🏙️ Discover the Cheapest and Yummiest Food & Fun things to Do Near Every MRT Station in Singapore [ Perfect for parents]
Hi! I'm a local dad and I compiled this guide to help active parents who are looking for free kid friendly places, free open spaces, playgrounds or to enjoy a drink or meal together with their young ones without going crazy over Google maps.
Gillman Barracks
Colonial-era barracks turned contemporary-art enclave with lawns, cafés … and a small playground for the kids








Gillman Barracks Colonial-era barracks turned contemporary-art enclave with lawns, cafés … and a small playground for the kids
Why bring the kids | Free contemporary-art galleries housed in heritage buildings • Open lawns for scooting • Outdoor kids playground beside Block 9 (slides, climbing nets, sand) • Easy café hops for ice cream or burgers. |
Opening hours | Precinct open 24 hrs • Galleries usually Tue – Sun 11 am – 7 pm (closed Mon). |
Admission | Free entry to grounds and most galleries. |
Family facilities | Pram-friendly paths, ramp access to most blocks, toilets with baby-change table (Block 7), water coolers, shaded benches, limited free parking (lots fill on weekends). |
Cafés & Eats | • Creamier (ice-cream + waffles, Block 5) • Hopscotch (craft cocktails & bar bites, Block 45) • Handlebar (biker-themed BBQ & beers, Block 37) • BurgerLabo (gourmet burgers, Block 41) • Masons (European brasserie in colonial bungalow, Block 8) |
Highlights / What to do | • Drop into 10+ galleries for rotating exhibitions • Join free monthly Art After Dark & Saturday Art Walks • Let young ones loose at the playground, then cool off with waffles at Creamier • Spot outdoor sculptures dotted around the lawns. |
Getting there | MRT: Labrador Park (CC27) Exit A → 10 min walk via Alexandra Rd; Telok Blangah (CC28) 12 min on foot. Bus: 51, 57, 61, 93, 97, 100, 166, 963 – alight “Opp Alexandra Pt”. Drive/Grab: Key “9 Lock Road, S108937”. |
Nearby food | Alexandra Village Hawker Centre (famed avocado juice) 8 min walk; IKEA Alexandra 3 min drive for kid-friendly meals. |
Parent tips | Galleries are air-con but lawns are hot from noon – pack hats, repellent & water • Some art spaces allow strollers inside; fold it if narrow aisles • Playground surface is sand—bring wet wipes & a change of clothes. |
Contact | 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937 • Visitor Desk +65 6779 8360 • Email info@gillmanbarracks.com |
Socials | Instagram @gillmanbarrackssg • Facebook /GillmanBarracks |
A relaxed art-and-café quarter where you can tour cutting-edge exhibitions, refuel on waffles, and let the kids burn energy under the trees—all admission-free.
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