Top 10 in Singapore’s Forum The Shopping Mall

The Forum might not be new and flashy, but it’s a real little gem on Orchard… Want to know what not to miss? Here are our top picks!

Singapore is absolutely crawling with malls, but there are some that as mamas we have a particular soft spot for – ones that let us tick some items off the to-do list, entertain the kiddos and sit down for a yummy snack or good cup of coffee are our winners. 

1. Benjamin Browns Bistro & Café
#01-20/21, The Forum, 583 Orchard Road, Singapore 238884
Tel: (+65) 6887 4117

You couldn’t wish for a cuter little café than Benjamin Brown’s, with its homey feel, sweet décor and even sweeter selection of treats – indulge in a cake pop or reward (or shamelessly bribe) with a lollipop or cupcake. Their coffee is more than decent, so this is the perfect stop for a mini “date” with your little. Pssst: if you arrive before it opens there’s also a Coffee Bean next door in case of emergencies.

Opening Hours: Daily 10am – 10pm

2. Bookaburra
02-03/4 The Forum
Tel: (+65) 6235 9232

This charming little kids’ bookstore is run with passion, hosting plenty of special events and storytelling sessions that will thrill little bookworms. Stop by to sign up for their mailing list so you’re in the know about what’s on next, or follow their Facebook page for more info.

Opening Hours: 9.30am – 8pm Daily

3. The Little Gym
#B1-24, The Forum, 583 Orchard Road, Singapore 238884
Tel: (+65) 6238 6331
www.thelittlegym.com.sg

Drop, tuck and roll mama – Little Gym is all about gymnastics for your little one… Perfect for encouraging the development of gross motor skills, along with building a sense of rhythm, balance and of course, fun! As well as their core gym classes, Little Gym also offers classes in Karate and also runs holiday programmes. Check their website for class times – you can book an introductory class for your little one to try it out for $45.

4. Toys ‘R’ Us
#03-03 to 24, The Forum
Tel: (+65) 6235 4322

Perhaps better known to weary parents as “Torture Us,” visiting this massive toy store is simply unavoidable, despite our best intentions. It’s the best place to knock out all your birthday gift needs considering their huge selection. Their Forum branch has a Junior League hairdresser in-store if the wait at Little Red Dot is long. Sassy Mama tip: We prefer to shop alone in Toys R Us – call us massive meanies if you like, but having a little dangler nagging and whining for every piece of crap can be a bit of a drain. Best to show up at home with pressies and get the glory without the pain!

Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm daily

5. California Pizza Kitchen
#01-23, The Forum
Tel: (+65) 6836 0110

It’s not going to rock your world (though we’re kind of big fans of their salads), but if you need a quick kid-friendly fix on Orchard that has some semi-healthy options on the menu, you can do a heck of a lot worse than head to CPK. At weekends it can be a bit of a scrum, so get there early if poss.
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 11pm

Click hereNB: CPK has moved across the street to Claymore Connect. for all the deets!

6. Little Red Dot
#02-35, The Forum, 583 Orchard Road, Singapore, 238884
Tel: (+65) 6737 9925
Walk-ins only at this super-popular little salon for kids. We can’t say the results are always exactly what you’re looking for, but seeing as we’ve had one too many accidents when trying to cut little wrigglers’ tresses with nail scissors, we’ll take what we can get! Kiddos will put up with sitting still once they know they’ll be given a lollipop at the end, and if the wait is long there are some little ride-on cars outside the salon to keep them occupied.

7. Mothercare
#B1-06/07, The Forum
Tel: (+65) 6513 3270
www.mothercare.com.sg

This isn’t an enormous branch of Mothercare (unlike the ginormous one at HarbourFront), so don’t expect all the bells and whistles, but if you’re looking to stock up on reasonably priced and great quality baby clothes (that last and last), this is the place. While upstairs Jacadi, Bonpoint and Kids21 jostle, the basement is where the (relative) bargains are!

Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm daily

8. OPI Centre
#02-26/27, Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Road, Singapore, 238884
Tel: (+65) 6736 1735

After you’ve taken care of everyone else’s needs (or even before, depending on the desperation of the situation), it’s time to tend to mama! We love this little nail bar with more colours than you could ever possibly try, and great technicians. Appointments are generally always needed as this spot is pretty popular with mamas fitting in a quick polish change while bub bounces around at The Little Gym downstairs!

Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday 10am – 9pm
Saturday 10am – 8pm
Sunday 10am – 7pm

9. Mother & Child Wellness
#02-34 Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Road, Singapore 238884
Tel: (+65) 6737 1328
www.motherandchildwellness.com

Not to be confused with Mother & Child in Tanglin Mall, this Mother & Child is all about wellness for mama, in the form of pre- and post-natal massage (they can send therapists to your home too!), foot massage and infant massage. They also offer baby yoga classes and even babysitting services. Hurrah!

Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday 10am – 8pm
Sundays and Public Holidays 10am – 7pm

10. Scarlet & Ebony
#01-20/21, Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Road, Singapore 238884
Tel: (+65) 6333 8372
www.scarletandebony.com

There are a fair few fashion-y stores in The Forum, from DKNY Jeans to TriBeCa and Club 21, but one “blink and you’ll miss it” boutique is Scarlet & Ebony, which just has the most drool-worthy designer shoes ever. If you’re looking to get out of your flip-flops rut and get a little sexy back, this is the place to come mama!

Opening Hours: Daily 10.30am – 8pm

Honourable mentions: The Forum has so many gems we felt bad for leaving out some other greats… Don’t miss Kids 21, VitaKids, Colette, The Early Learning Centre, Hip Kids Club Playground and much, much more!

And what else? Well, the nursing room on the first floor is pretty nice, with two armchairs (one behind a privacy curtain) and good changing facilities.