SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun

August 2019

September School Holidays 2019: 26 Fun Events and Activities to Keep your Little Ones Busy

It’s the September school holidays again. If your children are attending local schools in Singapore this is the second, and last week-long holiday of the year for them. It’s also their final break before term four (and exams) begin. Take this opportunity to play together before they have to put their noses to the grindstone. In addition, this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival falls within the school holiday week so it’s a double celebration!

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:: NEW! :: Make Singapore’s Largest Slime Installation

The 19th edition of the Singapore Science Festival (SSF) has an ambitious plan – the creation of “Singapore’s Largest Slime Installation” — and you are invited to be part of it by creating your own slime and helping to load a giant 3m-long “This is Science” structure – this year’s theme of the festival. It is one of many activities part of Singapore Science Festival, a two-week-long national event that takes place from 30 August to 14 September celebrating STEM. Check out all the other activities and workshops that kids can enjoy at bit.ly/ssf2019sg

When 13 September, 11am – 4pm
Where Fusionopolis One, 1 Fusionopolis Pl, Singapore 138632
Cost Free
Web Here

:: NEW! :: Changi Loves Kids activities at Changi Airport

First up is an exclusive video-gaming extravaganza at the Family Lounge by PlayStation® at Terminal 3, Basement 2 ST3PS. With six dedicated ‘play stations’ and two VR stations set up at the ST3PS at Terminal 3 Basement 2 (T3 B2), families can gear up for video-gaming fun. P/S: the demo of the Marvel’s Iron Man VR Game is making its first public showcase right here!

There’s also China, Lit! (T3 Departure Level), an art installation where you stand a chance to win a pair of airline tickets to any of the five featured cities by scanning the QR code on the content panels at the exhibition. What kids will love though, is the Flavours of China play area, where they can manoeuvre through an obstacle course, spin on rotating wheels, and ride down a noodle slide straight into a pit of Chinese Mala hotpot ingredients!

When 6 September – 13 October, 10am – 11pm (dates and times vary)
Where Changi Airport
Cost China Lit! – free. Family Lounge presented by PlayStation® – One (1) play slot of 20 minutes for every S$35 spent in a single qualifying receipt, capped at a minimum of two (2) play slots per qualifying receipt with a minimum of S$70 spent.
Web Here

:: NEW! :: Go on a Magical tokidoki Quest at River Safari

Calling all tokidoki fans! A magical gem has transformed River Safari’s beloved resident animals into tokidoki characters! Join them, along with their Mermicorno counterparts, in The Quest for the River Gem this September and October. You’ll be rewarded with a limited-edition tokidoki x River Safari pin when you complete the trail. A different pin will be released each week over eight weekends, so you might wanna plan several visits!

What’s more, at the Amazon Flooded Forest, mermaid performers swim alongside their real-life inspirations, the manatees. There are three shows on selected days at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm—expect to be mesmerised! And if you sign up for the Manatee Mania Tour, you not only get to feed and take part in their target training, you’ll also receive an exclusive tokidoki x River Safari ez-link card.

Share your most creative photo starring the tokidoki x River Safari animal sculptures on Instagram, with hashtags #tokidoki and #RiverSafari. You could win a Manatee Mania Tour for a family of four and two exclusive tokidoki x River Safari ez-link cards.

When 1 September – 31 October (River Gem Trail and Mermaid show are only available on selected days—check the website for details)
Where River Safari
Cost Regular admission applies; activities are free except for Manatee Mania Tour
Web www.riversafari.com.sg/tokidoki

:: GIVEAWAY! ::

Win an exclusive tokidoki x River Safari ez-link card + admission tickets to the River Safari for 2 adults and 2 children (valid from September to October 2019). We have 3 sets up for grabs!

How to win:

1. Like and Share this article on Facebook with the hashtags #tokidoki #RiverSafari and #SMgiveaway (make sure your share is set to ‘public’)

2. Tell us who your favourite River Safari resident animal is in the comments on our Facebook post, and tag three friends

3. Sit back and relax. We’ll be in touch if you’ve won!

Closing date: 12 noon on 6 September

:: NEW! :: Hear the Stories of City Hall

Some of us are old enough remember the National Gallery when it was the City Hall. But did you know that this building served as a bomb shelter during the Japanese Occupation, and housed Singapore’s first Public Complaints Bureau? No? Find out more at City Hall: If Walls Could Talk, a new immersive exhibition that brings the stories of pivotal events this grand dame has witnessed, right into the City Hall Chamber (which saw the swearing in of the First Cabinet). P/S: Let the kids stand at the massive touch screen table so they can play a part in helping the events unfold!

Next up is an interactive Social Wall. This works like a ‘choose your own adventure’ story: select a curated theme (eg: Places and Landscapes, or even Surprise Me), answer questions, and you’ll get a customised selection of artworks that you can learn more about on screen, or check out in real life at the Gallery.

And while you’re at the Gallery, do remember to stop over at the Gallery Children’s Biennale for some child-sized fun that adults will love too!

When 1 September (ongoing for two years), 10 am – 7 pm (9 pm on Fridays)
Where National Gallery Singapore
Cost Free (Singaporeans and PRs), $20 (standard), $15 (concession)
Web Here

:: NEW! :: Sentosa Sandsation: Star Wars Edition

If the kids are Star Wars fans, you MUST bring them to a galaxy far, far, away… at Sentosa Sandsation: Star Wars edition. Spanning almost 3,000 square metres, this is Southeast Asia’s largest sand sculpting festival, and kids can get to see 20 Star Wars-themed sand sculptures, take part in workshops, and watch Jabba the Hutt being brought to life by Singapore’s very own internationally-renowned sculptor JOOheng Tan. There’ll also be exclusive bespoke Star Wars-themed merchandise, and free movie screenings.

Plus, to celebrate the school holidays, all Singapore residents will enjoy free island admission between 31 August and 15 September 2019 via the Sentosa Express or when driving through the Sentosa Gateway vehicular gantry in Singapore-registered cars, on top of the existing free modes of entry. Are you feeling the Force yet?

When 31 August to 15 September, 10 am – 8.30 pm
Where Siloso Beach, Sentosa
Cost Free!
Web Here

:: NEW! :: Get Tech-smart at KidZania Singapore

It’s a KidZ & Innovation affair at KidZania Singapore this September as the child-sized learning city gives young ones a glimpse into the world of innovation. Kids can try 3D drawing, coding, have augmented reality experiences, and even learn to create their own YouTube video!

Kids want more? Pack their bags for the two day-one night Camp KidZania: Mad About Tech (13 to 14 Sept) where kids aged 7 to 15 years can indulge in tech-related activities such as drone testing and futuristic craft construction, while picking up 21st Century skills like communication, creativity, collaboration, and critical Thinking. Registration closes 4 September 2019, 11.59 pm.

Good news! Singaporeans get FREE ENTRY into Sentosa from 31 August to 15 September 2019 — all the more reason to visit KidZania! Simply tap your EZ-Link card on the Sentosa Express gantry for free entry. No EZ-Link card? Show your NRIC or valid identification pass for free entry. Singapore-registered vehicles (except motorcycles) also enter Sentosa for free during this period.

When 26 August to 15 September, 10 am – 6 pm (Park opening hours are subject to change. Refer to www.kidzania.com.sg for the latest updates)
Where KidZania Singapore
Cost Regular admission charges apply. Camp KidZania costs $198 (public) |
$178 (B•KidZanian citiZens and Annual Pass holders only)
Web Here

:: NEW! :: Get Crafty and more at IKEA stores

It’s not just furniture, flarpacks, and meatballs. Our beloved Ikea stores have activities for kids as well, and you don’t have to be a småles member to enjoy them all. Little ones from as young as five can make DIY paper lanterns, or do lunchbox prep with a parent (for småles members only). What we’re really excited about though, is the Books and Brunch session with author Eunice Olsen, where kids will go though a poetry reading session and learn how they can write their own books.

When 7 to 12 September, various timings
Where IKEA Alexandra and IKEA Tampines
Cost Free

1. Go on a Moon Walk with Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty + Mid-Autumn Festival = an event that no HK fan should miss! This fourth edition of the Hello Kitty run sees the adorable creature taking a moon walk at Gardens By The Bay! Fans, look out for Hello Kitty Mooncakes and Lanterns, play traditional games, and keep your phone camera ready for insta-worthy Hello Kitty photo opportunities!

When 7 September, 7 pm
Where The Meadows, Gardens By The Bay
Cost $60 (till 25 August 2019)
Web Here

2. Go Zero-Waste at the Ground Zero Festival

This popular kampong-style festival features sustainable and conscious lifestyle and dietary options that everyone can adopt. Find out what they are as you enjoy activities suitable for everyone in the family: makan, music, workout, a nature art jam, making your own eco slime, or repurposing stuff into footwear. Pets are welcome too!

When 7 September, 10 am – 6 pm
Where Ground-Up Initiative, 91 Lor Chencharu, Singapore 769201
Cost Free admission
Web Here

(See also: 5 Ways to go Zero-Waste as a Family Now)

3. See the AIRMESH at Gardens By The Bay

It’s photo-ops galore at this year’s Mid-Autumn celebrations at Gardens By The Bay! Get an otherworldly image with the AIRMESH, a lantern-inspired pavilion made of 3D-printed stainless steel and perfect a family space for the 2,000 lanterns that form the Colonnade of Lights. Then follow the LED dragon on a lantern walk (14 September), watch cultural performances (Wednesdays to Sundays), solve lantern riddles, and feast at the Food Street! #MidAutumnGBB #gardensbythebay

When 30 August – 15 September, 7 pm – 11 pm
Where Gardens By The Bay
Cost Programmes are free unless otherwise indicated
Web Here

4. Face Facts at the Singapore Science Festival

This annual event celebrates everything Science and no, you don’t have to be studying Science to enjoy it. Watch pint-sized Science Buskers (30-31 August) fight for your vote as they perform their Show-and-Tell skits, sign up for workshops on 2D Stack Art and Tangram and Packaging, watch math and science shows. It’s a world of science that you really shouldn’t miss!

When 30 August to 14 September, various times
Where Various locations
Cost Workshop fees apply, and pre-registration is required
Web Here

5. Visit Jurong Bird Park for FREE!

When was the last time you played with the birds? With free entry to Jurong Bird Park (JBP) this September holidays, this is the best time to bring the kids to explore Asia’s largest avian paradise. The Jurong Bird Park has more 400 species of birds, and has the world’s the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian hornbills. Complimentary admission to JBP is for local residents (Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and Employment Pass holders). Note: There are eight gated sections that you will need to pay (between $2 and $4) to enter. Coupons in sets of $10 can be purchased on site for entry to these areas.

When 6 to 15 September, 8.30 am – 6 pm
Where Jurong Bird Park
Cost Free for local residents, with ticketed sections
Web Here

(See also: Rainforest Lumina 2019 at the Zoo)

6. Have a Run-cation at the Mandiri Bintan Marathon 2019

Get active with the kids this September holidays by taking part in the Mandiri Bintan Marathon 2019 together! There’s a brand new fun 3km Family Run category this year, perfect for young ones who can’t keep still. The route includes obstacles that will definitely challenge the kids – all in the name of fun. Stay on after for some well-deserved family R&R before coming home to Singapore (and term 4 of school)!

When 7 to 8 September 2019
Where Bintan island
Cost $53 (Family Run – one parent + one child)
Register Here

(See also: Have a Glamping Adventure at Canopi Bintan)

7. Make some Pawsome-Awesome Friends

SMU PAW’s annual Animal Day is for all animal lovers regardless of age! The event aims to raise awareness about animal welfare, promote adoption, and to educate the public about anti-cruelty and anti-abandonment. Sign up for classes such as basic obedience, pup-cake making, photography and grooming. There’s even a theme — Back-to-School — so you can dress your pet up as well!

When 7 September, 1 – 6 pm
Where SMU Li Ka Shing Library Level 1
Cost Free admission
Web Here

(See also: Pet-Friendly Hotels in Singapore that Welcome your Fur Kids with Open Arms)

8. Give Coney Island some Love

Project IsLand-A-Hand (PIAH) is Outward Bound Singapore’s signature event encouraging coastal clean-up and habitat enhancement in Singapore. This September it takes place on Coney Island and focuses on discovery, awareness, and appreciation of the environment. Kids can attend, however those 13 years and below MUST be adult-accompanied. They should also be fit enough to take part in lots of walking and outdoor activities.

When 7 September, 8 am to 2.30 pm
Where OBS Reception and Activity Centre, 22 Punggol Road
Cost Free. Reusable plate and cutlery for lunch.
Web Here

9. See Moonflowers, sky lanterns, laser lightshows, & more!

There’s so much more than mooncakes at the Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, and this year’s has several firsts: a luminescent outdoor art installation “Moonflowers of Mid-Autumn”, where 250 stalks of sustainable glow-in-the-dark flower sculptures transform the lawn into an enchanting mid-autumn flower garden, a laser light show, and larger-than-life sky lantern helium balloons (released on 7 September, 7.30pm). In addition, there are heritage trails, guided museum tours, lantern-making workshops, storytelling, and performances to enjoy as well! Check the website for details. Images: Courtesy of Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

When 7 and 8 September, 10.30 am – 9 pm
Where Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Cost Free admission
Web Here

10. Kawaii all the way at Japan Summer Fest

Lovers of all thing Japanese and kawaii, rejoice! Japan Summer Fest is here again and it promises to be even bigger and better than last year’s. There will be over 100 Japanese stalls carrying F&B, games and merchandise, a Pokemon Carnival, a Pikachu Dance Parade, stage performances, and more. Entry is ticketed but children under 120 cm tall get free admission.

When 7 and 8 September, 12 – 9 pm. Tickets are date-specific.
Where National Stadium, Gate 3.
Cost $6 per person before 6 September, or $8 on the spot.
Web Here

11. Celebrate Mid-Autumn with Tayo

Come on board Tayo the Little Bus for Mid-Autumn celebrations at Downtown East! Purchase $30 worth of mooncakes from either Asli Village, Emicakes, PrimaDeli, Starbucks or Swensen’s at Downtown East (9 to 13 Sept) and redeem a Tayo or Lani lantern. Bring this to join other Tayo fans for a lantern walk from Downtown East to Pasir Ris Park on 13 September – remember to register online! The first 100 children to sign-up get complimentary tea and mooncakes. There are also 10 Downtown East booklets worth more than $700 each to be won.

When 13 September, 7.30 – 8.30 pm
Where Downtown East, Event Square @ E!Avenue Level 2
Cost Free
Web Here

12. Meet The Little Prince, Voyage to Outer Space, and more

ACT3 International’s school holiday workshops are some of the best in town and this September, they’ve got some that we know the kids will love. “One sees clearly only with the heart. The essential is invisible to the eye.” Come find out what your heart sees at The Little Prince drama workshops inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s charming tale of a little boy who learns the importance of friendship, love and responsibility. Workshops are open to children from 7 months to 7 years old.

When Throughout September 2019
Where ACT 3 Drama Academy, 126 Cairnhill Road, or Punggol
Cost $35 or $40 for the little ones. $300 for 3 to 7 years old.
Web Here

13. Pick up nifty Dance Skills

Get the kids and find out if you have two left feet. Who cares though, if you’re having fun? Bond though Footwork classes at the Esplanade’s Dans Festival; choose from Tap Baby, Ballet Baby, Hip Hop Baby, Swing Baby, Disco, Retro, Ballet, Tahitian Dance, Tango, K-Pop, Bollywood, Rumba and more! Kids should be between 7 and 10 years old and yes, your participation is mandatory, mum (or dad)!

When Saturdays and Sundays, on-going until 29 September, 12 noon or 2 pm
Where Esplanade Rehearsal Studio
Cost $15 per session per person
Web Here

14. Make Colourful Art with Doraemon’s creator!

Do you like Doraemon? Come see what else this adorable character’s creator has drawn from his creative imagination at Takashi Murakami: From Superflat to Bubblewrap, an exhibition of street-art-style playful characters in high-art setting with extraordinary combination of colours. There are free guided tours in English, and children 7 years old and above can attend a character design workshop as well.

When The last workshop is on 31 August, 3.30 to 4.30 pm
Where STPI Creative Workshop & Gallery, 41 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238236
Cost $20 including admission ($8) and materials. Pre-registration is required.
Web Here

15. Learn to appreciate Chamber Music

Tea, matcha ice cream, and the soothing sounds of chamber music – in a serene, peaceful, Japanese-inspired cafe. What could be better for relaxation? The TTK Homegrown Series brings local classical chamber musicians and audiences together in an intimate setting where everyone can enjoy an interactive musical session and learn to appreciate chamber music in a chill-out environment. Suitable for families. Each ticket includes one item from the menu.

When 31 August, 9 pm
Where Hvala @111somerset
Cost $30 per adult, $24 per child
Web Here

16. Join Peter and Hunt the Wolf

Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood re-tells the Sergei Prokofiev classic — with a refreshing twist and a big screen! — while introducing children to the individual instruments of the orchestra. When the wolf escapes from the zoo, Peter gets swept into an adventure involving a giant robot, a whirlwind helicopter chase, and of course, the hunt for the wolf! Suitable for families with children 4 years old and above.

When 1 September, 11 am or 2 pm
Where Esplanade Concert Hall
Cost From $25
Web Here

17. Celebrate Mid-Autumn in Chinatown

As a part of its special Bicentennial Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, Chinatown Festivals has organised lots of fun activities for families. Go on a Heritage + Food Trail tour and sample some of the best local food in Chinatown, bring the kids on a Mass Lantern Walk where they can meet LED mascots, watch nightly stage shows, and soak in the atmosphere at the Festive Street Bazaar!

When 31 August to 28 September
Where Chinatown
Cost Activity-dependent
Web Here

18. Learn to Kayak

Image: PA Water-Venture Facebook

Let the kids learn a new skill – kayaking – this September holidays. No experience is needed, and children from as young as seven can join in the fun. This Kayak Orientation Programme is conducted by PAssion WaVe, which holds introductory sessions for all kinds of water sports in reservoirs around Singapore. Note: Covered footwear is compulsory.

When 7 September, 10 am to 12 pm
Where PAssion WaVe @ Jurong Lake Gardens
Cost $16 for Passion member, $18 for public
Web Here

19. Get into the Flow at the Singapore River Festival

This fifth edition of the Singapore River Festival stretches along Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. Bring the kids down for the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration at Robertson Quay, where they can enjoy a lantern walk and a boat ride with old-school lanterns (http://www.srf.sg/robertson-quay-maf/), movie screenings, and LED kite performances.

When 7 to 15 September
Where Robertson Quay
Cost Free admission
Web Here

20. Make a Giant Comic

As a part of Asian Festival of Children’s Content 2019, Difference Engine is conducting a workshop where children 8 to 12 years old are invited to pour their imaginations onto a big sheet of paper. They will learn how to fine-tune a story, the dialogues, characters, and expressions into a larger-than-life comic. Drawing materials will be provided.

When 8 September, 10 – 11.30 am
Where National Library Building
Cost $11.24
Web Here

21. Be a Professional Choir Singer

If your child has always dreamt of singing on stage, he or she can have this opportunity to sing not just on any stage, but at the iconic Victoria Concert Hall! For one day, your aspiring singer can train under Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir (SSCC) conductors. This SSCC Experience is suitable for children 8 years old, with treble voices. Children with transitioning voices are welcome to apply, too.

When 9 or 10 September, 9 am – 6 pm
Where Victoria Concert Hall
Cost $88
Web Here

22. Solve a Murder Mystery

There’s been a murder and you must solve it. No one can leave until the murderer is found. Your team must use programming skills to figure out who the murderer is and escape the room before it is too late! Don’t worry, you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes; this is suitable for children 8 to 15 years old.

When 10 or 12 September, 4 – 6 pm
Where 19 Tanglin Road #04-15, Singapore 247909
Cost $10 per child. Pre-booking is required.
Web Here

23. Learn more about Artificial Intelligence at the one-north Festival

The annual one-north Festival on research, innovation, creativity and enterprise is Back. This year, the theme is “AI and I”. Jointly organised by A*STAR, JTC, and the Science Centre Singapore, it features interactive displays, talks and workshops for the whole family to learn and discover together. Listen to talks, go on tours, have fun at the festival, and interact with scientists, innovators, media creators and entrepreneurs. Pre-registration is required here or at the venue on the day itself.

When 13 and 14 September, 11 am – 6 pm
Where Fusionopolis One
Cost Free
Web Here

24. Be the Change You Want to See

Keen to shape the future of Singapore? Come to the TEDxYouth@Singapore “Future of Us” event, where you can learn and be inspired to understand and take action on important issues in society. This list of talks is especially curated for the young, but everyone who wants to ignite change for the better is welcome!

When 14 September, 10 am – 6 pm
Where *SCAPE Ground Theatre
Cost $10 for student/NS man, $15 for public. Prior registration is required.
Web Here

25. Date your Grandparents

This year’s Silver Arts Festival 2019 has activities that grandparents can enjoy with their grandkids – how fun! These are our top picks: go on an art walk with ACT3 International, bond over hands-on photography workshop by Objectifs, or watch Silver Film shorts together. Remember to grab a Date Your Grandparents passport, collect stamps with every activity done, and redeem them for exclusive Silver Arts collectibles. #SilverArts2019

When 5 to 29 September
Where Various locations
Web Here

26. Celebrate Moonfest at the Esplanade

This year’s celebration is more kid-friendly, and features more child performers as well. Look out for classic xiqu excerpts performed by “Little Plum Blossom” artists, the highest accolade given to young xiqu performers below the age of 14 in China, and parent-child workshops where families can bond and learn more about xiqu, shadow puppetry and Shaolin martial arts, or make their own lanterns. Kids can also try playing a hulusi (a folk wind instrument from China that is shaped like a gourd) at the Let’s Learn to Play the Hulusi! workshop.

When 13 to 15 September, various timings
Where The Esplanade
Cost Free, as well as ticketed
Web Here

Happy September school holidays!

(See also: Beyond Kids’ Clubs: the NEW Kid- and Family-Friendly activities at resorts and hotels)

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September School Holidays 2019: 26 Fun Events and Activities to Keep your Little Ones Busy