Life wouldn't be the same without your BFF! International Friendship Day on 30 July is the perfect time to celebrate friendships for you and your child. We've got cute, family-friendly ideas for fun, whether it's visiting a park or dining at a kid-friendly restaurant!
International Friendship Day on 30 July 2024 is the perfect chance to reflect on and strengthen the meaningful connections we build, whether as expats or locals.
The importance of friendship
For expats, settling into a new country or neighbourhood involves navigating a new environment, finding your way around, and, most importantly, building a new social network. Finding and forging deep connections can be daunting, especially when the transient nature of expat life means new friends may move away just as quickly as they arrived. For locals, it might be that you and your longtime friends aren’t vibing quite like you used to.
Kids face their unique challenges in forming friendships. They navigate the emotional ups and downs of constantly changing social circles, particularly in international schools where peers come and go frequently. This constant flux can be particularly tough, but involving them in activities, sports, or community groups can offer stability and help build lasting relationships. Growth spurts and puberty can hit them hard, impacting interpersonal relationships.
In today’s digital age, where interactions often happen through screens rather than in person, the essence of true friendship can sometimes feel diluted. On International Friendship Day, take a moment to reflect on the heart of human connection. Try to create opportunities to forge deeper bonds beyond the digital realm and cherish the moments of genuine interaction that truly enrich our lives.
Here are some cool, family-friendly ideas for celebrating this day all year round, whether forging a connection with another parent or helping kids bond with their friends! You might find yourself trying to befriend kiddo’s friend’s parent, and that’s completely fine. Remember, you can’t force a friendship, and it’s always best to go with the flow! Be kind to yourself and make sure kiddos are also kind to themselves. Observe how the kids interact and make the effort to bond over shared interests with the fellow parent. And, who knows, you could just make a good friend for life or even just a meaningful connection for now!
10 ways to celebrate International Friendship Day
1. Host a play date indoors or out!
Do the kiddos have a friend at school or a class they are close to? Do you hear them repeat their friends’ names at home? How about creating an opportunity for them to bond — there’s something in it for you! Playdates are a great way to help your kids bond with their friends, and you get to socialise with other parents! How about that 2-in-1 deal? Here’s the lowdown on hosting a playdate, from dealing with the politics to planning and more. You also don’t have to host one in your home if you don’t feel up to it. How about heading to these amazing places for kid-friendly afternoon teas? It’s a great way to tête-à-tête or bond with the kiddos and parents.
2. Feasting fiesta with new “taste buds”
Gather the tribe and head to your favourite restaurants and cafes in town for a hearty way to bond with kiddos, their friends and parents. Because honestly, nothing beats a good noshing sesh in the best company! And with a food-obsessed nation like ours, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes. The options are endless, from kid-friendly restaurants and vegan hotspots to halal eateries and delightful ice cream parlours with the perfect scoop. Not to mention, there are fantastic options for a lovely outdoorsy picnic too. Bon appétit!
3. Head to a museum with kids and their besties!
From museums and galleries to heritage trails and beyond, there are plenty of exciting places to visit with the kids and other families. It’ll be the perfect fuel for sparking fun discussions and creating beautiful memories with your trusted touring sidekick! Not to mention all the amazing kid-friendly exhibitions going on right now! We particularly find Into the Hawkerverse at the Children’s Museum, which is a fun way to head with another family. Kiddos are sufficiently engaged with unique pretend hawker stalls, allowing you to chat with another parent while eyeing your kiddos.
4. Learn a new skill with the kiddos
Fancy bonding with kiddos’ friends and their parents over learning a new skill? There’s something about picking up a new skill together that’s fertile grounds for forging a connection too. There are so many options in a country that never stops learning. Whether it’s culinary classes, terrarium-making workshops, or wellness sessions, the choices are endless. Want to unwind instead? How about an art jamming sesh?
5. Go on an island getaway or staycay with friends!
Singapore is perfectly situated on the world map, giving us easy access to incredible destinations around us. So, why not unleash your wanderlust and jet set your way to a fun and fabulous friendcation one of these days? If you’re not sure where to head, check out our list of best travel destinations that will inspire you. And hey, if travel isn’t in the cards, don’t worry – there are plenty of fab staycations and holiday chalets to offer, not to mention fun cruises too!
6. Pampering time with a mani-pedi “play”-date
Heading for some self-care pampering, especially getting your nails done with a friend, is one good way to socialise and connect! The kiddos, regardless of gender, can get in on the fun, especially with mumma and me offerings at these nail salons in Singapore! You and your new mumma friend can kick back and chit-chat as the kiddos lap at this pampering ritual. What a chilled-out way to befriend someone!
7. Take the little friends to a park!
If hobnobbing with nature has a special place in your heart, the island offers plenty of that on a silver platter. Think gardens, beaches, park connectors, nature reserves and even islands located a hop-skip and jump away from the red dot. Kiddos and their friends will love meeting at the park and can easily amuse each other with fun play. You and your mumma/dadda friend will be grateful for these pram-friendly walks. So go forth and unleash that outdoorsy wanderlust.
8. Movie marathon with the pals
Popcorn at the ready…steady…go! How about a movie marathon featuring only the best blockbusters currently screening? From Inside Out 2 to the new Minions feature and more, the kiddos are sure to be glued to the screen while creating a happy memory.
9. Head to an indoor playground
Here’s what we love about Singapore! There are cool ways to have fun while keeping out of the sweltering heat. We’re always updating our list of indoor playgrounds in Singapore to ensure you’re up to date and can whip on a playdate in no time. Got a younger kid who might need some lighter play, check out these soft play centres. Kiddos and their friends can go wild, while you and your mumma/pappa friend can sit back and chat or grab a cuppa (there are indoor playgrounds that serve up a cuppa too!).
10. Get creative!
Sometimes, a simple gesture can make all the difference, so get the kiddos involved in making a special gift for their friends occasionally, especially if they go over to their house, etc. Consider DIY gifts like a handwritten note, a painting, a craft project, or even a sweet flower arrangement. Don’t worry about perfection—it’s the thought that counts. You can also include a little gift for the kiddo’s friend’s parents, such as a souvenir or yummy homemade bakes.
And there you have it! Here’s to friendships big and small because, as the saying goes, There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, and may they always be!
This article was originally written by Rohini Gomez in 2023 and updated by Jay Panicker in 2024.
