Meet The Mum Of Two Behind Singapore’s Largest Indoor Playgrounds, Heidi Tian

She built the largest indoor playground in Singapore, and then 10 more across four countries. We chat with Heidi Tian, the founder and CEO of Kiztopia, about motherhood and what it’s like seeing her childhood vision of play come to life.

Before moving to Singapore, Heidi Tian was deep in the world of banking—think long hours and fast-paced cities. But after becoming a mum, her priorities started to shift. She wanted more balance, and when she got to Singapore in 2012, something clicked: where were the big, fun, indoor play spaces for kids? That question planted the seed for Kiztopia.

Leaving behind a steady corporate job to start something from scratch wasn’t easy—there were delays, tough calls and plenty of unknowns. But when she walked into her first completed playground, filled with colour, exploration and wide-eyed kids, it all felt worth it. We speak to Heidi about how her childhood inspired her love for play and exploration, how she started one of the region’s largest indoor playground chains (Kiztopia has 18 outlets across Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia!), and what drives her as a parent.

Read our past That Mama interviews here.

What was your life like before moving to Singapore in 2012?

Before moving to Singapore, I spent most of my career in banking, working in the fast-paced financial hubs of the U.S., China, and Hong Kong. While I enjoyed the structured corporate world, becoming a mother shifted my priorities. I found myself searching for more ways to balance career ambitions with family life. When I moved to Singapore, I noticed a gap in the market where there weren’t many large-scale indoor play experiences that combined fun with learning. That realisation ultimately planted the seed for Kiztopia.

Having lived in the U.S., China and Hong Kong previously, what are the biggest differences you’ve noticed about raising kids there vs. in Singapore?

Every country has a unique parenting culture. In the United States, there’s a strong emphasis on outdoor exploration and fostering independence. In China, structured learning plays a more significant role, and in Hong Kong, limited space means play is often centred around smaller activity zones. Singapore offers an ideal mix: it’s safe, has excellent infrastructure, and encourages both academic excellence and recreational play.

The pressure of stepping into entrepreneurship from your corporate role must’ve been high. What were some of your most challenging moments, and what were your biggest motivators during that time?

Stepping into entrepreneurship was both exhilarating and daunting. One of the biggest challenges was taking that first leap, leaving behind the stability of my corporate career and stepping into the unknown. The early days were filled with uncertainty, from securing the right locations to designing an entirely new concept that stood out in the market. There were moments when things didn’t go as planned—delays, operational hurdles, and the immense responsibility of leading a team.

Despite these challenges, my biggest motivator was the vision of what Kiztopia could become. I believed deeply in creating a space where children could learn and grow through play. Seeing families enjoy our playgrounds and hearing parents share how Kiztopia has become a special part of their children’s lives made every challenge worthwhile. Another major source of strength came from my team and my family. Their unwavering support, belief and shared passion for our mission kept me going even in the toughest moments.

Read more: Kiztopia Marina Square Review

What was your first reaction when you saw your first completed Kiztopia playground at Marina Square?

It was an unforgettable moment—both surreal and incredibly emotional. After months of planning, designing, and overcoming countless obstacles, seeing the finished space come to life was overwhelming. I remember walking through the doors, taking in every detail—the vibrant play areas, the intricate designs, and the sheer scale of what we had created. It was a powerful mix of pride, relief, and excitement.

But the most fulfilling part was seeing children running in with wide-eyed wonder and hearing their laughter fill the space. That was the moment I knew we had created something special. It wasn’t just about building a playground; it was about bringing joy, fostering imagination, and creating a place where families could bond. That first Kiztopia at Marina Square set the foundation for everything that followed, and even today, I still feel that same sense of excitement whenever we open a new outlet.

When it comes to conceptualising indoor playgrounds, what’s your go-to for inspiration?

A lot of my inspiration comes from being a parent myself. I constantly think about the kind of space I would want for my own children—safe, engaging, and designed to support learning. I also travel frequently to explore different play concepts worldwide.

Inspiration also comes from observing how children play, listening to parents, and staying attuned to global trends in family entertainment. Travel remains a huge source of inspiration, as seeing how other countries approach play and design sparks new ideas that we can adapt and innovate upon. Ultimately, the biggest inspiration comes from the children themselves—their curiosity, creativity, and boundless energy drive me to keep pushing boundaries.

What are some places you’ve travelled to that have truly impressed you?

Japan’s deep appreciation for storytelling is woven into every aspect of play, design, and experience. From iconic brands like Pokémon and Studio Ghibli to immersive attractions such as Disneyland Tokyo and Universal Studios Japan, storytelling is at the heart of engagement. Even in public spaces, interactive experiences—like teamLab Borderless and creative playgrounds—encourage imagination and exploration.

Similarly, Taiwan has a strong culture of blending education with entertainment. Places like Taipei’s children’s museums and themed experiential spaces create engaging environments where kids can learn through play. The emphasis on interactive storytelling and multi-sensory experiences reinforces the idea that play should be both enriching and fun.

Visiting these countries reinforced my belief that play should be more than just physical activity; it should spark creativity, evoke emotions, and leave lasting memories. At Kiztopia, we aim to bring that same sense of wonder to families by crafting experiences that go beyond play—where every child can embark on their adventure and create stories of their own.

I’d love to hear more about your childhood. What were your best play/playground memories?

Growing up in Xi’an, my childhood was all about outdoor adventures. There weren’t many structured playgrounds, so my best memories were of running freely in open spaces, climbing trees, and making up games with friends. I especially loved visiting parks with vast green fields, lakes, and winding trails—places that felt endless and full of possibility.

Nature played a huge role in my childhood. Some of my fondest moments were hiking with my family, breathing in the fresh air, and taking in the beauty of the landscapes around us. Those experiences instilled in me a deep love for exploration and adventure. They taught me that play wasn’t just about having fun—it was about discovery, creativity, and creating lifelong memories.

How would you describe your parenting style?

I’d say I’m a mix of hands-on and giving them space to grow. I believe in setting strong foundations, but also allowing my children the independence to make their own choices and learn from them. Encouragement, trust, and open communication are at the heart of my approach.

What are some of your favourite rituals with your family today?

No matter how busy my schedule gets, I try to carve out dedicated family time. Weekend breakfasts are a cherished tradition where we slow down and connect. Traveling together is another highlight, allowing us to bond and create memories. And, of course, play remains a part of our lives—whether through board games, outdoor adventures, or simply sharing laughter at home.

Having a mum who owns and builds indoor playgrounds, do your kids consider themselves the luckiest in Singapore?

They certainly have fun testing new playground features and being the first customers at Kiztopia. But to them, I’m simply ‘mum.’ Their joy and excitement remind me daily why I started this journey—to create spaces where families can bond and children can flourish.

Read more: Best Indoor Playgrounds In Singapore

What are some things you hope your children learn from you when they grow up?

I hope they develop resilience, a strong work ethic, and the courage to pursue their dreams. More than anything, I want them to understand the value of kindness, humility, and always staying grounded, no matter how successful they become.

Throughout your journey of juggling entrepreneurship and motherhood, what are some surprising things you’ve learnt about yourself and parenthood?

I’ve learned that I’m much stronger and more adaptable than I ever thought. Motherhood and entrepreneurship both require resilience, patience, and the ability to handle unpredictability. I’ve also realised the importance of embracing imperfection—there’s no perfect way to do either, and that’s okay.

Running Kiztopia has given me a deeper appreciation for the way children learn and grow through play. One surprising insight is how differently every child engages with play—some seek adventure, others prefer quiet observation, and many thrive through social interaction. It has reinforced my belief that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to parenting; instead, providing the right environment and opportunities for kids to explore at their own pace is key.

Quickfire questions:
I wish I had more time for… Unplugged family time—just being present without distractions. And maybe catching up on sleep!

I always feel saner after… Enjoying a quiet coffee, taking a walk with my husband, or sharing meaningful conversations with my kids—simple moments that remind me of what truly matters.

As a mama, I wish I were better at… Letting go of the small stuff and staying fully present. It’s easy to get caught up in work, but children grow up in the blink of an eye!

I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about… New ideas for Kiztopia, upcoming projects, and how best to prepare my kids for the future.

My favourite moment of the day is… Winding down with my family—whether over dinner or a casual chat. Those little moments mean everything.

Read our past That Mama interviews here.