The HortPark Nature Playgarden, located deep within HortPark, was the first of the many nature playgardens to open in Singapore. It first opened back in March 2019 and set the scene for biophilic play spots all around the island.
The HortPark Nature Playgarden is 0.35ha of lush greenery and it has been given an update with little spots that kids can explore and use their imagination to enjoy.
HortPark Nature Playgarden: Different Play Zones
Made up of seven different play zones, HortPark Nature Playgarden has been designed to allow and encourage child-directed play at a very basic level. Many of these play spots make use of natural and recycled materials. However, some of them appear to have been updated with materials that make the nature playgarden easier to maintain.
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Nonetheless, kids are encouraged to explore and discover within this quiet corner of HortPark.
Sandy Hollow
This is made up of little sand pit where a pair of hammock swings can be found. Kids can sway back and forth on the hammock swings and create imaginary worlds in the sand.
The Building Huts
Connected to the Sandy Hollow is an area filled with pea gravel, The Building Huts. A wooden teepee stands in the middle of the pit, ready for kids who may wish to play amongst it.
The Maze
A low set of hedges create a passage for kids that winds around and around, creating The Maze. At one end of The Maze there is a hexagonal wooden tunnel that young kids can crawl through.
The Stream
This is a feature that was held over from the previous version of the HortPark Nature Playgarden. Activate a tap at the top of The Stream and watch and play with the water as it flows down a series of channels carved from logs.
The Kitchen
Crates of loose garden material provide the base for imaginative play at this section of the HortPark Nature Playgarden.
Adventure Alley
At Adventure Alley, kids can take a paved path to a little alcove at the very end.
The Big Fiscus Adventure
This area is set underneath a large Fiscus tree. The tree generously provides shade for kids to play with a set of stepping logs that are laid out here.
Seeds Today, Stewards Tomorrow
The HortPark Nature Playgarden was NPark’s first efforts in taking open-ended play outdoors. It is a place where kids can get touch with nature. Now, there are plenty of Nature Playgardens in Singapore all across the island including parks such as East Coast Park and Sembawang Park.
HortPark Nature Playgarden
HortPark is opened daily from 6 am to 11 pm but avoid visiting the HortPark Nature Playgarden after the sun has set as there are no lights illuminating the play zones.
Families with children who are visiting HortPark can also head to the HortPark playground for more fun.
Neighbouring the nature playgarden is the Native Garden, another outdoor spot that families can explore.
If you enjoyed this story, you may also enjoy this one on other nature playgardens in Singapore or this other one about gardens to visit around HortPark.
