Remember the days when catching a guppy from a muddy drain felt like the greatest adventure in the world? Long before tablets and game consoles, generations of Singapore children spent their afternoons wading in longkang (the Malay word for ‘drain’), armed with nothing more than a small net and a bucket. It was simple, it was messy, and it was genuinely brilliant fun.

Today, you don’t have to hunt for a roadside drain to give your child that same kampong-style experience. Across Singapore, a growing number of farms, leisure parks, and even shopping mall rooftops have recreated dedicated longkang fishing ponds where kids can scoop, splash, and chase fish in a safe, supervised setting. Many of these venues also offer prawning for older children and adults, turning the outing into a full family affair complete with BBQ grills and fresh seafood. Whether you’re planning a holiday activity, a birthday party, or just a spontaneous weekend outing, this guide covers everything you need to know.

What Is Longkang Fishing?

Longkang fishing is a beloved Singaporean childhood pastime rooted in the kampong era of the 1950s and 1960s. Back then, children in villages would venture to nearby drains and canals to catch small fish like guppies, swordtails, and mollies using improvised nets. It required no special skill — just patience, quick hands, and a willingness to get your feet wet. The activity connects children to a pre-digital way of spending time outdoors, and it remains one of the most nostalgic experiences parents can share with their young ones today.

Modern longkang fishing ponds are purpose-built, shallow waterways designed to mimic the look and feel of a natural drain. Operators stock them with colourful freshwater fish, provide nets and small plastic tanks, and allow children to keep whatever they catch. The ponds are typically designed with non-slip surfaces and gradual depth variations to cater to toddlers and young primary school children safely. Beyond the fun, it also introduces kids to basic concepts of aquatic life, patience, and even the responsibility of caring for a living creature.

Longkang Fishing vs. Prawning: What’s the Difference?

If you’re planning a family outing, it helps to understand the difference between these two activities so you can pick the right spot for your group. Longkang fishing is primarily aimed at younger children (generally ages 2 to 12). It involves using a handheld net to scoop small fish from a shallow, open pond or stream — no fishing rod required. The fish caught are usually ornamental species like guppies, koi fry, goldfish, or swordtails, and children can often bring them home as pets.

Prawning, on the other hand, is more suited to older children, teenagers, and adults. It uses a fishing rod baited with chicken liver or other bait to hook live prawns from a deeper, stocked pond. It demands more patience and technique, but the reward is tangible: a fresh catch that can be grilled on-site and eaten. Many venues offer both activities side-by-side, making them ideal for mixed-age families where younger children can longkang fish while parents and older siblings try their hand at prawning.

Best Longkang Fishing & Prawning Spots in Singapore

1. Qian Hu Fish Farm (Choa Chu Kang)

If there is one name synonymous with longkang fishing in Singapore, it is Qian Hu Fish Farm. Located along Jalan Lekar in the western part of the island, Qian Hu is one of Southeast Asia’s largest ornamental fish farms, and entry to the farm itself is completely free. The grounds are expansive, featuring row upon row of tanks filled with hundreds of fish species, plus outdoor ponds where koi and terrapins swim lazily about.

The longkang fishing area is situated at the Agro-education Centre near the farm’s entrance. A shallow, winding pond crisscrossed by three small bridges allows children to move around and try their luck from different vantage points. The fish you’ll find in the pond include darting mollies, cichlids, and guppies — all small enough for little hands to scoop up with the provided net. Kids can keep the fish they catch and bring them home, making it a memorable souvenir of the day. The longkang fishing session also includes a net and a plastic tank, and there is a fish spa on site where adults can unwind while the children play.

• Address: 71 Jalan Lekar, Singapore 698950
• Price: $7 per person for 30 minutes; $12 per person for 60 minutes (net and tank included)
• Entry to farm: Free
• Getting there: Take the North-South Line to Choa Chu Kang MRT, then board Bus 975 or use the free shuttle service from Exit C
• Also available: Koi feeding, turtle feeding, fish spa, mini aquarium workshop

2. Fish @ Pasir Ris

The Fun@Fish group — formerly known for its popular Fish@Bugis+ and Fish@AMK outlets — has consolidated its operations into two newer locations, with Fish @ Pasir Ris being the current main branch. Located inside Tee Side Chalet along Pasir Ris Road, this spot offers a combination of activities that makes it one of the most comprehensive family fishing destinations in Singapore. It is the only prawning outlet in Singapore that combines prawning, kids’ longkang fishing, fish feeding, and a fish spa all under one roof.

The longkang fishing pond here is a recreated ‘longkang’ experience featuring a variety of small fish including guppies, baby koi, goldfish, swordtails, tiger barbs, mollies, and even shrimps. The pond features shallow waters specifically designed so young children can wade in safely, and the fish caught are the children’s to keep. After the longkang session, families can head over to the prawning ponds where tiger prawns, Boston lobsters, soon hock fish, grouper, and big-head prawns are all available for the catch. With BBQ facilities on site and the beach nearby, it makes for an excellent half-day or full-day outing.

• Address: 125 Pasir Ris Road, Singapore 519121 (inside Tee Side Chalet)
• Longkang fishing price: From $18 per hour
• Also available: Prawning (tiger prawns, lobsters), fish spa, BBQ facilities

3. Fish @ Woodleigh

The Fun@Fish group’s second newer outlet, Fish @ Woodleigh, opened in Woodleigh as the replacement for the former Fish@AMK branch (which was fondly remembered for its unique setting under the MRT tracks). This newer outlet brings the same combination of longkang fishing and prawning to the central-north part of Singapore, making it more accessible for families living in areas like Toa Payoh, Bishan, and Potong Pasir. If you’re looking for an enrichment-adjacent outdoor activity near the city fringe, this is a convenient option worth considering — especially if your child is also enrolled in nearby enrichment programmes or student care centres.

• Address: Woodleigh area (check the Fun@Fish official website for the latest address)
• Activities: Longkang fishing, prawning
• Tip: Call ahead or check their social media for opening hours and availability before visiting

4. Prawning at ORTO West Coast

The beloved ORTO leisure park — once a kampong-style oasis in Yishun — has found a new home at 27 West Coast Highway, conveniently located just across from Haw Par Villa MRT station on the Circle Line. The West Coast incarnation is Singapore’s biggest prawning establishment, with ten ponds stocked mainly with big-head prawns and yabbies. The prawning facility is open 24 hours daily (except during private events), making it one of the few spots where you can go for a late-night family prawning session or an early morning catch before the weekend crowds arrive.

What sets ORTO West Coast apart for families is the relaxed, kampong-style atmosphere combined with modern conveniences. Guaranteed prawns are part of the deal, so even first-timers won’t go home empty-handed. Electric grills are provided at no extra cost so you can barbecue your catch on the spot, and the on-site zi char restaurant, 88 Seafood, is available if you’d rather have the experts handle the cooking. This is a particularly good spot for families with older children who are ready to graduate from longkang fishing to the more strategic world of prawning.

• Address: 27 West Coast Highway, Singapore 117867 (#01-12/13)
• Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa (Circle Line), approximately 5 minutes on foot
• Opening hours: 24 hours (except during private events)
• Price: From $22 per hour (includes one drink, one rod, bait, and guaranteed prawns)
• Also available: Complimentary electric grill, 88 Seafood zi char restaurant, bar

5. F3 Theme Park at City Gate (Beach Road)

For families who prefer a fully indoor, air-conditioned experience, F3 Theme Park at City Gate along Beach Road is a newer addition to the Singapore longkang fishing scene worth bookmarking. The venue offers a signature longkang fishing pond filled with colourful guppies and other small fish in a fun, themed indoor play environment. All necessary gear — fishing nets and a mini tank — are provided, and children can bring their new fishy friends home at the end of the session. Because the entire experience is indoors, it works well even on rainy days or during the hottest hours of the afternoon.

F3 Theme Park is designed as a family leisure destination, so longkang fishing sits alongside other kid-friendly activities within the venue. It’s a practical choice for families living in the Bugis, City Hall, or Kallang area who want a quick and engaging outing without the need for a long drive. Sessions can be booked online in advance, which is a handy option especially during school holiday periods when spots tend to fill up quickly.

• Address: City Gate, 371 Beach Road, #02-16B, Singapore 199597
• Highlights: Fully indoors, air-conditioned, suitable for rainy days
• Tip: Book online in advance during school holidays to secure a slot

6. Nature Kindred Farm

Nature Kindred Farm offers longkang fishing at two distinct settings, giving families an interesting choice between an indoor and an outdoor experience. The indoor experience is hosted at their Sungei Tengah location, while the outdoor version takes place at Jurong Gateway, bringing a touch of farm-to-city greenery into the urban west. Both venues are focused on nature education and outdoor connection, making the fishing experience feel less like a paid activity and more like an authentic encounter with the natural world.

The nature-education angle makes Nature Kindred Farm particularly well-suited for families who want their children’s outdoor time to carry some learning value — a philosophy not unlike what drives families to seek out quality enrichment programmes and experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom. If your child is already attending enrichment classes or student care in the western part of Singapore, a visit to Nature Kindred after school or on a weekend could be a wonderful complement to their weekly routine.

• Sungei Tengah (Indoor): 65 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 699000 | From $20/hour
• Jurong Gateway (Outdoor): 2 Jurong Gateway Road, Singapore 608512 | From $18/hour

7. D’Best Fishing Recreation (Pasir Ris Town Park)

Situated within Pasir Ris Town Park, D’Best Fishing Recreation brings a kelong-style fishing experience to one of Singapore’s most family-friendly neighbourhoods. The venue is stocked weekly with several tonnes of fresh live fish — including barramundi, grouper, mangrove jack, prawns, flower crabs, and baby lobsters — across multiple ponds. There is a beginner-friendly pond designed for younger or less experienced visitors, and a dedicated pro-pond for more serious anglers. Prawning is the main draw for families here, and the staff are known for being approachable and helpful with tips for first-timers.

D’Best works particularly well as a combined outing with the rest of Pasir Ris Town Park, which already offers cycling paths, a water play area, and open lawns. Weekends can get quite busy with family groups, so if you’re planning to bring young children, an early morning visit on a weekday is the most comfortable option. Pricing is activity-based and session-based; check their latest rates before heading down.

• Address: Pasir Ris Town Park, Pasir Ris Road
• Highlights: Multiple pond types (beginner and pro), wide seafood variety, beginner-friendly staff
• Tip: Visit on weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds

Practical Tips for Longkang Fishing & Prawning with Kids

A little preparation goes a long way in making sure the outing goes smoothly for everyone. Longkang fishing and prawning are relaxed activities, but certain practical considerations can make the difference between a fun afternoon and a stressful one. Here are some tips from seasoned Singapore parents:

• Dress for mess: Longkang fishing involves shallow water, and children will almost certainly get wet. Bring a change of clothes, old shoes or sandals, and a small towel.
• Sun protection: Outdoor spots like Qian Hu, Pasir Ris, and D’Best have limited shade. Apply sunscreen before you arrive and bring caps or hats for the little ones.
• Mosquito repellent: Farm and waterway environments are prime mosquito territory. Pack mosquito patches or spray, especially for toddlers.
• Arrive early: Popular spots like Fish @ Pasir Ris and Qian Hu get busy on weekend mornings. Arriving when they open helps you avoid queues and guarantees a calmer experience for the kids.
• Plan for a pet: If your child catches fish during the longkang session, they will want to bring them home. Have a basic plan in mind — a small tank, some water conditioner, and fish food — so you’re not caught off guard.
• For prawning with older kids: Evening sessions tend to yield better catches at most spots, as prawns are more active after dark. Some venues also guarantee a minimum number of prawns, so look out for those packages if you’re visiting with children who may lose patience.
• Book in advance during school holidays: Longkang fishing spots experience a significant surge in visitors during June and November-December school holidays. Check ahead and, where possible, book online to secure your preferred time slot.

What to Do After You Catch Your Fish

One of the most valuable teachable moments in a longkang fishing trip comes after the activity itself: deciding what to do with the fish your child has caught. If your child wants to bring the fish home as a pet, this opens up a wonderful opportunity to introduce them to the basics of responsibility and animal care. A small, affordable aquarium setup — comprising a tank, a simple sponge filter, water conditioner to neutralise chlorine, and some fish food — is all you need for the guppies and mollies typically caught during a longkang session.

Some venues, like Qian Hu Fish Farm, conveniently stock everything you might need for a home aquarium right in their retail area, so you can pick up supplies on the same visit. If your child develops a deeper interest in fish-keeping or aquatic biology, this can become the starting point for a longer journey of learning — much like how a single enrichment experience can spark a child’s passion in a subject they never knew they loved. Nurturing these sparks of curiosity, whether through a fishing trip or a well-chosen enrichment class, is one of the most rewarding things a parent can do.

A Splash of Old-School Fun for the Whole Family

Longkang fishing and prawning in Singapore are more than just weekend activities — they are a living link to the island’s kampong heritage, offering children an experience that no screen can replicate. Whether your child is scooping guppies at Qian Hu, grilling prawns at ORTO West Coast, or catching fish in an air-conditioned pod at F3 Theme Park, the joy of the catch is universal and timeless.

For busy Singapore families, these outings are also a reminder that meaningful bonding experiences don’t have to be complicated or expensive. A net, a shallow pond, and an afternoon free from schedules can do wonders for a child’s mood — and for a parent’s, too. So pack the extra clothes, slap on the sunscreen, and head out for a splash. The longkang is waiting.

Looking for more family-friendly activity ideas or help planning your child’s learning journey? Explore Skoolopedia for trusted resources, school directories, and expert parenting guides tailored for Singapore families.