When it comes to getting the kids off their pesky iPads, nothing quite beats a fun day out in the sun frolicking at a nearby playground. In a bid to lower screen times, we’re seeing a spike in the number of quirky play spaces being built in recent times; think Tengah’s fruit-inspired slides and Toa Payoh’s nautical-themed outdoor waterpark.
Now, those living in Macpherson have a unique and exciting spot to call their own – the new MacPherson Weave playgrounds. It sports a nostalgic look with its features that true blue Singaporeans are sure to appreciate, along with a slew of whimsical elements for the little ones to climb all over. Here’s all you need to know before you plan a playdate there.
The Macpherson Weave playgrounds are just a quick 5-minute walk away from the Macpherson MRT station on the Circle and Downtown lines. You can also opt to take a bus there; simply alight at the Opp Orion @ Paya Lebar bus stop (stop ID: 70261). Quite a few buses stop here, such as bus no. 8 from Tampines, 22 and 76 from Eunos, and 158 from Serangoon. Afterwards, take a 7-min walk and you’ll arrive at the playgrounds.
As for visitors who’ll be driving there, you can park your vehicles at the multi-storey car park nearby. The car park rates start from $0.60/half-hour for cars, and $0.65/day for motorcycles.
There are a couple of playgrounds scattered around MacPherson Weave, but thankfully, they’re all well within walking distance.
In our opinion, the one at Blocks 99A and 97A caught our eye the most, due to its striking twin dragon sculptures that welcome visitors. No, you’ve not accidentally stumbled into Toa Payoh; these dragons are just scaled-down replicas of their counterparts on the red line. Unfortunately, you can’t slide down these sculptures, but they’re a neat reference to back when times were much, much simpler.
Beyond the pair, lies a small labyrinth of buildings. Upon closer inspection, you notice that this isn’t any run-of-the-mill maze; its “walls” are made out of tiny blocks of HDB flats, mirroring those that surround it.
Other than being a perfect location for a game of tag or hide-and-seek, there’s a telescope in the middle of the maze perched atop 2 play panels to gaze out into the distance. But, you won’t need a keen eye to spot the other antiquated inclusions in the playground. Along the maze, there are cutouts of quintessential Singaporean icons, such as a cup of kopi and a flock of mynah birds.
Once the littles ones have had their fill of peering over miniature HDB flats, head on over to the playground between Blocks 99B and 95C. You can’t miss it, literally; it’s home to 2 massive watermelon-like climbing structures. On the bottom of each one, there are small platforms suspended a couple inches above the ground to balance on.
In order to reach the upper level of the artificial fruit, kids will have to scale a cargo net, and after crossing a short rope tunnel connecting the 2 structures, they can whoosh back down to ground level via a slide with a see-through top. There are also a pair of swings to have a go at, as well as an aptly-designed watermelon merry-go-round to twirl about on.
Over at Blocks 95 and 100, the playground here takes inspiration from the unconventional jackfruit.
Image credit: S L via Google Maps
However, the first thing you’ll notice is the big leaf-inspired canopies hanging overhead to shield visitors from the sweltering sun. The 2 open-air domes that are connected by a cargo net are also decorated with the fruit’s grainy surface, and if the slides aren’t thrilling enough, a round on the nest swing here is sure to satisfy budding adrenaline junkies.
For those looking for an outdoor, kid-friendly adventure that costs absolutely nothing, a trip to one of the many playgrounds in Singapore is your best bet. If you’ve not been to the new ones at MacPherson Weave, here’s your cue to give them a go on your next visit to the area.
Address: 97A Circuit Road, Singapore 37004697
Opening hours: 24/7, Daily
For more kid-friendly things to do in Singapore:
Cover image adapted from: S L via Google Maps
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