There's a new weekend destination in town – and it's perfect for the whole family. The iconic former Big Splash water theme park reopened on March 28 as Coastal PlayGrove, a 4.5-hectare outdoor play area that comes complete with Singapore's tallest outdoor play tower, a classroom by the sea, a nature play garden and water play area.
Inspired by the shapes and colours of the former Big Splash, and going by the theme of 'waves and shores', the centrepiece of Coastal PlayGrove is the reconstructed Big Splash Tower – which now houses the Vertical Challenge. Kids can take a scramble up its colourful rope-based obstacles, including stepping pods, hammocks, grip wall and disc swings. Be treated to expansive views of East Coast Park at the top of the tower, then take a thrilling ride down the 7.3m and 11.9m slides from the third and fourth levels.
Paying homage to the former water theme park is the new water play feature. Beat the heat in two wading pools, connected by a stream with water jets that come alive with coloured lights at night. Platforms allow wheelchair access along the main pools and stream too. If you prefer not to get wet, there's the rustic nature play garden that's dotted with log trails, shady tepees, and exotic shrubs chosen to attract butterflies, bees and other wildlife.
Other attractions include an outdoor sandpit and event lawn for free play. Kids can also let their creative juices flow at the large chalkboard set up at the outdoor classroom section, which overlooks the sea. The Vertical Challenge and water play area are only open from Tuesday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm, otherwise visit all day and everyday to enjoy the rest of the Coastal PlayGrove features.