Places to bring your kids to in Punggol

Where to bring my children to? Eh same place again, don't want la.

Most parents like us face these same questions again and again, especially if you're a WFH-parent. We have moved from the city to the Singapore suburbs of Punggol since June 2021, where I once thought I wouldn't reside here. But to be honest, Punggol is quite the haven for families with children, especially when playgrounds are literally under every HDBs and endless activities to entertain your kids with.

If you're wondering where to bring your kids to, I've compiled a list of to-go to add into your Punggol bucket list! I've skipped all the shopping centers, just because they are too mainstream.

1. Uncle Ringo

This old-school carnival sounds like nothing you would find in modern Singapore. The moment I walked in, a wave of nostalgia hit me in my feels. Carousel, a little pirate ship, Ferris wheel, and carnival booths where you could win some prizes, are some of its attraction.

Fun factor: 4/5

Cost: A ride or game typically costs around $5.

Location: Social Innovation Park, 50 Punggol East (3-min walk from Riviera LRT)

Walking on Sunshine @ Orchard Central, Singapore

Cafes don with dried flowers and greeneries are all the rage. Like any flower-struck girl, this cafe made it to my wife's to-visit list, and like any self-proclaimed great husband, I had to bring her there. Located at Orchard Central, this cafe isn't difficult to find at all. But first timers would be surprise that Walking on Sunshine is actually a... hair salon (as well)! Surprise surprise! Imagine having a nice tea break right after your hair appointment. Both of your hair and tummy will be in for a treat!

Fun fact - it prides itself as Singapore's BEST, MOST INSTAGRAM-WORTHY CAFE.

Birthday Staycaytion at W Hotel Sentosa

Looks like this epidemic is here to stay. Without options to travel overseas, staycations might be the next best option. I remembered last year when staycations were just opening up, we had a fabulous one at Equarius Hotel. Therefore when I asked Lady M again, she wanted somewhere away from the city. An island getaway. And where else better than our Sentosa?

W Hotel was our choice when it comes to a real getaway. Located at the luxurious Sentosa Cove area, it has all you need to be secluded. The only nearby attraction at Quayside Isle, which is filled with restaurants, bars, and even a supermarket. However, it's just perfect for a 2D1N staycation, especially with a toddler.

Our Spectacular Room

Thanks to W Hotel, we got a complimentary upgrade from their Wonderful Room (tbh which is already quite wonderful) to a Spectacular Room! It's about 44 sqm and packed with a king bed, it's perfect for plenty of sleeping space and for our Olivia to roll around.

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Birthday Staycation at Shangri-La during Phase 2 (Heightened Alert)

Howdy homies! Now that I have officially turned 30, I'd be lying if I still say I'm in my 20s. so I will admit to be Uncle Thomas. If you do not know, since years ago, I've been spending my birthdays oversea - Bintan, New Zealand, Japan.. and then this nasty COVID came. Long story short, it's my second year in Singapore during my birthday, and Lady M was so nice to book me a staycation at Shangri-La, and includes all sorts of fun activities, like...

Kid's water playground, kid's indoor playground, swimming and painting with Olivia. Great (for our daughter), ain't it.

This is our fourth staycation during this period, with the rest being Equarius Hotel, Andaz, Marina Bay Sands, so we do have certain expectations.

Check-in

Awesome check-in experience because it was literally empty. Briefed us through the necessities and handed us some sanitary freebies. Then there was this nice lady who came by to give little Olivia a pack of goodies containing some DIY 3D castle, coloring materials and an activity book (basically to keep her entertained during the stay). Little gestures like this are HUGE plus points to parents like us.

The SHOPHOUSE bakery was still open, so you can get some quick bites here if needed. 

The Garden Wing Room

Apparently they have various wings, like the Tower, Valley and Garden wing. Lady M got the garden wing with perks like.. a lot of greenery. 

Teatime at Glasshouse @ CHJIMES, Singapore

It has been a while since I posted something, just related to food. As parents of a 2YO girl, you could imagine planning our schedule and weekend trips just to cater for her. Hence, before we head to an animal exhibition (Human X Nature, National Library, now till 21 Sep 2021), we decided to stop by Glasshouse at Chjimes, a casual 5-min walk away from the library.

Glasshouse is just like its name suggests, a contemporary coffee and bar toast. Yes, inside a glass box house. Expect to walk into a chic-Scandinavian setting - a design I would love for my house. It didn't have baby chairs, but some seating are low enough for our girl to climb up with ease.

Its menu weren't extensive, with a limited selection of toast and sides. However, just perfect for us as we were just grabbing some drinks and a small bite before heading to the museum (and trust me, as a parent, your selection is gonna revolve around your child). I'm either a coffee or a matcha person, so if I'm not holding my favourite black coffee, chances are, it's a matcha. And, theirs hit my sweet spot - thick, strong and a tinge of bitterness. Lady M on the other side, loves tea.