Looking for an airport-themed play space with green open spaces in an idyllic colonial setting, and a view of an actual airport runway? Get your kids jet set for the airplane playground at The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park. This space has it all with various dining options to boot! It is also just a stone’s throw away from the lush greenery of Hampstead Wetlands Park.
Overview of The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park (The Oval @ SAP)
Bounded by Jalan Kayu, Yishun, Punggol and Sengkang in the northeast of Singapore, The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park is a unique estate exuding old world charm, sited next to Seletar Airport.
Once upon a time, back in the 1930s, the many black and white colonial bungalows served as residences for officers from the British Royal Air Force.
Take a leisurely stroll around the Seletar Aerospace Hub estate and step back in time. You’ll find that they still dot the vicinities of The Oval, Hyde Park Gate and Old Birdcage Walk.
32 of the bungalows have been gazetted for conservation, and six of them have been converted into lifestyle businesses, including restaurants and cafés.
Besides the unveiling of the aeroplane themed playground in March 2016, new tables have also been perfectly placed right next to the airport runway.
So, if you prefer to stay away from the crowds, you have the option of laying down your own picnic baskets on the open lawn or at the tables while waiting for our (we wish) private jet to take off.
Works are underway to build a boardwalk that fronts the runway. This could make quite a runway for active and aspiring pilots, stewards and stewardesses!
More on the Airplane Playground at The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Hub
The airplane themed playground faces you as you enter The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park from Park Lane. From a distance, you’ll spot the deck designed in the shape of an aeroplane.
Let your kids pilot the propeller jet and slide back down onto the tarmac. It’s time to be #OvalZealous.
Or climb up the control tower and be a high flier checking out the real planes taking off and landing at the nearby Seletar Airport.
Younger kids can pilot their own mini jets too.
If you wish to stay grounded, introduce the kids to an enlarged game of Ludo.
Toddlers can fit into the swing seats and the older kids can chill out on the hammock swing.
READ: 3 Airplane Playgrounds in the West of Singapore
Dine in Style at The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park Cafés and Restaurants
Since December 2016, The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park has been home to these restaurants and cafés:
Wheeler’s Estate
Wheeler’s Estate is an offshoot of the family-run business and popular bicycle café – Wheeler’s Yard – in Balestier. The ground floor of the bungalow is the café, while the second storey carries the full restaurant menu.
2 Park Lane, The Oval @ SAP, Singapore 798386
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11 am to 10 pm; Friday and Eve of Public Holidays: 11 am to 10.30 pm; Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: 8 am to 10.30 pm
Tel: +65 6262 0001
Youngs Western Restaurant
Youngs Western Restaurant, the first landmark you will see before you turn into The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park, serves modern European food inspired by visits to various European countries. Enjoy outdoor seating or within the cosy air-conditioned interiors in this 130-seater bar and restaurant.
3 Hyde Park Gate, The Oval @ SAP, Singapore 799531
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11 am to 1 am; Friday & Eve of Public Holidays: 11 am to 2 am; Saturday: 8 am to 2 am; Sunday and Public Holidays: 8 am to 1 am
Tel: +65 6734 2850
Di Wei Teochew Restaurant
Di Wei Teochew Restaurant, by the Pentagon Group, is a familiar face at Seletar having set up Birdcage Bistro at Birdcage Walk. They serve traditional Teochew fare such as sugar-coated yam strips, cold crabs, treasure duck stuffed with glutinous rice and dried shrimp.
1 Oval, The Oval @ SAP, Singapore 797859
Opening Hours: Daily: 11.30 am to 2.30 pm, 5.30 pm to 10.00 pm
Tel: +65 6262 5946
The Summerhouse
Wildseed Café and Bar
The Summerhouse garden-themed restaurant provides a perfect backdrop for weddings and parties with their pretty garden and pergola. Opened by the 1-Group, its sister restaurants are Una in Rochester Park and Botanico at Singapore Botanic Gardens. It has a farm-to-table concept, with Wildseed Café and Bar on the ground floor. The multi-concept duplex houses a coffee roaster, a floral shop and an edible garden.
3 Park Lane, The Oval @ SAP, Singapore 798387
Opening Hours:
The Summerhouse Dining Room
Wednesday to Friday: 6 pm to 10 pm; Saturday to Sunday: 12 pm to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm
Wildseed Cafe
Daily: 10 am to 7 pm
Wildseed Bar
Monday, Tuesday and Sunday: 4 pm to 10 pm, Wednesday and Thursday: 4 pm to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday: 4 pm to 12 mn
Tel: +65 6262 1063
On weekends, you may find bands belting it out at The Summerhouse and Wheeler’s Estate.
More Dining Options at Seletar Aerospace Hub
Other dining options near The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park include:
JTC Aviation Two
690 West Camp Road
On the opposite side of The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park, JTC Aviation Two – a multi-tenanted 11-storey development for aerospace companies – houses an aeroplane-themed food court with six stalls and a café on level two.
Seok Seng 1954 Bicycle Café
For cycling enthusiasts, Seok Seng 1954 Bicycle Café is located quite near the Seletar Airport Control Tower.
The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park has thoughtfully placed bicycle parking and repair facilities, with an eye that you can cycle your way around to explore the area.
Have a great little day out exploring The Oval and the surrounds. You’ll take off to a distant land with more than just Instagram-able moments with the kids!
How to Get to The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park
By Train:
From Punggol MRT
Go to the bus stop at Punggol Temporary Interchange, Punggol Place.
Board bus 117 and alight at Seletar Aerospace Drive, just right before The Oval.
By Bus:
103, 117
READ: Air Force Museum: A Vintage Flight to the Future
READ: Changi Airport with Kids: A Whole New World in Transit
READ: 22 of the Best and Not-the-Usual HDB Heartland Playgrounds Around Singapore
