SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun
August 2018
September School Holidays (2018): 21 Fabulously Fun Learning Experiences to enjoy before the mugging starts
The September school holidays are the final break your school-going children will get to enjoy before their year-end exams. Here’s a tip: let them have their fun. Need ideas? Read on.
It’s two weeks to the September school holidays 2018. The final break before the last lap of the year. If you’re like us, mum, you’ll be wondering how to toe the delicate line between wanting to let your children play, and yet not lose the mugging momentum for the year-end exams (if they have any). How to do it? Choose activities that blend both learning and play, of course. These aren’t just for older school-going children; there’re lots of things for younger ones to enjoy as well! See our top options below.
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NEW!
Watch the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ‘live’ at City Square Mall (you could win a cruise vacation too!)
Booyakasha! Get ready for truly thriling, turbo-charged turtle power at City Square Mall this September as our favourite heroes in the hardshell, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtes, bring the kids on exciting adventures! Let young ones learn how to tap into their “ninja moves” and work together to become a team of heroes, just like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Along the way, get up close with them in a meet-and-greet session, attend a pizza-making workshop, redeem plushies, win shopping vouchers, and maybe even a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-themed cruise vacation!
When 31 August – 30 September 2018
Where City Square Mall
Web Click here
(See also: Win a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-themed Cruise vacation this September)
1. Get into tech at the Singapore Science Festival 2018
This annual event, which celebrates science, engineering, technology, and biomedicine, is a fantastic way for kids to get an introduction to deeper science. This year some of their activities coincide with the school holidays (yay!) so take advantage of that and bring the kiddos to X-Periment!@One-North Festival (7-8 Sept), the grand finals of the Science Buskers Festival (31 Aug-1 Sept) and the Energy Live! Science Show (3-4 and 7-8 Sept). Do note that admission to the Science Centre will applies to events being held there. Check the Festival calendar for updates and details.
When 17 August to 8 September
Where Various
Cost Free
Web Click here
2. Spend a day in the life of an SSCC singer
Do you have bathroom warblers between 8 and 15 years old? Let them experience a day in the life of a Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir (SSCC) singer, and put those vocal pipes to good use! Founded in 2006, the choir gives young singers holistic choral training to help nurture their artistic growth and personal development. Kids can also sign up to audition for a spot in the choir after the experience.
When 3 or 4 September, 9 am to 6 pm (Experience), 23 September, time slot will be pre-allocated (Audition)
Where Victoria Concert Hall
Cost $88 (Experience), $25 (Audition)
Web Click here
(See also: Free Arts and Culture Activities for Families and Kids in Singapore)
3. Have Watery Fun as a Family – EVENT CANCELLED
At this Family Play Day by PA Water-Venture and Families for Life, parents can learn about their child’s personality during a parenting talk, while everyone in the family can take part in upcycling workshops, and climb, abseil, and kayak together. Beach wheelchairs will be available so everyone can be part of this inclusive beach experience.
When 1 September, 10am-5pm
Where Water-Venture at Pasir Ris
Cost $20 per adult and $18 per child (PA members) or $22 per adult and $20 per child (public)
Web Click here
4. Watch The Cat in the Hat – in Mandarin!
Who doesn’t love The Cat In The Hat? The Little Company, a division of Singapore Repertory Theatre is bringing this beloved Dr Seuss classic is coming to the stage – in Mandarin! Bring the kids and let them enjoy our favourite felines’ frolics while getting a Mandarin immersion experience as well! Suitable for children two years old and above. Tickets are selling fast but they’ve just opened a new show on 8 September at 11am so quick, get your tickets here now. (P/S: our older ones loved it too!
When Until 8 September, 10am on weekdays, 11am and 2pm on weekends
Where KC Arts Centre – Home of SRT, 20 Merbau Road, Singapore 239035
Cost From $26 per person
Web Click here
(See also: Engage the Kids in the Arts at Home – Singapore style!)
5. Visit The Little Prince at the Singapore Philatelic Museum
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: the Singapore Philatelic Museum is an under-rated gem and one of the best museums in Singapore for children. If you’ve not brought yours there yet, do it! It’s the perfect place to explore in an afternoon, away from the heat, and not so large that young ones will get tired. Current exhibitions include The Little Prince: Behind the Story, All About Dogs, and You’ve Got Mail!, which displays 200 award-winning decorative envelopes from the US. (Image: Singapore Philatelic Museum)
When Until 2019
Where Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807
Cost $8 per adult, $6 per child aged 3-12. Free for Singaporeans and PR.
Web Click here
6. Get Grooving at the da:ns festival’s Footwork
The immensely popular parent-and-child workshops sell out quickly so get those fingers tapping to book these feet-moving activities for you and your child. You’ll get to learn popular dances from the experts and bond with your child in a thoroughly fun way at these one-hour sessions. Best for children aged 7 to 10 years.
When 1 September, 12pm (Disco), 2 September, 12pm (Bhangra), 29 September, 12pm (Swing)
Where Esplanade Rehearsal Studio
Cost $15 per person
Web Click here
7. Get Up Close and Personal with tokidoki and Singapore’s very own Manatee Family
The River Safari has new behind-the-scenes tours where you can meet-and-greet their manatee family (and four-year-old Canola who’s celebrating her birthday in August) and feed them their favorite vegetables! After that, you can also feed and learn more about piranhas, electric eels and stingrays which originated from the Amazon River. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed for each session and children must be at least 3 years of age or 1.2 meters in height. If your little ones are a tad too little for this, it’s okay. They’ll still have a wonderful time exploring the River Safari Park, and posing with tokidoki, including 10 life-sized Mermicomo sculptures! Do note that advance booking is compulsory for the Manatee Mania tour. (Images: Wildlife Reserves Singapore and tokidoki)
When Daily, 9.30-10.30 am (Manatee Mania) or 1.30-2.30 pm (Amazing Amazonia). The River Safari is open daily, 10am-7pm
Where River Safari, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Cost $118 per adult, $72 per child (Manatee Mania) or $48 per adult, $29 per child (Amazing Amazonia). Pre-registration is required.
Web Click here (tours) and here (tokidoki)
::GIVEWAY!:: Limited edition tokidoki x River Safari enamel pins + Family tickets to the River Safari (valid for the month of September 2018)
We have 3 sets up for grabs! How to win?
- Like and Share this article on Facebook (make it public so we can see it)
- Tag @singaporemotherhood and tell us the name of one limited edition River Safari tokidoki
- We’ll get in touch if you’re one of the winners
Closing date: Monday 3 September 2018
8. Wander to Far-Flung Playces at Playeum
Playeum’s current exhibition is A Wanderful Exploration of New Lands where visitors can navigate and explore various landscapes such as the sea, jungle, city and more. Children will learn about sustainability, innovation and the role of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics in everyday life.
When Until 28 April 2019
Where Playeum, Children’s Centre for Creativity, Block 47 Malan Road, #01-23 Gillman Barracks, Singapore 109444
Cost $22 for children (age 1 to 12), free for accompanying adult. $10 for every additional accompanying adult.
Web Click here
(See also: Building an Inclusive Society in Singapore – Start with the Children)
9. Visit Rainforest Lumina at the Singapore Zoo
Ever been in the zoo (not the Night Safari) after dark? Now you can, at the new Rainforest Lumina exhibit, which takes you on an audio-visual experience over 10 interactive zones. Suitable for both the young and the young-at-hearts, it’s a visually-stunning creation with lots of IG-worthy spots to pose with. See our experience here!
When Until December 2018, 7.30pm-12 am (last entry at 10.30pm)
Where Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Cost $22 per adult, $16 per child. Purchase online to get a 10% discount
Web Click here
9. Try out New Experiences at KidZania
Family Night at KidZania has a racing theme this month and everyone is welcome to vroom on in! The family who comes in their best racing outfits will stand to win attractive prizes worth over $470 from iFly Singapore. You’ll also get to be part of the first-ever KidZ & Craft event where children can art jam, create keychains, potted plants, and more. Check out the two new role-play experiences: Makeup Studio by SkinSoul, and Sleep Science Academy by Simmons. And just for this September school holidays, you can play and learn at KidZania Go!, a pop-up version of the kid-sized city, at SingPost Centre.
When 1 September, 6-10 pm (Family Night), 8 August to 9 September (KidZ & Craft), 3 to 9 September, 11am-9pm (KidZania Go!)
Where Palawan Kidz City, Sentosa, and SingPost Centre (for KidZania Go!)
Cost Normal admission: $58 per child aged 4-7 years, $25 per toddler aged 2-3 years, $35 per adult aged 18 to 59 years, $25 per senior citizen aged 60 years and above. Free entry for infants under 24 months.
Family Night: $43 per adult/child up to 31 August, $48 per adult/child from 1 September
KidZania Go!: Free
Web Click here
10. Build Resilience in Nature
FS Sealion is a one day Forest School (drop-off) special for the September school holiday, where children get to connect with nature and explore their inner emotions, curiosity, and awareness. Young ones will get space to lead their own play and learning, grow in confidence and resilience, and develop their aims for their interests. Suitable for children between 5 and 12 years old.
When 3 September, 9am-12.30pm
Where Mayfair Park, Rifle Range Parking, Jalan Gaharu
Cost $60 per child. Registration closes on 26 August
Web Click here
12. Go on a Positively Fun Bear Hunt
Ever wondered what it’s like to go on a bear hunt… or be hunted by a bear? Join award-winning storyteller, Peilin, as she brings to life this well-loved tale about a family who goes in search of a grizzly bear. Kids will swish through grasslands, swim through a river, and trek into a deep dark cave, while singing, shouting and laughing with other children! After that, the makers of Fashion MakerSpace will introduce children to the fundamentals of using a sewing machine, and guide them to make their own unique bear cushion to cuddle and love! Best for children 4 to 10 years old.
When 8 September, 2-5pm
Where 258A South Bridge Road, S058807
Cost $118 (children will take home a bear cushion, and an Explorer’s Manual). Get 10% off when you sign up for two classes and 15% off when you sign up for three!
Web Click here
13. Be a Doctor or a Vet
Do you have an aspiring general practitioner or veterinarian? If your little ones are between 4 and 6 or 7 and 11 years old, sign them up for Little Medical School’s holiday training, where they’ll learn about first aid and parts of the body, or how to care for dogs. Kids who attend the two-day programs will earn a Little Medical School certificate as well!
When 5 to 6 September, 9am-12pm or 2-5pm
Where SIA Sports Club, 726 Upper Changi Road E, Singapore 486046
Cost $300 per child per program
Web Click here
14. Peek into The Conductor’s Spellbook
This Concert for Children by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra tells the story of Tony Stradivarius, the greatest violin maker of all time. Listen to the music as young Tony finds a magical book of spells during a trip to the concert hall and uses it to enchant the orchestra. This interactive concert experience teaches children about the orchestra in a fun and engaging way. Suitable for children 4 years and above.
When 8 September, 2pm or 4 pm, and 9 September, 2 pm
Where Victoria Concert Hall
Cost $25 or $32. A Family bundle is available
Web Click here
15. Learn to Bake Delicious Snacks
Butter and Bake has drop-off baking classes for children aged 5 to 7 years, where aspiring bakers can make rainbow cookies, and older ones 8 to 12 years old can make macarons, fruit tarts, and chocolate chip scones. A light snack, materials, tools, and packaging will be provided.
When 6 or 7 September, 10am-12pm (rainbow cookies), 3 and 4 September, 10am-1pm
Where Blk 463 Crawford Lane # 02-21, Singapore 190463
Cost From $55
Web Click here (5-7 years) and here (8-12 years)
16. Savour Mid-Autumn Festivities at Gardens By The Bay
Ever wanted to visit the Emerald City? Get a start at the Flower Dome, which will be paved in yellow sunflowers as the timeless tale of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz takes centrestage here. See Dorothy and her dog Toto tread their way amidst the sea of sunflowers, and try to spot their friends too. Outside, beneath the Supertrees, get into the mood of the season with “Autumn of Fantasies” (奇幻之秋) lantern sets that depict a diversity of worlds. You can also enjoy cultural performances, feast along a food street, and watch a showcase of traditional Chinese crafts.
When 31 August to 21 October, 9am-9pm (Sunflower Surprise floral display), 6 to 24 September, 6-10pm (lantern display)
Where Gardens by the Bay
Cost $12 per adult, $8 per child/senior citizen (Flower Dome), free entrance to lantern display
Web Click here
17. Make Your Own Music Machine & BUZZ! Bag
The ArtScience Museum is another favourite of ours, with its fascinating offerings that keep both adults and kids mesmerised and inspired. This September, sign the kids up for workshops such as Express Yourself (where they will be taken outdoors to be inspired by the sounds of nature), Make Your Own Music Machine (where they will learn the science of music), Be The BUZZ! Behind The Bag (where they’ll learn about sound representations in comics and translate the idea into a piece of art on a tote bag). Limited to 20 participants per workshop. Suitable for children five years old and above. Register here.
When 3 September, 11 am to 12 pm (1), 5 September, 4.30 to 5.30 pm (2), 7 September, 4.30 to 5.30 pm (3)
Where ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands
Cost $5 (Museum entrance fee applies)
Web Click here
18. Bond as a Family through Drama
ACT3 Drama Academy has great drama workshops for children and this September, they’re starting a new one just for families! It’s called The Wild Journey, and it’s open to families with at least one child aged between 4 and 10 years old. This interactive 90-minute workshop promises to be a memorable adventure for everyone! Don’t have acting chops like the kids? Young ones aged 18 months to 11 years can still take part in one-session or five-day workshops geared towards the theme: The Wild Things. Hmm, just like them!
When 1, 2, 15, 16, 22, 29, 30 September, 10.30 am or 4 pm
Where 126 Cairnhill Road, ONE-TWO-SIX CAIRNILL ARTS CENTRE, Singapore 229707
Cost $50 for a maximum of 4 persons
Web Click here
19. Listen to Local Stories and more!
Parents of preschoolers and book-lovers of all ages – rejoice! The Asian Festival of Children’s Content 2018 has free storytelling sessions and really cool workshops in Malay, Mandarin, and English that you can take part in. These include Behind the Scenes: One Kind of Science Musical, and a session on How to Draw Comics (suitable for children 8 to 13 years old). Pre-registration is required for the latter as spaces are limited.
Where National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064
When 6 to 8 September
Cost Free
Web Click here
20. Say “Kon’nichiwa!” at the Japan Summer Festival
Love everything Japanese? Come to the first-ever Japan Summer Festival and Sports. Experience traditional Japanese culture through activities such as Bon-Odori dances, stage performances, and a cultural corner showcasing the Japanese Koto, tea ceremony, and kimono and yukata try-outs. Same Japanese delicacies and snack, play at Pokemon-themed game stations and machines, meet-and-greet Pikachu, and even do a J-Party workout with Japanese fitness instructors!
When 8 and 9 September, 12-9 pm (on Saturday) to 8pm (on Sunday)
Where National Stadium
Cost $5 (online), $6 (on-site), children below 1.2 meters tall can enter for free.
Web Click here
21. Celebrate September at Bedok Reservoir
Ever enjoyed an outdoor movie beside the tranquil Bedok Reservoir waters? Come and bask in a picturesque sunset amidst an array of lifestyle tryouts, ranging from fitness, eco-games, pet awareness, lantern decorations, and wrap up the night with a warm-hearted family movie! All activities are suitable for all ages, but pre-registration is required.
When 8 September, 5-9.30 pm
Where PA Water-Venture (Bedok Reservoir), 911 Bedok Reservoir Rd, Bedok Reservoir Park, 479233
Cost $5 inclusive of a goodie bag
Web Click here
Information is accurate when published. Please check the event website and/or call the organise for updates closer to the time of the activity to double-check and prevent disappointment.
Header image: Feliphe Schiarolli on Unsplash
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