From Shakespeare under the stars to an artisan fair, a stickybeak around the President’s house to a fun day at the beach, there's plenty to keep you busy…
We love a long weekend in Singapore! Time for an extra sleep-in and a bonus day out of the office to spend with the family! There are always new ways to experience this city, so if you’re getting set for a staycation instead of sneaking off for a short break from Singapore, here are 10 fun ways to spend the Labour Day long weekend…
1. Catch Annie Leibovitz at the old Tanjong Pagar Railway
Annie Leibovitz is back in Singapore with her new exhibition, Women: New Portraits, as part of a 10-city world tour being held at the gorgeous, iconic Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. The exhibition is based on Annie’s super popular Women series, which was first showcased in 1999, and this updated visual feast reflects the changes in the roles of women today. The whole family will love star-spotting while gazing at Leibovitz’s beautiful work, and this is the perfect chance for kids to explore the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station too.
Where: Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, 30 Keppel Road, Singapore 089059; www.ubs.com/annie-leibovitz
When: 29 April – 22 May
Cost: Free
2. Love, mystery and a theatrical guided tour
Head to historic gem The Fullerton Hotel after dark this weekend and be swept away by stories of the past as you wander through the hallowed hallways on The Fullerton Love Story Tour. You will find yourselves in the midst of an improbable love story between a humble postman and a stalwart civil servant (played by professional theatre actors Dwayne Lau and Jo Tan), and become part of the tale with riddles to solve, a secret romance and intriguing history during this utterly charming evening. Finish the journey with a decadent chocolate buffet at The Courtyard: the perfect end to the perfect night out with a difference. Older kids into history or drama will love this! Tickets are $69 nett for adults and $35 nett for children (aged between six to 11 years old).
Where: Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178; www.afullertonlovestory.peatix.com
When: 30 April, 7 May and 14 May, 8pm
Cost: $69 per adult, $35 per child (age six to 11)
3. Have a stickybeak around the President’s house
Labour Day = Istana Day! The official office and residence of Singapore’s President will be opening its doors on 1 May 2016 so that we can all have a nosey around the house and grounds. Take a wander with the family around the lush gardens and go exploring around the rooms dreaming about how lovely it would be to have soooo much space to stash all the kids’ toys (although all that dusting would be a chore). There will also be a variety of colourful performances going on throughout the day, plus for just $2-$4 you can join a guided tour so that you get the full story on the President’s pad.
Where: Istana, Orchard Road, Singapore 049178; www.istana.gov.sg
When: 1 May, 8.30am – 6pm
Cost: Free for citizens & PR, from $2 for other visitors. Guided tours also available from $2-$10.
4. Painting, bonding and a porcelain keepsake
Express your inner artist and bond with the small people this weekend with a fabulous Porcelain Painting Workshop kicking off on 30 April over at the Fullerton Heritage Gallery. The weekend workshops are running every Saturday and Sunday until 29 May and are hosted by artists Teresa Seow and Rosemary Oh, who both have years of knowledge to pass on in this three-hour workshop on painting porcelain plates. All materials, instruction, finished masterpiece plus a slice of cake and a drink are included in the price, plus 40% of the workshop ticket sales goes to the Breast Cancer Foundation!
Where: Fullerton Heritage Gallery, Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178; www.fullertonporcelainworkshop.peatix.com
When: 30 April – 29 May (Saturday and Sunday only), 2.30pm – 5.30pm
Cost: $78 per adult, $38 per child
5. Shop for a good cause at Bollywood Veggies
If you love a great market AND are rather partial to helping out some furry friends, then head over to this weekend’s Farmers & Artisans Market being held at HoneyKids fave, Bollywood Veggies. Goodies on sale will include vegetarian and vegan fresh products as well as herbs, jams, cakes, breads, cosmetics, arts, crafts, bags and jewellery: something for every member of the family for sure! Admission and parking is free, and part of the proceeds will be donated to a whopping nine animal shelters across Singapore… surely hubby can’t turn down your pleas for that new bag and matching necklace once he knows that you’re just doing your bit to help abandoned mogs and mutts? Win win!
Where: Bollywood Veggies, 100 Neo Tiew Road, Singapore 719026; www.facebook.com/BollywoodVeggies
When: 30 April – 1 May, 10am – 3pm
Cost: Free
6. Ice cream dreams
Sundays are a great day to kick back with the family and have some good old fashioned fun. Which is why we can’t wait to get over to Dempsey this weekend for a Sunday Funday full of FREE entertainment (from 11.30-2pm) thanks to Little House of Dreams and Ben & Jerry’s. We’re talking face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon sculpting, and a magic show, plus lots of delicious food and, of course, ice cream!
Where: Block 8 Dempsey Road #01-14, Singapore 247696; www.facebook.com/LittleHouseofDreams
When: 1 May, 11.30am – 2.30pm
Cost: Free
7. The world’s most famous romance under the stars
The HoneyKids team collectively swooned when we heard that Shakespeare in the Park was back this year with one of our all-time faves: Romeo and Juliet! We can’t wait to pack a picnic, spread out our wine, cheese and gourmet goodies on a blanket under the stars (please don’t rain!) and see one of the world’s greatest love stories brought from the page to the stage by Singapore Repertory Theatre. This classic tale of family feuds, star-crossed lovers, romance and tragedy bursts onto the outdoor stage at Fort Canning Park on 27 April and will captivate audiences through to the end of May.
Where: Fort Canning Park, Singapore 179037; honeykidsasia.com/shakespeare-park-romeo-juliet
When: 27 April – 22 May, 7.30pm
Cost: From $40
8. Beach party!
Surely Labour Day should be all about labouring as little as possible? And what better way to relax than by heading over to Sentosa, and straight to one of Tanjong Beach Club’s swish cabanas for the day? The Beach Club is hosting Smack My Beach Up: A Labour Day Special, where you and the fam can all collectively chill out to music while soaking up the sun and feasting on fabulous fare. And if you need any more gentle persuading perhaps the cocktails, poolside pedis and sunset massages might seal the deal? It’s not all about fun for mum though: there’s plenty for the little ones to be getting on with what with all that sandcastle building, volleyball, sea and swimming pool action to get in on (with dad while you have a mani!). Our tip? Book a table or daybed ahead of the pack!
Where: Tanjong Beach Club, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Singapore; www.tanjongbeachclub.com
When: 1 May, from 2pm
Cost: Free entrance
9. Surround yourself with butterflies
Hands up if your kids have made you read one of the all-time favourite classics, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a gazillion times as part of the bedtime routine? Kids LOVE following the story of that greedy little critter all the way through to its transformation into the most beautiful butterfly… And now a small army of caterpillars and butterflies (more than 500 at the last count) have crawled and fluttered their way over to the Science Centre’s new colourful, interactive display: Butterflies Up Close. The exhibition spreads its wings to the public from 30 April.
Where: Singapore Science Centre, 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081; www.science.edu.sg
When: From 30 April
Cost: $10 (plus admission charges for SCS)
10. Fishy fun at the theatre
Catch the stage version of Marcus Pfister’s fabulous children’s fave, The Rainbow Fish, which swims into town from 26 April to 15 May for its seventh appearance in Singapore – this is one popular show! This endearing tale of pride, friendship, generosity and vanity teaches the kids solid values while entertaining them with a bright and colourful story that’s sure to be a hit for the whole family. The beautiful puppets and underwater scenes in this performance will have little ones mesmerised.
Where: Drama Centre Theatre, Level 3 National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064; www.sistic.com.sg
When: 26 April – 15 May, various timings
Cost: From $32
Bonus! A story time session at Woods in the Books
It’s no secret this treasure trove of children’s books in Tiong Bahru is one of our favourites book stores in Singapore. We could seriously stay here for hours – and then pop into Plain Vanilla close by for a cupcake and coffee. Shhhh! If your little one is four to six years old, you now have a special excuse to go book browsing here: Woods in the Books is hosting a craft, music and story time session for the littles this Saturday! Email [email protected] to register.
Where: Woods in the Books, No. 3 Yong Siak Street, Tiong Bahru, Singapore 168642; www.woodsinthebooks.sg
When: 30 April, 11.30am-12.15pm
Cost: FREE!