What: A plunge pool is a surefire way to attract kids and SandBank has a 15m-long one, spanning the front of the restaurant-bar. Divided into two sections, two-thirds of the pool is at a height of 90cm while the remainder is at 50cm to cater to children of different ages.

Visit: #01-28/32 Parkland Green, 920 East Coast Parkway, www.sandbank.com.sg

Text: Gurveen Kaur/ Straits Times  Additional Reporting: Atika Lim

What: In this quaint cafe with turquoise walls and striped wooden tables, children can get crafty with an array of materials such as colouring pencils and markers, pasta shells, ribbons and paper plates. To get access to these craft corners, parents have to pay $5 an hour on weekends. On weekdays, the same amount gets you two hours.

Visit: #01-07 Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, www.facebook.com/eatplaylovealiwal

Text: Gurveen Kaur/ Straits Times  Additional Reporting: Atika Lim

What: Kick off the weekend with a barbecue party at restaurant-bar Timbre’s Saturday Social BBQ at its Gillman Barracks outlet. The kids can run around in a small field next to the eatery, play in a colourful bouncy castle or smaller tents and get crafty with arts activities. There is a theme for every month.

Visit:  9A Lock Road, Gillman Barracks, www.facebook.com/SatSocialBBQ

Text: Gurveen Kaur/ Straits Times  Additional Reporting: Atika Lim

What: After taking a walk or cycle along the scenic Punggol Waterway, families can grab a bite at this cafe, which has a play area fitted with child-safe mats, castle tents, rocking horses and building blocks.

Visit: #01-01, 10 Tebing Lane, www.whiskandpaddle.com.sg

Text: Gurveen Kaur/ Straits Times  Additional Reporting: Atika Lim

What: A weeknight hangout spot for workers wanting a drink after a long day, this restaurant-bar morphs into a family-friendly space on the weekends, complete with a bouncy castle, special rides and colouring material laid out on soft pads lining the playzone.

Visit: #01-15/16/17 UE Square, 81 Clemenceau Avenue, www.district10.com.sg/uesquare

Text: Gurveen Kaur/ Straits Times  Additional Reporting: Atika Lim

What: The former Waterfall Cafe, which used to serve Mediterranean food, is now a full-fledged Italian eatery. Specialising in southern Italian fare, its dishes are healthful and light on the palate, featuring a delightful selection of fresh seasonal produce.

Visit: Level One Garden Wing, Shangri-la Hotel, 22 Orange Grove Road, www.shangri-la.com/singapore

Text: Gurveen Kaur/ Straits Times  Additional Reporting: Atika Lim

What: The Basilico restaurant’s indoor playground not only comes with a bouncy castle and puzzles, it airs kids TV channels, too. Plus, a staff member is there specifically to look after the kids while the parents enjoy their meals.

Visit: 1 Cuscaden Road, www.regenthotels.com

Text: Claire Turrell, Harper’s Bazaar Junior Additional Reporting: Atika Lim 

What: The Melt buffet features a sumptuous range of Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Western dishes. The best part? Your children will be so well fed and taken care of at the kids’ room that mum and dad can just sit back, relax and enjoy the brunch.

Visit: 5 Raffles Avenue, www.mandarinoriental.com

Text: Claire Turrell, Harper’s Bazaar Junior Additional Reporting: Atika Lim 

Where: The large al fresco terrace of this glamorous pizzeria makes the perfect party venue. Not only is the food great and the service impeccable, it is located on the edge of the Champions Golf Course and also features a mini-golf course that your kids can play a round on.

Visit: 60 Fairways Drive, www.picotin.com.sg

Text: Claire Turrell, Harper’s Bazaar Junior Additional Reporting: Atika Lim 

What: Thanks to the open kitchen concept, this Italian restaurant comes with built-in entertainment. Our mini testers enjoyed watching their delicious pizzas being made. Mums should also note that if you’re looking for a weekend activity they also offer a Pizza Making Class for children aged 7 to 12 years.

Visit: 29 Club Street, www.spizza.sg

Text: Claire Turrell, Harper’s Bazaar Junior Additional Reporting: Atika Lim