Bookmark this guide for all the info on the newest playgrounds, latest fam-friendly restaurants, upcoming kid exhibits, attraction openings, and much more!
Singapore has so many attractions for treating the kids to a fun day out. Still, we’re always looking for something new to impress – whether for our energetic littlies or temperamental teens. Luckily, the Little Red Dot always has a new treat in store, be it a museum opening, a fantastic new playground, or a fun theatre show for the fam. The difficulty is finding them. The good news is that you can call off the search because we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of all the best new openings in Singapore. So, without further ado, here are all the new things to do with kids in Singapore…
New things to do in Singapore with kids
1. Exciting stuff taking place at Marina Bay
Happening from 3 to 26 June at the Marina Bay area are two events that we think you shouldn’t miss out on. First up is the eighth edition of i Light Singapore, Asia’s leading sustainable light festival. This year’s theme is anchored by the colour violet, the shortest wavelength with the most powerful electromagnetic energy in the visible light spectrum. Also taking place is GastroBeats, where delish food, art installations, and live performances come together. There’s even a food-themed bouncy castle that the kids (and you) can have fun at!
2. Kickstart your holistic wellness lifestyle at this inaugural festival
Do you keep telling yourself that you’d exercise again, but you keep putting it off? Are you struggling with your emotional and mental wellbeing? Perhaps this will be of use to you: Wellness Festival Singapore is a 10-day event offering wellness activities and experiences that promote holistic wellbeing. Over 120 physical and virtual programmes take place from 3 to 12 June, such as a meditation masterclass at an art gallery, Pilates on board a luxury tall ship, and a forest bathing journey. There are plenty of family-friendly activities for you and your brood to take part too.
3. A purr-tastic cat-themed market happening this month
Cat lovers, better clear your calendars on 28 and 29 May – the Cats of the World Purrzaar will be held on those dates at Crane @ Robinson! Organised in collaboration with Cat Welfare Society, this year’s purrzaar aims to raise funds to support CWS’s causes. What can you expect at this weekend market? Plenty, we say – kitty cat merchandise, fun and adorable workshops, and an adoption drive. If you’re planning to make your way there, be sure to keep a lookout for Captain, the kitty ambassador for The Pets Couture.
4. Discover nature at Jurong Lake Gardens
When was the last time you were at Jurong Lake Gardens? If it’s been some time back, or you’ve never been there before, this activity’s perfect for you. Science Centre Singapore and Passion Wave @ Jurong Lake Gardens have organised a fun day camp where you can discover flora and fauna around this gigantic park on a kayak. You’ll also get to make your foldable microscope, which you can use when exploring the garden. Register for the day camp here.
5. Watch a movie screening from within your car at Pasir Ris
Downtown East is bringing back its signature Drive-In Movie Screening on 28 May! Catch the Marvel blockbuster Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings on a 488-inch widescreen and Cinewav’s all-new audio solution. Admission is $25 per car, with up to four persons per vehicle. Two complimentary burgers and drinks are also included; you can also get more snacks when purchasing your ticket. Pre-book your ticket here.
6. The night is young at this year’s Children’s Season
If you’ve enjoyed the previous Children’s Season, then you wouldn’t want to miss this one – it’s taking place at night! This year’s exciting programme, taking place from 28 May to 26 June, includes nighttime storytelling, craft sessions, and the opportunity to explore the museums after sundown. Not much is known at the mo, so watch this space for updates.
7. Go around the world (sans passport) at Gardens by the Bay
There are already so many things to do at family-friendly Gardens by the Bay, and here’s one more to add to the list: Children’s Festival! From 28 May to 19 June, eight giant inflatables will occupy the Supertree Grove. The inflatables, which feature well-loved Kiztopia characters on hot air balloons, bear iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Mount Fuji. Artsy folks can participate in painting workshops and assemble puzzles, while the sporty ones can break a sweat at the various carnival games.
8. Experience the Singapore military at this iconic open house
If your kiddo’s a fan of uniformed groups, then this might just be a thing to take them to. After a five-year hiatus, the Army Open House returns with a big bang. The main exhibition, which will take place at the F1 Pit Building from 28 to 30 May, comprises 13 zones where you can get up close with army personnel and take part in fun activities such as face painting with camo cream and riding in some of the army’s platforms. This is a ticketed event, so best to get your slot ASAP. You can also access the Open House virtually from 16 May onwards.
9. Take part in the Malay Heritage Centre’s Open House
If you’ve never been to an open house during Hari Raya, here’s your chance! The Malay Heritage Centre is holding its annual Hari Raya Open House online and onsite from 27 to 29 May. Visitors can look forward to entertaining live performances, drop-in craft workshops, storytelling sessions, and more. Expect a lively “last kopek” Raya celebration before the centre closes for its revamp. While you’re there, check out Cerita, the current special exhibition, and Rainbow Connection II, the outdoor installation made from upcycled cookie containers and solar lights.
10. Spend a groovy summer at Universal Studios Singapore
Listen up, Minion fans: the yellow beings will be illuminating Universal Studios Singapore to celebrate the much-anticipated sequel release, Minions 2: The Rise of Gru. Meet Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and new minion Otto, who are dressed to groove at the Lagoon Stage. Catch the mischievous minions break out their karate chops and kicks at the New York Public Library stairs. Don’t forget to soak in the 70s vibes and take loads of photos! It’s a Groovy Summer at USS, and we’re here for it…
11. Learn and celebrate Chinese arts, culture, and heritage
Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall has put together a fantastic line-up of activities for its Wan Qing Dragon Boat Festival, happening from 21 May to 3 June. Find out more about the festival through enthralling storytelling seshs, learn how to make your own dragon boat, and design your own dumpling perfume sachet. Kids can partake in woodblock printing (12 years and above) and festive drumming workshops.
12. Get “baked” at Mr Holmes’ second Bakehouse in the CBD
Mr Holmes Bakehouse, AKA “the original cruffin makers”, has expanded with its second outlet at MYP Centre. On top of its usual offerings of cruffins and doughnuts, the new store also sells sandwiches and salads that are exclusive only to this outlet. Toy fans around the area can also purchase limited-edition collectibles on a dedicated display shelf. Psst, for the month of May, the bakehouse is partnering with Two Men Bagel House and presenting its spin on the latter’s signature offering.
13. Three new indoor playgrounds have opened and waiting for you
There can never be enough indoor playgrounds in Singapore, and this month, there are three new ones that the kids can explore! Two of our faves, The Polliwogs and Smigy, have opened new outlets at Clarke Quay Central and United Square Shopping Mall respectively. If you want an even bigger playground, head down to D’Marquee Downtown East and experience Let’s Play, the latest pop-up indoor playground happening right now! Besides the usual bouncy castles and ball pit, it also features eight inflatable obstacle courses, VR shooting games, and a mini dino ride.
14. Relive the island’s stories through the Singapore HeritageFest
Travel may be picking up all over the world, but how does a journey of discovering Singapore’s lesser-known stories sound? For the entire month of May, explore the evolution of travel to and within the country at Singapore HeritageFest 2022. There are over 100 programmes that you can participate in: exhibitions, guided tours, hands-on workshops, and even stuff you can do online. Find out what makes Singapore a dynamic tourism hub, dive deep into its natural heritage, and discuss the Little Red Dot’s growth as a Garden City.
15. Take a trip to the fire station
Unsure of what to do with the kiddos on a Saturday? Well, how about a visit to the fire station! Go on a guided tour to meet firefighters and paramedics, and learn how the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responds to emergencies. The little ones can also try on the suit and climb on the fire engine for a photo opp. If you’re planning for this, we recommend visiting the Central Fire Station – you can drop by the Civic Defence Heritage Gallery after your tour.
16. Immerse yourself in a free exhibition about Notre-Dame
Speaking of travel, here’s an option if you’re not planning to visit Paris anytime soon. Alliance Française presents a spectacular exhibition that showcases the construction of Notre-Dame and its successive restorations. Learn more about the cathedral’s history through photos and videos. Visitors will also get to experience a unique virtual tour and get up close to a huge 3D model. This free exhibition is running until 15 June.
17. Night markets across Singapore to check out
Colloquially known as pasar malam, these street markets feature stalls selling goodies such as snacks and well-known local favourites as well as clothes, toys, and knick-knacks. There are plenty of night markets going on currently, with the biggest one set to take place at Punggol from 28 May. Set aside time to head down, indulge in street food, and soak in the ambience.
18. Visit the first pug cafe in Singapore
Are you a fan of pugs? Then this ought to get pug-sibly excited! What the Pug, Singapore’s first pug cafe, is home to 12 wrinkly-faced canines with distinct personalities and quirks. Kids will have fun with the young hyper pugs, while parents will appreciate cuddling and chilling out with the older dogs. Each session costs $20 per person lasting 45 minutes. You’ll also get a canned drink and a Polaroid photo as your take-home souvenir. Psst… once you’re done, you can pop by Meomi Cat Cafe to continue your furry adventures!
New-ish things that you may have missed…
19. Listen to our brand new podcast!
After six months of work behind the scenes, we’re super excited to launch our inaugural podcast, Growing Pains! From raising feminists to being a two-dad family in Singapore, we’ve been chatting to cool mums and dads and got the lowdown on all the hottest parenting topics in the little red dot. Want to join in the conversation? Join our Facebook group, Growing Pains Singapore, and have your say.
20. Check out the latest outdoor playground at Toa Payoh
Looking for another outdoor playground to conquer with the kids? Head down to the latest play park at Toa Payoh! Located in Lorong 2, Play @ Heights Park Toa Payoh promises oodles of fun with two playgrounds as well as a water play area. The larger playground is still closed at the mo, but that shouldn’t stop you from going ’round the rest of the park. When the littles are finally done, walk down to Creamier for some much-needed ice cream.
21. More dino fun – this time at Jewel Changi Airport
Calling all dino lovers: travel 89 million years back to the Late Cretaceous period with Jewel Changi Airport‘s new play attraction, the Jewel-rassic Quest! Immerse in the augmented reality game and see magnificent dinosaurs roam freely around the Shiseido Forest Valley and HSBC Rain Vortex. Go on a 90-minute adventure where you can partake in mission and games while learning all about the prehistoric creatures.
22. UNIQLO rolls out new “LifeWear for Her” initiatives
The apparel brand has launched new initiatives under its “LifeWear for Her” project to enhance women’s lives through the power of clothing. How? At Uniqlo’s flagship store in ION Orchard, female shoppers can look forward to a revamped shopping experience. This includes a femcare aisle, a dedicated female fitting room stationed with LifeWear for Her advisors, product innovations that support your changing bodies, a space showcasing products and services by women-led businesses, and even pop-up workshops and events. Mums, leave the kids with your spouse while you shop at Uniqlo!
23. Tuck into exciting new offerings at IKEA
Explore a wide variety of flavours when you pop by Ikea with the fam this month. If you love Spanish food, the Swedish giant has introduced a brand new paella menu that’s available as a Wednesday dinner special for a limited time only. Otherwise, you can savour new offerings such as lamb shank rendang with mixed vegetables and mini ondeh cake. The halal menu has also been revamped with Asian/Western fusion-inspired dishes. If you’re heading to the Jurong outlet, enjoy a high-tea set for two that’s exclusively available there.
24. Try out plant-based dishes by a homegrown brand
If you (and the fam) are keen to start on a plant-based diet, there’s no better time than now. Happiee!, a local brand by Growthwell Foods, offers two meat-free ranges of seafood and chicken selection. The seafood range includes fishie sticks and fishie patties, while the chicken range consists of chicken nuggets and chicken popcorn. You can get them at supermarkets, retailers, and online grocery sites. These plant-based goodies are also available on the menus of over 20 restaurants in Singapore. Start your plant-based journey today with Happiee!
25. More date night ideas at CapitaSpring
Previously we mentioned Sol & Luna, a modern bistro that specialises in four different Latin-European cuisines. This month, two more food (and date night) options open on the rooftop of CapitaSpring: Kaarla Restaurant and Bar, which serves coastal Australian cuisine, and Oumi, which offers modern Japanese Kappo dining. Also being unveiled is the 1-Arden Food Forest, which features five themed gardens and spans 10,000 square feet. The food forest supplies produce grown in-house to the restaurants through its farming efforts. We say, head there to enjoy the stunning views. Don’t forget to ditch the kids!
26. Explore an eco-playground at Tanjong Pagar
We love spending time outdoors (weather permitting), and now there’s another reason to do that: an eco-playground at Tanjong Pagar! Located at the Discover Tanjong Pagar Community Green, the playground is made of upcycled wood from felled old trees. Kids can see how energy is generated by pedalling on the dynamo bicycles, which will power the fairy lights strewn over nearby logs. This playground is also designed with inclusiveness in mind: there are square wood pieces that teach kids sign language greetings, while benches are equipped with handlebars. The space is also pet-friendly, so folks can bring their doggos out for a walk there.
27. Be awed by exclusive collectibles at this premier concept store
Are you a fan of figurines and comics? Maybe this is more suited to your spouse and sons rather than you… Head down to award-winning design studio XM‘s first flagship store at Kitchener Complex, where you can spend hours admiring over 300 prized statue collectibles. Be sure to check out the DC-themed pod, which houses Xm’s Samurai line (that’s my fave!). Then pop over to the lifestyle space, where you can purchase limited edition and vintage designer items as well as streetwear brands. When you’re done, make a beeline for the coffee and gelato bar.
We’re busy updating this list all the time. So stay tuned for more fam-friendly openings and new things to do in Singapore!
