With the weather here in Singapore not knowing whether it wants to be scorching hot, or pouring with rain right now, we’ve rounded up a host of fun ideas and activities to do both inside and out with the whole family this weekend. So whether you fancy trying a free swing-style dance lesson, squelching in mud over on a nature reserve, or celebrating Earth Day with some cool environmentally friendly learning activities, you’ve come to the right place for ten things to do this weekend with the family…
1. Lions! Hippos! Giraffes! Animal fun on stage with Madagascar Live!
Alex the lion et al are bringing their crazy antics from New York’s Central Park Zoo to the stage at Marina Bay Sands’ Mastercard Theatre with a whole host of new madcap adventures, funky tunes (who doesn’t like to move it, move it?) and heartwarming family fun. This all-singing, all-dancing Madgascar Live musical opens this coming Thursday and runs through until Sunday 24 April: tix are available through SISTIC.
Where: Mastercard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue Singapore 018956
When: Thursday 21 April to Sunday 24 April
Cost: From $40
2. Calling all parents who fancy an evening of peace, tranquility and calm…
This is one for all the parents in Singapore who need a bit of a break from your busy lives… We’re not talking hot footing it on a plane for a week long retreat, but joining an evening of sunset yoga at the beach with the mellow vibes of Bossa Nova helping to sway your way into a relaxed state. The class is being run by the fabulous Yoga Seeds, and the goodie bag is pretty swish too!
Where: Sunset Bay Bistro,1300 East Coast Parkway, 468964; www.yogaseeds.com.sg
When: Saturday 23 April, 5.30pm – 7pm
Cost: $45 (pre-registration required)
3. Teach the family how to live an environmentally friendly life…
In celebration of Earth Day, head to Gardens by the Bay for a weekend of fun whilst teaching the kiddos a thing or two about environmental issues. Family friendly activities will be running over two days and include trails, crafts, games and performances, designed to create a positive learning experience on important issues such as sustainability and conserving nature. Get the full deets on this worthy weekend outing before heading over.
Where: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, 018953; www.gardensbythebay.com.sg
When: Saturday 23 April and Sunday 24 April, various timings
Cost: FREE for festival activities. Entrance fees for domes where applicable.
4. Hang out with life-size Water Wallies!
Continuing the ‘green is good’ theme, head over to Singapore’s first eco-mall, City Square Mall for this weekend’s Edu-Tainment Trail, which features life-sized Water Wally displays by PUB (Singapore’s national water agency). Activities include a mini Amazing Race around the mall, a new inclusive playground, quizzes and prizes galore.
Where: City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road, 208539; www.citysquaremall.com.sg
When: Saturday 23 April, 10am – 2pm
Cost: FREE
5. The most fun you’ll ever have at a school…
This weekend sees the Canadian International School (CIS) putting on a carnival extravaganza in the form of the CIS STEAM Fair, which is sure to be a hit for the whole family. Invent, design, create, and even chuck dad in a dunk tank before letting off some steam on the carnival rides and spending a $ or two at the global bazaar.
Where: CIS Lakeside campus, 7 Jurong West Street 41, 649414
When: Saturday 23 April, 11am – 3pm
Cost: FREE
6. Mud, puddles and a big dose of wetland fun: all in Japanese!
This one is a family must for all Japanese speakers (or learners!) and involves a guided walk, suitable for all ages, around Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (and with the rain that has been coming down this week it really will be wet over there: wear wellies!). The walk is limited to 20 spaces so sign up quick smart (and get yourself on the waiting list if you aren’t lucky enough to nab a spot this time).
Where: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Information Counter, Visitor Centre, Kranji Way entrance; www.nparks.gov.sg/
When: Sunday 24 April, 9.30am – 11am
Cost: FREE
7. For busy minds and tinkering hands…
It’s the last Sunday of the month which means just one thing over at HoneyKids’ fave, Playeum: Tinkering Sunday! This month kiddos and parents will get their hands and their minds on turning disposable cameras into portable microscopes! Perfect for fiddling hands and busy minds, once you have created your microscope masterpiece there is also a chance to head into the garden to get some cool creepy crawlies under your lens.
Where: Playeum, Gillman Barracks, 47 Malan Road, 109444
When: Sunday 24 April, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Cost: $32 for a children/parent team. Spaces are limited so make sure you tinker your way to a ticket quickly!
8. Introduce the kids to the world of art, affordably!
Hurrah! The Affordable Art Fair is back! It’s never too early to get the kids appreciating art so take the whole family along to find yourself something eye-catching for the family home. With international and local talent showcasing their work from over 40 galleries, and pieces ranging in price from $100 to $10,000, there is sure to be a fabulous new addition for your wall that suits both your home and your wallet
Where: F1 Pit Buildings, 1 Republic Boulevard, 038975; www.affordableartfair.com
When: 22 – 24 April
Cost: $15 for adults (kids under 16 go free).
9. Fancy footwork at the National Gallery…
This Sunday sees the return of the Car-Free Sunday initiative, and the National Gallery is celebrating this venture by hosting a free Lindy Hop (swing, to those who are not quite sure!) dance session. This one is perfect if you are looking for something to do with the tweens or teens of the family, so head to the gallery (without your car!) to enjoy a toe-tapping Lindy Hop performance followed by a beginners’ class for you to show off your own moves. No dance partner or prior experience required!
Where: National Gallery Singapore, Padang Atrium, 1 St Andrew’s Road, 178957; www.nationalgallery.sg
When: Sunday 24 April, 10am and 1pm (45 minute sessions)
Cost: FREE (and no pre-registration required. Just turn up and dance!)
10. A wheely fun day out…
This is a must for any speed demons in the family who are into kick scooters, electric scooters or unicycles… the iWheel4Fun carnival not only promises to be a huge amount of exhilarating fun, but also includes a 100m long track for the kiddos (over seven years) to try out a heap of cool personal mobility devices which they can practice (and learn to ride safely) on. Other activities include a treasure hunt, workshops, riding/skating lessons, races and more. We might even sign up for the ‘Knock-no-cones’ challenge ourselves!
Where: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal; www.iwheel4fun.com
When: Sunday 24 April, 10am – 6pm
Cost: FREE (unless you are signing up for one of the challenges which can be done on-site on the day at $12 per entrant).