The best kid-friendly cycling trails in Singapore for families

For a breezy seaside cycle

It's not going to be fun to cajole the kids out of bed at the crack of dawn – but we promise it's worth it to cycle down the Changi Bay Park Connector, sans the crowds. Start at Changi Beach Carpark 7 and follow the flat and easy route towards East Coast Park, with beautiful seaside views and a cooling sea breeze to accompany you the whole way. You'll soon reach Changi Bay Point, a 140-metre-long boardwalk that makes the perfect rest stop. You can have a family photoshoot among the lalang or take the boardwalk up to the water's edge. 

For a scenic route

The Marina Bay area offers a flat and relatively easy ride that pays off in bucketloads. Starting at the promenade in front of The Shoppes at Marina Bay, take the kids past iconic landmarks like the 'floating' Apple Store, Merlion and The Esplanade. You can cycle through the Helix Bridge, or take a small detour to the base of the Singapore Flyer. Your kids still going strong? Take the straight road by the water towards Marina Barrage, where you can stop for a bit of kite-flying or picnic. 

For a sunset ride 

Rower's Bay Park at Lower Seletar Reservoir is named for the reservoir's popularity with kayaking and dragon-boating enthusiasts. The park is also one of the best secret sports to catch the sunset in Singapore. Thankfully, the park's boardwalk makes for some effortless cycling, so you can take the whole family for some great waterside views in the evening. Look out for dragonflies, the grey heron and copper-cheeked frog – and if you have time, explore Yishun Dam and Punggol Barat Island (the last fishing village in Seletar) before hustling back to the park for a gorgeous sunset shot. 

For an easy cycling route

Popular with literally everyone, East Coast Park’s 15-kilometre stretch is perfect for cycling with a seaside view. However, the track is slightly more busy on the weekends as it’s shared with skaters and runners. If you’ve got wobbly little riders in tow, you’d want to head down early in the morning. 

Alternatively, you can check out the East Coast Cyclist Park, which also serves as a one-stop hub for cyclists along the Round-Island-Route (RIR). Junior riders can practice their techniques at the 270-metre-long Learner Circuit, which includes gentle slopes, flat areas. Older kids can improve their riding stability and stamina over at the BMX trail. No bicycle? No problem. There are also several rental options available such as GoCycling.

For a cycling route with dinosaurs

The new-ish 3.5-kilometre Changi Airport Connector allows you to cycle to Jewel Changi Airport and the terminals from East Coast Park – or any of the Park Connector Network (PCN) – and vice versa. It’s also home to the city’s largest permanent outdoor display of life-sized dinosaurs Changi Jurassic Mile, as well as pit stop facility Hub & Spoke where you can rent bicycles from GoCycling, cool off with a pay-per-use shower after a sweaty session, and grab a bite at Hub & Spoke Café.

For a seaside cycling route

Another coastal park for a view of the sea, the 11-hectare Woodlands Waterfront Park is home to 1.5-kilometre-long waterfront promenade, dedicated jogging and cycling tracks, and even a playground should the kids need a break from the wheels. For a seafood refuel, head to Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant, which is great for family meals, and if you stick around till sunset, you can see the city lights of Johor across the strait. But if you prefer continuing on your two-wheeler with the little ones, cycle over to Admiralty Park via the Northern Explorer Loop and treat them to some playtime at the slide-packed playground.

For a short cycling route

Great for those with younger kiddos, the 4.2-kilometre cycling route around the Punggol promenade is shorter than most kid-friendly cycling routes on the island. Despite the short stretch, it treats you to stunning views of nature and the man-made waterway. Pedal up to Kelong Bridge or Rope Bridge (remember to dismount here), and soak up the panoramic views of the park from above. There’s also a water playground nearby for a cool down, as well as a relaxing lawn for families to rest for a little bit before taking on the next cycling route.

For an alternative cycling route 

This family-friendly park sits on 50-hectares of land that includes a camping site, barbecue pits, a dog run, and a huge playground with eight sets of play areas. Its massive space is also ace for cycling. The cycling routes here are flat and easy to navigate – one leads you around the playing fields of the park while the other takes you to the seafront where you can enjoy the sea breeze and take in the boats. The park also has bicycle rental facilities, where you can rent and take the basic two-wheeler, four-person bike, or go-kart for a spin.

For a rustic cycling route

One of the quickest ways to explore this rustic island is by cycling. While you can bring your own bike and start cycling from Punggol Jetty, you can easily rent one from the rental shop at The Punggol Settlement just outside the island. Get adventurous and check out the coastal trails where you and your mini cyclists can discover the hidden beaches and mangrove swamps of the island.