It will be a priceless and unique experience at the saddle – one that they will not soon forget.

Riders Cafe is listed in our guide to cafes in Singapore with unique locations you would never imagine.

51 Fairways Drive
Singapore 286965
Tel: +65 6466 9819
Tue to Thu, Sun: 8am – 9pm
Fri to Sat: 8am – 10pm
Closed on Mon
Nearest Station: Botanical Gardens

#9 THE LOFT CAFE

This cosy two-storey cafe seeks to bring people together in a laid-back environment in celebration of a good cause. Located at the heart of Chinatown, The Loft Cafe dedicates a portion of the cafe to the little ones – furnished with kiddy chairs and tables – while the adults lounge on the sofa seats over fabulous Shibuya Toasts.

The Loft Cafe is listed in our guide to Singapore’s best Shibuya Toast.

268A South Bridge Road
Singapore 058817
Tel: +65 6221 2103
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown

#10 TREEHOUSE CAFE

Treehouse Cafe is a haven built for children, with miscellaneous party services such as art and craft activities, balloon sculpting, face painting and magic shows at affordable rates. It sets the family in the right mood to bond over food, fun and a great company with menu options set to please.

The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road, #01-17
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 6469 0282
Mon, Wed to Thu: 11:30am – 9pm
Fri & Eve of PH: 11:30am – 10pm
Sat: 10am – 10pm
Sun & PH: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Botanical Gardens

#11 THE ROYALS CAFE

The Royals Cafe is a Halal-certified cafe offering a plethora of food options – Local Delights, Western Mains, Burgers, All Day Breakfasts, even pies and puffs. The main highlight is its Lego play corner for the children to entertain themselves with while exercising their creativities. Daddy and Mommy just have to sit back and relax.

Crescendo Building
19 Upper East Coast Road
Singapore 455209
Tel: +65 6445 6457
Mon to Fri: 9am – 10pm
Sat to Sun, PH: 8:30am – 10:30pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

For more recommendations, read our guides to the best cafes in Singapore.