Take A Second Look
Young Parents Singapore|February 2018

Canberra’s boring? Not at all. STEPHANIE YEO discovers how fun and family friendly the Australian capital really is.

Stephanie Yeo
Take A Second Look

Quick question: Which Australian city would you want to take your family to visit?

I bet none of you said Canberra. In fact, the Australian capital probably isn’t on your travel radar, but it should be.

During a whirlwind two-night trip there, I had the chance to see why Lonely Planet named it the third hottest destination to visit in 2018, after Seville in Spain and Detroit in the US.

Kids will love Canberra’s wide, open spaces and fresh air – literally, as it’s the third cleanest city in the world according to the World Health Organization – and there’s plenty of child-centric activities to make it an unforgettable holiday. These attractions impressed me most:

National Arboretum Canberra

Don’t leave Canberra without taking the kids to visit the delightful Pod Playground here (pictured above), which has tree-themed cubbies. Older kids will love the climbing nets, rope tunnels and tube slides, but there’s a lovely toddler-friendly area with sand play, slides, swings and more as well.

While you’re here, take time to explore the expansive space of the arboretum, which was created in the wake of devastating bush fires in 2003 that came dangerously close to Canberra.

This story is from the February 2018 edition of Young Parents Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the February 2018 edition of Young Parents Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM YOUNG PARENTS SINGAPOREView All
Everything You Need To Know About Direct School Admission
Young Parents Singapore

Everything You Need To Know About Direct School Admission

If your kid is good at sports, music or has other talents, the DSA programme may be his key to getting into an elite secondary school or specialised school. Here’s what you should know about the process.

time-read
6 mins  |
March - April 2019
What Is The Right CCA For Your Primary School Kid?
Young Parents Singapore

What Is The Right CCA For Your Primary School Kid?

Co-curricular activities (CCAs) aren’t just frivolous frills. They teach kids important life skills that can’t be found in a classroom lesson. EVELINE GAN finds out how to select the right one for your child.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2019
Why You Shouldn't Let PSLE Stress Take Over Your Kid's Life
Young Parents Singapore

Why You Shouldn't Let PSLE Stress Take Over Your Kid's Life

PSLE preparations start in Primary 5, which means a high-pressure two years for your family. Here's how to support your child so they can do their best.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2019
Should Your Kid Skip A Vaccine Shot?
Young Parents Singapore

Should Your Kid Skip A Vaccine Shot?

Vaccinations are a rite of passage for every Singaporean child, but what if your kid is sick before an appointment, or misses a booster dose? Find out the answers to these and other pressing questions.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2019
Separation Anxiety, Bullies And Other Preschool Blues
Young Parents Singapore

Separation Anxiety, Bullies And Other Preschool Blues

Preschool is rarely a smooth journey for children. Sasha Gonzales asks the experts how to handle the most common dilemmas, from separation anxiety to having trouble making new friends.

time-read
8 mins  |
January 2019
Is Your Kid Stressed About Starting School This Year?
Young Parents Singapore

Is Your Kid Stressed About Starting School This Year?

School kids in Singapore are more stressed than their peers overseas. If your kid is feeling the pressure, here’s how to find what's triggering his anxiety – and how to help.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2019
Speech Problems In Singapore Kids: When Should You Worry?
Young Parents Singapore

Speech Problems In Singapore Kids: When Should You Worry?

How can you help your little one get over his stuttering? Should you worry that your tot doesn’t speak as well or isn’t as talkative as his cousin? Sasha Gonzales polls the experts on the pressing speech and language issues in toddlers and preschoolers here.

time-read
8 mins  |
March - April 2019
The Most Common Learning Difficulties In Singapore Kids
Young Parents Singapore

The Most Common Learning Difficulties In Singapore Kids

Struggling to read, write or count is a common problem for many children, but how do you know when that struggle is actually a learning difficulty or disability? Sasha Gonzales asked three experts to tell us what signs to look out for and when to know to get help.

time-read
9 mins  |
March - April 2019
Can You Really Un-Spoil Your Child?
Young Parents Singapore

Can You Really Un-Spoil Your Child?

Yes, there are ways to turn things around – without losing your temper. Here, the experts share strategies you can use in common bratty situations.

time-read
8 mins  |
March - April 2019
Bottoms Up!
Young Parents Singapore

Bottoms Up!

Using cloth nappies helps save the Earth – and your wallet, too, say these mums who choose not to put their babies in disposable diapers.

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2017