Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is the part of the Singapore Botanic Gardens built just for children. It’s free, with a flying fox, streams and a Waterplay area triple its old size. Adults can only enter with a child. The Tree House is closed after termite damage, with a new one planned for around the end of 2027.
At a glance
Neighbourhood
Bukit Timah, at the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Best for
Babies in carriers, toddlers and kids up to 14
Budget
Free
Time to allow
2 to 3 hours
Nearest MRT
Botanic Gardens (DT9/CC19), Exit A, then a 10-minute walk
Good to know
Closed Mondays except public holidays; adults need a child with them
Why go?
It’s free, shaded and designed around how small children play.
The Waterplay area has mist zones, wading pools and a changing area.
What to do
01 · Waterplay for ages 2 to 12
The Waterplay area covers about 500 square metres, with mist zones, wading pools, jets, umbrella fountains and a splash bucket. An adult must supervise at all times. There’s a changing area, and NParks suggests washing up before the 7pm close.
02 · Eight zones to explore
The garden has eight zones for children up to 14, set in woodland with streams, an orchard and plants that attract pollinators.
The flying fox is open; the Tree House is closed for rebuilding until around the end of 2027.
03 · With a baby or toddler
The garden is wheelchair accessible, which also helps with strollers. Scooters and bicycles aren’t allowed inside. See our guide for parents with babies and our playgrounds roundup for more.
Plan your visit
Address
1H Cluny Road, Singapore 259604 (inside the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Bukit Timah side)
Opening hours
Tue-Sun 8am to 7pm (last admission 6.30pm); closed Mondays except public holidays
Getting there
Botanic Gardens MRT (DT9/CC19), Exit A, about 10 minutes’ walk; buses 48, 66, 67, 151, 153, 154, 156, 170, 171, 186
Tickets or booking
Free; no booking for families
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Before you go
- Children under 12 must be with an adult, and adults may only enter with a child.
- No glass, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, tents, tables or chairs.
- No pets.
- Bring a change of clothes for Waterplay.
Around the Botanic Gardens
Sources and disclosure
Information checked: 21 October 2026 · NParks – Jacob Ballas Children's Garden · Singapore Botanic Gardens – home
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors, used under the licences shown in each caption (images resized): Basile Morin (CC BY-SA 4.0); Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net) (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Disclosure: Not a firsthand visit. Details come from the official pages linked below, checked on 21 October 2026. Photos are freely licensed from Wikimedia Commons and show the actual place unless the caption says otherwise. We weren’t paid or hosted, and there are no affiliate links.