Here's What Families Can Lookng Forward to at Jurong Lake Gardens

Oct 12, 2024

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Jurong Lake Gardens is a stunning 90-hectare garden with family-friendly features such as a nature-inspired playground, water play, and much more!

*Updated Oct 2024

Venue: Yuan Ching Rd
Opening Hours: 24 Hours

Easily accessible from Chinese Gardens MRT and Lakeside MRT, Jurong Lake Gardens is a stunning waterfront destination great for families. It boast a number of family-friendly features such as the nature-inspired playground, water play, therapeutic garden and more!

Not just play elements, the beautiful garden is home to thriving plant life, fauna and a whole host of memorable green spaces (not to mention the lake). Let's take a look at the main spots that families should get excited about in this nature space in the West.

1. Free Nature-Inspired Outdoor Playground - Forest Ramble

Venue: Lakeside Garden, Nearer to the North Carpark
Opening Hours: 8 am - 10 pm
*Forest Ramble is closed on Mondays except for Public Holidays.

Let the kids play to their hearts content at Forest Ramble, the largest nature play garden to be opened in the heartlands! The playground features 13 different play areas for kids to run, jump, climb and slide - each of the play elements are nature-inspired based on the movements and actions of the animals that live in a freshwater swamp!

Kids will get to slither down the snaking slides at Snake Play, swoop like a heron as your glide across a zipline at Heron Play, climb like monkeys at the low-rope Monkey Play area or even pretend to be a butterfly in one of the nine different swings at the Butterfly Play zone!

Forest Ramble features inclusive play elements to enable children of all abilities to play together. These play features include a swing, a merry-go-round, and musical play panels that are wheelchair-friendly.

While Forest Ramble is one of the largest outdoor playgrounds that we have been to, it is also one of the least shaded ones. We highly recommend putting on sunblock, having an umbrella or a hat. Refer to our What To Bring section for more details!

2. Splash Around At The Water Play - Clusia Cove

Venue: Lakeside Garden, Nearer to the North Carpark
Opening Hours: 8 am - 7 pm
*Clusia Cove is closed on Mondays except for Public Holidays. (closed until further notice, last updated 12 Oct 2024)

At Clusia Cove, children can experience a unique water playground experience featuring tidal patterns, surface ripples and directional currents that mimic water movement of coastal shores. The three-hectare water playground is a great place to cool off after playing in the hot sun!

Families and children can wade into 30-cm deep water and experience the movement of water. There are also tidal gates that allow the young ones to experience controlling the flow of water. From the tidal pool, the water flows on towards a “little beach” or sand play area.

Don't worry about getting wet and dirty, next to the water play are restrooms for taking a shower and cleaning up. So remember to bring along a fresh set of clothing for the kids (and for yourself too)!

3. Chinese and Japanese Gardens

After five years of redevelopment, the Chinese and Japanese Gardens reopen in Sep 2024. Part of Jurong Lake Gardens, which also includes the Lakeside Garden, these gardens have been thoughtfully redeveloped to maintain their classic charm while introducing new attractions that cater to the modern visitor.

Visitors to the Chinese Garden can expect a rich tapestry of experiences. Don’t miss the picturesque Twin Pagodas, which offer stunning views of Jurong Lake and the cityscape beyond. For those seeking a refreshing experience, the bamboo grove leading to a waterfall provides a cool, shaded pathway where the sound of flowing water and rustling bamboo creates a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Adjacent to the Chinese Garden, the Japanese Garden offers a tranquil, zen-like experience inspired by traditional Japanese landscapes. Nature lovers will enjoy the Water Lily Garden, home to Singapore’s largest collection of water lilies, featuring over 150 varieties that bloom both day and night. The Sunken Garden, with its towering green walls and tranquil water features, provides a secluded retreat that evokes the feeling of being in a hidden valley.

4. Dining Options

Photo Credits: NParks

You will find a number of vending machines offering drinks, snacks and bathing necessities next to the restrooms at Clusia Cove. Following the opening of the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, families can now find more dining options available, these include

Fusion Spoon (10am to 9pm on Weekdays (Mon to Fri); 7am to 9.30pm on Weekends, School Holidays & PH): The only dining restaurant in Jurong Lake Gardens. Come enjoy dining amidst nature and scenic view of the Jurong Lake. They can explore various food options ranging from Western to Asian cuisines.
Eden (Sun – Thu & P.H. : 8am to 8pm; Fri – Sat, Eve of P.H. : 8am to 9pm): Nestled in the vibrant heart of Pagoda Plaza, Eden beckons with a tantalising fusion of local flavours and breathtaking vistas.
Canopy (Mon to Thu: 11.30am to 10pm; Fri: 11.30am to 10.30pm; Weekends (Sat – Sun) & Public Holidays: 8am to 10.30pm): This pet-friendly haven welcomes families to savour fresh delights. From dawn till dusk, Canopy invites you to indulge in exquisite meals amidst the preserved splendour of Chinese Garden's most beloved landmarks!
Ice Cream Man and Friends - The Garden Cafe (Weekdays (Mon – Fri): 10am to 10pm; Weekends (Sat – Sun) & Public Holidays: 9am to 10pm): Step into Ice Cream Man and Friends for a refreshing escape from the ordinary, where each artisanal scoop is served against a backdrop of lush tranquillity, promising a multi-sensory adventure that delights both palate and spirit.
Starbucks (8am to 10pm on Sun to Thu and Public Holidays; 8am to 11pm on Fri, Sat and Eve of Public Holidays): Located within a short walk from Lakeside MRT, Starbucks is situated in Lakeside House. With both indoor and outdoor seating, diners can enjoy the unblocked view of Jurong Lake and the floating wetlands.

5. Stroll And Enjoy Nature At ABC Waters At Jurong Lake

Photo Credits: PUB, Singapore's National Water Agency

Venue: Northern Shore of Jurong Lake, Jurong Lake Gardens
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free

The ABC Waters at Jurong Lake Garden offers a picturesque view of the lake from the boardwalk and for families to admire the flora and fauna at the largest man-made floating wetlands in Singapore.

Families can take a walk along the boardwalk lined with panels in different shades of blue, which symbolise water, according to PUB. There's a spacious viewing promenade and boardwalks for visitors to enjoy the scenic views of the lake and admire the flora and fauna thriving on the 3,850sqm floating wetlands.

The Active, Beautiful and Clean (ABC) Waters programme started in 2006 to improve the quality of water and life by harnessing the full potential of our waterbodies. By integrating the drains, canals and reservoirs with the surrounding environment in a holistic way, the ABC Waters Programme aims to create beautiful and clean streams, rivers, and lakes with postcard-pretty community spaces for all to enjoy.

6. Water Sports at PAssion Wave @ Jurong Lake Gardens

Photo Credits: NParks

Venue: 100 Yuan Ching Road, Singapore 618662
Opening Hours: Tue to Fri 9am to 6pm | Sat and Sun 8am to 6pm (closed on Mondays and all PH)

The first waterfront facility in the West, PAssion Wave @ Jurong Lake Gardens provides easy access to a various water sports activities such as canoe and kayaking for families. The facility boasts stunning views of Jurong Lake which visitors can appreciate while participating in an array of adventure sports, water sports and courses.

Download the rates here and do note the min. age for the water sports activities. If you are looking for other kayaking options, do check out our guide to kayaking for families in Singapore.

7. Swim And More At ActiveSG Park at Jurong Lake Gardens

Photo Credits: NParks

Venue: 30 Yuan Ching Rd, Singapore 618664
Opening Hours: Mon to Wed, Fri to Sun & Public Holiday, 7.00am - 10.00pm | Thu 3.00pm - 10.00pm

ActiveSG Park is located at the south of the gardens, and here you will find a swimming pool and gym. Families living in the area may even sign up for the various workout classes available too!

Other amenities include ActiveSG also has a wheelchair accessible Rooftop Garden, rentable event spaces, and an exercise playground for the young and old to enjoy!

8. Ride A Bicycle Around The Gardens

Location: 353 Jurong East Street 31, #01-119, Singapore 600353
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 10 am – 8 pm | Sat – Sun & PH: 8.30 am – 8.30 pm
Fee: Varies

The huge garden offers much to do for families across its entire space. Cycling is a popular way of getting to and around the gardens, and if you do not have your own bicycle, you will be please to find GoCycling, a bicycle rental service just a stone’s throw away from the Chinese Garden MRT station.

9. Take Your Photos At The Grasslands

Photo Credits: NParks

The gardens offers many instagram-worthy spots to capture your family's memories. One of the popular spots is The Grasslands, where you’ll be surrounded by a field of what looks like Lalang, giving it a vacation-light background for your pictures. Here, you will also find three bird hides located around the Grasslands for bird-spotting.

*Note that there is no lighting in the nature area.

10. Relax and Explore The Therapeutic Garden

Venue: Between Butterfly Maze and Garden House

The 3,100 sqm Therapeutic Garden at Jurong Lake Garden consists of two sections – one designed for adults and another for children, with features specially curated for seniors with dementia and children with conditions such as mild autism and ADHD respectively. Both sections are wheelchair-accessible. It is the first therapeutic garden with dedicated sections for children and adults.

Photo Credits: NParks

The section for children is designed to cater for children with mild autism, ADHD and physical disabilities. It is designed with various sensory zones which includes play elements, such as musical play instruments, a wheelchair-friendly crawling trellis, a labyrinth with glow in the dark pathways and floor imprints of the animals and insects found in Jurong Lake Gardens.

11. Spot & Learn About Butterflies At The Butterfly Maze

Venue: Located between Forest Ramble and Therapeutic Garden
Opening Hours: 7 am - 7 pm

The Butterfly Maze, located between Forest Ramble and Therapeutic Garden, is a little area for kids to go through a series of paths that weave between and over mounds and over an undulating landscape filled with butterflies.

Children are given autonomy to explore and experience an adventure in the maze. They will also be able to experience the joys of being immersed in nature while at the same time encountering challenges, such as meeting dead ends!

In the maze, kids will discover signs to learn about pollination and the lifecycle of butterflies as well as slides and other play elements too!

12. Try Skating at SkatePark @ Lakeside Garden

Venue: Lakeside Green
Opening Hours: 8 am to 10 pm, Tuesday to Friday (Closed on Mon, and Tue if Mon is a Public Holiday)

At nearly 17,000 sqm, SkatePark @ Lakeside Garden is Singapore’s largest outdoor skate park! It comprises five skate pods catering to skaters of varying skill levels - Learn to Skate Pod, Skate Drain Pod, Mini Bowl Pod, Big Bowl Pod, and Plaza Pod. There's Plaza Pod is a sheltered pod for all-weather use!

SkatePark @ Lakeside Garden also comprises a 300m² parkour park with a 3 m-high bouldering wall.

Interactive Map

One of the best ways to orientate yourself is to use NPark's interactive map of Jurong Lake Garden before heading down. Take note of the nearest entrance and carpark to the place you are visiting so that you do not have to walk too far.

What To Bring When Visiting?

As per any outdoor adventure, we recommend that you bring enough water for the family, sunscreen, hat or umbrella, and mosquito repellant. As you will be walking quite a bit in the park, we encourage you to carry a backpack with all your essentials.

Families visiting Forest Ramble and Clusia Cove may wish to bring an extra set of clothing and towel to clean up. A bucket / sand play set will add to the fun at Clusia Cove too.

Getting To Jurong Lake Gardens

By Car / Taxi
Simply search for Jurong Lake Garden. You may wish to take note of the nearest carpark to the attraction you are visiting.

North Carpark (Chinese Garden Road)

Forest Ramble
Clusia Cove
Therapeutic Garden
Butterfly Maze
PAssion Wave

South Carpark (Japanese Garden Road)

ActiveSG
Grassland

By MRT
Nearest MRT Station is Lakeside MRT (EW26).

Exit from Exit A and walk along the sheltered walkway towards the road intersection. Cross over to the other side of Yuan Ching Road, turn right and walk towards the North Entrance.

By Bus