There is a splash park at Sembawang Shopping Centre (SSC) (see Splash Park @ Sembawang Shopping Centre) and we have been wanting to let Darius play with the water there since. However, we were cautious about the other kids running around and knocking onto him so we had been hesitant. Furthermore, he couldn’t walk steadily previously so he might easily trip and fall in the splash park.

This evening, we felt he is ready for the ‘challenge’ so Catherine and I brought Darius down to SSC after my work, boarding a free shuttle bus at the bus stop in front of Sembawang MRT Station. We were glad to know that shuttle bus arrives in 10-minute intervals so we didn’t have to wait a long time for the bus. ^^

Aboard the SSC shuttle bus

Unlike our usual outings, we decided not to bring along our stroller, since we can alternate to carry Darius or let him walk on his own. We were glad to have made this decision as it had made for a more hassle-free experience, for example when boarding/alighting from the shuttle bus. In the first place, I don’t think there’s even space to place the stroller on the bus.

We reached the shopping centre after a 10-minute journey and we headed straight for the splash park, while the skies were still bright. Being a weekday, there was few children in the splash park, which would be beneficial to introduce Darius his debut ‘splashing experience’.

We decided not to change him into a wet suit since he would feel more comfortable in his normal clothes. At first, he was very cautious and was quite resistant when Catherine brought him close to one of the splashing fountains. Fortunately, he soon became less resistant and started to proactively walked towards the fountains, sticking his hands out to feel the waters. He then even started walking through the fountains, no longer mind getting himself splashed by the waters.

Just as he was enjoying himself, two older kids suddenly came rushing at us, splashing the water all around with their hands. One of them even purposely splashed the waters onto Darius’ face, giving him quite a shock. We understand that they are kids and were entitled to their rights to play since this is a splash park but we were unhappy when he insisted on his splashing behaviour even after we told him not to do so (even I as a spectator in my office clothes was splashed by him). We got really upset when he purposely scooped up some water from the fountains just to splash at us while we were trying to dry Darius with a towel at the sides. Argh! Guess there’s nothing much we can do with these kids when their parents don’t even bother.

Anyway, we didn’t stay long. The splashing by the kid spoiled our mood as Darius kept wanting to walk towards the same fountain (he dislikes those that sprinkles over the head) yet getting splashed in the eyes by the kid ‘guarding’ the entrance. He could no longer enjoy walking through the water. Besides, the water was quite cold and he was gasping a little with the coldness. We washed Darius up afterwards at the shower area located at a corner of the park (also icy cold water), and had our dinner at the mall. We also took a short stroll in Daiso, and had Darius sitting in one of the trolleys while we browsed around. ^^

Not the usual trolley design

Overall, we were glad Darius enjoyed his experience at the splash park (till those two kids came along), so we are considering to make this a weekly routine.

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