After a $50 million upgrade, City Square Mall has reopened with a refreshed look that positions itself as an eco and family-friendly destination. While the mall now houses new indoor playgrounds and refreshed F&B options, what really caught our attention was the City Square Mall playground right outside the mall, a community play space.
Conveniently located at Farrer Park MRT (Exit I), just beside the iconic New World Arch, the old playground has been replaced with a brand new play structure that resembles three giant flower petals, each housing different play zones.
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The most striking features are the red and yellow vertical flower structures, connected by a network of climbing nets that stretch both upwards and across the structures. We have always liked vertical playgrounds because they give the Boays the thrill of climbing high while still being safely enclosed within the nets.
But beyond the physical challenge, these spaces are also great for developing social skills, as children naturally have to negotiate space while navigating the nets together. In many ways, playgrounds are also great places for children to experience a little bit of playground politics.
It creates a natural setting for them to learn conflict management, adaptability and tolerance as they take turns, work around one another and figure out how to move through shared spaces.
The yellow flower structure is clearly the more adventurous one. It rises across three tiers, with nets that allow children to climb vertically before moving across the different levels. At the highest tier, there is even an actual telescope installed.
According to Ashriel, he was able to “look all the way up to the sky” through it. The structure also features a talking tube, allowing someone at the ground level to communicate with a child higher up in the tower. And of course, there is a spiral tube slide, which Adriel and I tried together. I can confirm that it spirals you down pretty quickly.
The red flower structure, on the other hand, feels intentionally designed for younger children. With only two levels, the ground level hosts simple obstacle elements where kids can step and climb through, while the upper level leads to a shorter and gentler slide.
It feels like a good stepping stone for children who may not yet be ready for the taller climbing structure beside it.
Balance Play and Parent-Friendly Rest Spots
Outside the red and yellow flower structures is an open play space where we spotted several balance and sensory play elements such as stepping pods and hammock swings in different shapes and textures.
One thoughtful touch that many parents will appreciate is the presence of low tables and stools placed within the play space itself. These allow caregivers to sit down comfortably while watching their children play, or simply take a breather while the kids run around.
The play area is partially sheltered by a large perforated canopy shaped like a giant flower petal. The metal canopy features triangular openings that allow light and airflow to pass through.
While it does not provide full shelter from rain, it still offers shade from direct sunlight while keeping the space well ventilated. When we visited around 2 pm, I noticed how the slight tilt of the triangular openings helped to deflect the sunlight. It is a small architectural detail, but one that feels quite ingenious when you think about how it responds to Singapore’s hot climate.
A Nature-Inspired Toddler Play Deck
For toddlers, there is a raised wooden play platform located beside the flower play structures. Built above existing vegetation and wrapped around a tree, the platform cleverly integrates nature into the play experience. Here you will find a series of interactive activity panels commonly found in toddler playgrounds.
Because the platform is elevated, part of the walkway uses a metal mesh flooring, allowing toddlers to practise walking confidently across it while also being able to observe the vegetation below.
There is also a small slide that lets children descend from the platform. It is a simple but thoughtful design that brings children closer to nature while subtly encouraging awareness of the surrounding environment.
Toddler Friendly Playground: Musical and Sensory Play Near the Mall Entrance
Closer to the mall entrance, there is another toddler-friendly play zone with several sensory play elements. Children can create sounds by tapping on a colourful outdoor musical panel, while nearby spring riders shaped like animals allow them to bounce gently back and forth.
There is also a hammock-style swing where children can lie or sway slowly, offering a calming sensory experience.
Stepping pods encourage them to hop from one platform to another as they practise balance and coordination. The entire area sits on a colourful rubber play surface that helps cushion falls and makes active play safer.
The CDL EcoTrain Climate Education Experience
One feature that the Boays particularly enjoyed was the CDL EcoTrain, a repurposed MRT cabin that has been transformed into a climate education hub.
Located at City Green just outside the mall, the operationally zero-energy EcoTrain introduces children and families to environmental and sustainability topics in a fun and interactive way.
The activity is very easy to follow. All we needed to do was scan a QR code with our phone, and we were guided through the different panels inside the train. Along the way, the boys had to hunt for “Qwerty”, a cat-like mascot hidden across the displays. Each scan revealed snippets about environmental conservation while keeping the experience engaging for the kids.
At the end of the hunt, they were even able to redeem a small gift from a capsule machine. Ashriel received a sticker pack while Adriel got a pin badge. I am not entirely sure what other prizes might be available, so if you do visit and receive something different, do share with us.
Other Attractions Around City Green
For families looking for additional paid activities, there are also a few carnival-style rides nearby, including a carousel, spinning teacups and a trackless train ride. Inside the mall basement, there are also attractions such as bouncy castles and a small go-kart track.
That said, we found that the free outdoor play spaces together with the EcoTrain experience were already enough to keep the Boays entertained for about an hour before heading into the mall to explore its other food and shopping options.
A Thoughtfully Designed Family Play Space
Overall, this feels like a thoughtful initiative to bring families into the area through well-designed public play spaces. What stood out to us was how the playground incorporates elements of nature while also introducing messages about environmental conservation.
It also offers a glimpse into how play spaces can be designed with sensitivity to Singapore’s climate and environment, while gently nurturing environmental awareness among children from a young age.
With the March school holidays coming up, this newly revamped space could be a fun and easy outing for families looking to spend some time outdoors.
Where: City Green @ City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Rd, Singapore 208539
