PIP's PLAYbox at Esplanade Singapore

We missed out on PIP's PLAYbox the last time we went to Esplanade for "The Magic Jungle". 

My friend told me it was really fun.

I didn't know how fun was fun so I had to go check it out.

We had been indoors for a while now following J's latest bout of flu so I know she can't wait to get out. I told her that we were going to PIP's house when she woke, and I don't think she had gotten out of bed faster than this.

She met PIP when we went for the performance so she knows who PIP is.

Getting to PIP's "house" is a perfect excuse to get her to shower "because it is only polite if you turn up neat and clean at someone's house." She bought it. Getting a shower wasn't her most favourite thing to do recently. I don't why why. However, that did give me an opportunity to give J a mini lesson on manners when visiting someone's house..

I am not someone with a good sense of direction so I thought the walk there would be challenging. But it was an alright walk from the train station to Esplanade (if you do not have to carry a 15kg wriggling toddler) and PIP's PLAYbox is relatively easy to locate once you arrive at Level 4 because of the brightly coloured decals on the outside.

As with visiting someone's house, please remember to remove your footwear and deposit your shoes in the shoe cabinets on the right as you enter. I couldn't locate the shoe cabinet initially. It's important to do so because the inside of the PLAYbox is where children and be free to roam around. You can imagine the number of little hands that's going to touch the ground.

The sight that first greeted us was one that shouts brightness, lightness, freedom.

I love that the full length glass panels allowed the sunlight to pour right into the space. That gave plenty of natural light so no filters and edits are required for the photos.

I love that it is so minimalist. Simple, natural wood tables with plenty of green.

The moment I stepped in, I was in love.

And that, is the activity corner where children (and parents) can work on the seasonal activities.

It was Mandala-making when we were there. We spent a short while working on our mandalas. Only a short while because I can't wait to check out the shadow play corner at the back.

But before that, we arrive at a little nook where children can cuddle up to read a book or two. Which we did.

Books from local writers/ illustrators are placed in various corners and there are cushions and other reading nooks around so that meant that there are really many spots to cuddle up and read.

The colourful animal heads are props from The Magic Jungle which J really wanted to touch but I stopped her because I wasn't sure if we were allowed to. Turns out I think we can, because I saw many doing so from the photos on Instagram. We'll play with that the next time we visit.

The space becomes more whimsical as we move in, with many cupboards and doors to open. Which J did and I freaked out, because (again), I wasn't sure if we were allowed to. Then I took a while to convince myself that since it's a space for children and there are still so many doors to open, then they must be meant to open.

There are photos of PIP displayed on a few shelves and J being curious J wanted to have a good look. It was nice to talk about the photos - Where PIP went, what PIP was doing...

There's also some puzzles, IKEA train sets, and a collection of Tegu blocks to play with. 

A rather large collection of Tegu blocks if you ask me. I was excited to lay my hands on these magnetic blocks but realise that I'm very bad with construction toys. I can imagine fairies and play with air but to build something? - Sorry I can't.

But we still had fun anyway!

Right at the end of the play space, there is a door leading to an outdoor playground which we didn't manage to check out because it was under maintenance. But it sure looks like fun!

See those sound pipes? I love sound pipes!

There's also a flight of steps leading up to the treehouse. Beside those steps are higher cushioned steps to snuggle and read some books together. 

We were suppposed to leave but J found this and we got stuck for an hour longer. 

Just cuddling up together to read.

I love moments like these.

Of all the books we read that day, this is my favourite.

The story is simple and not too wordy for J to follow. 

The illustrations are adorable.

And it introduces the musical instruments in a very fun way. J and I had fun trying to imitate the sounds these percussion instruments make.

And maybe it's because they were instruments I could relate to. Makes me think of the four fun years I had in Chinese Orchestra when I was in school.

Cute right?
J thinks that the tubular bells looks like the installation on the ceiling.

J had many questions along the way too.
The one I like most - "Who does the stick belong to?" when we were at the page on Muyu.
The page shows most of the Muyu hitting themselves with a stick, but one of the characters was also holding on to the stick, so J as genuinely curious to know who exactly the sticks belong to.


This is the corner we snuggled in.
She didn't want to leave.
I told her that we should take a photo to show Daddy your latest bedroom inspiration.
And she demonstrated that.

It is such a cosy place I didn't want to leave either.

Maybe the weekday crowd plays a part - there wasn't any crowd. For an hour or so, we had the whole space to ourselves.

And in very local terms, this is a beautiful place to nua. 

Can't believe I couldn't find the definition of "nua". okay, this is the best I could find.

I'll be back to nua.
Soon.