SINGAPORE - A slight morning rain rang in the fourth Car-Free Sunday SG in the Republic's Civic District, but it could not keep the picnickers, walkers, cyclists and even pet-owners off the streets that was once the domain only for vehicles.

Thankfully, the skies cleared in time for the Families for Life Walk, which Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin flagged off at 7.30am.

About 13,000 registered participants enjoyed basking in the sun as they strolled the 1.5 km from the National Gallery Singapore to the Empress Lawn, where they were greeted with music, food and the chance to take part in a fitness workout.

The walk is part of an annual celebration to promote resilient families organised by non-profit organisation Families for Life.

Other than the breakfast picnic, participants can also take their families on walking trails, or enjoy a film screening under the stars.

Housewife Felicia Sim, 40, attended the event with her husband and two sons, aged two and five. "It is a very good event as it caters to different age groups... For my boys, they enjoyed themselves playing on the lawn. We are really enjoying this," she said.

Speaking to reporters during the event, Mr Tan said having the annual Families for Life Celebrations in conjunction with Car-Free Sunday SG was a good idea, and is something his ministry would explore doing more of in the future.

"There is a novelty of getting to walk around in an area where you don't normally get the chance to do so... I think it's a good opportunity for families to get out, and bring the children out, together."

Car-free Sunday is a six-month pilot initiative presented by various agencies such as the Urban Redevelopment Authority, Land Transport Authority, National Parks Board, National Arts Council, Health Promotion Board and Sport Singapore.

The initiative, which started in February 2016, will see roads in the Civic District closed to vehicles every last Sunday of the month until July.