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For Singaporean parents, the humble HDB playground is a lifesaver. They are the open-air living rooms of our estates; the places where we burn off our children’s excess energy before dinner, meet neighbours, and catch a breath of fresh air.
But not all playgrounds are created equal. Over the decades, HDB playgrounds have evolved from the simple sandpits and metal swings of the 70s to elaborate, themed adventure zones and inclusive spaces today. While newer BTOs offer fantastic modern structures, there is also great value in visiting the surviving heritage playgrounds that define our collective childhood memories.
Here are 10 of the best HDB playgrounds—a mix of the iconic old and the thrilling new—to explore with your family.
The Iconic Mosaic Dragon: Toa Payoh Lorong 6
If there is one playground that represents Singapore, this is it. Built in 1979, this dragon is one of the last surviving terrazzo-tile and mosaic structures designed by HDB’s in-house designer, Mr Khor Ean Ghee. In an era before mass-produced plastic moulds, these playgrounds were expressions of local culture. While the sandpit has been replaced by soft rubber flooring, the dragon’s spine is still a thrilling climb for older kids, and it remains the ultimate spot for a nostalgic family photo.
- Address: Block 28 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310028.
- Parking: HDB surface car park immediately surrounding the playground (Electronic parking).
- Public Transport: Bus services from Toa Payoh MRT or Bradell MRT.
- Nearest Toilet: Toilets at the nearby coffeeshops in Block 26 or 27.
The Nostalgic Fruits: Tampines Central Park
Before Tampines became a bustling regional centre, it was known for sand quarries and fruit farms. This cluster of playgrounds pays homage to that agricultural past. Built in the 1980s, the mangosteen and watermelon structures are whimsical, brightly coloured, and perfect for toddlers and younger preschoolers because they aren’t too high. It is a charming slice of 80s design that has somehow survived the upgrading waves.
- Address: Block 858 Tampines Avenue 5, Singapore 520858.
- Parking: Multi-storey car park at Block 859A.
- Public Transport: 10-minute walk from Tampines MRT or Tampines West MRT.
- Nearest Toilet: Our Tampines Hub is just across the road, offering clean and accessible facilities.
The Inclusive Adventure: Canberra Park
This playground represents the modern gold standard of HDB estate planning. Opened around 2015 as part of the “Remaking Our Heartland” initiative for Sembawang, Canberra Park was one of the first truly inclusive playgrounds in Singapore. It features ramps and structures wide enough for wheelchairs, sensory play panels for children with visual impairments, and swings designed for children with physical disabilities. It teaches children that play is for everyone.
- Address: Sembawang Crescent, opposite Block 325 (Canberra Community Club).
- Parking: HDB surface parking at Block 325 or 326.
- Public Transport: 10-minute walk from Sembawang MRT.
- Nearest Toilet: Canberra Community Club (located right next to the playground).
A drawing illustration of The Wonderland playground at Dawson Vista.
The Wonderland: Dawson Vista
Part of the stunning redevelopment of the Dawson estate in Queenstown, this playground is aesthetically beautiful and integrated into the landscape. The theme here is subtly “Alice in Wonderland,” featuring checkered flooring, undulating grassy mounds that children love to roll down, and abstract climbing structures that encourage open-ended play. It feels less like a standard kit playground and more like sculptures you can climb on.
- Address: 78 Dawson Road, Singapore 141078 (SkyTerrace @ Dawson).
- Parking: Multi-storey car park within the SkyTerrace development.
- Public Transport: Buses from Queenstown MRT or Redhill MRT.
- Nearest Toilet: Toilets are available at the coffeeshop and supermarket on the ground floor of the development.
The Tilting Train: Tiong Bahru Park
While technically on the edge of Tiong Bahru Park (an NParks facility), this playground serves the dense HDB community of Henderson and Tiong Bahru. The highlight here is the massive train structure that is intentionally tilted at a jaunty angle. Walking through the carriages provides a fun, slightly disorienting sensory experience for kids. It is a fantastic thematic playground that sparks imaginative play for aspiring train drivers.
- Address: Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 168732 (Located near the Henderson Road entrance).
- Parking: Public car park within Tiong Bahru Park (access via Tiong Bahru Road).
- Public Transport: 5-minute walk from Tiong Bahru MRT.
- Nearest Toilet: Public toilets within Tiong Bahru Park, located near the sand play area.
The Crooked Houses: Yishun N8 Park
Located right next to the HDB flats of Yishun Avenue 4, this is a modern, visually striking playground. The centrepiece features two “crooked” houses perched on stilts, connected by a net bridge. It looks like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. It offers great climbing challenges for older primary school kids, while younger ones can enjoy the adjacent water play area (check operation timings) and trampolines set into the ground.
- Address: Yishun Avenue 4, near Block 810.
- Parking: Multi-storey car park at Block 810A.
- Public Transport: 10-minute walk from Khatib MRT.
- Nearest Toilet: Toilets are available near the F&B building within the park itself.
The Vintage Clock: Bishan Street 13
Similar to the Toa Payoh dragon, this is another survivor from the mosaic era of the early 1980s. In the past, HDB playgrounds were designed with recognizable themes—animals, fruits, or everyday objects—to help residents identify their precincts. This playground is built around a large, stylized clock face with a ladder behind it leading to a simple slide. It is small, quiet, and a lovely piece of heartland history.
- Address: Block 143 Bishan Street 13, Singapore 570143.
- Parking: Surface car park immediately in front of the block.
- Public Transport: 5-minute walk from the Bishan Bus Interchange/MRT.
- Nearest Toilet: The Bishan Bus Interchange or Junction 8 mall are very close by.
The Vertical Challenge: Wallholla at Bukit Panjang
In land-scarce Singapore, sometimes the only way is up. This playground at Fajar Hills features a “Wallholla”—a vertical playground structure originating from the Netherlands. It is essentially a tall, narrow metal cage filled with undulating rubber ribbons, climbing holds, and slides. It packs a massive amount of play value into a tiny footprint and is excellent for building core strength and confidence in older children who aren’t afraid of heights.
- Address: Block 443B Fajar Road, Singapore 672443.
- Parking: Multi-storey car park at Block 443A.
- Public Transport: 5-minute walk from Fajar LRT station.
- Nearest Toilet: The nearby Fajar Shopping Centre.
The Dakota Dove: Old Airport Road
This is a bittersweet entry. Located in the historic Dakota Crescent estate (one of Singapore’s oldest), this mosaic dove playground was built in 1979. The surrounding low-rise blocks have been vacated for redevelopment, but the playground has been conserved. It is a quiet, almost eerie spot, but visiting it offers a powerful history lesson for children about how Singapore used to look. The dove connects to a concrete slide via a metal bridge.
- Address: In front of Block 10 Dakota Crescent, Singapore 390010.
- Parking: Surface parking along Old Airport Road (coupon/electronic) or at the Old Airport Road Food Centre.
- Public Transport: 5-minute walk from Dakota MRT or Mountbatten MRT.
- Nearest Toilet: Old Airport Road Food Centre (across the main road).
The Military Base: Keat Hong Woods
Situated in Choa Chu Kang, near the actual army camps, this themed playground is a hit with kids who love playing soldiers. The main structure resembles a military transport truck and a tank, painted in camouflage green. There are plenty of climbing nets, fireman poles, and tunnels that mimic an army obstacle course. It is a great example of how modern HDB playgrounds are designed to reflect the unique identity of their neighbourhood.
- Address: Near Block 817B Keat Hong Link, Singapore 682817.
- Parking: Multi-storey car park at Block 817A.
- Public Transport: Bus services from Choa Chu Kang MRT or a short walk from Keat Hong LRT.
- Nearest Toilet: Toilets at the coffeeshop at Block 818 or Keat Hong Shopping Centre.