The school holidays are every child’s favourite time of the year, but for parents, keeping the kids entertained can be a headache at times. With international travel still on hold, family trips are out of the question, meaning parents need to look for new ways to spend time with the kids.
If you’re stressing over what to do with the kids, here are 8 fun school holiday activities to try with the kids this December holidays!
1. Take a break from city life
Pic credit: Hay Dairies Pure Goat Milk
We might live in one of the busiest metropolitan cities in the world, but did you know that Singapore is home to a number of farms? Take the kids out of their usual routine and let them learn more about urban farming in Singapore while getting up close with the farm animals!
One of Singapore’s most well-known farms is Hay Dairies Goat Farm, the only goat farm on our sunny island! There, you’ll get the chance to not only try fresh goat’s milk, but get up close and personal with then adorable animals! Visitors are free to roam around the farm and pet the goats lazing around.
Tip: Head over between 9AM-10:30AM to catch the goat milking session. After the session, purchase a pack of hay for $5 for a hands-on experience of feeding the goats!
Another farm worth visiting is the iconic Bollywood Veggies! Opened by the former President of Netball Singapore, the farm is home to a bistro as well as a culinary school and a museum. With a wide variety of activities ranging from a guided farm tour to a paddy planting experience, a trip to Bollywood Veggies is the perfect chance for the kids to see what life outside the city can be like.
2. Unleash their inner artist
Pic credit: Artify Studio
If you’re looking for a creative outlet for your kids, why not try out art jamming? An art jamming session is a perfect chance for your little ones to express themselves and on top of that, it’s great for family bonding!
While many might think of art jamming as an activity for adults, there are many studios in Singapore that cater to kids as well. Artify Studio located at Jalan Sultan has special classes dedicated for children, with a smaller class size to ensure that each child receives proper attention and guidance. The studio also has a variety of Mummy & Me workshops, including a special Christmas themed watercolour class!
If you’re planning to visit Artify Studio, do note that due to current safe distancing measures, each workshop is limited to 10 pax, and online registration is required. For a full list of workshop types and dates, please refer to their website.
3. Put on your thinking cap
Pic credit: Science Centre Singapore
The school holidays may be a time for the kids to relax, but it doesn’t mean it’s time to stop learning! Not only is a trip to the Science Centre is the perfect chance for the little ones to continue exploring outside of the classroom, but it makes learning fun too.
With over 15 different galleries, the centre has countless interactive exhibits that give kids the chance to get hands-on experience while learning. Find out more about the science behind phobias at PHOBIA²: THE SCIENCE OF FEAR, where you’ll get to experience some of the most common phobias. For little ones who are fascinated by nature, the Climate Change Climate Challenge exhibit allows them to explore the impact of global warming on the environment.
The Science Centre is also home to Singapore’s only IMAX dome theatre, a 5-storey dome screen that lets you step right into the action! There are different shows available, so make sure you check their schedule before heading down to catch a show.
Due to current safe distancing measures, visitors are required to book their time-entry ticket online before going down, as on-site ticket sales have been temporarily suspended. Certain shows and interactive exhibits have also been temporarily closed. For a full list, please refer to their website.
4. Learn more about Singapore’s rich heritage
While the kids may learn about Singapore’s history in school, learning outside of the classroom is always more fun! Walking tours are an engaging way to learn more about Singapore’s heritage, plus it’ll be good to get the kids out of the house for a walk.
Monster Day Tours is an award-winning walking tour operator in Singapore, and offer a variety of guided walking tours around the island. With tours split into a heritage series and an urban series, there’s bound to be something for everyone!
Learn more about Singapore’s history and culture with a guided tour through one of our ethnic neighbourhoods, and explore the hidden enclaves in these areas! From visiting the iconic Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple in Little India to learning more about how coolies lived in Chinatown in the past, the little ones will love exploring the neighbourhoods they’ve heard so much about.
If history isn’t your child’s cup of tea, take them on a tour to explore the urban areas of Singapore! Visit areas such as Marina Bay and Changi Airport, and learn more about the modern development and innovations that have helped shape our city today.
For more details on tours including checkpoints, please visit their website.
5. Explore the history of toys
Pic credit: MINT Museum of Toys
If your little one loves toys, let them take a look at vintage toys and learn more about the history of toys at the MINT Museum of Toys!
With over 8,500 items on display at the museum, explore toys and items from over 40 different countries. Displayed across 4 themed levels, not only might you find the items nostalgic, but they also tell the story of what life was like during the era the toys were popular.
The museum also offers guided tours as an add on, so if you’d like to learn more about the historical and cultural significance of the museum, make sure you book yourself a guided tour as well.
Unfortunately, the museum is currently closed for upgrading works, so do keep an eye out for updates on their website.
6. Go crazy at an outdoor playground
Pic credit: Nestopia
Wonder what paradise for kids would look like? If your kids love playgrounds, Nestopia is the perfect place to take them for a day of fun!
The outdoor playground boasts 17 different play areas, with 3 giant nests 7.5m above ground. The playground is also home to 2 of the longest slides in Sentosa, and has various climbing nets and structures available if your little ones are up for a challenge.
Do note that Nestopia is recommended for kids aged 5 and above, as certain elements such as the climbing structures and taller slides may be daunting for children below that age. One adult entry is included for every child aged 12 and below. Children below the age of 7 need to be accompanied by an adult.
Due to current safe distancing measures, guests are required to book a 1-hour time slot online before heading down. Children are also required to wear a mask throughout their play session. For more details, please visit Nestopia’s website.
7. Learn more about life under the sea
Pic credit: Resorts World Sentosa
Photos and movies may be a fun way to learn about marine life, but nothing beats getting up close and personal with these creatures. If the little ones love animals, take them to the S.E.A Aquarium and let them find out more about life under the sea!
Home to over 100,000 marine animals, the aquarium is split into 10 different zones with over 50 habitats. Marvel at sharks swimming overhead as you learn more about the endangered species the aquarium houses.
Don’t forget to visit the Open Ocean habitat, the highlight of the aquarium. With a floor-to-ceiling glass panel, this is the closest you’ll get to diving into the ocean without getting wet! If the kids are tired from exploring the aquarium, this is the perfect place to stop for a rest as there are steps for you to sit on and watch the fish swimming by.
Due to current safe distancing measures, all public feeding sessions and shows are unavailable. The S.E.A Aquarium is also operating on a limited capacity, and guests are encouraged to book their tickets online. For more details, do visit their website.
Tip: Make sure you squeeze in a visit to the Discovery Touch Pool, where you’ll get the chance to feel a starfish and sea cucumber!
8. Explore Singapore’s largest indoor playground
Pic credit: Kiztopia
Singapore may be home to many outdoor playgrounds, but given the rainy weather recently, planning a day outdoors may not be the best idea. If you’re looking for an indoor solution, Kiztopia is the perfect place to take the kids!
Singapore’s largest indoor playground in a mall, Kiztopia boasts 18 different zones of play, many of which are centred around its animal characters. From ball pits to obstacle courses and even VR games, the playground is a haven for kids who love running around.
The playground also has a role play area where your little ones can play dress up or fulfil their dreams of working in a supermarket. There is also a cafe located onsite for parents to relax at while the kids run wild.
All guests are required to book a play slot online prior to their visit, as the playground is operating on limited capacity. Do note that they are closed on the first Tuesday of the month for deep cleaning as well. For more details, visit their website.
Pocket-friendly fun
As part of the SingapoRediscovers campaign, all Singaporeans aged 18 and above will be receiving $100 worth of digital vouchers, which will be valid from December 2020 till June 2021. These SingapoRediscover vouchers will be distributed via SingPass, and they can be used at approved attractions, hotels and tour operators. For those with children below the age of 18, you may purchase up to 6 subsidised child/youth tickets at attractions and tours.
Certain activities mentioned in the article can be booked using your SingapoRediscover vouchers, so make sure to maximise your fun this school holiday while saving money! For more details on the vouchers, please refer here.
You can also use your vouchers when booking a tour with Monster Day Tours! We may not be able to travel overseas this year, but it doesn’t mean that the kids won’t get to have a memorable holiday. We find that kids really enjoy our storytelling and energetic guides.
Take them out for a day of fun, and explore a side of Singapore they may not have seen before. The hands-on activities conducted during the tour will not only allow the little ones to learn about Singapore’s culture, but they’ll definitely have fun while doing so!
The best part about booking a tour with your SingapoRediscover vouchers is, your little ones will get to join the tour for free! Just make sure you remember to book a slot for your children using the subsidised child ticket option. For more details on our walking tours, visit our website.
