What are you up to with the kids this weekend here in sunny Singapore? If the answer is “I don’t know”, then panic not. From a dog-friendly event featuring a free martial arts class for the kids, to a gem of an exhibition at the Art Science Museum, a brand new, super-cool playground at the beach to a guided walk around one of Singapore’s greenest nature reserves, we have 10 fab picks for the whole family…
1. Get classical with a ballet performance under the stars
Ballet Under the Stars is returning to Singapore for its 21st edition, and promises to be as enchanting and mesmerising as ever. Look out for two different performances over the next couple of weekends, when Singapore Dance Theatre will return to the outdoor stage with both contemporary and classical ballet pieces. This weekend is the star turn of Tuisa Ballet’s choreographer, Ma Cong, who will be world-premiering his brand new ensemble. This is one date night with a difference, so pack a picnic, and bag yourself some tickets for this unmissable evening under the stars.
Where: Fort Canning Park, 51 Canning Rise, Singapore 179872
When: 1-3 July and 8-10 July, 7.30pm
Cost: $30 per person
www.singaporedancetheatre.com
2. Enjoy a chilled-out festival feel with the kids
Looking for a family-friendly, chilled Sunday afternoon with great music, fab food and cool vibes? Well look no further than Sunday on the Hill, where this month’s party features DJs NEZ and Shellsuit on deck duties, plus a ton of fun for tots, including garden games and basketball. Crazy kid energy to burn off? Make sure you are there from 5pm for the kiddos to try out free sessions of Capoeira (a Brazilian martial art that combines dance, acrobatics and music!). Need more persuading? How about delicious food by Kult Kafe, Sidecar Sausages, Coriander & Cilantro and Popaganda? And did we mention that four-legged furry family members are also welcome at this pooch-friendly event? See you there!
Where: kult kafé, Emily Hill, 11 Upper Wilkie Road, Singapore, Singapore
When: 3 July, 3-11pm
www.facebook.com/events/787538881347127/
3. Be dazzled by a display of stunning colours
Kids will love this sparkling display of gems and minerals that are not just dazzling to look at, but educational for the whole family too! The exhibition is chock-a-block full of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelled creations (oh how we love the diamond and ruby-encrusted fairy brooches) and kids will love discovering the science behind the rocks on display. Think outer space, volcanoes, and a collection of jewellery guaranteed to make us as green with envy (make that emerald-coloured green).
Where: Van Cleef & Arpels: The Art and Science of Gems, Art Science Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
When: now until 14 August, 10am – 7pm daily
Cost: From $6 per person
www.artscienceofgems.vancleefarpels.com
4. Get ready for baby…
If you are currently sporting a baby bump, then Gleneagles is where you should be this weekend for a fab, free Maternity Seminar & Fair. Expect tons of guest speakers covering all things pregnancy from Cord Stem Cell Banking to pain management during labour, a baby bath demo to common stuff NOT to freak out at during your baby’s first 100 days after delivery! The experts will conduct fun workshops throughout the event plus dedicated docs will be on hand to answer all of your questions…
Where: Gleneagles Hospital, 6A Napier Road, 258500
When: 2 July, 11am – 3pm
Cost: Free but registration is required at www.stemcord.com
5. Pick up some new dance moves!
Gather up your tweens and teens and head over to the Esplanade for a toe-tapping, hip-hopping workshop that will get you all movin’ and a groovin’ on an otherwise sleepy Saturday afternoon. The K-Pop Urban Choreography workshop is suitable for all levels of experience (none in our case!) and is an fusion of hip hop, elements of jazz and contemporary dance.
Where: Esplanade Rehearsal Studio,
When: 2 July, 4pm
Cost: $14 per person
www.esplanade.com
6. Learn balloon sculpting!
We’ve all been impressed at countless kids’ birthday parties by balloon art, and if you’ve always wanted to turn a balloon into a poodle or octopus yourself, this is your chance! You and the kids can pick up some nifty balloon sculpting skills at 125Balloonz Group’s free session guaranteed to go off with a bang. Tools and materials provided, just bring yourselves and a whole lot of puff.
Where: Bukit Batok Zone 3 RC, Block 125 Bukit Batok Central #01-389 Singapore 650125, Bukit Batok (old version) 650125
When: 11am-12pm
www.facebook.com/events/832003263570314/
7. Create a garden that needs zero maintenance!
We are always looking for an excuse to head over to Plain Vanilla Bakery, and this weekend we have a great one! Break out the arty vibes on Saturday at a class by paper artist extraordinaire, Ina Estrada, and Ektory founder, Koh Dawn, who will both be showing you how to take a wooden planter and turn it into a beautiful mini garden filled with paper flowers. No watering or after-care skills required!
Where: Plain Vanilla Bakery, 1D Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168641
When: 2 July, 10am – 1pm
Cost: $130 per person, register at [email protected]
www.plainvanillabakery.com
8. Get into the great, green outdoors
Look up into the sky for this free guided walk around the gorgeously green Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, where experts will point out an array of birds who call this patch of Singapore their home. Spaces are limited to 20 people, so sign up fast!
Where: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Wetland Centre, information counter
When: 2 July, 9.30-11am
www.nparks.gov.sg
9. Check out a brand new playground at the beach
We jumped the gun a bit on this one a couple of weeks back (excitement got the better of us!), but tweaks were needed and finishing touches in order which delayed the fun by a couple of weeks. Drumroll please: we can now definitely confirm that Marine Cove over at East Coast Park is re-opening this weekend! The area has had an $18million face-lift, and will have a heap of new favourite eats, as well as a few familiar faves too. We can’t wait to see the all-inclusive, cool playground that has sprung up!
Where: Marine Cove, East Coast Park
When: 2nd July onwards
10. Head outside for a spot of exercise
Get those bodies moving and over to the Singapore Botanic Gardens this Sunday morning for a fit start to the day with Zumba by Funzing Singapore! Whether you are a Zumba novice, or a full-on Zumba warrior, this pop-up class is a great way for the family to try some exercise together while having some fun too. Bring water and be ready to throw some moves!
Where: Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
When: 3 July, 10 – 11am
Cost: $5 per person
www.facebook.com/events/289844371361489/