The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is the largest children's garden in Asia. It offers an exploration space, adventure trails and play elements for visiting children.
*Updated (Feb 2025): added new information about water play reopening.
Venue: Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, 481, Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259769
Opening Hours: 8.00am to 7.00pm (last admission at 6.30pm). Closed on Mon (except when Mon is a public holiday)
Admission: Free (Adults are permitted entry only if accompanying a child)
If you are new to heading out for nature with the kids, the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden is a great first time experience! This four-hectare garden is located within the Singapore Botanic Garden, and it is first and largest garden created specially for children! With lots of educational and play elements within the space, we guarantee a fun day out with nature!
What To Expect At Jacob Ballas Children's Garden?
The garden is designed for children below 14 yrs old, and it offers children a space for exploration, adventure and play, with a farm, an orchard, and a forest with its own stream and ponds. From young adventurers to a budding naturalists, the children's garden offers different activities in its 8 zones to cater to every kid!
Zones Within Jacob Ballas Children's Garden
There are 8 zones within the garden, these are Play, Grow, Explore, Learn, Farm, Orchard, Stream and Forest. From these zones, young adventure seekers can explore the suspension bridge and nature play areas; budding naturalists can walk along the stream and climb into the tree-houses; and urban gardeners can observe how plants grow and pick up some gardening tips!
Let us highlight some of the exciting activities that you can do at the garden!
Playing Areas
Don't be mistaken that play only occurs at the play zone! In fact, play happens throughout the park. You will find the waterplay area, the maze, Treehouse slide with sand play in the Play, Learn and Explore zones. This is the original part of the garden before it was expanded in 2017.
At the Forest zone, you will find a very popular flying fox as well as treehouses and rope bridges for the kids to run around and play with. There are also inclusive play elements, such as the wheelchair trampoline too.
Waterplay
Get ready for some watery fun! The popular Waterplay at Jacob Ballas Children's Garden has reopened with a fantastic expansion on 25 Feb 2025. Spanning approximately 500 square meters, this refreshed water playground is designed to provide an immersive and educational experience for children aged 2 to 12.
This isn't just any water play area; it's a chance for children to connect with nature and learn about essential environmental processes like transpiration and rain formation through interactive play. Experience a variety of exciting features, including misty zones, wading pools, and jets with varying spray patterns and heights. Don't miss the delightful umbrella fountains and the thrilling splash bucket!
For your convenience, a dedicated changing area is available. To ensure a smooth experience, please wash up before the Waterplay closes at 7 pm. Last entry to the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden is at 6:30 pm.
Exploring Nature
Going through the Learn zone is a treetop walk for families to spot squirrels and little animals, this leads you to the Nature Play Pavillion, a quiet sheltered area. For the little gardeners, visit the Orchard zone to learn about cocoa, coffee and tea plants or the Farm zone to learn about different fruits and vegetables!
What To Eat: Small Batch
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday 9am to 6pm
- Saturday & Sunday 8am to 6pm
-
Closed on Monday, unless it falls on a Public Holiday
Situated near the entrance of Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Small Batch, offers refined classics without the excessive processing. Think homemade sourdough, fresh pasta and bakes. Drawing inspiration from local produce, find solace in a serene space that harmonises with the iconic gardens, away from the hustle and bustle.
They invite you to come for brunch, stay for lunch, and make the visit to Singapore Botanic Gardens a wholesome one.
How To Get To Jacob Ballas Children's Garden
By Public Transport
SBS Bus No. 48, 66, 151, 153, 154, 156, 170, 186 and SMRT Bus No. 67, 171. Alight along Bukit Timah Road, NUS Bukit Timah Campus bus stop.
The nearest train station is Botanic Gardens MRT (Circle Line & Downtown Line). You will cut through the Eco Garden and you will find a path into the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden. It is about 10 mins away and there are signs on the way too.
By Car
To enter the Children's Garden's dedicated carpark (limited lots available) you travel along Bukit Timah road and enter NUS Bukit Timah Campus. The entrance to the carpark will be on your right.
Things To Note And Bring
Do note that adults are only permitted entry if accompanying an adult. If you have a reason to visit without a child, please consult the Service Desk at the entrance.
Please do not bring glass objects, bicycles, scooters, skateboards and other related items. Pets are also not allowed into the Children's Garden.
Otherwise, we will recommend that you bring sufficient water, sunscreen, insect repellent, a change of clothes for the kids (or even more than 1) as well as a pencil for the kids to do the activity sheets available.
Photo Credits: NParks, unless otherwise stated
