SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun
September 2017
Mid-Autumn at Gardens by the Bay 2017: Dazzling Kid-Friendly Highlights Not to be Missed
From larger-than-ever lantern sets to free cultural performances nightly, we give you a sneak peek at what families can look forward to this Mid-Autumn at Gardens by the Bay
The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival has always been one that ignites every child’s imagination. And who can tire of seeing the adorable concentration on the little ones’ faces as they carefully carry lanterns bearing lit candles? This year, take them to Gardens by the Bay (22 September to 8 October), and let them marvel at giant versions of the lanterns in their hands. We took a walk around the Gardens to curate this list of experiences for the whole family. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
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Lighting up the Gardens
Embodying the theme of Autumn Abundance, this year’s mid-autumn celebration at Gardens by the Bay brings to life scenes of bountiful harvests. Before you head there, download the new Mid-Autumn @ Gardens by the Bay mobile app (available on Google Play and Apple App Store). The kids can uncover fun facts and quiz each other on various lantern sets while exploring the outdoor gardens. Here are a few of our favourites:
Flight of the Dragonflies + Splendour of Blooms
As you cross the Dragonfly Bridge coming from Marina Bay Sands, 20 dragonfly lanterns create an enchanting tunnel overhead for your first glimpse of ‘Flight of the Dragonflies’. Look over the sides of the bridge to admire ‘Splendour of Blooms’, beautiful water lily lanterns floating on the lake below. At the Supertree Grove, count 100 more giant dragonflies adorning the Supertree trunks!
Waters of Prosperity + Grains of Gold
The largest lantern set ever to grace Gardens by the Bay, ‘Waters of Prosperity’ depicts a colourful fishing village surrounded by 70 carp lanterns. The spectacular display floats upon water spanning 1,250sqm of Dragonfly Lake, near the Silver Garden. Go around to its rear to see the farmers tending to a paddy field of 4,000 illuminated rice stalks in ‘Grains of Gold’.
Trail of Abundance + Splendour of Blooms
Starting at Bayfront Plaza, follow a trail of adorable ants forming the ‘Trail of Abundance’. They’re hard at work carrying cornucopia of crops to the Supertree Grove! There are over 20 ants spanning the 200m path, each measuring 1.2 to 1.6m tall – little kids posing next to them will surely make for super cute photos! Along the way, you’ll also pass by another great vantage point to see the floating water lilies on Dragonfly Lake with the Supertrees in the background.
When 22 September to 8 October, 6pm-11pm
Where Various locations
(See also: How Much Do Your Kids Know About These 11 Festivals Celebrated in Multiracial Singapore?)
Pumpkins Galore at Autumn Harvest
Hot and sweaty from traipsing around the outdoor gardens? Chill out at the air-conditioned Flower Dome, where East meets West in a unique way. Beckoning you from the entrance of the conservatory are 72 pumpkin lanterns hanging from the overhead trellis at Canopy. Once inside the Flower Dome, the first thing that you’ll see is a display straight out of a classic fairytale. Yes, it’s Cinderella’s pumpkin coach in all its full glory!
Further in, ‘Autumn Harvest’ features a plethora of fruit and vegetable-shaped lanterns. There are also two ‘giants’ to look out for. One is a gigantic pumpkin lantern that measures 2.6m in diameter, and the other is a literal giant made up of autumn produce! Oh, and if you ask the kids to count the number of actual pumpkins there are within the Flower Dome, it should keep them busy for quite awhile!
When 1 September to 29 October, 9am-9pm
Where Flower Dome (admission charges apply)
Tales of the Moon
Lots more happens around the Supertree Grove, so do head there once you’ve had time to cool off. For one thing, as if the nightly Garden Rhapsody light-and-sound show isn’t engaging enough, the Supertrees bring extra festive ambience with a special mid-autumn edition. It features a medley of lunar-inspired tunes, from jazz standard ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ to Chinese classic ‘The Moon Represents My Heart’.
When 22 September to 31 October, 7.45pm & 8.45pm
Where Supertree Grove
Diverse Cultural Arts
Next up, it’s a great opportunity to expose the kids to traditional arts performances, from cross-talk (相声) and Chinese opera to various music and dance performances. Home-grown arts groups will be taking turns to present creative interpretations of the Blossoming Harvest theme. Not limited to just Chinese arts, the nightly programme also showcases Singapore’s rich heritage, such as a Malay dance performance by Artiste Seni Budaya (above). We had the pleasure of watching a short dress rehearsal, and are looking forward to the actual show at 8pm on 25 September.
When 22 September to 8 October, 7pm-7.45pm (Fri-Sun), 8pm-8.45pm (Mon-Sun)
Where Supertree Grove
(See also: 12 Not-so-ordinary Arts Activities That Give Your Child an Extraordinary Talent Boost)
Get Crafting & Feasting
While you’re at the Supertree Grove, challenge one another to the traditional mid-autumn celebratory activity of solving lantern riddles. It’s a great way to learn more about Chinese language and culture! Then get hands-on with lantern decorating, umbrella painting and Chinese knotting activities at the Fun Zone. And what is a festival without food? Indulge in Asian delights at the Food Street located at the Colonnade. Do note that charges apply at crafts booths and food stalls.
When 22 September to 8 October, 6pm-9.30pm
Where Supertree Grove
(See also: 10 Awesome Family Getaways for Long Weekends in 2018. Book Them Now!)
Mid-Autumn @ Gardens by the Bay 2017
When 22 September to 8 October 2017
Where 18 Marina Gardens Drive
Admission Free (admission charges to the conservatories apply)
Web www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/midautumn
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