Need a new destination to expend your kids’ energy while educating them? How about the first garden in Asia dedicated to children right here in Singapore. The only ‘ticket’ you need is a kid! (Yes, admission is FOC.)
Located in the Bukit Timah Core of Singapore Botanic Gardens, Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden only permits kids below 14 years of age to enter. Yes, exclusivity! But don’t worry, you are also allowed entry to accompany your kid.
With 8 main areas and 3 trails of your choice, expect to spend more than half a day here. Pack water bottle, mosquito repellent and sunblock while keeping this tab on because WalkWalk got you covered on what to do there! Read till the end to get a free printable activity worksheet for your kids to complete after the tour.
The 8 Zones
Get the ball rolling by grabbing an explorer map at the entrance! Be greeted with a magnificent sight at the entrance of Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, with diecast butterflies reflecting on the ceiling caused by natural sunlight casting a glow onto the Mystree. Allow your little ones to plan their ideal route through interactive touchscreens located around the garden that they can colour using their fingers!
With 8 different zones – PLAY, GROW, EXPLORE, LEARN, FARM, ORCHARD, STREAM and FOREST, your children can expect activities throughout the entire park, not just in the ‘PLAY’ area.
The PLAY area
Hone your children’s cognitive skills as they run free in the hedge maze. Try not to get lost though! Don’t worry, the hedges are short enough for you to peer into it or even guide them.
*Do note that the Water Play section is closed till further notice.
The GROW area
Get in touch with nature with quaint areas and look out for off-the-beaten path trails surrounded by towering trees.
The EXPLORE area
Get slidin’ at the Treehouse playground! With raised platforms, balancing beams and sandpits, your little ones can indulge in sensory play while feeling like a Tarzan.
The LEARN area
Spot little animals on this pram-friendly treetop walk across the lush greenery. There is also the Kitchen Classroom where kids can learn about the food process chain while going hands-on!
The FARM area
For a mini-lesson in farming, head towards this area where young ones can learn about how fruits and vegetables are grown.
The ORCHARD area
Learn all about how our guilty-pleasure food and drinks such as coffee and chocolate are made. Kids can even go hands-on and plant their very own cocoa and tea leaves!
The STREAM area
Keep your eyes peeled looking for turtles and aquatic plants in the stream. Walk on to see a cave and a waterfall! If your little one (or you) needs a toilet break, keep heading forward.
The FOREST area
If you’ve got older kids, this is the perfect area for them. Engage their entire motor system by hiding in treehouses, swinging on the flying fox and bouncing away on the trampoline!
Feed your little ones at this eco-conscious cafe at the entrance of the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden! Grab some all-day brunch while sipping on a babyccino under magical fairy lights in this 40-seater family-friendly cafe.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 9.30am – 5pm (Last order 4.30pm)
Weekends: 9am – 5pm (Last order 4.30pm)
Closed every Monday unless it falls on a designated Public Holiday.
Getting Here
By Car/Taxi
- From Dunearn Road – At the Dunearn-Kheam Hock Road junction, turn right to enter NUS Bukit Timah Campus. Turn right into Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden after car park gantry.
- From Bukit Timah Road – At the Bukit Timah-Kheam Hock Road junction, turn left to enter NUS Bukit Timah Campus. Turn right into Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden after car park gantry.
- Parking lots are available at Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden and NUS Bukit Timah Campus.
By Bus
- Bus Services 48, 66, 67, 151, 153, 154, 156, 170, 171, 186
- Alight at NUS Bukit Timah Campus bus stop.
By Train
- Alight at Botanic Gardens MRT Station (Circle/Downtown Line)
- Proceed for a 10-minute walk
Don’t forget to download the Free Printable Activity Worksheet! Let’s go!
Want to explore Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden in the comfort of your own home? Enquire now to find out how!
