It’s going to be an auspicious one this weekend, folks! Celebrate the Year of the Rooster with some cool CNY events, including family-friendly arts and crafts and a dazzling river festival, and then ramp up the adventure with an awesome outdoor exploration and a page-to-stage version of a children’s classic book. We’ve got you covered with our top 10 fun things to do this weekend with the kiddos for sure. Need more inspo? Hop on over to HoneyKidsGo, our fab activity booking site, for more ideas. Gong Xi Fa Cai, everyone!
1. Be dazzled at the River Hongbao
It’s big, colourful and full of family fun: yep, River Hongbao is back! We’re talking dazzling performances, traditional handicraft stations, a carnival with over 30 rides and game stalls and workshops suitable for all ages. Refuel after all that fun at Food Street where you’ll find loads of stalls dishing up local eats. See you there!
When: 26 January-4 February, open daily 2pm-11pm
Where: The Float@Marina Bay, 20 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039805
www.riverhongbao.sg
2. Skip through the fields of CNY florals
Usher in the Lunar New Year with the family at Gardens by the Bay’s first floral display of 2017: Dahlia Dreams! Expect colourful blooms in yellow and orange amongst red Dahlias and Begonias and take a stroll through the Chinese garden inspired landscape, complete with a three-tier pagoda, pavilion, moon gates, and, of course, roosters!
When: Now until 19 February, 9am-9pm daily
Where: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Cost: From $12 per person
www.gardensbythebay.com.sg
3. Get a horrible history lesson
The Brits have some truly horrible history lurking in their National closet (and we’re not just talking about Sweeney Todd’s pies), and now the grimy tales are coming to the stage here in Singapore! Kids age five and up will love the Horrible History: Best of Barmy Britain show, where they will have fun learning about outrageous characters from Boudicca to notorious highwayman Dick Turpin, Guy Fawkes to Queen Victoria.
When: 27-29 January, various timings
Where: KC Arts Centre, 20 Merbau Road, Singapore 239035
Cost: From $42 per person
www.sistic.com.sg/events/ckidsfest2017f
4. Go on an outdoors adventure to Coney Island
Ever since we hopped on a bumboat to Pulau Ubin, we’ve been on a mission to try new outdoor adventures. This weekend we are off to Coney Island to hire some bikes, breath in the fresh air and wear out the kids! If you’re up for the challenge then make sure you check out our guide to Coney Island before you set off with your picnic.
www.nparks.gov.sg
5. Take a peek inside the President’s home
The Istana is throwing open its doors to the public for Chinese New Year, and we’re all invited for a sticky beak 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: 29 January, 8.30am-6.30pm
Where: The Istana, Orchard Road, Singapore 238823
Cost: $2-$10 per person for tours
www.istana.gov.sg
6. Stay home and get your craft on!
With all this rain hammering Singapore, why not make plans for a wet Sunday crafternoon? We’ve come up with some fun Chinese New Year craft ideas, so get your creative juices flowing and whip up a family of paper plate dragons!
www.honeykidsasia.com
7. See Stick Man come to life on stage
We’re long time fans of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler picturebook collaborations, and can’t wait to catch this weekend’s live drama performance of Stick Man. Suitable for kids age three and up, the whole family will love this award-winning production packed full of puppetry, songs, music and funky dance moves.
When: 26-29 January, various timings
Where: KC Arts Centre, 20 Merbau Road, Singapore 239035
Cost: From $42 per person
www.sistic.com.sg/events/ckidsfest2017e
8. Go on a LEGO Batman escape mission
The kiddos will definitely think you’re awesome when they hear they’re off to a LEGO Batman Escape Room! Hop in your Batmobiles and head to ION where the family will be called upon to help with a mission to save the city in a series of problem-solving games with a LEGO superhero theme.
When: Now until 18 February, 12-8pm daily
Where: Basement 4, ION Orchard
www.facebook.com/LEGOSingapore
9. Stretch it out at a pop-up yoga class
Hands up who made a New Year’s Resolution to do more exercise this year? And now put your hand down if you already feel you failed on this mission… Yep, us too. Which is why we love these pop-up yoga sessions run by FunZing. Head to the Botanic Gardens to salute the sun (if it ever comes out again) and find some inner peace at this Hatha Yoga class. Namaste.
When: 28 January, 8-9.30am
Where: Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
Cost: $5 per person. Register at www.sg.funzing.com
www.facebook.com/events/395746700756965/
10. Get crafty with the kids at PIP’s PLAYbox
Kids will love learning all about Chinese New Year and the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac as part of the interactive sessions happening over at PIP’s PLAYbox throughout the Lunar celebrations. Expect print rubbings, tangrams and other fun activities: all for free!
When: Now until 28 February, 11am-6pm daily
Where: PIP’s PLAYbox, Esplanade Theatres on the Bay
www.esplanade.com