With an extra day off this weekend, you're going to need to know where all the family-friendly fun is at...
Gong xi fa cai, one and all! The festivities are upon on us, and we can’t wait to break out the cute new cheongsams and Mandarin collars for the kiddos before heading off on a Chinese New Year adventure. You’ll find us – when we are not stuffing our faces with pineapple tarts and bak kwa – out and about this weekend in Singapore, trying these cool 10 activities, suitable for the whole gang…
1. Win prizes, hang out with Snoopy and enjoy the sunshine
Sentosa is really laying on the Chinese New Year feels with its family attractions – Madame Tussauds, MOSH, Skyline Luge, KidZania and more – celebrating the festive season with lots of special events and big ticket prize giveaways (over $50,000 worth!). Check out our mini-vid of the five things to do over at Sentosa right now, then jump on a monorail for a family weekend of adventure. You’ll find us hanging out with Snoopy…
When: Various dates
Where: Sentosa Island
Cost: Free and ticketed events
www.sentosa.com.sg
2. Celebrate Chinese New Year at a family day
Quizzes, calligraphy demos, lion dances and a puppy craft booth are just some of the activities lined up at The Singapore Philatelic Museum’s Family Fun Day. And it’s all free!
When: 17 February, 10am-7pm (check event details for activity timings)
Where: Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street, 179807
Cost: Free
www.facebook.com/events/781421755381613
3. Check out the President’s home
The Istana is throwing open its doors to the public for Chinese New Year, and we’re all invited to have a stickybeak around Singapore’s most famous home and office. Visitors can take a tour around the main building, and also join a guided walk through the gardens for the chance to learn some history in a gorgeously green setting.
When: 17 February, 8.30am-6pm
Where: The Istana, Orchard Road, Singapore 238823
Cost: Free admission for Singaporeans and PRs. $2 for everyone else.
www.istana.gov.sg/the-istana
4. Pick up a new skill with your teens
Older kiddos and grown ups looking for a new skill should snap up a spot at the Baby Animals x Brush Calligraphy workshop. You’ll learn how to whip up the cutest paintings of baby animals and complete your masterpiece with cool calligraphy brush lettering.
When: 18 February, 2pm
Where: Naiise Cathay, 2 Handy Road, #B1-08 The Cathay Building, 229233
Cost: $110 per person, or $200 for two
www.sg.verlocal.com
5. Join in a wild storytelling session
Calling all Jurongers! Super Storytastic is heading to your library and kids of all ages are welcome to join in the storytelling session filled with fun facts, brilliant books and tons of imagination.
When: 18 February, 12.30-1pm
Where: Jurong Regional Library Activity Zone, Stage Area (Basement 1), 21 Jurong East Central 1, Singapore 609732
Cost: Free. No registration required.
www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary2
6. Learn about all things Chinese Zodiac
If the kiddos are still new to Chinese New Year, and need a bit of help with the Chinese Zodiac lowdown, the interactive Shadow Puppet Play sessions at PIP’s PLAYbox will get them up to speed in no time.
When: Now until 11 March, daily 11am-6pm
Where: PIP’s PLAYbox, Esplanade Theatre
Cost: Free. No registration required.
www.esplanade.com
7. Be dazzled at the River Hongbao 2018
Dazzling performances, traditional handicraft stations, a carnival with rides, game stalls and workshops suitable for all ages are the name of the CNY game at River Hongbao 2018. If previous years are anything to go by, this is one festive event you’re not going to want to miss. Did we mention there’ll be fireworks, too?
When: 14-24 February, 2pm-11pm daily (extended until 1am on CNY Eve)
Where: The Float@Marina Bay, 20 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039805
Cost: Free admission
www.riverhongbao.sg
8. Get fit with the fam (and dog!) on a park run
Dress in red, and bring not just a lantern, but the family pooch too! Celebrate Chinese New Year with a Parkrun at West Coast Park: a free, family-friendly fun run that’s now in its third year. Ready, steady… go!
When: Saturday at 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Where: West Coast Park
Cost: Free. Register through FaceBook details.
www.facebook.com/events
9. Catch the canine capers at a special doggy (and human) event
Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Bugle’s K-9 Gang will be at Gardens by the Bay celebrating The Year of the Dog with, well, dogs! Fun activities include canine agility, a parkour playground and special dog performances to showcase just how pawsome pooches can be. Bring your fur-kids!
When: 18 February, 4.30-6pm
Where: Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay
Cost: Free
www.facebook.com/events
10. Hold on to your hats with fast rides and kid-approved games
If you haven’t checked out the thrills ‘n’ spills of Marina Bay Carnival yet, then you need it on your radar, stat! We’ve sussed out all the exhilarating highlights with our own handy guide (we tried and tested all the rides and games on your behalf!), so read all the deets before rolling up for all the fun of the fair.
When: Now until 1 April 2018, daily from 4pm-11pm (with extended hours on Chinese New Year)
Where: Bayfront event space
Cost: Free admission, credits for rides and games can be purchased on-site and online
www.marinabaycarnival.sg
Like this story? Here’s more we think you will enjoy:
Dog-friendly places to bring your fur-kids in Singapore
Easy activities to try on a Sunday
CNY DIY craft ideas
Where to get your last minute snacks for Chinese New Year