Have you met PIP yet? If not, you can pay a visit to PIP’s PLAYbox at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay to discover a space that provides a peek into his world.
PIP is Esplanade’s colourful mascot for its children’s programmes is a multi-coloured creature who is playful, imaginative and polite, encouraging kids to play to learn and learn through play.
And PIP has a place to call its own at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay and that is PIP’s PLAYbox located on Level 4.
The activity space at the national performing arts centre is designed especially for children and families. It first opened to the public on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, 14 February 2016.
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PIP’s PLAYbox at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
PIP’s PLAYbox is a bright and airy space that can be found just beside the Esplanade’s rooftop garden.
A glass wall on one side lets light stream in to the long room while broad beams, set at unusual angles, add to its character.
Imagined as a home for PIP, don’t be surprised to find pictures of the round mascot all over the PLAYbox.
Close to the entrance is an activity zone.
Here, kids can engage in free craft activities. These will vary throughout the time of year and depending on the season. For example, during the Lunar New Year period in the past, children have been able to make woodblock rubbings based on the animals of the zodiac.
Little nooks and crannies within PIP’s PLAYbox provide hidden spaces for storytellings and other activities to take place.
Kids can also colour away with the available colouring sheets or play with various toys within the Esplanade’s PIP’s PLAYbox.
Hide Away with a Collection of Books
PIP’s PLAYbox also has a library of children’s books. The library showcases the works of local authors and illustrators. Children and parents are welcomed to pick a book off the shelf, settle down in a corner and spend some time reading together.
One such corner is at the top of a flight of stairs where a mezzanine-level “treehouse” overlooks the rest of PIP’s PLAYbox.
Look out for the colourful mural on the wall. It the work for beloved artist Lee Kow Fong, better known as Ah Guo.
In addition to the indoor space, just outside is a custom-designed red, blue and yellow play structure.
Part sculpture, part play equipment, kids can even crawl inside the brick-red tower to get a kaleidoscopic view of the sky above.
Also new are children’s toilets (shrunk down to toddler size) and a nursing room conveniently located close to PIP’s PLAYbox.
Space for Children and Families
PIP’s PLAYbox is a welcoming space that allows families and children to extend their experience and time at Esplanade. After a lazy lunch, playing at the nearby Esplanade Park or soaking in an afternoon’s performance, PIP’s PLAYbox beckons families to enter in, slow down and enjoy some time together.
Take note that entry is only for children accompanied by adults.
PIP’s PLAYbox
Where: Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, Level 4
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm; closed for cleaning from 2 pm to 3 pm
Free Admission
Website: PIP’s PLAYbox
If you enjoyed this story, you may also enjoy reading about Esplanade Park which has an outdoor children’s playground. Or you may also enjoy this story on indoor playgrounds in Singapore.
