6 Child-Friendly Nature Walks to Explore this School Holiday!

The school holidays have arrived!

In our previous article, we introduced eight science experiments that you can try out with your child at home. With that said, the school holidays also present the perfect opportunity to get out and about, explore nature and appreciate the vivid diversity of Singapore’s parks and nature walks (while still maintaining social distancing) – after all, our island is referred to as a “city in a garden” for good reason!

These are six of our favourite child-friendly nature walks that you can embark on with your child.

Experience Singapore’s History
Fort Canning Park

This iconic hilltop landmark is connected with numerous historical milestones throughout Singapore’s history. Most notably, the decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942 was made on this very hill.

Today, Fort Canning Park features nine historical gardens – including Sang Nila Utama Garden, named after our nation’s founder – and is home to an eye-opening collection of plants, birds and insects. While you’re here, use this as an opportunity to teach your child about Singapore’s history – from World War II to Malayan kings, and more.

In addition to the fascinating history lessons, your child might even get up close and personal with one of the park’s famous residents – its handsome roosters!

Location: River Valley Rd, Singapore 179037
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Features: Head to the spice garden to see the park’s resident roosters

Discover a Machine Gun Bunker
Labrador Nature Reserve

Labrador Park is another fantastic location for your child to experience both history and nature, while enjoying time near a beautiful coast. This locale also offers something uniquely magical – two seaside playgrounds with a cooling, natural sea breeze that’s sure to lift spirits and put everyone in a great mood. Your child can also appreciate the relaxing calm of observing fishing enthusiasts at the nearby jetty.

For a more challenging walk, hike all the way up the hill. You’ll be rewarded with a real-life history lesson as you discover a machine gun bunker that was built in the 1930s – presenting you with an ideal opportunity to talk to your child about Singapore’s history during the second world war.

Location: Labrador Villa Rd, Singapore 119187
Opening Hours: 7am to 7pm
Features: Explore the machine gun bunker and obelisk, leftovers from World War II and Keppel Harbour’s colonial days. Also admire the symbolic replica of Long Ya Men (Dragon’s Teeth Gate).

Relax at the Beach. Be Immersed in Nature
Changi Point Coastal Walk

While Changi is synonymous for its chalets, beach and local fare, it’s also home to a relaxing 2.2km coastal walk – which takes explorers on a scenic hike along the beautiful coastline, surrounded by lush flora and fauna.

Journey along the six distinct sections of the boardwalk – stretching from Changi Creek to Changi Point – and keep a lookout for the interesting flowers plants and birds, like the Black-naped Tern and Pacific Swallow, along the way.

The relaxing nature of this trail also makes it perfect for young, first-time adventurers, as it introduces them to nature in an environment that’s comfortable, fun and enjoyable!

Location: 6 Changi Village Rd, Singapore 509907
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours daily
Features: Sunset Walk is an ideal stretch for a relaxing, rejuvenating stroll

Great for Toddlers and Prams
Jurong Lakeside Garden

If the thought of pushing a pram along a hiking path is putting you off these trails, don’t worry – we have you covered. This expansive 90-hectare national garden is not only child-friendly, it’s also pram-friendly. You’ll get around fine without needing to deadlift or overhead press a pram to cross staircases and other obstacles.

The playground at “Forest Ramble!” is absolutely gigantic and is filled with activities that have been inspired by animal movements – such as bouncing on trampolines like a frog or swinging (i.e. floating) through the air like a butterfly.

Location: Yuan Ching Rd
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours daily, but check the opening timings of individual facilities to avoid disappointment
Features: Baby-changing facilities and a fenced dog run, so everyone can go!

A Peaceful Enclave
Hindhede Nature Park

The Hindhede Nature Park is a favourite among Singapore families for its gentle inclines and a playground with baby swings, a trampoline and zip line – this playground alone can keep your child entertained for hours!

This quaint park is one of the shorter trails in this list, but if you’re looking for a child-friendly location for your child to explore nature in (especially if you baby or toddler is still in a pram), this should be near the top of your shortlist.

Location: Hindhede Drive
Opening Hours: 7am to 7pm
Features: Visit the nearby Hindhede Quarry and explore the unique, fun-filled playground!

For Nature Lovers and Photographers
Zhenghua Nature Park

Zhenghua Nature Park at Bukit Panjang features an incredible diversity of plants and birds. If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to use your DSLR or high-end camera, this is the place to do so! 37 bird species have been spotted at this park, including the Olive-backed Sunbird, Flameback Woodpecker, Pink-necked Green Pigeon, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Long-tailed Parakeet.

Long-tailed macaques, squirrels, monitor lizards and many others are a common sight in the park – making it a fantastic location for teaching your child about the wonderful diversity of plants, birds and animals around us.

Location: 466 Segar Rd, Singapore 670466
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours daily
Features: High biodiversity with 37 species of birds and a wide variety of plant species

Preschoolers Explore Nature!
My First Skool at 6 Segar Road

Nestled beside Zhenghua Nature Park, My First Skool at 6 Segar Road is a preschool that nature lovers will adore. This niche childcare centre at Bukit Panjang features a curriculum that takes learning beyond textbooks – as children see nature come to life, using as their classroom during relevant lessons!

The preschool adopts the “Every Singaporean A Naturalist” (ESN) programme by Nature Society (Singapore), which equips teachers and children with a strong understanding of local plants and animals – enabling them to develop a strong awareness and deep appreciation of nature.

As part of this initiative, My First Skool and Nature Society (Singapore) developed a specially customised learning kit that introduces young children to the concept of monitoring wildlife around them.

Connect with Us

Interested to learn more about My First Skool at 6 Segar Road or any of our other preschools? Head down to our preschool at 6 Segar Road or our other childcare centres in Singapore. Empower your child with My First Skool’s quality, holistic curriculum, registrations are now open.