Top 10 Best Parks in Singapore
Image credit: Hortpark
In Singapore, green spaces are carefully crafted backdrops for everyday life, where city sounds fade and nature takes center stage. Sunlight filtering through leafy canopies, winding paths that invite slow walks, and open lawns that welcome picnics make these spaces ideal for families, friends, and solo visitors alike.
The charm lies in the details: shaded nooks, scenic viewpoints, and interactive areas for kids transform a simple visit into a mini adventure. This article is where to find the 10 best parks to visit in Singapore. We dare you to choose your favorite or, better yet, plan to explore them all!
Explore 10 Best Parks in Singapore Ideal for Family Outings, Picnic and Nature Park Walks
This guide covered:
Why Singapore is called a “City in a Garden,” with accessible parks that blend greenery, play areas, and scenic walks
The 10 best parks, including HortPark, Botanic Gardens, Gardens by the Bay, East Coast Park and more
Family-friendly features such as themed gardens, children’s play zones, BBQ pits, cycling paths, and suspension bridges
Dining options like Vineyard at HortPark, which pair park visits with curated meals in tranquil, scenic settings
How these parks support both casual outings and meaningful celebrations
Top 10 Best Parks in Singapore for Family Outings, Picnics, and Scenic Walks
Singapore is famously known as a "City in a Garden," a title earned through its incredible commitment to lush, accessible green spaces. Beyond the dazzling urban landscape attractions, you’ll find a wealth of parks and nature reserves, each offering a unique retreat for family outings, peaceful picnics, and invigorating scenic walks. From sprawling coastal stretches to serene wetlands and historic hills to stroll, these top 10 parks showcase the very best of Singapore's natural beauty.
1. HortPark: The Gardening Hub
Image credit: Hortpark
What It Is: Known as "The Gardening Hub," HortPark is a unique 9-hectare park dedicated to gardening, horticulture, and lifestyle. It serves as a one-stop center for gardening enthusiasts, featuring a diverse collection of themed gardens that provide inspiration for home and community gardening. This is your specified must-include park for leisurely activities with best dining place.
What to See:
Themed Gardens: Explore different styles, such as the English Garden, the Scented Garden, and the HortPark Nature Playgarden, which is perfect for preschoolers to engage with nature.
HortCentre: The park's main visitor centre and a training facility for urban greenery.
Southern Ridges Access: HortPark is a key link in the Southern Ridges trail, connecting you to Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park via scenic walking paths.
How to Go: The park is located in the southwestern part of Singapore.
By Bus: Take public bus services (like Bus 51, 61, 93, 97, 100, 166, 200) that stop along Alexandra Road or West Coast Highway, followed by a short walk.
By MRT: The nearest stations are Labrador Park MRT Station (Circle Line) or Haw Par Villa MRT Station (Circle Line), both of which require a short bus ride or taxi to the park entrance.
Where to Dine: Vineyard at HortPark
For a luxurious meal that capitalizes on the park's tranquil environment, head to Vineyard at HortPark (33 Hyderabad Road, #02-02, HortPark, Singapore 119578). This restaurant offers a blend of French-Inspired Cuisine with an emphasis on "Garden-to-Table" dining. Using fresh herbs and produce sourced locally, sometimes even from the park itself.
Visit the website for menu, promotions and reservation
The dining experience is designed to feel like an escape to the European countryside. Featuring a charming, rustic ambience with glass walls that allow guests to dine in air-conditioned comfort while overlooking the lush lawns and reflective pond. Its location deep within the park makes it a peaceful hidden gem, perfect for special occasions, family celebrations, or a serene date night after a long walk along the Southern Ridges.
2. Singapore Botanic Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
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What It Is: The only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO World Heritage list, this 160-year-old park is a living testament to Singapore's rich horticultural history. It is a vital scientific and conservation center, yet also a beloved recreational spot that feels like a vast, beautifully cultivated oasis in the city.
What to See:
National Orchid Garden: A must-see, housing the world's largest collection of orchids.
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden: A dedicated space for children to learn and play, making it perfect for family outings.
Symphony Lake: A picturesque spot where you can enjoy outdoor concerts and classical music performances.
Healing Garden: A tranquil area showcasing plants with medicinal properties.
How to Go: The Gardens are well-served by the MRT system.
By MRT: Alight at Botanic Gardens MRT Station (Circle Line/Downtown Line) for access to the Bukit Timah Gate, or Napier MRT Station (Thomson-East Coast Line) for the Tanglin Gate.
By Bus: Numerous public bus services stop near both the Tanglin and Bukit Timah entrances.
3. Gardens by the Bay: Supertrees and Conservatories
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What It Is: An awe-inspiring, future-forward park spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land in central Singapore, renowned for its stunning vertical gardens and cooled conservatories. It's a marvel of landscape architecture and sustainability.
What to See:
Supertree Grove: These iconic tree-like structures host the spectacular nightly "Garden Rhapsody" light and sound show.
Cloud Forest and Flower Dome: The two enormous cooled conservatories display thousands of plants from different climate zones, including a 35-meter-tall indoor waterfall.
Far East Organization Children’s Garden: A fantastic, free-entry water play area and playground for families.
How to Go: Access is incredibly convenient via the MRT.
By MRT: Alight at Bayfront MRT Station (Circle Line/Downtown Line). Take Exit B and follow the underground linkway, then cross the Dragonfly or Meadow Bridge. Alternatively, alight at Gardens by the Bay MRT Station (Thomson-East Coast Line).
By Foot: It is easily accessible via a 10-12 minute walk from Marina Bay Sands.
4. East Coast Park: Singapore’s Coastal Playground
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What It Is: Stretched across 15 kilometers of coastline, this is Singapore's largest and most popular beach park. It's a hub for outdoor sports, recreation, and family picnics, offering a vast, open space where the city meets the sea.
What to See:
Endless Recreational Activities: Cycling, rollerblading, beach volleyball, and water sports are all on offer, with bicycle and rollerblade rentals available.
BBQ Pits and Camping: A favorite spot for gatherings, with numerous designated barbecue pits and areas where camping permits are allowed.
Refuel: The park is dotted with eateries, hawker centers, and casual dining spots like the East Coast Lagoon Food Village.
How to Go: The park runs parallel to the East Coast Parkway (ECP).
By MRT & Bus: The most common way is to alight at Bedok MRT Station, then take a connecting bus service (like Bus 197 or 196) toward the park.
By Car: The park has multiple parking lots along the East Coast Park Service Road.
5. MacRitchie Reservoir Park: Hiking and Treetop Views
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What It Is: Part of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, MacRitchie is a serene, forested area surrounding Singapore's oldest reservoir. It is the premier destination for serious nature walks, jogging, and hiking trails.
What to See:
TreeTop Walk: A free-standing suspension bridge connecting the two highest points within MacRitchie, offering a magnificent panoramic view of the forest canopy. (Check opening times before visiting).
Nature Trails: A 20-kilometer network of walking paths and boardwalks takes you through primary and secondary forests. The 11km MacRitchie Trail is the most famous loop.
Reservoir Activities: Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities on the tranquil reservoir waters.
How to Go: The park's main entrance and amenities are located at the end of Lornie Road.
By Bus: Take any public bus service that runs along Lornie Road and alight at the MacRitchie Reservoir bus stop.
By MRT: The nearest MRT is Caldecott MRT Station (Circle Line/Thomson-East Coast Line), which is a moderate walk or short bus ride away.
6. Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park: Naturalized Urban River
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What It Is: One of the largest urban parks in central Singapore, this park underwent a major transformation to convert a utilitarian concrete drain into a beautiful, meandering natural river (the Kallang River). It’s a showcase of sustainable urban development and a fantastic community space.
What to See:
Naturalized River: Watch out for playful otters and numerous species of birds along the riverbanks. The naturalistic banks are ideal for picnics.
River Plains and Pond Gardens: Open fields perfect for kite-flying and running, alongside beautifully designed garden spaces.
Adventure Playgrounds: The park features various unique playgrounds, including a popular water playground section.
How to Go: The park sits between the two residential estates of Bishan and Ang Mo Kio.
By MRT & Bus: Alight at Bishan MRT Station or Ang Mo Kio MRT Station. From there, take a short bus ride or a 15-20 minute walk to the park entrances along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1.
7. Fort Canning Park: History and Greenery in the City Center
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What It Is: Perched on a hill overlooking the city, Fort Canning Park is a historical landmark with over 700 years of history, from the ancient site of Malay royalty to the headquarters of the British Army during World War II. Today, it’s a tranquil green space interwoven with historical trails and colonial-era architecture.
What to See:
Instagram-Famous Spiral Staircase: The iconic "tree tunnel" leading up the hill from the underground passage is a must-visit photo spot.
Historical Gardens: Explore nine historical gardens, including the Spice Garden, the Fort Gate, and the Battlebox (a former underground command center).
Jubilee Park: A sprawling, family-friendly area featuring a massive outdoor playground with slides and climbing nets.
How to Go: Its location is highly accessible from the city core.
By MRT: Alight at Fort Canning MRT Station (Downtown Line) and take Exit B directly to the park. Alternatively, Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station (North-South/North-East/Circle Lines) or Clarke Quay MRT Station (North-East Line) are also within a short walking distance.
8. Coney Island Park (Pulau Serangoon): Rustic Coastal Escape
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What It Is: An 81-hectare ecologically sustainable park with a charmingly rustic, rugged feel. This offshore island, accessible via bridges, is perfect for those seeking an escape from groomed parks and looking for a wilder nature experience. It’s a fantastic spot for cycling and bird-watching.
What to See:
Wilder Beaches: The island features five small, tranquil beach pockets, ideal for scenic walks.
Coastal Forest: Walk or cycle along the main track, veering off to explore the thick mangrove and coastal forest areas.
Coney Island Haw Par Beach Villa: The ruins of a mysteriously abandoned villa provide a unique photo spot.
How to Go: Access is primarily from the mainland via the Park Connector Network.
By MRT & Bus: Take the MRT to Punggol MRT Station (North East Line). From the interchange, take Bus 84 and alight at Punggol Point Park. From there, it is a 700-meter walk along the promenade to the West Entrance bridge of Coney Island Park.
By Bicycle: Cycling is highly recommended. You can rent a bike near Punggol Settlement and ride directly onto the island.
9. Labrador Nature Reserve: History and Sea Views
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What It Is: Located by the sea, this 22-hectare nature reserve is an important historical and ecological site. It sits at the edge of a lush secondary forest and offers stunning coastal views, making it a great spot for combining a scenic walk with a history lesson.
What to See:
World War II Relics: Explore historical landmarks like the preserved machine gun post, tunnels, and the Dragon’s Teeth Gate replica, which commemorates Singapore’s maritime past.
Coastal Walk: The reserve features the Keppel Coastal Trail, which is wheelchair accessible and offers beautiful views of the sea and the rocky sea cliff (the only publicly accessible one on the mainland).
Biodiversity: A haven for nature lovers, spot various species of birds, butterflies, and squirrels in the thriving forest and coastal habitats.
How to Go: The park is easily accessible via public transport.
By MRT: Alight directly at Labrador Park MRT Station (Circle Line), which is a short walk to the park entrance.
10. Pasir Ris Park: Mangroves and Mazes
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What It Is: A sprawling, 70-hectare coastal park in the east of Singapore, known for its extensive mangrove forest, beachfront access, and large public spaces. It's a favorite for large family gatherings and recreational activities.
What to See:
Mangrove Boardwalk: Take a walk through the dense mangrove swamp on an elevated boardwalk, where you can observe unique mudskippers, crabs, and other wildlife.
Three-Storey Bird Watching Tower: Climb to the top for panoramic views of the park and the surrounding area, a great activity for families and bird enthusiasts.
Spacious Playground: Features a huge adventure playground area that is popular with children of all ages.
How to Go: The park is situated in the Pasir Ris residential estate.
By MRT: Alight at Pasir Ris MRT Station (East-West Line), then take a short walk (about 10 minutes) or a bus ride to the park's main entrance.
By Bus: Several bus services stop near the park along Pasir Ris Drive 3.
The City in a Garden and Nature Parks Awaits Your Next Family Outing
Singapore's commitment to nature makes it the perfect place for a memorable family outing. These ten parks, from HortPark with its top restaurants to the coastal fun of East Coast Park, offer family-friendly and value-for-money escapes. If you need a spacious eatery like Vineyard for a family gathering or just a serene spot for a picnic, the city's green spaces provide the ideal inviting ambience. It's easy, affordable, and the best way to enjoy high-quality food and nature together. Choose your favorite park, and start planning your next great family outing today!