SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun
August 2017
20 Activities to Jazz up Your September School Holidays 2017
The third term of the school year is coming to an end. It’s time to start making plans for the upcoming September school holiday week
School is officially out from 2 to 10 September, but the fun begins one day early, thanks to the Hari Raya Haji public holiday falling on Friday, 1 September. If you already have a getaway planned, happy holidays! If not, don’t fret. There’s lots going on right here in Singapore! For starters, how about keeping the kids occupied with activities that are fun and different? One or two of these could be just the thing.
(See also: Never considered Mauritius as a Family Holiday Destination? Here are 9 Reasons why You Should!)
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1. Fun with Food
Bond over baking a checkerboard cake at a parent-child baking class with The Little Things on Hari Raya Haji, or send in your independent chef to create works of art in the kitchen! Kids as young as four years old can whip up items such as shibuya toast, oreo mini cake, turtle bread, eggs benedict or queen of hearts cake. Or what about chee cheong fun and crispy beancurd skin? Package prices apply with a minimum of three 90-minute classes.
When 1 & 5-7 September, various timings
Where 244N Upper Thomson Road (above The Prata House)
Cost $65 per parent-child pair; $48 per child for independent classes
Web www.littlethings.sg
2. Family Weekends at National Gallery Singapore
Enjoy a weekend of fun-filled parent-child programmes at the Keppel Centre for Art Education. Pick up an activity trail and discover how people travelled in the past. Then join an artist-led family art workshop involving broccoli, cabbage and goldfish, designed for children seven years and above with one or both parents. Afterwards, listen to some magical fishy tales with master storyteller Kamini Ramachandran.
When 1-2, 9-10 September, 10am to 6pm
Where Level 1 City Hall Wing, National Gallery Singapore, 1 Saint Andrew’s Road
Cost $20 per parent-child pair; $30 per parent-child trio
Web www.nationalgallery.sg
3. Ballet Under the Stars
Have a picnic with the family as Singapore Dance Theatre presents this year’s celebrated outdoor dance event. The first weekend features contemporary pieces such as Sticks and Stones that’s about customs and traditions. The second weekend will focus on classical works children may be familiar with, as three iconic weddings – Coppélia Act III, Aurora’s Wedding from Sleeping Beauty (above), and Kitri’s Wedding from Don Quixote.
When 1-3 & 8-10 September, 7.30pm
Where Fort Canning Green
Cost $28 per child; $35 per adult (Sistic fees apply)
Web www.singaporedancetheatre.com
4. Experience the Force
Star Wars fans, rejoice! Now you can interact with BB-8 in a virtual reality experience and get up close with giant replicas of the Millennium Falcon, AT-ST Walker and AT-ACT Walker. Young Padawans aged four to 12 years can also discover their inner Jedi at Southeast Asia’s first Padawan Training sessions! Diehard fans can queue for toys, collectibles and apparel from the night before as Star Wars: The Last Jedi merchandise go on sale at 12.01am on September 1. For more of the Force, head to the Singapore Toy, Game, & Comic Convention (STGCC) on 9-10 September.
When 1-10 September
Where ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn
Cost Free
Web www.starwars.com
5. Chalk & Win
Let your children discover chalk as a way to create art. Parkland Green is providing free chalk and space on any corridor pavements to be the platform for your and your child’s creativity. So head to East Coast Park and prepare to create some revolutionary street art! Share a photo of the art piece on Facebook or Instagram and stand to win a Hvper Sport Scooter worth $229 and a $50 Tag Team voucher.
When 2 September, 8am to 8pm
Where Parkland Green, 920 East Coast Parkway
Cost Free
Web www.nparks.gov.sg
(See also: Marine Cove East Coast Park: A Fun-Sized Guide to its New Mega Outdoor Playground)
6. Fun with Birds
Everyone knows that Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is where you go for a spot of bird-watching. Artist Ms. Joyotee Ray Chaudhury is inviting children aged five to 12 years to join her there, where they will learn to create bird-inspired art pieces. One adult can accompany each child at this two-hour-long workshop where lots of feathery fun is to be expected. Just meet up at the Visitor Centre’s information counter.
When 2 September, 9.30am to 11.30am
Where Visitor Centre, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, 60 Kranji Way
Cost Free
Web www.nparks.gov.sg
7. Waders Watch Workshop
If you love spotting migratory birds but art isn’t quite your thing, sign up for the Waders Watch workshop instead. A popular signature event that only happens annually during the migratory season, it takes place at the same time as the art workshop. Families with kids aged five years and above can learn about identification and habits of our feathered guests. Sign up soon as there are limited spaces.
When 2 September, 9.30am to 12.30pm
Where Wetland Centre Theatrette, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, 301 Neo Tiew Crescent
Cost Free
Web www.nparks.gov.sg
(See also: 12 Free Learning Activities for Kids to Enjoy in Singapore All Year Round!)
8. Footwork for Twinkle Toes
The annual da:ns festival offers dance workshops by professional instructors, including special hour-long bonding sessions for parents and kids aged three to six or seven to 10 years. Together with daddies and mummies, the little ones can discover the joy of movement via ballet or tap dance, while the older kids can fall in love with the exciting Broadway jazz or exotic Bhangra!
When 2-3 September, various timings
Where Esplanade Rehearsal Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive
Cost $24 per adult-child pair, $36 per adult-child trio
Web www.esplanade.com
9. PAddles on WaVe
Try a beach sport or six…for just $5! Experience stand-up paddling, windsurfing, kayaking and water soccer at this carnival of water and beach lifestyle sports. The inflatable obstacle course will surely be a blast, and there will also be an arts booth for kids. While most of the sports are suitable for adults and children from 10 years old, younger kids from six years old may sign up for land activity tryouts. Limited slots are available – register online for the 8am-1pm and 1pm-6pm sessions.
When 3 September, 8am to 6pm
Where Water-Venture East Coast, 1390 East Coast Parkway
Cost $5 for up to 6 sports per person
Web www.facebook.com/WaterVenture
10. STEM with Disney Cars
Take your child’s interest in Disney Cars characters such as Lightning McQueen to a new level. Thinker Tinkers introduces a five-day hands-on and minds-on STEM workshop where five to seven-year-olds can learn all about speed and friction, while making balloon-powered and matchbox cars.
When 4-8 September, 9am to 12 noon
Where #01-03 Eastgate Shopping Centre, 46 East Coast Road
Cost $320 per parent-child pair
Web www.thinkertinkers.com
SingaporeMotherhood is giving three lucky readers a parent-child pass (worth $320) to Thinker Tinker’s September holiday STEM programme – click here for details!
11. Kidz Amaze Discovery Camps
Help your child find their calling in a three-day Talent Discovery camp, in which kids aged five to 11 years learn contemporary music, hip hop dance, creative art and robotic science. Or join the Eat, Play, Love camp where they’ll discover international history and culture of food. If you prefer a one-day camp instead, let the kids discover their inner strength conquering crashing waves and soaring through the sky at Sentosa.
When 4-8 September, various dates & timings
Where Various venues
Cost From $220 per child for Kidz Amaze or SAFRA members; $250 for guests (including free play at the indoor playground before or after the program)
Web www.safra.sg
(See also: Splash @ Kidz Amaze (SAFRA Punggol): Singapore’s First Indoor Water Playground)
12. Ngee Ann City National Lion Dance Championship
Aspiring lion dancers won’t wanna miss this! The annual Ngee Ann City National Lion Dance Championship will bring you a whole week of excitement over acrobatic stunts and drum beats. Both freestyle and traditional moves will enthrall both the young and the young-at-heart. It all begins with a rousing opening ceremony on 4 September and builds to a heart-pounding and climactic final.
When 4-9 September, 7.30pm
Where Civic Plaza, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road
Cost Free
Web www.wuzong.com
13. Holiday Skate Camp for Juniors
Whether they’re total beginners or experienced skaters, kids aged five to 13 years can sign up for one of Skateline’s three-day camps. Professional instructors will teach essential skills like balance, standing up and most importantly, how to skate and stop safely and avoid falling! They’ll also have lots of fun playing games on skates. All gear will be provided, and course fees include goodie bags with snacks and a drink too.
When 5-7 or 6-8 September, various timings
Where Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, West Coast Park or Choa Chu Kang Park
Cost $90 per child
Web www.skateline.com.sg
Get a 10% discount for your next purchase of small group / open group lesson classes (after the skatecamp). Simply type “10%” (without the quotation marks) at the end of each participant’s full name when registering online. Eg. Participant full name: Benjamin Tan 10%
14. Ukulele Experiential Workshop
Join experienced and fun-loving teacher Gary as he shows adults and kids aged eight years and up how to play the ukulele. No music background is required to learn some simple, classic songs in this casual diner in a park setting. Ukuleles will be provided, so all you need is to have your fingernails trimmed short. Oh, and the workshop fee even includes your choice of burger and fries!
When 6 September, various timings
Where GRUB, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, 510 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1
Cost $35 per person
Web www.grub.com.sg
15. Nature Keeper Camp
Young nature lovers aged seven to 11 years old will embark on nature walks, play nature-themed games and participate in hands-on learning activities indoors. Designed to increase children’s appreciation for nature and nurture young minds in conserving our natural heritage, this camp will see our children exploring Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Halal lunch and tea will be provided.
When 7 September, 9am to 5pm
Where Seminar Room, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Cost $25 per child
Web www.nparks.gov.sg
(See also: 5 Lessons About Nature That You Can Impart to Your Child)
16. Warriors’ Holiday Day Camp
Amidst the farmland, Bollywood Veggies is hosting a day camp for seven- to 12-year-olds. Young ‘warriors’ can try their hands at outdoor cooking, paddy planting and getting crafty with plants. Unplug, explore, and develop confidence, independence and teamwork at the same time. Lunch and tea will be provided and parents can choose to hang out at Poison Ivy Bistro if you wish.
When 8 September, 9am to 5pm
Where 100 Neo Tiew Road
Cost $95 per child
Web www.facebook.com/BollywoodVeggies
17. Community Chest Heartstrings Walk
There will be a vertical marathon, a family carnival, and a fun walk on the morning of 9 September – register for your goodie bag, while stocks last. All funds raised go towards Community Chest. Suitable for the whole family, the 4km fun walk will take you around picturesque Marina Bay with the beneficiaries! More carnival fun happens throughout the weekend with loads of fun activities, live music and a sundown picnic hosted by Marina Bay Sands.
When 9 September, 8.15am to 11am
Where Level 1 Event Plaza, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue
Cost $10 per person
Web www.comchest.sg
(See also: 15 Super Fun Kids’ Runs to Sign Your Active Child Up For This Year)
18. Let’s Make a Terrarium
Choose whether you prefer to design an closed or open terrarium at this two-hour Make Your Own workshop, where you’ll also learn how to care for your mini garden. If you choose to upgrade to a bigger terrarium, you can select the container, plants and decorative items that take your fancy from their wide range of materials. While it’s suited to kids at least 12 years old, younger participants can be accompanied by an adult.
When 9 September, 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Where # 01-06, 4 Upper Aljunied Lane
Cost $30 per person; $50 per parent-child pair
Web www.makeyourown.sg
19. Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention
If you or your kids are into comics, manga, anime, cosplay, toys and games – and which kid isn’t! – make a beeline for the 10th edition of STGCC. On top of the Star Wars Experience and a star-studded line-up of personalities, expect a plethora of kid-friendly activities, attractive giveaways and family-bonding fun. Five- to 12-year-olds can even dress up as their favourite princess, superhero or villain and join in the Kids’ Cosplay Parade on Kids’ Day (10 September) – register here for free.
When 9-10 September, 10am to 8pm
Where Halls D, E & F, Level B2, Sands Expo & Convention Centre, 1 Bayfront Avenue
Cost From $19 per person for an all-access 1-day pass (children 12 years and below enter free on Kids’ Day)
Web www.singaporetgcc.com
20. Sandsational Fun at Sentosa
Head down to Siloso Beach at Sentosa to discover more than 30 intricately carved sand sculptures, the tallest of which is 4.9m tall! Spread over 2,400sqm, walk through three zones showcasing different experiences from day to night. To get there, hop on a Segway miniPro at 50 per cent off, then flash your Sandsational Fun Ride tickets at the event’s food kiosk, Wavehouse Sentosa and Good Old Days for a 10 per cent discount. Complete your evenings on 2, 3, 16 and 17 September with beach-themed family-fun movies under the night sky on Palawan Green.
When 1-17 September, 10am to 9pm
Where Siloso Beach, Sentosa Island
Cost Free
Web www.sentosa.com.sg
Featured image courtesy of Sentosa Development Corporation; Header image courtesy of STGCC
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