SingaporeMotherhood | Parenting

May 2014

The Ultimate June School Holiday Guide 2014

By SingaporeMotherhood Contributor

The second longest holiday of the year is here again! Whether you’ve already made plans to go away on a kid-friendly vacation or are staying in, looking to bond with your child over some fun and games, or hoping for your child to pick up a new skill and make new friends, the options are endless. June Wan and Christy Muliana suss out something for you every single day of the holiday — whether it’s an event, enrichment, or activity. One thing’s for sure, there’s absolutely no reason for the kid to say, “I’m bored!”

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SATURDAY, 31 MAY

Children’s Season 2014

It’s the holidays for real, whoo-hoo! Why not check out Children’s Season at the Bras Basah museums? There’s a plethora of children-centric programmes and engaging family activities that will inspire, engage and educate the little ones at this year’s Children’s Season which is organised by the National Heritage Board (NHB). We’re talking interactive exhibits, unique hands-on activities, exciting games, movie screenings and more. This year’s festival is made even more special with the launch of PLAY@NMS – a new, dedicated space designed for the young ones at the National Museum of Singapore. Here, younger kids from three to eight years old will get to experience history and heritage in a fun and enjoyable manner. Kids can also learn as they play at other participating museums such as the Malay Heritage Centre, NUS Museum, and Singapore Coins and Notes Gallery.

Till 29 June, various times and locations. Free admission for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents to all NHB museums and heritage institutions. Some ticketed activities. Get details here.

Say “Konnichiwa!”

No overseas plans for this holiday? Let your child send a soft toy abroad and travel vicariously then. Unagi Travel, a Tokyo-based travel agency, will take your chosen toy on trips and send you photos of it at various locations. You will need to send the toy to their office first but once there, the toy will be in Japan for two to three weeks, with its official departure date between seven and 10 weeks after its arrival in Tokyo.

From US$35 for the Mystery Tour, Unagi Travel, 4-9-25 Akasaka, 5F Hatch, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan. Details online here.

Nickelodeon Slime Cup

The Nickelodeon Slime Cup is bigger, better and slimier than before! Step up to the slimiest integrated sports festival in Singapore, with a myriad of action-packed and fun-filled games — perfect for family bonding! Kids can also meet Nickelodeon characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Dora the Explorer and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Come and see who wins the first-ever Nickelodeon Dad’s Challenge, where father and child compete in a series of challenges to win the title of “Nickelodeon Dad”!

Till 8 June, 11am-7pm (weekdays), 10:30am-8pm (weekends), United Square Shopping Mall. More details here.

Celebrate Jungle-mania!

If the kids are balloon fans, come to AMK Hub for Jungle Mania, a safari- themed balloon jungle, where they will be will be captivated by the ever marvellous balloon sculptures, treated to cartoon screenings and can have fun at the Cooking Mama and Trampling Spider games stations! In addition, kids can look forward to face painting, free balloon sculptures and the amazing Gigantic Bubbles. After that, the whole family can explore AMK Hub’s new Kids’ Zone at level three!

Till 8 June 2014, 11am-9pm, B1 Exhibition Hall, AMK Hub, Ang Mo Kio. Free.

Have a Happy Bird-Day!

Oh yes you will, as one kid enters free with each adult ticket purchased (terms and conditions apply), so everyone in the family can pair up and enjoy this fabulously fly promotion! On weekends in June, kids can also sign up for exciting activities: to be Junior Birdwatchers, to learn about the 600 free-roaming feathered friends who populate the Waterfall Aviary, and more. There’s also Birdz Of Play, the water play area, to cool down in after so feathers don’t get all ruffled up in the heat!

Till 29 June, 8.30am-6pm, Jurong Bird Park, 2 Jurong Hill
 Singapore 628925. Details and coupon online here.

Get to the BASF Kids’ Lab

Playeum, The Play Museum conducts this year’s BASF Kids’ Lab Workshop, where children will be able to learn through interactive and hands-on experiments how chemistry contributes to our daily life. Science meets literature in this 90 minute workshop where kids will learn more about water. For children aged six to 12 years old.

Till 7 June 2014, from 10am (four sessions per day), Jurong Regional Library. Free with registration here. [UPDATE: Registration is closed as spaces have all been filled.] 

Get Potty Over Clay

Even children as young as three can participate in Clay Cove’s holiday classes. Done it before? Try the intermediate or advanced levels and learn new skills like coiling, slab-building, and hollowing methods. They say doing this will help kids improve their 3D visualisation – a skill that will come in useful for Math!

From $150 for four sessions. Various dates and times, The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Road # 05-01, Singapore 238843. Details here.

SUNDAY, 1 JUNE

Colour Of Music

Let the sweet voices of the Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir herald the start of the June holidays at their eight anniversary performance. You’ll hear a variety of songs such as Tom Porter’s ‘What Colour Is The Music’, J Strauss’ lively polka ‘Leichtes Blut’, and favourites such as ‘Let There Be Peace on Earth’ and ‘When You Believe’ from The Prince of Egypt!

4pm, SOTA Concert Hall. Tickets here.

Have a month-long 4D Adventure

Have an entire month of unlimited fun at Sentosa’s 4D AdventureLand. This June school holidays, children from seven to 12 years old who purchase the Kids Adventure Pass at $29.90 (usual $26.90 for one day) will be able to use this pass for the entire month! The card will be stamped and signed and on their next visit, they simply have to produce this card to gain free admission.

Till 29 June, Sentosa Island, near the Singapore Cable Car Station at Imbiah Lookout. Details here.

Tell Stories with Playmobil

Enter into the magical world of whimsical fairytales with larger-than-life characters from Playmobil at Sentosa’s Storytelling Comes Alive! this June school holiday. This award-winning interactive storytelling event returns for the fourth year with a new and exciting format, perfect fora holiday filled with lots of play and fun-filled family bonding time. Theevent combines reading, listening and role-playing in a make-belief setting with animated characters! Playmobil fans will also be delighted to find a Playmobil café, Playmobil playpit and larger-than-life Playmobil characters, and a host of fun and interactive activities for the upcoming school holidays!

Till 29 June, 11am-7pm, Palawan Beach, Beach Plaza, Merlion Walk and Merlion Plaza at Sentosa. Details online here.

MONDAY, 2 JUNE

Play Chess Like A Pro

The Singapore Chess Federation has intensive holiday chess courses for children from age five. Courses last two or three hours a day over five days. There are nine stages for levels from beginner to advanced chess, and every student will get a Chess Course Manual plus a certificate.

Various dates and times, 51 Bishan Street 13 # 02-01A, Bishan Community Club, Singapore 579799. From $190 for beginners ($20 registration excluded). Details here.

Juggle the Juggler with Dan the Hat

Sharing tips and tricks on the art of juggling, manipulation and spinning, while focusing on physicality, comedy, entertainment and confidence-building, Dan the Hat from the United Kingdom will enthrall children with his circus art form in this five-day workshop. Recommended for seven to 12 year olds.

2-6 June (with a presentation on 8 June), 9.30am-12.30pm or 2-5pm, Act 3 Drama Academy, 126 Cairnhill Road, ONE-TWO-SIX Cairnhill Arts Centre, Singapore 229707. $380 per child. Book online here.

Create Art with Jolly Jack

Let your child learn to draw Sofia the First, or the characters from Frozen, Rio2, Brave, Mr Peabody & Sherman, or The Lego Movie! They can also learn Fine Art techniques like Chinese painting, texture painting, watercolor painting, or create impressions of artworks with techniques from Great Masters like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Andy Warhol. The team of experienced teachers at Art Graine help students prepare their portfolios for the DSA (Direct Schools Admission) programme so don’t worry, your kids will be in good hands!

2-27 June, various timings, Farrer Road art studio, Blk 4, Queen’s Rd #02-107, Singapore 260004 or Esta Ruby art studio, 500 Guillemard Rd, Esta Ruby Condo, #01-04, Singapore 399839. $19.90 per session (Mon-Wed), $40 per session (Thurs & Fri). Call 6636 0766, email [email protected] or check online here for details.

Build an Amusement Park!

Does your child like theme park rides like the ferris wheel and roller coasters? If he does then this workshop is for him! It’ll teach children from 5 to 12 years how to to build their own rides and games using LEGO’s Robotic Kit, with programming. Along the way kids are supposed to develop critical thinking and learn science, technology, engineering, mathematics.

2-6 & 9-13 June, 3.30-5pm, WondersWork, Liang Court, 177 River Valley Road # 02-23, Singapore 179030. From $250. Details here.

Visit a Carnival of Animals

If your child between five and 10 years old, loves animals, arts and craft, and music, this workshop by Colorful Notes Music and Art Studio is a good avenue to channel his or her interests. The one-day programme starts off with a craft session which highlight the animals’ personalities, followed by slide show and live music to introduce musical instruments, the orchestra and composers. A snack is provided, after which children will don aprons and paint.

2 & 3 June, 10am-2pm, 28 Aliwal Street # 03-07, Singapore 199918, $118 (excluding GST). Call 6444 9989 or email [email protected] for details.

Get Mining and Crafting

Love Minecraft? Experience world of Mine craft with Lego in this fun camp by Bricks4Kidz. Children from seven years old onwards will start by crafting their shelters and some of the mobs, critters and tools using Lego bricks.

2-5 June, 9am-12 noon, Bricks4Kidz, Valley Point Shopping Centre, 491 River Valley, Singapore 248371 or 200 Turf Club Road # 04-11, Singapore 287994. $380 per child. See details online here.

RoboCamp: Sports Savvy (AM) & Monster Trucks (PM)

At this five-day workshop at the Children’s Worklab, children aged five to six years will learn how to program robots and machines using computers and programming language in a fun learning environment. Check the website for camps for seven to 12 year olds.

2-6 & 23-27 June, 10.30am-12noon or 3-4.30pm, 583 Orchard Road # 02-K1, Forum The Shopping Mall, Singapore 238884. $399 for 1 camp, $699 for 2 camps, or $900 for 3 camps. More details here.

TUESDAY, 3 JUNE

Lego Robotics Holiday Bootcamp

Children will learn to master the workings of Lego Robotics in four 2.5 hour sessions. With a minimum of two and a maximum of five students in each class, every child gets specialised attention. This camp is suitable for children aged six and above.

From 3 June, various times. Nullspace, Old Bukit Timah Fire Station, 272 Upper Bukit Timah Road # 03-14, Singapore 588212. $350 (beginner), $400 (intermediate). Details online here.

Seeing Rainbows Everywhere?

Rainbow Loom lovers, come join the Rainbow Crafters Workshops at Happy Willow this June. These workshops combine a creative art workshop and a Rainbow Loom session! Kids will create art pieces using collage, oil pastels, watercolour and mixed media techniques. Then Loomers will get to discover and learn how to craft more creative designs with these unique and colourful bands! Unlimited play and snacks included.

9.30am-1.30pm or 1.30pm-5.30pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays in June 2014, Happy Willow, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #B1-06, Fusionopolis, Singapore 138632. $70 per child per workshop. Call 6466 6300, email [email protected] or check details online here.

Venture upon The Spice Trail

Children aged seven to 12 years old will visit the Spice Is Nice galleries and learn about explorers, spice merchants, wet markets and festival food. They will then embark on a walking trail to Fort Canning Park nearby to find out fascinating facts about spices. An art and craft activity follows. Dress comfortably, wear walking shoes, and bring a cap and a water bottle.

10am-12noon, Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807. $15 per child. Register by calling Lily Samuel at 6513 7347 or email [email protected]. More details online here.

WEDNESDAY, 4 JUNE

Build A Robot

Robot enthusiasts from six to 15 years old can join in any of the seven levels offered at Robotics Connection. Children aged 10 and above can attend the Lego Mindstorms EV3 course, ahead of its September market release.

Various times, Coronation Plaza, 587 Bukit Timah Road # 03-41, Singapore 269707, From $45 for a 2-hour session, or $300 for 8 sessions (valid for 6 months). Details here.

Golf Around Singapore

Children from as young as five years can putt their way around Singapore in this 18-hole course at LilliPutt in Big Splash. They should be able to complete the circuit in 60-90 minutes. Don’t forget to wear your socks!

From $12.80 (children under 12 years), 10am-8pm, Big Splash, 902 East Coast Parkway, Block B # 03-05, Singapore 449874. Closed on Mondays. Details here.

THURSDAY, 5 JUNE

Master Inventor Camp

Remember the Master Builders in the Lego movie? At this camp, kids get to be the Special Chosen One to save the world against evil using Lego robotics. Children six to 12 years old will learn to create new inventions over two days at this Wonderswork camp. There’ll be lots of hands-on learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and loads of fun, we’re sure. Materials and lunch included.

5-6 & 12-13 June, 10.30am-3pm, Wonderswork, Liang Court, 177 River Valley Road # 02-23, Singapore 179030. $338 per child. See details online here.

Be a Police Officer for a Day

Children 4 to 12 years old can visit the Police Heritage Centre, put on mini police uniforms and have their photographs taken. After that they will embark on a one-hour tour around the Centre and test how much they’ve learned with a quiz book.

Various dates and times, Police Headquarters, New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329560, Free, but prior appointment required at least one week in advance. Minimum group. Call 6478 2123 or email [email protected]

FRIDAY, 6 JUNE

Come to KidsSTOP!

We’re looking forward to the opening of KidsSTOP™, a children’s science centre that focuses on enriching children aged 18 months to 8 years and below through purposeful play in a safe and guided environment. The 17 zones and feature areas include a lofty nine-metre climbing structure – The Big Dream Climber – with unique hanging elements where children can climb and explore, and the Giant J, a seven-metre slide where kids will experience a sensation of free-fall before sliding to safety! Not too adventurous? No worries. The Exhibits and galleries are designed to promote and foster parent- child bonding through interactive activities and programmes. So get ready to Imagine, Experience, Discover and Dream at KidsSTOP™!

Various times, Science Centre Singapore, 21, Jurong Town Hall Road, Singapore 609433. From $20 (18 months – 12 years old), $10 (adults) on weekdays for Singapore residents. See details and rates for other visitors online here.

Whip up a Singaporean feast

Learn to cook fragrant Hainanese chicken fried rice, spaghetti vongole and Prima satay together with your child in this Prima Taste culinary workshop. You will also get menu ingredients, recipes, culinary tips from their chef, and a DVD of the workshop.

6 June, 9.30am-12.30pm, 6 Senoko Avenue, Singapore 758299. $45 per pair (1 parent and 1 child). Details here.

Run Away to the Circus!

Bornfire is a group of artistes that is involved in various projects including choreographing, directing and training of fire and circus arts. In fact, you may have seen them leading the fire contingent in the 2013 Chingay Parade. If your child is a natural athlete who loves monkeying around, come check out these three days of circus training, workshops, performances and exciting side events such as clowning, parkour and slacklining! Infants in arms or children below the age of 3 years will not be admitted for the Main Show (07/06/14). Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult guardian.

6-8 June, various times, Kallang Community Club, 45 Boon Keng Road, Singapore 339771. Free and ticketed events. Tickets and details online here.

Our Wild Isle – The Rainforest

This investigative biodiversity workshop by the NParks is one of a series of workshops celebrating wildlife. Children from K1 to P6 will be able to learn about plants and animals of the rainforest through a talk and exploration of the six-hectare primary rainforest at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Each child will go home with a potted plant and an art piece of one of their forest friends.

9am-1pm, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens. $50 per child, including all materials. Registration at least 1 week in advance through the Singapore Botanic Gardens Education Branch at [email protected] or 6465 0196 / 6471 9961.

Catch a Kiddy Movie

The first and only film festival in Singapore dedicated to kids, Big Eyes, Big Minds showcases the best films for children from around the world. These include live-action shorts, animation and documentaries which are made for kids, about kids and sometimes, by kids too! For children from two to 18 years, and all who are young at heart!

6-8 June, various timings, The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429. $12.90 per ticket. Details and ticketing online here.

 

SATURDAY, 7 JUNE

Explore Ubin’s Kampong and Nature

Stroll through a herb, spice and medicinal plant garden, coffee, coconut, durian and other fruit tree plantations, mangrove forest, grassland and woodlands. See ‘kampong’ village houses with their backyard flower and food gardens. You may also encounter wild pigs, jungle chickens, monitor lizards and a diversity of birds and bugs. This walk starts and ends in the main village which has remained almost unchanged since the 1960s. Come experience Ubin’s culture before its all gone. Remember to bring the following: poncho/raincoat/umbrella, hat, fully-filled refillable water bottle, herbal mosquito repellent. Wear long pants, otherwise wear thick repellent. Long-sleeved shirt, socks and covered shoes are recommended. Ubin has shops selling drinks and snacks. There are restaurants open for lunch and dinner.

8.30am-11am, Pulau Ubin. Meet at the basement of Changi Jetty (also known as Changi Point Ferry Terminal). $13 (excludes the bumboat ride to Pulau Ubin which is $2.50 per person one way). Free for kids age 5 years and below. To register, email Celine Low at [email protected] with participants’ names, ages, and a mobile number.

‘Surviving the Subzero’ Sharing Session

The Aluminaid Team Singapura Everest 2015 will share interesting facts about the world’s tallest mountain at this talk. You’ll also hear about the difference between living at high and altitudes, and what it is like to climb to the top of the world.

Saturdays in June, 2.30pm & 3.30pm, Snow Chamber, Snow City, 21 Jurong Town Hall Road, Singapore 609433. Snow City admission charges apply. Details online here.

 

Create Your Own 3D Model Super Heroes

Organised in conjunction with “The League Against Evil: A DC Super Heroes Exhibition”, and part of Children’s Season 2014, this fun and interactive workshop enables children to learn basic state-of-the-art 3D modeling concepts and see up close 3D printing in action. They can then apply the concepts to create their own 3D super heroes models. Suitable for children seven years old and above to adults. The workshop is conducted by Jose Maya, a professional 3D modeller and artist, and organized in conjunction with “The League Against Evil: A DC Super Heroes Exhibition”.

Also on 21 June, 10am-12.30pm, Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807. $45 per person. Call Laura at 6513 7348 or email [email protected] to register.

Draw Your Own Super Heroes

Adults and children from age seven will be able to learn the basic concepts of how to sketch super hero characters in comics and create their own super heroes. The workshop is conducted by Jerry Hinds, a well-known comic artist and the President of the Association of Comic Artists, and organised in conjunction with “The League Against Evil: A DC Super Heroes Exhibition”.

Also on 21 June, 2pm-4pm, Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807. $25 per person. Register by calling Laura at 6513 7348 or email [email protected]. Details online here. 

Make a Necktie Bookmark

Don’t tell dad that the kids (from four to 12 years old) will be learning to make a simple yet useful present for him for their upcoming Father’s Day celebration!
7 June, 10amn-12 noon, eXplorerkid, Downtown East, OR 14 June at eXplorerkid , AMK Hub. $18 (members) or $38 (public). Details online here.

 

SUNDAY, 8 JUNE

DC Super Heroes Open House @ SPM

Come dressed as your favorite DC Comics Super Hero character and meet other cosplayers at the event! Fun family-friendly activities such as a Pose & Post Photo booth (pose in super hero costumes and post your photo in the form of a postcard), and Make Your Own Super Heroes Stamps & Buttons will also be available. Organised in conjunction with “The League Against Evil: A DC Super Heroes Exhibition”.

9.30am-7pm, Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807. Free. More information online here.

Double Up & Climb!

This parent-child workshop at The Rock School lets big and little climbers bond through fun and interactive games. You’ll both get to scale the high wall together as well, of course!

1.30-3.30pm, 850 Upper Change Road # 01-06, Singapore 467352, $58 for a pair, $20 per additional climber. Pre-registration required. Details online here. 

MONDAY, 9 JUNE

Go on an Airport Adventure

This five-day camp at the Children’s Worklab, suitable for children 3.5 to 5 years old, focuses on getting young children to learn about engineering concepts and how digital art projects are created while improving their fine motor skills and literacy skills. Kids who love transportation and planes will definitely enjoy this.

9-13 June, 10.30am-12 noon, 583 Orchard Road # 02-K1, Forum The Shopping Mall, Singapore 238884. $399 per camper. More details online here.

RoboCamp: Party with Animals

This five-day camp is suitable for children from five to six years old. It teaches them how to program robots and machines using computers and programming language in a fun learning environment.
9-13 June, 3-4.30pm, Children’s Worklab, 583 Orchard Road # 02-K1, Forum The Shopping Mall, Singapore 238884. $399 per camp. Details online here. 

You Can Do Magic!

Children five years old and above can learn the tricks firsthand from an award-winning magician at this magic workshop, which will be conducted by Kids Magician Singapore. Upon completion of the workshop, certificates will be awarded and the children will put together a magic performance for Daddies and Mummies. They will also bring home magic props worth $100.

9-11 & 16-18 June June, 10am-1pm, Playful Elves, West Coast Plaza, 154 West Coast Plaza #02/02-04, Singapore 127371. Details online here.

TUESDAY, 10 JUNE

Our Wild Isle – Meet Our Jungle Friends

Have you ever been into the forest at night? On this investigative biodiversity workshop, take a night walk in one of Singapore’s oldest rainforests. The Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Rainforest boardwalk trail is home to beetles and bugs, the Whip Scorpion, Short-nosed Fruit Bat, Common Palm Civet, Collared Scops-owl and Long-tailed Nightjar. This wildlife lesson will start with a talk on nocturnal wildlife of the rainforest, followed by a guided night walk. It’s suitable for children from K1 to P6. They will also have fun planting their own potted plants to bring home.

4.30pm-8.30pm, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens, $50 per child (includes all materials). Registration is required at least 1 week in advance. For more information, call the Singapore Botanic Gardens Education Branch at 6465 0196 / 6471 9961 or email [email protected]

Learn to play Tennis

Is your child a Wimbledon hopeful? Children who would like to pick up tennis and those who want to improve their tennis abilities should attend this camp by the Singapore Tennis Association. This fun-filled five-day camp will equip students with skills as well as endurance and confidence. During the first hour, children will learn tennis strokes and technical and tactical drills. The second hour consists of team bonding games. For children from age 6.

10-14 June, 9-11am, Kallang Tennis Centre, $200. Register before 3 June by calling 6295 2283 or emailing [email protected] More details online here. 

WEDNESDAY, 11 JUNE

Meet the Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly

For this coming school holidays, ACT 3 International will be presenting a delightful ‘all-in-one’ arts-filled workshop based on the witty ditty ‘There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly’. this 90-minute session is specially curated for 4 to 8 year olds and comprises four key elements – exhibition, performance, drama workshop and visual arts activities. Kids at this drop-off programme (mums can take a break and return 10 minutes before the end to pick their children up) will work with local artistes to paint on a wall mural, work on a 3-D food installation, doodle on a cartoon wall piece, and participate in interactive theatre.

11-17 June, 10.30am-12pm or 4-5.30pm, ION Art Gallery, Level 4, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn. $25 per child. For more information, call 6735 9986 or email [email protected]. Book online here.

MY Outdoor Camp

At this three-day camp by the MYMCA, children aged eight to 12 years get to go on great adventures each day: a summit challenge at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, a tree-top adventure at Bedok Reservoir Park, wilderness survival at Pasir Ris Park, camp games, outdoor fire-building, pizza making, and even a Father’s Day craft!

11-13 June, 9am-5.30pm, from MYMCA, 60 Stevens Road, Singapore 257854. $235.40 (members), $256.80 (non-members). Detailed itinerary and online booking here.

Fun-ancial Art Workshop

During this two-day workshop, children will be introduced to financial literacy through games and art. Topics include earning, how to save and manage money, cost and benefit concepts and resource management. Materials, lunches, and teas are included.

11-12 June, 9.30am-5pm, My Art Studio & LogicMills, Serangoon Garden Estate, 45 Burghley Drive # 1-13, Burghley Lifestyle Hub, Singapore 559022. $350. Details online here.

THURSDAY, 12 JUNE

Spend a Night At The Museum

At the Singapore Philatelic Museum’s (SPM) holiday sleepover, children between 7 and 12 years old will make new friends, learn teamwork and make discoveries about stamps through games and crafts. Dinner, supper and breakfast will be provided.

12 June, 6pm, to 13 June, 9am, & 19-20 June, SPM, 23-B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807, $90.00 per child. Register by calling Lily Samuel at 6513 7347 or email [email protected], www.spm.org.sg or check here for details.

Fun Speaking Holiday Workshop

Over this two-day fun and intensive workshop children will learn to speak in public confidently. The aim is to build children’s mindsets to overcome the fear of public speaking. Fun and at the same time, kids will learn public speaking techniques that they can continuously practise to be great speakers. There will also be Outdoor Activities which further enhances their courage and strength in effective communication. Suitable for five to 16 year old children, the classes are divided into Junior Group, Intermediate Group and Teen Group. Lunch is included.

12-13 June, 9.30am-4pm, Speech Academy Asia, Block 51, Toa Payoh Lorong 6 # 01-82, Singapore 310051. $500 per child. Details online here. 

FRIDAY, 13 JUNE

Look into your Body

Ever wondered what it’s like to be inside your body? The Science Centre has a brand new Human Body Experience (HBX) exhibition, a larger-than-life 3D interactive journey of the human anatomy that lets you have an endoscopic view of how the body functions – from inside out! Kids will get to climb through parts of the human body and learn about science and biology in an active and fun way. Note: visitors to the exhibition require a basic level of physical flexibility and balance. The exhibition also contains enclosed spaces, strobe lighting and special effects that may be dizzying.

Hall B, Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081. $15 (children aged 3-12 years), $20 (adults). More details online here. 

 

Go to Infinity & Beyond!

At the IKEA Space Camp, you can! Immerse yourself in the galactic realm as both IKEA Tampines and IKEA Alexandra stores transform into a solar system each to bring you a family event of astronomical proportions and make space for imagination. Be it hands-on projects for little aspiring astronauts, or galactic gastronomic delights for grown-ups, there are loads of space-themed activities to explore and flaunt your creativity with. The fun starts from 10am and goes on till 2am the next morning on both days so you can have a blast with your friends and family, even during twilight! What’s more, little ones from three to 12 years can embark on the Space Cadet Programme and go on a mission to push their imaginations to the limits, and stands a chance to win a free bedroom makeover worth $10,000!

13-14 June, 10am-2am, IKEA Alexandra and Tampines. Details and registration online here.

 

SATURDAY, 14 JUNE

Feast your Father

It’s Father’s Day! Why not bring him to Hotel residence Capri by Fraser, which celebrates Father’s Day this June with a special buffet spread at Caprilicious this weekend? The Father’s Day Promotion includes succulent meats sucn as Roasted Pork Knuckles, Beef Bourguignon, Grilled Lamb Cutlets, and Lemongrass Pork Ribs, seafood fare, fresh Sashimi and a range of Live Seafood on Ice. Diners will also be treated to a selection of desserts that include a assorted cakes, as well as family favourites such as Waffles & Fries.

Brunch (12 noon-2.30pm), Capri by Fraser, Changi City/Singapore, 3 Changi Business Park, Central 1, Singapore 486037. $40++ per adult and $22.00 per child; Dinner (6-10pm) at $52.00++ per adult and $22.00 per child. For more information and dining reservations, call 6933 9878 or email [email protected]

SUNDAY, 15 JUNE

Parent and Child Bonding through Pottery

Spend time together with your child, learning and creating a cup and saucer set together. Pottery is a stimulating, visual, and tactile activity that kids enjoy. You’ll appreciate the bonding that comes from creating something beautiful together.

1-2.30pm, Clay Cove, The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Road # 05-01, Singapore 238843. $150 including all clay, glazes, two firing processes and loan of apron and tools. Details online here.

Meet the Dinosaurs

Get transported back to the Precambrian, Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous prehistoric periods in the first exhibition of its kind, and re-live the dinosaurs’ natural environment as you uncover how the different species lived on earth. There are hundreds of remarkable fossils and specimens to observe, and original vivid illustrations reconstructing appearances of the extinct species, gain deeper insight into the rich and fascinating world of dinosaurs through the collaborative efforts of skilled artists and scientists. Kids can take part in child-friendly activities like shadow puppet making, stop-motion animation, and a day in the life of a paleontologist. Good stuff!

Till 28 July 2014, 10am-7pm, ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands. From $13 (child aged 2-12 years), $21 (adults). More details online here. 

Brunch with Balzac… and Dad! 

Bring Daddy Dearest on a gourmet escapade to rustic ‘France’ at Balzac Brasserie & Bar this Father’s Day. Begin the feast with a quintessential French dish, an amuse bouche of an Egg Cocotte with Foie Gras and Parmesan. Then move to the three ‘live’ stations for free flow freshly shucked French oysters , homemade Kurobuta pork pâté, and wild mushroom soup with truffle chicken ravioli, then the main course, and finally a dessert of Crêpe Suzette or the Balzac Chocolate Moelleux – a must-have for chocolate fans. Dad’ll even get a free mug of beer!

11am-3pm, Balzac Brasserie & Bar #01-01 Rendezvous Gallery 9 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189559. $88++ per person. Reservations: call 6336 0797. More details online here.

MONDAY, 16 JUNE

See the pretty Fishies!

In this camp, kids get to play indoors and explore outdoors, as they travel to observe ornamental fishes in the high-tech farm at Qian Hu. There are special Dragon Fish to look at, and over 1,000 species of pet fishes. You may even be inspired to set up an aquarium at home! Suitable for children from four to 12 years old. Breakfast, lunch, a snack at the farm, and tea are included.

10.30am-6pm, eXplorerkid, AMK Hub, Ang Mo Kio. $60 (members), $80 (public). More details online here. 

 

TUESDAY, 17 JUNE

Know Your Shores

Our seashores are still amazingly full of unique marine life! And during a low tide, many will be revealed to those who go looking for them. At this guided seashore walk at Changi Beach you may encounter lovely sea stars, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and the strange sea pen. At Changi, there are also seagrass beds which are home and nursery to the young of marine critters such as the seahorse, pipefish, sea snails, crabs, and even octopus.

8am-11am, Changi Beach Park, meet at 8am at Car Park 1 of Changi Beach Park. $13 per person (adult or kid). Free for kids age five year and below accompanying adult participants.
To register, email Celine Low at [email protected] giving participants’ names, ages & a mobile number. 

WEDNESDAY, 18 JUNE

Get Back to Nature

Wake up bright and early today, and go back to nature. Yes, forget air-conditioned entertainment and take a walk on the wild side. There’s lots to explore in the green areas of Singapore, and playing in nature is good for your child. Try one of these 15 fun-filled nature activities that kids can enjoy in Sinagpore. Parents will, too! Just remember to slap on the sunblock, and pack the head gear and water.

THURSDAY, 19 JUNE

Meet The Amazing Stamps

Children, together with a facilitator, will go on a guided tour of the museum, learning about the world of philately. They will also hut for philatelic treasures, take part in a stamp designing competition and win cool museum tokens.

Also on 10 June, 10am-12 noon, Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807. $12 per child. To register, call Lily Samuel at 6513 7347 or email [email protected]

“Arts in the Gardens” Series I: The Life Giving Roots & Sweet PoeTree

This NParks workshop covers it all — from drama, creative writing to planting. The drama session is followed by a tour of the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden where children will compose a poem inspired by nature. They will also create their own art pieces and have fun planting potted plants to bring home. Suitable for children from P3 to P6.

9am-1pm, Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden. $50 per child, including materials. Registration is required at least one week in advance. For more information, call 6465 0196 / 6471 9961 or email the Singapore Botanic Gardens Education Branch at [email protected]

SATURDAY, 21 JUNE

Join in the Organic Play Party!

The second session of Organic Play Party is now open for registration.
This time, a public estate space in Tampines will be converted into a pop-up play party zone for two hours of solid purposeless but meaningful discovery time. This instalment will feature five different artistic and scientific explorations of ‘Sculptures’! It’s an awesome messy playdate for families. Don’t miss it!

10am – 12pm, Tampines, $10 for the first child-parent pair, $3 for every subsequent child from the same nuclear family unit.
Details and more information online here.

Learn and be Amazed!

In conjunction with International Year of the Family 2014, U Family and Science Centre Singapore bring you a variety of wacky science experiments. Put on special glasses to see indoor fireworks’ rainbow colours, build a plane that flies in a circle and returns back to you, and more!

2-5pm, The Marquee, Science Centre Singapore, $20 per child, $16 per adult ( non-members). Half price for NTUC members. Free admission for children below three years old. Details online here.

SUNDAY, 22 JUNE

Try an Unusual Activity

Want to let the kids learn a new cool skill? We’re talking about things like trampolining, slack-lining, parkour, stand-up paddling, which have made their way to Singapore in the past months, and which are the hottest new sports that kids can learn now. It’s all great fun, and guess what? Your kids will have a whole repertoire of new tricks to impress their friends with by the end of the holidays! Cool!

MONDAY, 23 JUNE

Make a Pin-hole Camera

Build your own camera from recycled materials. Test it, adjust if necessary (it will be!). The fun continues when you take pictures with your homemade camera! You’ll then develop the pictures in a dark room. During the week, kids will learn good record-taking practices, dark-room manners, as well as how to troubleshoot, making them in total control of their unique camera. Anything is possible at this five-day camp for seven to 17 year old children.

23-27 June, 9.30am-12.30pm, l’Observatoire, Blue House Village, 2 Turf Club Road, #02-09, Singapore 287988. $350 (includes all materials, $50 Blue House registration not included). For more information, call 9273 4991, email [email protected] or check here.

Be A Fun-o-preneur

This three-day summer camp organised by Playful Elves brings children from four years of age to the Singapore Science Center and Snow City (with one hour of snow play) and the Civil Defense Heritage Gallery. The aim? To show them that “no dream is too big”. On the last day, kids get to be entrepreneurs at the Playful Elves indoor playground, where they will learn to make and sell popcorn and candy floss. Transport and lunch included.

23-25 June, 9.30am-5.30pm, Playful Elves, West Coast Plaza, 154 West Coast Road # 02/02-04, Singapore 127371. $75 (any one day) or $200 (all three days). Email [email protected], call 6100-0353 for details.

TUESDAY, 24 JUNE

Get Wet & Wild

There’s not much time left to go overseas, but you can still do so easily – to Malaysia! The Puteri Harbour area boasts theme parks that preschoolers will love. Older children may prefer the thrills at the Legoland Theme and Water Parks.

WEDNESDAY, 25 JUNE

MY Adventure Camp to Kota Tinggi, Malaysia

This three-day camp by the MYMCA brings children across the border to learn about traditional batik making, Kong Ming lanterns, go on a firefly cruise, try nature trekking, and visit the Desaru Fruit Farm.

25-27 June, Kota Tinggi Waterfall Resort. Meet up venue: MYMCA, 60 Stevens Road, Singapore 257854. $300 (members), $320 (non-members). Details online here. 

Fun Speaking Holiday Workshop

At this two-day camp at Speech Academy Asia, children will learn to speak in public confidently. It consists of one day of classroom learning, plus half a day of Hunger Games-style games, followed by half a day of analyses to help improve the child’s leadership, salesmanship, teamwork and bravery. For 5 to 16 year olds, divided into Junior, Intermediate, and Teen Groups. Lunch is provided.

26 to 27 June, 9.30am-4pm. Block 51, Toa Payoh Lorong 6 # 01-82, Singapore 310051. $500. More details here.

SATURDAY, 28 JUNE

Footwork: Twinkle Toes Pop Baby

Discover the joy of movement and fall in love with dance through the festival’s Footwork workshops. Specially for little ones aged three to six years old, and their mummies or daddies. In this dance-play workshop, little tots and their parents can have fun together as they whirl and twirl! This class focuses on helping kids develop their coordination and sense of rhythm. No admission for infants in arms.

10.30am, Theatre Studio Entrance (Level 4), Esplanade, $24 per session per pair of tickets (One Adult and One Child). Details online here.

Groove like Hip Hop stars

Discover the joy of movement and fall in love with dance through da:ns festival 2014’s Footwork workshops. In this dance-play workshop, kids aged seven to 10 years and their parents can have fun together as they groove to the latest beats! The focus is on Hip Hop and Jazz dance styles; energetic forms of dance that are popular with both the young and old. The class is designed to help the young ones explore space, improve coordination and develop their listening and social skills. No admission for infants in arms.

12pm, Theatre Studio Entrance (Level 4), Esplanade. From $24 per session per pair of tickets (One Adult and One Child). Details online here.

Help your Child get into the Ivy League

Dorothy Tam, a family literacy facilitator, has two daughters in Princeton University, one of the Ivy League colleges in the United States. In this workshop, she and her daughters (who studied in Singapore when they were young) share their experiences and their journey of excellence in education and achievement. Topics covered include: debunking myths aboutthe Ivy League; how to turn your passion into achievements; embarking on strategies to make yourself an outstanding student; how to prepare an excellent application. This workshop is best for parents who have children from 10 to 15 years old, but the workshop will also help those with younger children because the earlier you start, the better, says Dorothy.

2-6pm, 16, Arumugam Road, Lion Building Block D, #05-01,Singapore 409961. $60 (per couple before 7 June 2014) and $80 thereafter. More details online here.

To Market, To Market!

We’re talking about the first and only local farmer’s market in Singapore, at Kraji. Head up to enjoy the greenery and introduce the kids to one of the last outposts of farming in Singapore. There’ll be lots to see and buy – grown local, made local, for one and all.

28 & 29 June, 4pm-10pm, D’Kranji Farm Resort, 10 Neo Tiew Lane 2. Get more details online here.

Sunday, 29 June

Schoolbags packed? Uniforms ironed? Books in order? We hope you had a wonderful month of play! Get a good rest, kids. School starts again tomorrow!

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