SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun

November 2016

30 Terrific Year-End Holiday Activities for Children (2016)

The longest school holiday of the year is here and we’ve found 30 great activities for families and kids to have a fabulous time!

School’s out. Time for the kids to breathe in some fresh air, get out into the sun, make new friends, and maybe even learn a new skill or two. Whether you’re staying in Singapore (how about a staycation or some glamping at the Ritz?), going overseas on a luxe family vacation, relaxing on a dream cruise or chasing the Northern Lights before they wane, one thing’s for sure: fun is in the air!

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1. Rock On at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park

Park Festival - Rockestra (Credits to National Parks Board)
Get ready for an action-packed weekend as Rockestra returns to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park for the second time! We were at the first concert and the kids had a blast with temporary tattoos, tie-dye scarves, badge-making, table soccer, and lots of other child-friendly activities. This time, it’s a two-day festival with an arts and gardening bazaar, guided nature tours, family-friendly activities, and sporty ones, too. This edition of the popular NParks Concert Series in the Park is hosted by MediaCorp artiste Pornsak. Pack a picnic and sit on the lawn to enjoy a night of cool tunes, or fill your tummies from the F&B offerings on-site. Image: National Parks Board.

When 19 November, 9.30 am – 9.30 pm and 20 November, 9.30 am – 5 pm
Where Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Grand Lawn
Cost Free
Web https://www.nparks.gov.sg/parksfestival

(See also: Christmas Wonderland 2016 at Gardens by the Bay: our Picks for Families & Kids!)

2. Get Dramatic with Charlotte’s Web

SRT
Kids between four and eight years? Sign them up for the Singapore Repertory Theatre’s Charlotte’s Web drama workshop. Facilitator Joanna Pilgrim will take kids on a drama, art, craft, and music journey using the well-loved story of friendship, love, and loss. And you’ll get to watch your little one in action on the last day, when the kids stage a performance for family and friends! Here’s a video of what they did during their last holiday programme.

When 21 to 25 November or 28 November to 2 December, 10 am – 12.30 pm (final day timing is 9.30 am – 12 pm)
Where The Loft at SRT, 11 Unity Street, # 02-08 Robertson Walk
Cost $388
Web http://www.srt.com.sg/materials/186-productions/current-season/1652-charlotte-s-web-3.html

3. Create a Masterpiece with Coffee

coffee art
You may not let your children drink coffee, but how about letting them paint with it? Coffee’s variety of hues and shades results in a piece of art whose monochromatic image radiates a romantic vintage charm and exudes a lovely aroma. These workshops by The Art People are suitable for children from 5 years old. Check their website for other artistic activities available during the holidays.

When 9, 16 December (Ang Mo Kio), 8, 15 December (Beauty World), 14 December (Tampines), 12.30 – 2.30 pm
Where http://www.theartpeople.com.sg/locations.html
Cost $50 including materials
Web http://www.theartpeople.com.sg/holiday-program-2016.html

(See also: 5 Family-Friendly Bali Villas the Kids will Love)

4. Picnic with the Grands

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Families for Life makes it its mission to advocate strong relationships in a family. This November it’s doing so by hosting a Grandparents’ Day Picnic and everyone’s invited! Come enjoy music performances, family challenges, arts and crafts, movie screenings, a bouncy castle, and grub from amobile café. Bring the grands, of course! Check here for details on how to sign up.

When 26 November
Where Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Activity Lawn 2
Cost Free
Web https://www.familiesforlife.sg/unite-at-an-event/Pages/FFL-Picnics-2016.aspx

(See also: Venture into a Future World at the ArtScience Museum)

5. Go on a Science Camp with the Avengers

SCS - Hulk
How you do tame a great big green Hulk? Find out at the Avengers Station science camp where parent-child pairs will research cool stuff like centrifugation, micro-pipetting, spectrophotometry, and gel electrophoresis. For children aged 8 to 13 years.

When 26 November, 2 – 9 pm
Where DNA Learning Lab, Science Centre Singapore
Cost $289 per parent-child pair
Web http://www.science.edu.sg/events/Pages/FamilyProgrammesatScienceCentre.aspx

6. Experience the Magic of The Nutcracker Ballet

nutcracker
Bring your toddlers aged 2 to 5 years to experience the magic of ballet at The Nutcracker camp, and watch their sense of wonderment and imagination awaken. At this toddler-friendly ballet, little ones will also be able to enjoy jamming, games, and art and craft activities. Don’t tell, but there’ll also be a surprise gift for them under the Christmas tree! Choose from one, two or three day camps.

When 23 to 25 November or 28 to 30 November, 11.30 am – 1 pm
Where 163 Tanglin Road
Cost From $70
Web http://www.ourmusicstudio.com.sg/event/2016-holiday-camp-nutcracker-ballet/

(See also: Step into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Philatelic Museum)

7. Embark on a Time-Travelling Adventure

Playeum - Tales of Time
Do you have to keep telling your child not to waste time? Enrol him in Playeum’s Tales of Time Camp, where your child will explore the concept of time and (hopefully) learn to cherish its fleeting moments. Participants are welcome to stay on and play all day at the Children’s Centre for Creativity too, as long as there is an adult chaperone with them. The four-day (three-hours each day) camp is suitable for children 6 to 12 years old. Camps on film making and directing, storytelling techniques, and galactic landscape building are available on other dates.

When 29 November to 2 December or 3 to 6 January, 10 am – 1 pm
Where Playeum, Block 47 Malan Road, #01-23 Gillman Barracks, S109444
Cost $300
Web http://www.playeum.com/holiday-camps

(See also: Top 10 Family-Friendly Hotels in Asia)

8. Bake with Flour Power

flourpower
Flour Power empowers its trainees who have special needs by giving them a vocation. On top of that, all their baked goods are made without anything artificial. Join them in their kids’ baking class, where children from 4 to 9 years old enjoy storytelling, hands-on baking, and arts and craft. Check out their website for the baking class menu.

When 7, 14, 19 or 21 December, 10 am – 12.30 pm (please arrive 10 minutes earlier)
Where 17 Jasmine Road, Off Upper Thomson Road
Cost $45
Web http://flourpower.com.sg/home/kids-baking-class-35.html

9. Explore STEAM Concepts

explorer junior
The NUS Enterprise Start-Up’s Explorer Junior holiday programmes for children 4 to 12 years old are really exciting! Kids will get to learn about science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) while sharpening their problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking skills. The younger ones between 4 and 6 years can explore outer space, electricity, living in perpetual winter and more, while older ones take on more complicated subjects. There’s limited space available as each class takes in eight students only, so sign up quick! Kids will get to bring home what they make.

When Various dates and times
Where Various locations
Cost From $55 including materials and refreshments. Run, Marble, Run! is for parent-child pairs.
Web http://www.explorerjunior.com/explorer-junior-sign-up

10. Be Immersed in Classical Music

Tee Khoon Tang1 - Student from TKPS conducting the musicians
How did Beethoven start his music career? These 50-minute interactive concerts for children will bring his first years known by our little ones. Featuring award-winning pianist Luca Buratto and violinist Tee Khoon Tang, these concerts will help children understand a composer’s feelings and emotions in his music. Children below 4 years old can be accompanied by a parent.

When 4 December, 10 am (for 2 to 6 years old) or 12 pm (for 6 to 12 years old)
Where Esplanade Recital Studio
Cost $32
Web http://teekhoontanggrandseries.com/concerts/concerts-for-children/ or https://www.facebook.com/events/643667525795767/

11. Practise Social Manners & Graces

aphrodite
Kids, no mater how young, need to learn how to behave appropriately in public. They can do this at Aphrodite Image Consultancy’s holiday workshops: on basic manners at home and public places (5 to 10 years old), how to introduce yourself and others and how to carry yourself with poise and confidence (6 to 12 years old), dining table etiquette (6 to 12 years old), and grooming and handling yourself in adult situations and the art of conversation (13 to 16 years old).

When Various times
Where 12 Arumugam Road, LTC Building Block B #02-08, Singapore 409958
Cost From $38
Info Email [email protected]

(See also: 12 Free Learning Activities for Kids in Singapore)

12. Go on a Singapore Media Academy Tour

SMA2016_OpenHouse_162x260_OL_FA
The Singapore Media Academy by MediaCorp is hosting an open house for children aged 5 to 11 years. During this open house, can try out various classes and activities while parents attend talks on experiential learning through play and media. Each session lasts for 40 minutes. Limited spaces are available per time slot, and prior registration is required.

When 3 December, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm
Where Riverside Point #04-13
Cost Free
Web http://www.mediaacademy.sg/pages/Open-House-for-Kids

13. Code like a Guardian of the Planet

in3labsin3labs
This November, In3Labs’ holiday camps will turn kids into guardians of the planet as they learn coding and robotics. There’s a Super Tech Kids class where kids aged 5 to 7 years can build and explore the concept of motor and sensor, and a Robo Maker class where those 8 to 15 years old can learn to create new designs and explore gears. The older ones can also join a Creative Coder class to build their own games using Scratch and Android App Development software. At the end of these three or five-day camps, children will showcase their creations to each other. Do note that children in the 8 to 15 years classes will have to bring their own laptops into which In3Labs will install the required software for free. Refreshments are provided.

When Various times
Where 224A Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574356 or HillV2, 4 Hillview Rise #02-19, Singapore 667979
Cost From $275
Web http://www.in3labs.com/holiday-workshop/

(See also: 6 Things to do with your Kids in Koh Samui)

14. Take a Holiday on Ice

holiday ice camp main
There’s no snow in Singapore but you can still enjoy ice skating activities at The Rink at JCube! First up: ice skating classes suitable for children 6 years old and above. These intensive classes take place in a week, with four 45-min lessons — from Level 1 to 4. Each lesson is followed by two-hour practice. Then on Saturdays between 5.15 pm and 9.30 pm, children and adults can get to ride an easy-to-steer bumper car on ice. Meet The Rink’s huggable bear mascot, JR, when he appears as Santa during selected times on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 2 and 18 December. And remember to check The Rink’s website for details on their Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve Countdown parties too!

When Holiday Ice Camp is available every week from 21 November to 29 December.
Where 2 Jurong East Central 1, Level 3 JCube, S609731
Cost $171.20
Web http://www.therink.sg/lessons/learn-to-skate-holiday-ice-camp, http://www.therink.sg/promotions

(See also: Why Kids Love Bounce Trampoline Park)

15. Learn about Patience with Slowcoach Sunflower

Screen Shot 2016-11-10 at 2.26.37 PM
Children are often impatient, lacking an appreciation for the rewards that delayed gratification can bring. Through nature, kids can learn and grow in character. In this drama workshop about a Slowcoach Sunflower, children will learn the importance of patience. Suitable for children in K1 to P6 levels. More workshops available here.

When 6 December, 10 – 11 am
Where Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Cost $10
Web https://www.nparks.gov.sg/activities/events-and-workshops/2016/12/grow-with-nature-slowcoach-sunflower

16. Meet the Dinosaurs at Zoo-rassic Park

Zoo-rassic Park
Get ready to be scared on Saturdays and Sundays, when animatronic dinosaurs come down to the Singapore Zoo and River Safari! Dino-lovers can learn more about these pre-historic creatures and the zoo’s inhabitants at the “Same Same but Different” educational trail — like how the brachiosaurus and giraffe both evolved long necks to adapt to their environment. The Zoo is also hosting Dino meet and greet sessions, fossil finding fun as well as dino-themed craft activities. The River Safari is joining in the fun with an extinction escapees trail and the dino-themed craft activities too!

When 26 November to 18 December, 10 am to 4 pm (meet and greet on 10 am, 11.30 am and 1 pm for 30 minutes each)
Where Singapore Zoo and River Safari
Cost Dino-mite admission combo for both parks is $39 per adult and $25 per child for local residents.
Web http://www.zoo.com.sg/zoorassic-park/

17. Make Music with an Ukulele

Blossom Camp2016 童心童愿poster
The Blossom World Society has invited TravelClef, the world’s first travelling music school, to teach children 6 to 9 years old how to play the ukulele! These lessons take place on Tuesdays and Fridays over three consecutive weeks and ukuleles will be provided for the lessons. Not into music? There’ll also be a two-day camp where kids can learn about moral education through games, fun activities and sing-along sessions. It all takes place in Mandarin so your child’s language abilities will improve (fingers crossed!). Parents are welcome to join, too, although there will be trained-youth befrienders as older ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’ there as well. The camp is suitable for children from P4 to P6.

When 6 to 23 December, 3 – 4.30 pm (Ukulele); 3 to 4 December, 8 am – 5.30 pm on 3 December and to 6.30 pm on 4 December (Camp).
Where 9 Toh Yi Drive, #01-321, S590009. Nearest MRT station: Beauty World.
Cost $20 for 6 ukulele lessons. $100 for two-day camp (inclusive of a camp t-shirt, camp book, lunch, refreshments, and goodie bag).
Web http://www.blossomworld.sg/news/ukulele-class-kids/ (ukulele) & http://www.blossomworld.sg/news/2016-童心童愿假日营/ (camp)

(See also: 15 Fun Nature Activities for Children in Singapore)

18. Be Inspired by Art at these Museum Camps

Jelly Bean Attic - SAM
Jelly Bean Attic is conducting two art camps for children aged 5 to 7 years old. Held at the Singapore Art Museum, these three-day camps themed Once Upon This Island will let kids explore the relationships between themselves and their families (see camp details here), and multiculturalism (see camp details here) through the works of Singapore artists.

When 21 to 23 November or 28 to 30 November, 2 – 5 pm
Where Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road, S 189555, Workshop Space 2.6, Level 2
Cost $350 for 3 days, $120 for 1 day
Web http://teach-us.how/face2face_instructor_coach_courses/kids-art-camp-singapore-art-museum/

19. Save the Empire

Love Kids
Fans of the Star Wars universe will enjoy The Untold Mission five-day camp by LoveKids where participants will learn creative approaches to writing a good story, public speaking, mind-mapping, and art through the Force. The camp will culminate in a live performance onstage at 5 pm on Day 5. Can’t commit to a full day camp? A half-day camp is available too. For K2 and primary school students. Kids will work in similar age groups for brainstorming and activities.

When 21 to 25 November or 28 November to 2 December, 9 am – 5 pm
Where 24 Maju Avenue, S 556696
Cost $750, including lunch, refreshments and art materials.
Web http://www.lovekids.com.sg/en/holiday-workshops/the-untold-mission-a-drama-writing-art-and-performance-camp

20. Be outrageously Artrageous!

Little Artists Art Studio 1
Little Artists Art Studio, an award-winning fine arts school, has a wide variety of school holiday programmes this year-end, from sketching, big canvas, terracotta, pen and ink architecture study, to photography and even “mom and me” painting. For exposure to multiple art media, children aged 4 to 17 years can sign up for their Artrageous Camps in 4 day, 2 day, 4 half-day or 2 half-day slots. Get more details through the link below!

When Various dates and times
Where Mandarin Gardens and Siglap Centre
Cost From $175 for children’s holiday programs, from $300 for Artrageous Camp including materials.
Web http://little-artists.com/our-programs/holiday-art-programs/

21. Go Tinkering Together

SCS Tinker Fest - Marble Machine Activity copy
The Science Centre Singapore and Imagin8ors are organising Tinker Fest, which is a family-friendly festival to increase awareness on tinkering, imagination and creativity. Parents, children, educators and makers are welcome to play, explore and experiment here. There will be drop-in activities and workshops (some free, some chargeable). Check for details closer to the date.

When 10 to 18 December
Where 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081
Cost Normal Science Centre Singapore admission fees apply
Web http://www.science.edu.sg/Pages/SCBHome.aspx

(See also: KidsSTOP, where the Learning Never Stops!)

22. Create INKcredible Creatures

MUTB
Children aged 7 to 13 years! Join Monsters Under the Bed in this fascinating creative writing workshop where you’ll learn to craft a story about creatures and how to tame them. You’ll also be given Monster Wrangler’s kits including wands and spell books! There will be role-play and games through which you’ll learn how to create an immersive and engaging story. BYO stationery, scissors and glue sticks, though.

When 5 or 6 December, 10 am – 4 pm
Where 11 Upper Wilkie Road, Emily Hills White House, S228120
Cost $248 including lunch, refreshments and materials. $200 for second day if you attend both days.
Web http://www.mutb.com.sg/

23. Meet some Crawlers

NParks - Creepy Crawlies
Children from K1 to P6 levels can discover more about the many creepy crawlies which are found in Singapore though a study of preserved specimens, and as they try to spot the creatures themselves during a guided tour in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. They’ll also get to create their own insect handicraft. Not a fan of creepies? Check out more workshops here.

When 8 December, 9 am to 1 pm
Where Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Cost $50 (inclusive of materials and refreshments)
Web https://www.nparks.gov.sg/activities/events-and-workshops/2016/12/creepy-crawlies-of-the-botanic-gardens

24. Discover the Art of the Circus

Hi Art
Come to a most peculiar circus where kids can see the most magical tools, the cutest animals, and the funniest clowns. Yes, HiArt is bringing children to the big top this school holiday! Kids can choose to join one week or two week full and half-day camps. They’re sure to be fun! Lunch is provided for full-day campers.

When Various dates, 10 am to 2 pm (full-day), 10 am to 12 pm (half-day)
Where Tiong Bahru, Marin Parade and Sengkang
Cost $400 for full-day, $200 for half-day
Web http://www.hiart.com.sg/school-holiday-programme/

25. Create your very own Animated Story

CDAC1CDAC2
If your children love catoons and animation, harness that love and teach them how to create their own! These CDAC holiday workshops (4 lessons, 2 hours each) are for children from P1 to P3 levels. They’ll learn everything about animation – from the basics, to how to make animated movies using paper craft or building blocks, and bring them to life. Note: If your child is new to CDAC workshops, please bring his/her birth certificate when signing-up. Membership to Chinese Development Assistance Council is free. This workshop – like most of other CDAC’s holiday programs – is conducted in English. Check their website for other workshops.

When Varies with centres
Where CDAC Centres in Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Panjang, Jurong, Punggol, Redhill, Sengkang, Tanjong Katong, Woodlands, Yew Tee and Yishun
Cost $87
Web http://www.cdac.org.sg/programmes/communities/programmes/students/holidays-programme

(See also: 7 Ways to get the Best Kidzania Experience)

26. Play Instruments and Make Music

Ossia Music School
This one-day camp by Ossia Music School is a hands-on workshop where children 5 to 12 years old will be exposed to different instruments such as the violin, the ukulele, and the drums, then showcase their new skills by performing at the end of the camp. Those who would like to learn more can opt to have lessons during the holidays!

When 5 December. 9.30 am – 3.30 pm
Where 2 Bukit Batok West Ave. 7, # 01-04 Home Team NS, S659003
Cost $70 excluding GST
Web http://www.ossia.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/HolidayProgrammePoster.pdf

(See also: A Fun-tastic 48-hour staycation at D’Resort)

27. Learn through Therapist-Led Play

December-holiday-program
Let the experts lead your child’s play this holiday! Novena Medical Centre is hosting two week-long programmes for young children aged 2 to 6 years, in which kids will be introduced to arts and craft and drama, and learn how to communicate and interact with friends – all under the guidance of the centre’s therapists. Sign up for morning or afternoon sessions, for one day only, or for all five days.

When 21 to 25 November (Group A) or 28 November to 2 December (Group B), 9 – 11 am or 3 – 5 pm
Where 339 Thomson Road, # 03-06, Thomson Medical Centre, S307677
Cost From $90 per session
Web http://www.thomsoncdc.com/our-services/december-holiday-program-2016/

(See also: All You Can Play at Cool De Sac – Read our Review)

28. Bring Baby to a Classical Concert

kazanskie brothers
The Kazanskie Brothers are professional violinists who perform duets. In this concert they will be playing carefully curated music that children can clap and dance along to. This hour-long concert is designed for children 0 to 7 years old, accompanied by their parents. The Brothers may also hand out basic instruments for the children to play along with, what fun!

When 26 November, 10.30 am
Where Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Rd.
Cost $40 for parent-child pair, $20 per extra child, $30 per extra adult.
Web http://november26.peatix.com/

(See also: 6 Best Indoor Gyms for Babies & Toddlers in Singapore)

29. Learn to Care for Cats

cat camp
The Cat Museum, Muses & Mansion of Singapore is back with their Kiddie Cats Camp for the second year running. The camp is designed for children between 6 to 12 years old who loves cats and want to know more on how to handle a cat and how to care for their needs. There will be cat art and craft as well as a scavenger hunt too.

When 30 November, 8.30 am – 12 pm
Where 8 Purrr..vis Street, # 02-02, S188587
Cost $35 including goodie bag and snack
Web thecatmuseum.com.sg

(See also: 13 Droolicious Kids’ Menus in Singapore)

30. Look at the World through Art

Singapore Biennale2
The Singapore Biennale is an annual art exhibition, currently on its fifth year. This year’s edition, titled An Atlas of Mirrors, represents more than 60 artists from Singapore and other countries in Asia. It’s a great way for children to be introduced to contemporary art and everyday issues such as deforestation, myths, history and current affairs through works of art.

When From 27 October 2016 to 26 February 2017, Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 7 pm, Friday to 9 pm
Where 71 Bras Basah Road, S189555
Cost $15 per adult (Singaporeans/PR), $7.50 per student (Singaporean/PR), free for children 6 years and under. Family package and multiple entry pass available.
Web https://www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/exhibitions/current.html

Header image shows a holiday camp at Playeum, Children’s Centre for Creativity.

All information and details correct at time of post. Prices do not include GST. 

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30 Terrific Year-End Holiday Activities for Children (2016)