SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun
October 2023
October 2023: Eat, Play, Shop & More for Families in Singapore this Month
This is the month we celebrate Children’s Day, observe World Mental Health Day, and raise awareness for breast cancer. As always, we’re here to update you on everything fun to see, do, and feast upon right here on our little red dot. Join us as we explore the newest playgrounds and pop-ups, review world-class productions and family-friendly menus, and share all the good deals and best buys for families in Singapore. Scroll down to find all that’s in store for families this October 2023 and beyond, starting with all the fun this Children’s Day weekend!
CHILDREN’S DAY FUN
Esplanade presents: Octoburst! – A Children’s Festival
Children’s Day kicks off at the Esplanade with Bukit View Primary School’s Angklung and Kulintang Ensemble, and upbeat tunes by Junior Rave Harpers. The Zip Zap Zoom Collective will also lead a sing-along session for the whole family. Other highlights at Octoburst! include Job Search, a roving performance by Freddo’s Children Theatre, and Musical Tales of Little-Known Tails, a storytelling adventure with Lin Xiangning. And don’t miss PIP’s jazzy birthday celebration at the Concert Hall, where you’ll also get to make your own Octoburst! cap!
6 October at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. More details here
StoryFest 2023 presents Story Walk
Go on a Story Walk in the Civic District this Children’s Day. The Arts House and The Storytelling Centre team up to take you on an outdoor roving storytelling experience. In conjunction with Civic District’s new public art trail, Benchmarks, the storytellers share unique tales weaving local history with folklore. Complete the imaginative journey with a paper-folding activity, where you’ll embellish your designs with linocut prints, and take home your own mini art bench. The morning sessions are specially tailored for families with kids aged 6 to 8 years.
6 & 7 October, 11am – 12nn & 7pm – 8pm in the Civic District (starts and ends at The Arts House). More details here
Baker & Cook Children’s Day Pop-up
This Children’s Day weekend, The Common Bench brings a series of mini workshops to Baker & Cook @Dempsey. These include Giant Bubble Wand Making, Mini Fishing Game Making, Wooden Bells Making, and Clay Rainbow Painting. Just drop in to register on the spot and get hands on. There’s also a Family Wood Construction Workshop exclusively on 6 October. Sign up for some crafting fun and family bonding, followed by a sumptuous brunch!
6 to 8 October, 9am – 1pm at Baker & Cook @Dempsey, 30C Loewen Road
Dian Xiao Er Rainbow Kids’ Meals
Introduce even the pickiest eater to Dian Xiao Er Rainbow Kids’ Meals ($9.90 each). Choose from the Steamed Fish, Steamed Chicken, or Shrimp and Egg sets, which comprises the main dish with steamed rice, a choice of veggies, and dessert. You’ll also qualify for the Dian Xiao Er Kid’s Membership — collect stamps to redeem exclusive merchandise. And to celebrate Children’s Day from 6 to 8 October, every child who orders a Rainbow Kids’ Meal and finishes it receives an adorable DD.Duck as reward!
From 6 October at all Dian Xiao Er outlets
LingoAce x Haidilao Children’s Day Specials
Celebrate Children’s Day at participating Haidilao outlets and take part in a Secret Code Challenge. In a collaboration that encourages kids to converse in Chinese while enjoying delicious food, LingoAce will reward those who whisper a secret code to Haidilao staff with LingoAce stickers and Haidilao toys. There’ll also be a range of fun activities including exciting pop-up booth games and a colouring book. Participants walk away with exclusive door gifts, including trial lessons and limited-edition merchandise. Existing LingoAce users also receive $20 Haidilao dining vouchers.
2 to 19 October (3pm – 9pm from Mondays to Thursdays only) at Haidilao outlets at 313 Somerset, City Square Mall, Downtown East & Marina Square
(See also: 8 FUN ACTIVITIES TO HELP CHILDREN IMPROVE THEIR MANDARIN ORACY AT HOME)
OUT & ABOUT
WARMSpace Family Mental Health Day
Join WARMSpace at its inaugural Family Mental Health Day, which aims to promote mental and physical wellness among families. The free event will include a 2-km family walk with a WARM Teddy Bear mascot, alongside fun fringe activities, such as face-painting, kite-flying, workout classes, and giveaways. WARMSpace is a social enterprise by Olive Branch Psychology and Therapy Clinic, a homegrown clinic that is celebrating a decade of dedication to making mental health a universal human right.
7 October, 8am – 8pm at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. More details here
Celebrating Our Grands 2023
An annual event by Families for Life, Celebrating Our Grands returns with a picnic for young and old. Held a day after Children’s Day, this celebration encourages intergenerational bonding through fun activities. Highlights include caricature artists, bad performances, and food trucks giving out free snacks. You don’t have to register, but the first 200 families to arrive receive complimentary picnic mats. Admission is free, so take the chance to spend quality time with your ‘grands’!
7 October, 4pm – 7pm at Gardens by the Bay. More details here
(See also: 13 MEANINGFUL QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR GRANDPARENTS AHEAD OF GRANDPARENTS DAY)
Walk of a Lifetime with St Andrew’s Autism Centre
In support of persons with autism, St Andrew’s Autism Centre (SAAC) invites you to join the Walk of a Lifetime. They hope to rally all members of the public to come together and send a positive message of a more inclusive future for the autism community in Singapore. Sign up to be part of the 5-km charity walk alongside SAAC’s students, clients, and residents. Also look forward to a family-friendly carnival atmosphere with exciting booth activities and even a best-dressed ‘Love is Blue’ competition!
14 October, 4pm – 8pm at St Andrew’s Junior College. More details here
Singapore Archifest 2023
Centred in the historic Kampong Gelam precinct, Singapore Archifest 2023 demonstrates the ever-changing layers of the city through a month-long line-up of immersive installations and diverse programmes. Creative families can look forward to Archicraft, a series of hands-on batik, lino printmaking, and tiling workshops. You can also team up as a family to take on outdoor exploration game AF Play!, and uncover secrets behind our architectural gems in Architours.
Till 28 October at Kampong Gelam & other sites around Singapore. More details here
PLAY & DO
Singapore Hokkien Lam Ann Cultural Festival
Singapore’s first-ever Hokkien Lam Ann Cultural Festival brings cuisine, history, and art from the Nan’An province in Fujian, China. Look forward to about 20 food stalls, peddling a variety of over 40 Hokkien signatures. Must-tries include Oyster Omelette, Honglai Chicken Feet, Chinese Mustard Green Rice, and Quanzhou Peanut Soup. Bring the children for a full day of fun activities, including paper cutting, clay sculpting, Chinese ink painting, and more. The festival takes place beside Hong San See Temple, so you can visit the National Monument while you’re there.
Till 8 October at 30 Mohamed Sultan Road. More details here
(See also: PRAYING TO ZHU SHENG NIANG NIANG (注生娘娘) FOR A BABY (2023 UPDATE))
The Conscious Festival
Reconnect with yourself, others, and the planet at the Conscious Festival by Green is The New Black. At the festival marketplace, families can shop over 60 conscious brands, enjoy healthy eats, and participate in interactive art and purposeful games. You can deep dive into talks and workshops about conscious parenting and holistic healing too. The three-day gamified event also rewards participants with ‘tree points’ for engaging, interacting, and learning. Earn more trees and grow the biggest forests to win staycations and other prizes!
13 to 15 October. From $20 per person (students and children under 18 years enter free), more details here
Gardens by the Bay presents Chrysanthemum Charm
Venture into Chrysanthemum Charm at the Flower Dome and immerse in the essence of Mongolia. Together with the Embassy of Mongolia in Singapore, Gardens by the Bay brings a touch of that unparalleled wild beauty and its fascinating culture to our shores. The floral display features 80 varieties of chrysanthemums, as well as scabiosa, Mongolia’s national flower, in a landscape reminiscent of its grasslands, complete with a recreation of the Orkhon waterfall. You can also explore life-sized Mongolian ger (yurts) to learn about nomadic life on the steppes.
Till 13 November at Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay. More details here
LKY: THE EXPERIENCE
For most of us, Lee Kuan Yew is a name that needs no introduction. But for our little ones who never had the opportunity to know him, this is their chance. LKY: THE EXPERIENCE is a transportive experience that recreates his memories, milestones, and motivations over time. The interactive journey spans over 20 rooms, each unlocking a chapter to the lesser known side of our founding prime minister as a child, student, husband, and statesman. Partial proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales go towards critical social service programmes supported by Community Chest.
6 October to 31 December at 11 Prinsep Street. $18 per person (children up to 12 years enter free with every paying adult & seniors enjoy 20% off), more details here
World of Nickelodeon
Calling fans of PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Dora the Explorer! Dive into the World of Nickelodeon and experience a realm of entertainment and adventure through interactive gameplay and immersive exploration. Kids can join the PAW Patrol pups in their fire and rescue missions, go bubble bashing at the SpongeBob-themed play area, and showcase your talents at Dora’s colouring hub and sports club. Don’t miss the chance to meet your favourite characters, take lots of photographs, and create magical memories.
Till 14 January 2024 at Let’s Play, #03-208/209 Marina Square. From $31; tickets via Trip.com
EAT & DRINK
English Afternoon Tea Buffet with Rosy-themed Treats & Local Favourites at Goodwood Park Hotel
In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Goodwood Park Hotel serves up a resplendent English Afternoon Tea Buffet (from $65 per adult, from $39 per child). Along with its popular spread, L’Espresso showcases a dainty array of rosy-hued delights and local favourites. Highlights include Traditional Irish Beef and Guinness Stew, Singapore Curry with Roti Prata, and Rose Layered Cake. For each paying adult, the hotel will donate $2 to the Breast Cancer Foundation. On 5 and 6 October, one child dines for free with every paying adult to celebrate Children’s Day too.
1 to 31 October at Goodwood Park Hotel
Pink Afternoon Tea at The Fullerton Hotels Singapore
Also to raise awareness for breast cancer screenings, The Fullerton Hotels Singapore present their annual Pink Afternoon Tea. Specially curated menus will be served at The Courtyard (from $58 per adult, from $29 per child) and The Landing Point (from $68 per adult, from $34 per child). $5 from the proceeds of each adult set goes to the Breast Cancer Foundation. Dress in pink or wear a pink accessory to receive a complimentary glass of Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Organic Lyserod too. From 3 to 31 October, the facade of The Fullerton Hotel will also light up in pink from 7pm daily.
3 to 31 October at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore & The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
(See also: MAMMOGRAMS IN SINGAPORE – SUBSIDISED BREAST CANCER SCREENING PROGRAMMES & COSTS)
Baker X presents The Good Cupcakes Company
Love cupcakes and cookies but watching your weight? Now you can savour desserts guilt-free, thanks to The Good Cupcakes Company. The latest to take up residency at Baker X, baker Josephine Poh showcases elegant, low-calorie confections that don’t compromise on taste. Look forward to her signature 150 Calories Cupcakes (from $4) and Shortbread (from $6). She’ll also host a 20-minute live demonstration every Sunday at 3pm, after which you’ll enjoy 10% off the new Korean Bean Paste Cookies ($58 for six) or a box of four Floral Cupcakes.
Till 19 November at #04-29, Orchard Central. More details here
Museum of Ice Cream’s Sweet Spots Campaign
In April this year, local foodies nominated their favourite desserts and dessert spots in Singapore. Judges have since been evaluating, taste-testing, and ranking over 500 submissions. The top 50 SPOONS award winners will be unveiled on 10 October and feature in Singapore’s first-ever desserts guidebook. Finally, for one day only, five Sweet Spots award winners will take over the treat stations at the Museum of Ice Cream to showcase their goodies to the public. Tickets for this special event go on sale on 16 October, so fastest fingers first!
28 October, 10am – 9pm at Museum of Ice Cream, 100 Loewen Road
PastaMania celebrates 25th Anniversary, World Pasta Day & Children’s Day
To thank diners for 25 years of support, PastaMania is offering special Feasting Vouchers in line with World Pasta Day. Simply sign up for a free TriplePlus membership if you haven’t already. It includes $25 off a minimum $100 spent, a $2.50 carafe drink with any main, and $2.50 off any pasta or pizza. On Children’s Day (6 October), kids dine for free with any main dish from the adult menu. Also, students celebrating their birthdays from 2 October to 31 December enjoy a free Pasta Cake and stand to win $100 dining vouchers!
1 to 31 October at PastaMania outlets islandwide
SHOP AWAY
Prime Big Deal Days
Prime members can start holiday shopping early with Amazon Singapore’s first-ever Prime Big Deal Days. Available exclusively on Amazon.sg, this new event offers Prime members access to a bonanza of deals across top brands. Even ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, maximise your savings with up to 35% off fitness trackers, up to 50% off children’s books, up to 70% off international toys, and more. Enjoy greater savings with selected bank promotions too. If you’re not a Prime member yet, start a free 30-day trial to participate!
10 to 11 October at www.amazon.sg/primebigdealdays
Play Nation x Sanrio launches The Summer Wunderland Collection
Play Nation began life as a games café for families and friends to bond over play and food. The local game-play experience creation brand then went on to create its own line of products. For its latest launch, it teams up with Sanrio to present The Summer Wunderland Collection, a series of building blocks inspired by the beloved Sanrio Theme Park. Five main rides ($29.90 each) comprise the Hello Kitty Viking Ship, Pompompurin Water Slide, My Melody Ferris Wheel, Cinnamoroll Wave Pool Café, and Kuromi Swing Ride. There are five mini rides ($17.90) to collect too.
Available from October at 7-Eleven, Cheers, Don Don Donki, NTUC FairPrice & Toys ‘R’ Us outlets, as well as at specialty toy retailers and Play Nation e-shop
(See also: EXOTIC FAMILY TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR THAT ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME VACATION)
EARLY ACCESS
Let’s Take A Walk 2023
The iconic overnight 100-km charity walk, Let’s Take A Walk returns this year, with Ray of Hope as the chosen beneficiary. Ray of Hope is Singapore’s crowdfunding charity, dedicated to mobilising community resources and support for individuals and families in need. In a step towards inclusivity, this year’s event introduces the 5-km FamilyWalk, a specially designed route that is ramp-accessible. Join other families and differently-abled individuals in the spirit of giving back. Apart from the physical walks, there is also a virtual event starting 21 October.
4 & 5 November at Singapore Sports Hub. Registrations are open
The Monkey King
Introduce the kids to Chinese opera with an extraordinary adventure with a character they already know and love. The Monkey King is a spectacular production co-produced by the Trend Education Foundation and National Taiwan College of Performing Arts. Blending culture, folklore, and humour with skilled actors and remarkable kung fu stunts, the theatrical production promises to transcend age and language barriers. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch the legend of Sun Wukong with a modern twist.
10 & 11 November at Esplanade Theatre. From $48, tickets via SISTIC
Journey West: The Crimson Boy
Paper Monkey Theatre and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre co-present a brand-new live performance, Journey West: The Crimson Boy. On stage, intricately handcrafted pili Puppets will draw children into a magical world. They tell of the amazing journey of brave heroes and a fearless monk who meet mystical creatures in enchanting fairylands. Director Benjamin Ho brings this ancient tale to life, complete with action-packed, gravity-defying stunts to enthral the entire family. The play is performed in Chinese, with English subtitles.
17 to 19 November at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. From $26, tickets via SISTIC
Immersive Disney Animation
Calling all Disney fans! The highly anticipated exhibition, Immersive Disney Animation, is making its Southeast Asian premiere in Singapore next month. Presented by Base Entertainment Asia in partnership with Walt Disney Animation Studios, the exhibition celebrates 100 years of Disney animation. Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the captivating realms with your favourite Disney characters, as the auditorium transforms into an immersive, 3D environment to bring over 40 of Disney’s timeless classics to life.
From 18 November to 31 December at Sands Theatre. From $33, tickets via Marina Bay Sands, SISTIC & Trip.com
Disney Princess – The Concert
After enchanting audiences in over 100 cities worldwide, Disney Princess – The Concert makes its way to Singapore. For generations, the music of Disney’s Princesses have been the soundtrack to our lives. Now Broadway and television stars celebrate these beloved songs on stage. They include Aisha Jackson (‘Anna’ in Frozen), Krysta Rodriguez (‘Cinderella’ in Into the Woods), and Anneliese van der Pol (‘Belle’ in Beauty and the Beast). While they will not be in costume performing as the characters, they will sing and share their behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the stage and screen.
26 & 27 November at Esplanade Theatre. From $78, tickets via SISTIC
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon
The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon will be taking a new and dynamic scenic route for the 2023 edition. As always, it features various race categories, starting with the popular Kids Dash on Friday evening. Kids and parents running the 650m route circling the F1 Pit Building will receive a surprise goodie bag in reward. Saturday morning sees the 5km and 10km races, while the Marathon and Half Marathon concludes the event on Sunday morning. Runners also pass the Singapore Flyer, War Memorial Park, and Merlion, before culminating at the National Stadium.
1 to 3 December. Registrations are open
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical
The Royal Shakespeare Company, in partnership with Base Entertainment Asia and GWB Entertainment, is bringing Matilda The Musical back! If you missed out the last time, this is your chance to catch the multi-award-winning production. More than a decade since opening in London’s West End, the exceptional musical about a brilliant and determined little girl continues to win hearts and minds of audiences young and old worldwide.
9 to 31 March 2024 at Sands Theatre. From $68, tickets via Marina Bay Sands, SISTIC & Klook (10% off for Maybank cardmembers)
(See also: 4 WAYS YOU CAN EMPOWER YOUR DAUGHTERS)
Featured image: World of Nickelodeon
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