What To Do With Kids This Weekend?
Best Locations & Activities Around Singapore To Spark Creativity In Your Kids
Finding the perfect weekend activity for your kids can sometimes feel like solving a complex puzzle.
What to do so my kids won’t feel bored? What activities will get them excited?
……we could admire the art at the National Gallery, feed animals at the Singapore Zoo, nerd out at the Singapore Science Centre, embrace the waters of Jurong Lake Gardens, reminisce on our culture roots at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, admire flora and fauna at Gardens By The Bay, or enjoy the gigantic view of the Jewel Changi Airport vortex……..
Evidently, there are places to go and things to do.
But the truth is, it's not about what your kids do, but who they want to become. We’re not talking about their future profession. We’re talking about the identity they want to embody.
A creator? An entrepreneur? A problem-solver? From there, parents should identify activities and experiences that align with their aspirations
In today’s post, we have curated a list of iconic locations and activities that are not only fun, but can also spark a new well of creativity within your kids:
1. Museum of Ice Cream
Image Credit: Klook Singapore
Utilise your photography skills at Dempsey Hill, where the Museum of Ice Cream awaits behind its vibrant pink doors. Step into the happiest place in Singapore and let your imagination run wild for 90 minutes.
Image Credit: Sassy Mama Singapore
Explore interactive installations that will make you smile from ear to ear, including a dragon playground inspired by the beloved Toa Payoh dragon playground and a tunnel brimming with over 10,000 bananas in shades of yellow, red, and pink.
Image Credit: Museum of Ice Cream
Watch your little ones bounce with joy on the Inflatable, a bright pink bouncy castle, and witness their absolute delight in the Sprinkle Pool, their ultimate favourite. And the best part? Indulge in unlimited servings of delicious ice cream at dedicated stations. It's a sweet treat-filled experience you won't want to miss!
Location
100 Loewen Road, Dempsey, Singapore 248837
2. Pandora at Avatar: The Experience
@ Gardens By The Bay
Fire up you and your child’s inspirational muscles with an extraordinary adventure at Gardens by the Bay Cloud Forest, where an enchanting world inspired by Avatar awaits you in the immersive event, Avatar: The Experience.
Kids in Singapore are bound to love this showcase.
Image Credit: 8days
Step into five incredible zones that will transport you to the mesmerising world of Pandora. Get up close and personal with a baby Banshee and its "handler" for an interactive encounter like no other. Be amazed as a life-size animatronic banshee roars before your eyes, leaving you in awe. And don't miss the chance to strike a pose with a stunning artistic sculpture of the Ilu, a captivating marine creature featured in the upcoming film Avatar: The Way of Water. Tickets start at just $35. Get ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime and immerse yourself in the magical realm of Avatar!
Image Credit: TheSmartLocal
Location
18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
3. Outdoor Photography Classes (6-12yo)
Gosh! Kids in action at a outdoor photography class
Join Gosh! Kids every Saturday morning in a group photography class in various locations around Singapore, exploring the city with a digital camera in hand.
But these classes go beyond technical skills; they encourage kids to open their perspectives and find beauty in their surroundings, all while nurturing the photographer's eye.
Suited for beginners, or kids who want to be introduced to the basics of photography.
Group photography classes where kids get to learn together
Class Details
When: Every Saturday
Time: 9:00am - 10:00am (60 mins)
5th August: Gardens By The Bay
12th August: Jewel Changi Airport
19th August: National Gallery Singapore
26th August: Esplanade
Price: $59 per child, per session OR $220 per child, for 4 sessions
For ages: 6 - 12 years old
*All materials, including cameras, are provided. No experience required.
4. Singapore Art Museum
Amongst Singapore's impressive array of museums, galleries, and exhibition spaces, the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) holds a special significance for local artists and enthusiasts seeking inspiration.
As a dedicated institution to contemporary art, SAM remains attuned to the latest trends, expressions, and innovations. Serving as a dynamic platform and nurturing ground for some of the region's most talented artists, SAM continues to evolve.
Image Credit: Singapore Art Museum
With a new and expansive location at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, visitors can anticipate immersive and experimental art experiences, as well as enhanced spaces for community engagement. SAM's presence in this historic port district, alongside other art galleries and providers, further enriches the artistic landscape of Singapore.
Whether you possess a deep passion for art or are simply curious, SAM invites you to explore its various art experiences across Singapore, providing opportunities for creative expression and collaboration.
Image Credit: City Nomads
Location
9 Keppel Rd, #01-02 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Singapore 089065
5. National Gallery Singapore
The National Gallery Singapore is a vibrant art institution situated in the heart of Singapore's Civic District. Housed within the historic City Hall and former Supreme Court buildings, it combines preservation and modernity to create a unique cultural experience. Spanning an impressive 64,000 square metres, it is the largest visual arts venue in Singapore and one of the region's largest.
Image Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
The gallery's collection boasts over 8,000 pieces from Singapore's National Collection, making it one of the world's most extensive and valuable public collections of modern Singapore and Southeast Asian art. It showcases the works of prominent local artists like Georgette Chen, Chen Chong Swee, and Liu Kang, as well as significant artworks by renowned Southeast Asian and international artists, including Raden Saleh, Latiff Mohidin, Yayoi Kusama, and Mark Rothko.
Image Credit: Design and Architecture
Visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of enlightening programs, such as guided tours, artist talks, and conversations with curators. The gallery also houses the Keppel Centre for Art Education, Singapore's first dedicated art education centre, offering engaging and interactive programs for families and students.
The National Gallery Singapore is a must-visit destination not just for art enthusiasts, but families too, providing profound insights into the region's art, heritage, and history. It celebrates the vibrant contemporary art scene while preserving the architectural and historical significance of its iconic buildings.
Location
St Andrew's Rd, Singapore 178957
6. Art & Experimentation Classes (6-12yo)
Kaleidoscopic vision
Don’t fancy photography classes, but prefer to explore elements of art and design? Gosh! Kids got the perfect class for your kids!
In this original art programme, kids get to explore different art forms and techniques. With a fresh new theme every week, kids will embody the identity of an active creator as they activate their creative muscles.
Themes include zine-making, art-in-a-bowl, live drawing, mixed collage and many more!
Class Details
When: Every Saturday
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm (90 mins)
Location: Gosh! Kids Studio, Open Fields Singapore, 1 Mactaggart Road #02-02, Singapore 368089
Price: $79 per child, per session OR $300 per child, for 4 sessions
For ages: 6 - 12 years old
*All materials provided. No experience required.
7. Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
Image Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
Chinese culture in Singapore has taken a unique and vibrant path, unlike any other community worldwide. Despite Singapore's small size in Southeast Asia, where numerous ethnic groups coexist, the Chinese population forms the majority, cohabiting with a significant number of non-Chinese residents. Through years of interaction with diverse cultures, fueled by close proximity and social diversity, a complex and ever-evolving Chinese Singaporean identity has emerged.
Image Credit: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre invites you to be part of this exciting dialogue, to explore and reconnect with the essence of being a Chinese Singapo人 (Singaporean). Get ready to dive into a world where traditions meet modernity, and where the richness of Chinese heritage flourishes in the dynamic tapestry of Singaporean culture.
Location
Straits Boulevard, Singapore 018906
8. Children’s Museum Singapore
Image Credit: Children’s Museum Singapore Facebook Page
The newly opened Children's Museum Singapore (CMSG) is the first-ever children's museum in Singapore. This exciting museum is filled with engaging exhibits and interactive activities that provide children with an opportunity to explore Singapore's heritage and culture. By offering hands-on fun, CMSG aims to ignite children's imagination and curiosity. To ensure your visit, it is recommended to book ahead.
Image Credit: Sassy Mama Singapore
Learn more about CMSG's offerings by reading about it here!
Location
Children’s Museum Singapore, 23B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807
9. Little Photo Adventurers (2-5yo)
Creativity should be exposed to all age groups, including our little, little ones! Have a young one and want to expose them to the outdoors and harness the inner creativity within them? Look no further.
Little Photo Adventurers: a parent-accompanied photography exploration for kids 2 - 5 years old
In this Gosh! Kids weekend group photography class, the little ones will embark on a 45-minute expedition with their parents and with a digital camera in hand!
Journey together with your kids to explore perspectives, train the photographer’s eye and simply have fun!
Class Details
When: Every Saturday
Time: 9:00am - 10:00am (60 mins)
5th August: Gardens By The Bay
12th August: Jewel Changi Airport
19th August: National Gallery Singapore
26th August: Esplanade
Price: $49 per child, per session OR $400 per child, for 10 sessions
For ages: 2 - 5 years old
Please note that this is a parent-accompanied class.
*All materials, including cameras, are provided. No experience required.
10. Street Art Around Singapore
Image Credit: The Honeycombers
Want to make your kids' walking adventures more exciting? Turn it into a fun activity by embarking on a street art scavenger hunt!
Before heading out, make sure to have a fully charged phone (or camera) to capture those beautiful art, and equip the kids with paper and pencil to search for hidden "treasures" that you can challenge them to find along the way.
Image Credit: City Nomads
Image Credit: Little Day Out
For more information on street art locations, click here.
Locations
Haji Lane, Little India, Joo Chiat, Tanjong Pagar, Somerset Skate Park, Tiong Bahru
11. Jewel Changi Airport
Image Credit: Jewel Changi Airport
Experience the mesmerising convergence of artistry and nature at Jewel Changi Airport. This architectural marvel, crafted by renowned global architects, invites you to immerse yourself in its captivating beauty. Prepare to be awestruck as you encounter a multitude of awe-inspiring attractions seamlessly blending the wonders of nature and human ingenuity.
Step into an urban oasis that will leave you spellbound. Marvel at the majestic 40-meter-high Rain Vortex, an indoor waterfall of unprecedented scale, creating an ethereal spectacle. Wander through the lush greenery of the Forest Valley, where a harmonious symphony of 2,000 trees envelops you, offering a serene and immersive natural sanctuary.
Image Credit: Jewel Changi Airport
But there's more!
The Jewel beckons both young and old with an array of thrilling adventures. Lose yourself in the enchanting Hedge Maze or be captivated by the delightfully peculiar yet breathtaking Foggy Bowls at Canopy Park. And don't miss the airport's play areas, boasting a colossal indoor slide that promises an exhilarating ride.
Image Credit: Jewel Changi Airport
Jewel Changi Airport is an invitation to embrace the harmonious fusion of art and nature, granting you an enchanting escape from the bustling urban landscape. Embark on this extraordinary journey and create unforgettable memories in this extraordinary oasis of wonder.
12. One-to-one Photography Mentorship Programme
(6-16yo)
Explore the environment with a camera in hand
In this highly specialised programme, we will journey with your child as they grow into the creator they aspire to be.
Your child will be guided by an experienced mentor who will help them build strong foundations in photography, learning crucial skills such as creative expression, conceptualisation, lighting, processing and editing.
We are not just teaching your child how to take nice photographs.
We are building trust, increasing invisibility and creating value within your child so they can stand out in this ultra competitive world with their creative skillset.
Each mentorship is unique - to be curated and designed according to the child’s special interests and capabilities. More than just a class, this programme is an exciting, personalised journey where learning and play are intertwined, and where each child will be built up to see the best in themselves, and dream big!
Your child will be un-ignorable.
By the end of the programme, your child will be comfortable with the skills of producing photographs and showcasing it with confidence. But more than that, they will carry the mindset of an entrepreneur and a creator.
Class Details
When: TBD with Parent
Price: $450 / child / level (4 sessions) OR $1500 / child / 4 levels (16 sessions)
For ages: 6 - 16 years old
*All materials, including cameras, are provided. No experience required.
13. Singapore Botanic Gardens
Image Credit: UNESCO World Heritage Centre
The Singapore Botanic Gardens provides an excellent opportunity for children to unleash their energy. With an expansive 74 hectares of green landscapes, lawns, and walking trails, the garden offers a perfect setting. Enjoy a delightful picnic amidst the lush greens of Palm Valley, have fun feeding the turtles in the lake, and explore the ponds at the Botany Centre to spot some fish.
Image Credit: National Parks Board
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
In 2017, the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden underwent a significant transformation, introducing four new zones. While the original garden remains intact with all its charm, the kids are particularly thrilled to explore the fresh additions, especially the Forest Zone.
For safety reasons, strollers and scooters are not permitted inside, and pets are also not allowed, so if you plan to bring your dog, it's best to skip the children's garden. If you have a young child with you, we recommend taking a cab directly to the Children's Garden for convenience and safety.
Image Credit: Sunny City Kids
The Explore Zone
The initial layout of the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden comprised the Play, Learn, and Explore Zones, housing exciting features like the water play area, Little Spot, and the thrilling Tree House slide (which can get pretty slippery). We recommend starting your visit here, as it offers abundant opportunities to explore the garden. The suspension bridge is a particular favorite, and we've even had the delightful experience of spotting a hornbill in the trees at the Explore Zone. If you have brought sand toys along, you can set up a cozy spot near the Tree House for your family to build mini-forts with the sand. Once they're finished, the kids can enjoy the slides to their heart's content.
Image Credit: Little Day Out
The Forest Zone
For those with older kids, the Forest Zone is an absolute delight. They will be thrilled to discover treehouses to explore and hide in, and the highlight is undoubtedly the flying fox! This entire area offers a wide range of activities to keep your kids occupied, including a trampoline, a rope swing bridge, a regular swing, a sandpit, and even giant insect replicas.
The Learn, Orchard, Stream and Farm Zones
The Learn Zone offers a stroller-friendly treetop walk, perfect for little ones to enjoy while observing trees and squirrels. Follow the walk to reach the Nature Play Pavilion, where you can relax in the shade. For a farming lesson, head to the Orchard Zone and discover the origin of coffee, every tired mom's favorite drink. Don't miss the adorable mini-banana trees there! If your baby needs a restroom break, the nearest toilet is at the Farm Zone!
For more information, click here.
14. Virtual Reality (VR) Art Class (9-12yo)
Innovation and technology play a significant role in the future, and we recognise this.
That's why we launched Future World Creators, an original programme that intertwines art and technology. Future World Creators provides an immersive experience where kids can explore a virtual world without limits.
Equipped with a pair of goggles and controllers, they will transform imaginations into reality and see their ideas come to life!
VR art work by Patrick Bezalel
What to Expect?
1) Multi-sensory engagement:
Immersed in a virtual world, kids embark on a sensory journey that transcends physical boundaries. VR engages multiple senses, offering a rich and multi-dimensional experience, and trains them to converge all movements into one task.
2) Freedom of expression:
Kids are unshackled, free to experiment and can explore without fear of failure. The virtual space becomes their playground, where creativity knows no bounds.
3) Novel perspectives:
Venturing beyond the confines of reality, kids will encounter extraordinary perspectives. They sculpt and shape their visions with the in-built tools, and create complex worlds with their imagination.
Click here for the full benefits of VR-based learning.
By the end of the programme, kids get:
👉🏻 120 minutes virtual reality experience
👉🏻 To create their own virtual world and elements
👉🏻 Receive 5 digital JPEG images, 1 video files of their work
Class Details
Date: TBA
Price: $259 / child
For ages: 9 - 12 years old
*All equipment provided. No experience required.
15. Marina Square
Image Credit: Mothership
Marina Square is not only a shopping paradise but also an entertainment and cultural hub, with famous attractions like the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, the Singapore Flyer, and the Gardens by the Bay just a stone's throw away. Furthermore, easy accessibility is ensured with convenient links to the City Hall, Esplanade, and Promenade MRT stations.
For families seeking a fantastic day out, Marina Square offers an exciting range of family-friendly shopping, lifestyle, entertainment, and educational options.
For family fun and entertainment, we recommend the following:
Kiztopia
Image Credit: Pelago
Experience Singapore's largest indoor playground at Marina Square, with new play areas and facilities for a day of exhilarating fun.
For more information on Kiztopia Marina Square, click here.
Pororo Park Singapore
Image Credit: Pororo Park
Rejoice in the newly enhanced Pororo Park, featuring a bigger and more exciting play gym area and a dedicated toddler play area for hours of joyful play.
For more information on Pororo Park, click here.
16. Fire Show @ Science Centre Singapore
Image Credit: Singapore Science Centre
If there’s one place where all the kids in Singapore would converge, it would be Science Centre Singapore!
Experience an even more enticing trip to the Science Centre Singapore now that water play has resumed, and the thrilling Fire Tornado exhibit is back in full swing! Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring sight of the fire tornado and its mesmerising vortex inside a specially designed chamber.
This incredible phenomenon reaches temperatures over 600 degrees Celsius, creating a truly spectacular spectacle that brings science to life for children.
Location
15 Science Centre Rd, Singapore 609081
17. Jurong Lake Gardens
Image Credit: NParks
The water play area is open, and the main playground offers plenty of excitement with various climbing structures and a thrilling long slide.
Explore the 13 distinct adventure play areas within Forest Ramble, featuring nature-inspired equipment that mimics the movements and actions of the creatures residing in the freshwater swamp, sand play, mini trampolines to rope obstacle courses, there's something for every child to enjoy.
Come together to have family fun! For additional information, visit Jurong Lake Gardens official website.
Location
Yuan Ching Rd
18. Play with Water, Admire Animals @ The Singapore Zoo
Image Credit: Little Day Out
Undoubtedly, the Wet Play Area at KidzWorld in Singapore Zoo is one of children's top attractions and full of family fun. This water play area provides the perfect respite.
Remember to reserve a slot for feeding sessions with fascinating creatures such as giraffes, rhinos, and elephants, or admire animals from a distance.
Additionally, get the whole family to catch the educational animal shows during your visit. For a comprehensive overview of Singapore Zoo, please visit the official website.
Image Credit: Sassy Mama Singapore
19. Singapore Sports Hub
Image Credit: Vector Foiltec
The Singapore Sports Hub is a lively and complete sports, entertainment, and lifestyle center. It hosts various events for everyone, including sports competitions, fun activities, and community gatherings.
People of all ages, from kids to seniors, families, and even those less fortunate, can enjoy its offerings. The hub's top-notch sports facilities in the city help develop Singapore's sports industry and promote sports excellence.
Its goal is to become the best sports, entertainment, and lifestyle destination in the region.
For more information, click here.
20. City Square Mall
Image Credit: City Square Mall
City Square Mall, located at the junction of Serangoon and Kitchener Roads, is a bustling retail destination. With direct access to Farrer Park MRT station and close proximity to the vibrant district of Little India, it attracts both local and tourist shoppers.
Spread over five retail levels and offering a diverse range of merchandise and services, the mall caters to the lifestyle needs of mid-income families.
Alongside exciting promotions and international cuisine, City Square Mall creates a vibrant community hub, providing a place to meet, play, shop, and acquire an eco-learning experience.
Indoor Suspended Net Playground
Image Credit: Sassy Mama Singapore
Between levels 2 and 6 of City Square Mall, you'll find a completely netted playground suspended high above the ground. If heights make you uneasy, it might be best not to look down! At Airzone, you can experience the sensation of walking on the moon as you bounce around and feel weightless.
Regardless of your age, there's an array of entertaining activities to enjoy. From strolling and bouncing on the sky nets to navigating through the 3D Maze, obstacle course and diving into the floating ball pit, there's something for everyone to keep you thoroughly entertained.
Is it secure? If you share our thoughts, then rest assured, it is absolutely safe.
The nets in each layer have an impressive capacity, capable of holding 7,350kg/m2, which is equivalent to the weight of two fully loaded Singapore passenger buses lying on their side. Furthermore, for an added layer of safety, another set of nets has been installed at the bottom of Airzone. In addition, the floating ball pit at Airzone is a unique experience, as it's the only ball pit that is suspended in mid-air!
Both kids and adults will thoroughly enjoy the iconic ball pit at Airzone, providing a delightful swimming-like sensation.
To maintain safety standards and prevent overcrowding, Airzone has a strict limit of a maximum of 60 people allowed inside at any given time, with a further restriction of 20 people per level.
For more information, click here.
Location
180 Kitchener Road Singapore 208539
21. S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa
Image Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
Touted as "The World's Largest Oceanarium," this place is truly breathtaking. However, be prepared for the weekend crowds, so it's best to arrive early (before opening time) with tickets in hand or consider visiting on a weekday. One visit might not be enough to absorb everything (you can upgrade to an annual pass when you leave), but some must-see attractions include the sea jellies section and the enormous "Ocean Dome" featuring manta rays and sharks.
Image Credit: The Home Ground Asia
Along the way, you'll find several cozy restaurants and cafes. If you move at a decent pace, the entire experience should take about 45-60 minutes. The facility is stroller-friendly, and you'll find a nursing and baby-change room just outside the aquarium's exit.
For more information, click here.
Location
Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
