Whether outside, up high, or in the water — our guide to adventure sports in Singapore will have your kiddos smiling
Move over tennis and soccer, we’re pushing the envelope with some adventure sports that are perfect for thrill seekers, adrenaline junkies, and really anyone keen to try something just a little bit different (don’t worry, there’s nothing really dangerous)! And P.S. if you’re keen to ever see your kiddos get into the Olympics, some of these sports just might be the ticket!
Mamas with super active kiddos (uhhh, isn’t that all of them?): this one’s for you!
Adventure & Ropes Courses
OMG have you seen our rad video of Forest Adventure’s brand new course?! To mark its 10th anniversary, Singapore’s First and Only Tree Top Course has introduced 69 brand new crossings and 6 zip lines, along with three age-appropriate ropes courses for kids of all ages. You’ve got the Kids Course for littlies aged 5 to 9 (min. height 1.1m), the Junior Course as a transition for those looking for a bit more of a challenge (min. height 1.35m), and the Grand Course, which is plenty challenging for kids, teens and adults (min. height 1.5m)! We also love Forest Adventure’s beautiful outdoor location in serene Bedok Reservoir Park; yay for fresh air!
The new facility of course includes all the latest safety and design features – including a cool ongoing safety line that allows children to go on the course unaccompanied! Try to book in advance if you can, mama; you can do it either online or over the phone.
Forest Adventure, Bedok Reservoir Park (Via Carpark A on Bedok Reservoir Road), Singapore 479244, Tel: (+65) 8100 7420, www.forestadventure.com.sg
Mega Adventure
Send the kiddies hurtling down the 450m long (and 75m high) flying fox at the Mega Zip Adventure Park and banish their fear of heights forever (well you can try!). Adrenaline junkies will get a thrill going down the speedy zip from the heights of Imbiah Hill to the beach of Fox Finish Point – not to mention the fab views over Sentosa as well. Note that this one is for kids at least 90cm in height; otherwise, head to the kid-friendly Mega Bounce, which only has a minimum weight of 10kg. Other on-site attractions include Mega Climb (Treetop obstacles) and Mega Jump (a parachute-like freefall).
10A Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa Island, Singapore 099008, Tel: (+65) 3163 6352, www.sg.megaadventure.com
Fencing
If your kiddo aspires to be a future Olympian, Asgard Fencing Club is a great place to train: this year alone six out of eight fencers representing Singapore in international competition come from the club, which has also trained the only world champion fencer in Singapore history (Lau Ywen)! Even if your child has milder aspirations (such as bringing the Three Musketeers or Ninjago to life), you’ll love Asgard’s focus on inculcating the values of resilience, respect and sportsmanship (sounds good to us!). Classes provide young fencers with a strong foundation in the sport, focusing on coordination skills, core strength, footwork, and basic fencing techniques. Kids’ classes are offered throughout the week, and are geared toward children age 7 and up; contact Asgard to arrange a trial session!
Asgard Fencing Club, Link@AMK #03-19, 3 Ang Mo Kio Street 62, Singapore 569139, www.asgardfencing.com
Parkour
Here’s one for aspiring stealth ninjas: Parkour helps people of all ages (mamas included – there’s actually a special Ladies Training class!) boost fitness, strength and agility with its structured training. Suitable for children 5 and up, A2 Movements’ Kids’ Classes offer the benefits of fostering discipline, developing mental flexibility, improving focus and concentration, all of which help kiddos attain higher self esteem. Both indoor and outdoor training options are available in convenient locations including Raffles Place, Orchard and Lavender.
A2 Movements Parkour Academy, www.a2movements.com, www.facebook.com/A2Parkour
Bungee
Bungee involves more than just jumping! The Bungee Kids series at Dancevault Studios is a perfect outlet for expression, confidence building and exercise for kids. Getting to ‘fly’ through the air like Superman and surf across the floor like a pro surfer? Yes please! The workout combines dance and fitness training, made safe with hip harnesses and clips with an IRATA certified bungee system. Kiddos get a total body cardio workout and will develop their agility and flexibility, good posture, balance and self-confidence!
Dancevault Studios, 176 East Coast Road #02-01, Singapore 428820, www.dancevaultstudios.com
Figure Skating
Learn to Skate at The Rink
Geared toward littlies as young as 3 years old, this multi-level programme teaches the fundamentals of ice skating through a progression of skills that remains fun, challenging and rewarding, regardless of whether kiddos aspire to be hockey players, figure skaters or speed skaters (like Singapore’s first Winter Olympian, Cheyenne Goh!).
The Rink @ J Cube, 2 Jurong East Central 1, Level 3 JCube, Singapore 609731, Tel: (+65) 6684 2374/5, www.therink.sg
Go Karting
Run by race car driver (and badass new mama) Claire Jedrek, The Karting Arena in Bukit Timah provides heaps of adrenaline-pumping fun for kids 9 and up (they must also be at least 140cm in height). Safety is paramount, and the electric, lightweight karts are super responsive. Kiddos can sign up for an 8-minute session (about 8-10 laps), or make a day of it with a birthday party package that includes two karting sessions and two indoor driving simulator sessions.
The Karting Arena, 200 Turf Club Road, #01-01B The Grandstand (South Carpark), Singapore 287994, Tel: (+65) 9627 6771, www.thekartingarena.com
Kayaking
Singapore Canoe Federation
Discover a range of programmes for wannabe kayakers, including a Kayaking Orientation course (for absolute beginners) and multi-level kayaking courses for more advanced paddlers. Classes are generally held at either MacRitchie Reservoir or Kallang Water Sports Centre. Pssst…those looking for a fun afternoon with the wee ones can also rent a kayak at MacRitchie Reservoir and go for a cruise around the water – non-wiggly tinies can sit on your lap if you’re brave mama!
Kallang Water Sports Centre, 10 Stadium Lane, Singapore 397774
Paddle Lodge @ MacRitchie Reservoir, Lornie Road, Singapore
Tel: (+65) 6344 3915 or 6258 0057, www.scf.org.sg
X-Current Sports
All in the name of family bonding (of course!) spend an afternoon learning kayaking and water safety skills with your sprogs in the Family Fun Kayaking Class at the Kallang Water Sports Centre or Pandan Reservoir. For kids between 5 and 12 years old, there’s ample opportunity to launch various boats and practice various water confidence drills.
Kallang Water Sports Centre, 10 Stadium Lane, Singapore 397774, Tel: (+65) 6515 9363 www.exponentasia.com.sg/x-current
Rock Climbing
Clip ‘n Climb is designed for both adults and kids alike with 19 colourful climbing challenges of varying difficulty. Each climbing wall is decked out in different colours and themes with different levels of difficulty so its challenging for everyone. There’s the Morse Code with flashing lights, the Dry Ice wall where you need ice picks, the double-sided Face-to-Face wall and the Spaghetti Junction with dangling ropes for extra difficulty. It’s a full sensory experience and keeps the fun stakes high. We particularly love that there are no age restrictions, so it’s the perfect place to go with your super active little monkeys!
Clip ‘n Climb, 51 Tampines Ave 4, #03-03, Our Tampines Hub, Singapore 529684, Tel: (+65) 6705 9410, www.facebook.com/pg/clipnclimbhometeamns
Kinetics Climbing
Learn the ABCs of climbing with the Climbing 101 programme for kids aged 5 to 12. Little ones will learn how to use their hands and feet to climb safely, whilst being taught within a guided environment (parents are even encouraged to join in). Those needing more of a challenge can also sign up for the Rugrats Climbing Team (4 to 7 years olds) or Kinetics Kids Climbing Team (7 to 13 year olds).
511 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218153, Tel: (+65) 6291 5045, www.kineticsclimbing.com.sg
OnSight Climbing
Boasting the biggest indoor climbing gym in Singapore, OnSight Climbing also has a ‘New Kids on the Bloc’ rock climbing course for mini hikers aged 5 to 12 years. Round up your kid’s friends (they need a minimum of 4 kids per class) and get climbin’! They can also organise a private family climb so you can all get in the action together.
100 Guillemard Road, Singapore 399718 (Old Badminton Hall), Tel: (+65) 6348 8272, www.onsight.com.sg
The Rock School
Aimed at mini mountaineers from as young as 4 years old, the Fun Climb programme helps first-timers get climbing in a fun and safe environment. Focusing on teaching basic climbing techniques, graduates can progress into the Step Up programme, an in-depth structured class that furthers climbing skills through games and activities. We love that even mama can get in on the action and join a Double Up class (a parent/child accompanied rock-climbing class)… Just don’t look down mama!
Bedok Community Centre, 850 New Upper Changi Road, Singapore 467352
Our Tampines Hub, 1 Tampines Walk, #02-81, Singapore 528523
Tel: (+65) 6242 2106, www.therockschool.sg
Rollerblading & Skateboarding
Skate-with-us
Singapore’s only skate school just for kids, Skate-with-us offers a specialised programme for kiddies aged 3 to 12 years to learn inline skating. Designed to teach children valuable life skills (like learning how to fall safely), classes aim to develop fitness, coordination, and balance. Lessons are held at various locations around the island so you’re bound to find a class in your ‘hood; kiddos can even do a free trial to make sure they’re keen.
Classes are held at various locations throughout Singapore – see the website for details, Tel: (+65) 6246 6362, www.skate-with-us.com
Skate Sports
Learn how to skateboard like a pro with the “Skate Masters” life skills enrichment programme for kiddos aged 6 to 12 years, or the “Fun-Start” programme for littlies 4 to 6. Skate Sports is all about encouraging the development of good character and sportsmanship (all with a healthy dose of fun and adventure too!). Classes are conveniently located at both Somerset and East Coast Park, with regular morning and afternoon sessions.
Classes are held at various locations throughout Singapore – see website for details, Tel: (+65) 6684 4096, www.skatesports.com.sg
Skateline
Their comprehensive ‘learn-to-skate’ programme teaches the fundamentals of inline skating. Newbies will learn how to balance, skate, stop and turn (and even develop super coordination skills too!). Not sure junior is going to love skating? Sign them up for a 1-hour Inline FunStart class and gauge their level of interest before signing them up to the full course.
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, 1380 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Singapore 569930
Pasir Ris Sport and Recreation Centre, 120 Pasir Ris Central, Singapore 519640
West Coast Park, 71 West Coast Highway, Singapore 126844
Tel: (+65) 6289 4378, www.skateline.com.sg
Trail Running
Perfect for families that like to get muddy, these bi-weekly runs, typically 3-5km in length, are held all over Singapore. Hashing originated in colonial Malaysia, and usually includes jungle bashing and beer drinking, although in this children’s hash the beer has been replaced by juice (don’t worry, beer is still available for accompanying adults). Whether navigating natural slides, tree trunks or concrete pathways, every hash is unique and an unexpected adventure, and the perfect way to help children explore unknown parts of Singapore.
www.hashhousehorrors.com
Wakeboarding
This cool cable skiing course doesn’t offer organized classes, but the pros on staff are happy to show kiddos the ropes. Kids need to be around 4 or 5 and able to swim unaccompanied; the rest is easy peasy! They’ll be standing up on a board and cruising the lake (and maybe even doing a trick or two) in no time at all. Be still our beating hearts…
Singapore Wake Park, 1206A East Coast Parkway, Singapore 449891, Tel: (+65) 6636 4266, www.singaporewakepark.com
Water Polo
28 Degrees Aquatic
Former national water polo player Ng Ker Wei, teaches kids everything he knows, with the Flippa Ball Fun Play programme – a modified junior version of water polo that teaches youngsters the basics. Absolute beginners (from as young as 2 years of age!) start off learning Flippa Ball, before progressing into the fully-fledged competitive water polo training programmes. Classes are designed to develop water confidence, build teamwork skills, and be a bit of fun too!
28 Degrees Aquatic, CCAB Pool, 21 Evans Road, 259366, email [email protected], www.20eightdegrees.com
After all that adventuring, the kids should be well and truly worn out (we know we are). With a round up like this, there’s really no shortage of ideas to keep restless littlies busy!