The Gallop Extension in the Singapore Botanic Garden is a new 8-hectare of lush greenery to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, bringing the total area to 82 hectares. It was opened to the public in early 2021.
The Gallop Extension comprises two conserved buildings that have been refurbished into the Botanical Art Gallery and Forest Discovery Centre @ OCBC Arboretum, the COMO Adventure Grove, Mingxin Rambler’s Ridge and OCBC Arboretum.
The COMO Adventure Grove is a must-visit for those with active little ones!
Como Adventure Grove Playground
Love to climb on trees but never get a chance to do it?
Weeping Fig Tower
The COMO Adventure Grove in the Botanic Garden Gallop Extension is intended to give children this exact experience. The tree-like Weeping Fig Tower (Ficus benjamina) allows children to emulate climbing and playing on trees, with an added safety design.
According to Architect Magazine, the Como Adventure Grove in the Gallop Extension is a biophilic wonderland designed to inspire curiosity and encourage exploration. Biophilic design seeks to connect our inherent need to affiliate nature with the modern world. It can improve one’s mental health, enhance creativity and expedite healing.
I truly believe in this as I crave a therapeutic walk in the forest when my stress level increases. In fact, trees emit phytoncides, which are essential oils from trees that improve human immunity levels. No wonder I am an essential oils lover. My favourite wood oil is frankincense!
I love giving the kids the opportunity to play in nature. The surrounding skillfully landscaped gardens and play elements enable the kids to explore through play. Give them the autonomy to decide what to play and they will learn to venture into the unknown and increase their independence.
Giant Cempedak
We couldn’t resist climbing up this giant cempedak. It took us some effort to navigate carefully across without losing our foothold because of its uneven surface. But yes, it is achievable. I saw a two-year-old making her way across in triumph too!
Saga Seeds
Another section of the Como Adventure Grove where my kids spent a great deal of time too. They hopped from one tiny hill to another and attempted to leap across onto the saga seeds too. Not an easy feat as the saga seeds are designed to be wobbly.
We will definitely revisit the Gallop Extension for the other sections of the new extension that we missed out. But as you know, with little kids, the playground is usually the main reason to travel deep into the garden.
How to Go to the Gallop Extension at Singapore Botanic Gardens
If you drive, it is easy. Enter via Holland Road and Tyersall Avenue.
If you are taking public transport, it will take 25 mins to 30 minutes from the Bukit Timah Gate and Tanglin Gate to reach the Gallop Extension. So do plan ahead.
If you are entering from the Tanglin Gate in the afternoon, consider having your tea time in Fusion Spoon before making your way there.
See Video from Npark for a visual explanation to finding the Gallop Extension
Bring Along To The Como Adventure Grove
Insect Repellant – we like Babyganics. Check prices from Shopee here.
Water Bottle – After years of searching for the best water bottle, we finally settled on the lightweight Nalgene for kids that is fitted with a sprout cap that is spill-proof and lightweight. Check prices from Shopee here.
Enjoy your trip!
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Check out my other playground posts here:
Far East Organisation Children’s Garden – What a Sensory Treat!
Coastal PlayGrove, or better known as the Big Splash Playground
T-Play Khatib, located in HomeTeamNS Khatib.
The Forest Ramble Playground in the Jurong Lake Garden
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
You may also like these posts:
Botanic Garden’s Gallop Extension – Forest Discovery Centre & Botanical Art Gallery
How to Go to the Southern Islands Singapore with kids
An evening with 4 kids at Forest Walk, Southern Ridges
You Don’t Need These To Start A Family
This looks great! I can’t wait to bring the kids there, but probably would wait until we can dine out in 5’s.😊 Thanks for sharing this!
Hi Jaymie, you are welcome! Dining out in 5 will happen next week! 🥳🥳🥳
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/dining-out-groups-five-fb-restaurants-singapore-july-12-covid-19-15172278