Cool Dad Hangouts with Brad Robinson from Ritual

Does the Dad in your life need some inspo on where to take the kids? We’ve talked to some of the coolest Dads in Singapore to get their tips on where to go and what to do with kiddos in tow!

With Father’s Day on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to launch a new series celebrating the special bond between dads and their kids. Each month we’ll be talking to super cool dads from around Singapore about their favourite kid-friendly activities and restaurants, with some travel and date night tips thrown in for good measure. First up is Brad Robinson, the co-founder of Ritual Gym and an accomplished MMA fighter in his “spare” time (he’s known as “The Vanilla Gorilla”). Brad’s also the father of two boys (Garrett, 9 and Noah, 7) and we caught up with them as they participated in one of their favourite father-son activities (Jiujitsu, natch). Be sure to share with any papa who could use some fresh inspiration on kid-friendly things to do in Singapore!

What’s your favourite outdoor spot to hang out with your kids?
We stomp all over Waterway Park in Punggol, and they love Gardens by the Bay.

What’s your favourite restaurant to bring your kids to in Singapore?
There is a great coffee shop on Hong Kong Street called Ronin – they serve some really insane French Toast there that the boys love to devour after jiu jitsu practice.

Your kids are a bit older now, but do you recall the most Dad-friendly places for changing diapers?
Singapore is actually great for this, most places have facilities now. I’ve always found Paragon Mall and Vivo City very parent/kid friendly.

Favorite playground in Singapore?
There are some really great ones, but I think Gardens by the Bay is the favourite in our house.

Best spot for coffee when you’re on early-morning Dad duty?
Anywhere I can get it! Hipster joint, kopitiam, etc. Ronin has always been a personal favourite, a new favourite is Lola’s on Simon Road in Hougang.

Any favourite bedtime book recommendations?
A Little History of the World by Ernst Gombrich.

Any favourite apps/games to play with your kids?
Daddy time is usually pretty void of technology – but sometimes I have to absolutely destroy them at some game on their Xbox.  (As soon as they can beat me, I’m retiring from Xbox).

What’s your favourite activity to do with your kids when Mom’s not around?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – I’m addicted, they’re addicted – it’s perfect. We usually work out at Fight G, an awesome training and martial arts gym in the CBD.

What are your favourite date night restaurants?
Spoiled for choice in Singapore – DB Bistro and Spago come to mind when I’m feeling atas.

Do you have a favourite shop? (Can be anything — clothes, gourmet food, cookery, electronics, etc.)
Right now it’s music shops – the kids and I are both really into music so we spend a lot of time kicking around shops selling everything from vinyl records (had to really dig deep to explain them) to state-of-the-art DJ Equipment.

Where do you like to train/exercise? (We have a guess on this one…)
There’s the great chain of gyms called Ritual – just can’t seem to get enough.

What are your favorite holiday destinations with your kids?
No matter how many times we’ve done in – THEIR favourite destination is a staycation in Sentosa. Siloso Beach Resort is the preferred place. Eco-friendly and has a pool with slides and a waterfall, so it is easy to spend a few hours splashing around. Coastes is a great restaurant, right on the beach. And it is hard to beat Universal Studios, we have season passes. (My wife adds that the animal encounters on Sentosa are super fun, too!).

Thank you so much, Brad! And a massive thanks to Irina Nilsson Photography for the absolutely incredible snaps!