11 things to do with your kids in Singapore this weekend

Rediscover Singapore together, as a family — what are the best things to do in Singapore, or what activities in Singapore will pique everyone’s fancy? It’s time to put those SingapoRediscovers Vouchers (SRVs) to good use and subsidise activities for families (with kids), or even suss out free things to do in Singapore! For example, for cooking classes, how about a hands-on family sesh at ABC Cooking Studio, a sailing trip around Singapore waters on a yacht, a goat farm visit (yes, there’s one in Singapore!) or a jaunt out to a kelong in Singapore?

There’s no better way to spend the holidays and weekends than rediscovering our Little Red Dot through fun activities, while bonding with the people who matter the most.

No matter what type of local tourist you and your loved ones are, as parents, you’ll need to constantly keep your energetic brood entertained. While an entire day of TV time is definitely off the table, you don’t want the day to become yet another repetitive visit to the shopping mall for dinner and groceries.

If you’ve been racking your brains for something engaging yet educational, why not begin with these 11 activities that families with kids will love.

1. ABC Cooking Studio: Yummy activities for families with kids

Why not take the opportunity to level up as Chef of the Family while “dough-ing” something different? At ABC Cooking Studio, you can take up cooking classes to perfect the art of baking bread, cakes and cooking… no experience “knead-ed”. You can even learn how to make wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets.

Even better, sign your kid up for the studio’s ever-popular guided kids’ course (touted as one of the best activities for kids aged 4 to 8 in Singapore). Not only is it the perfect opportunity to unleash their inner chef potential and learn precious life skills, the end result is an edible, beautiful creation that you’ll get to enjoy together at home — a literal piece of cake!

2. Families with kids can enjoy sailing on a yacht around Singapore

Did you know that the 725.7 km² landmass we call Singapore is made up of 64 smaller, offshore islands that surround the mainland? These of course include Sentosa, Pulau Tekong and Pulau Ubin.

To explore this other side of Singapore, why not charter a yacht and go on a “sight-sea-ing” trip to our offshore islands? White Sails offers a four-hour yacht charter to Lazarus Island for five people.

While food and drinks are not provided, the yachts are equipped with power sockets, a cooler box that can store up to 80 canned drinks, a fridge, microwave and even twin hob… There’s even a Captain and boat crew onboard, and fuel, post-charter cleaning, utilities as well as 2 kayaks, 2 snorkel kits, 2 fishing rods and 1 floating mat are all included in the charter.

Make your seafaring adventure one to remember with these add-ons:

• Southern Islands cruise that will take you past Kusu Island, St John’s Island, Sisters’ Island and Lazarus Island
• Barbeque session with the food and grilling service thrown in
• City skyline cruise past Marina Barrage
• Anchoring at Eagle Bay
• And more

Pro-tip: Check the National Environment Agency for the latest weather updates before you embark on your trip. Stock up on ponchos just in case, and have a wet weather plan!

3. Jewel Changi Activities at Canopy Park: Family fun with kids in tow

The airport used to be a gateway to our holiday getaway, but these days, it has become more than just a transit point — it’s a destination in its own right. Even for those who lived on the west side of Singapore would make the trip east for dining, shopping and even for the activities available.

One of most popular activities at the airport is the Canopy Park at Jewel, which features suspended bouncing nets, mazes, giant slides and mesmerising bowls of mist. It’s great physical fun for the whole family; a fantastic way for the adults to blow off steam after a tough week at work and for the kids to release pent-up energy.

Walking on the suspended nets, you’ll literally be scaling new heights. From your vantage point, perched right at the top of Jewel, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the 40m-high Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls.

After a day of play, spend time walking around the sprawling retail complex or explore the “far east” of Singapore, spot the occasional plane in the distance, and reminisce about your past family vacations.

4. Goat farm in Singapore: Hay Dairies with your kiddos

Singapore’s only goat farm, Hay Dairies, has been a popular pick among parents recently. The 32-year-old mini ranch at Lim Chu Kang Lane allows visitors big and small to feed goats, taste chocolate-flavoured goat’s milk, and witness activities such as milking.

It’s a new learning experience for the whole family; given that Singapore’s lesser-seen farming industry is tucked away in more inaccessible parts of the island, compared to our ubiquitous urban development, glitzy malls and office buildings.

Though small (1% of total land area and 1 sq km of sea space), our 220 food farms collectively produced 14%, 26% and 10% of our leafy vegetables, eggs and fish consumption in 2019. This is in support of Singapore’s goal to produce 30% of our nutritional needs by 2030, in order to achieve better food security.

At Hay Dairies, opt for a free and easy experience (no prior booking required), or for an educational farm tour (from $4.28 per person, reservations only).

If you don’t have your own transport, hail a cab for your family to ride in air-conditioned comfort. Simply pay for your ride with DBS PayLah! if you’re using the ComfortDelGro booking app. If you've yet to set it up, just launch your PayLah! app and tap the ComfortDelGro icon to get started.

5. Kelong in Singapore: Smith Marine Floating Restaurant

To experience a kelong in the most comfortable way, visit Singapore’s only kelong cum restaurant, Smith Marine Kelong floating restaurant. Located in the waters between Pulau Ubin and Changi Point ferry terminal, the only way to journey to this modern kelong is via boat — no passport needed.

Once you dock, the activities begin. Regale your kiddos with tales of kelong adventures in old Singapore or Malaysia, and let them get a taste of the fisherman life by catching their own seabass or snapper, before the fresh fish is prepared in your chosen cooking style and served to the table alongside other live seafood dishes such as chilli crab, deep-fried lobster with shredded potatoes and sambal mussels. You can also catch extra fish, request for it to be cleaned and bring it home to cook.

If your adult children get bored, the floating restaurant also has games such as pool and carom. Nestled in between the mainland and Pulau Ubin, from your vantage point on deck, you’ll see Chek Jawa in the distance and nearby fisheries or kelongs. Time your visit, because many visitors stay for the magnificent sunset over the unblocked expanse of water.

With eating and travelling counted as the top few Singapore pastimes, this “over seas” voyage and unique meal (it’s Halal-certified too) will definitely be one for the books. Smith Marine’s opening hours are from 10am to 7pm daily. Access it via a 15-20 minute boat ride from the mainland, which can be arranged through Smith Marine.

6. Chek Jawa Wetlands: Guided tours available

Tour guides function as educators, always armed with tidbits of history or stories of the actual people who lived and worked there — an eye-opener even if you know most of Singapore like the back of your hand.

One interesting guided tour is to Chek Jawa, which is located on Pulau Ubin. Originally slated for land reclamation, the plans were deferred indefinitely due to the site’s rich biodiversity and value as a natural habitat — the wetland treasure has six ecosystems and a diverse array of flora and fauna!

At the Coastal Hill Forest area on the hill, keep your eyes peeled for the Oriental pied-hornbill; you’re also likely to hear the unique “bubbling” song of the Straw-headed bulbul. Look for the critically endangered Delek air tree, and climb the Jejawi viewing tower for a panoramic view of the wetlands.

As you progress to the intertidal areas, which can be accessed via the 1.1km-long boardwalk, you’ll pass by the Mangrove where you might spot fiddler crabs and mudskippers. Approach the natural Rocky Shore during low tide to peek at barnacles, shell-drilling snails and sea stars. Watch your feet at the Sandy Shore and Sand Bar as it teems with tiny crabs. You might also catch sight of migratory shorebirds that hail from as far away as Siberia.

Moving onto the Seagrass Lagoon, there’s an underground seagrass meadow where carpet anemones bigger than your head, colourful sea cucumbers and the rarely sighted mantis shrimp live. The sixth habitat is the fragile Coral Rubble Area, home to the crimson Knobbly sea star, fan worms and living corals.

It’s a living classroom for your older children, and this opportunity to get closer to wild Singapore will instill in them a better appreciation for our local biodiversity. Open from 8.30am to 6pm daily, admission is free. The public can access the visitors’ centre for educational information if not opting for a guided tour.

7. Gardens by the Bay: Urban nature for families with young kids

Families with young children who’d prefer to stay close to amenities on the mainland can also enjoy nature at Gardens by the Bay (tip: SingapoRediscovers Vouchers are redeemable here). A popular spot, it is home to the iconic Supertrees and 2 cooled conservatories — the Flower Dome with its ever-changing seasonal floral displays (remember Tulipmania and Blossom Beats?) and the Cloud Forest, which sports a 30m-tall indoor waterfall.

Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome is the perfect retreat to enjoy plants and flowers from 5 continents of the world, such as orchids, desert cacti, magnolias and 1,000-year-old olive trees. Over at Cloud Forest, which takes its name from 1% of the global forests that are characterised by their sub-tropical, moist characteristics, with a constant cloud cover and an abundance of mossy growth.

However, did you know that the area most of us know as Gardens by the Bay is just 1 of its 3 gardens? It’s actually Bay South, closest to Singapore’s world-famous Marina Bay Sands and Bayfront MRT station. At Bay South, festivals, music concerts and other outdoor events were also regularly held on the grounds, before the outbreak of the global pandemic.

Gardens by the Bay extends east to, well, Bay East, which is close to the Tanjong Rhu area and part of it runs below the Benjamin Sheares Bridge. The long and straight jogging and cycling track is perfect for a family day out on kick-scooters, rollerblades and bicycles, with ample grassy patches for a picnic while admiring Singapore’s bay area.

The last part of Gardens by the Bay is Bay Central, which is still undergoing development. Once ready, it will be the link between Bay South and Bay East, with a 3km-long waterfront promenade that boasts breathtaking views of Singapore’s city skyline.

8. Cable Car Sky Dining: A meal with a view

Families with kids may have taken the Singapore Cable Car rides before, but dining in one while enjoying a bird’s eye view of Singapore’s southernmost area can be a totally different experience (better yet, you can redeem the tickets with SingapoRediscovers Vouchers too).

Satiate your travel wanderlusts with the limited time destination-themed Sky Dining experience and cosy up in a private Cable Car cabin for two. Savour an exquisite 4-course dinner with your loved one, as you take in the lights and splendour of Singapore’s cityscape set against the romantic night sky.

Alternatively, you can also book the Singapore Flavours Cabin for a unique family outing and enjoy a meal in the sky. The menu features a combination of 7 local favourites in a bento set — dishes include Wok Fried Chilli Crab with Mini Mantou, Traditional Hainanese Chicken Rice and Tauhu Goreng with Peanut Sauce. There’s also the Champagne Cabin, with modern European platter and Laurent-Perrier bubbly that is best fit for date nights!

Combine this with a staycation or all-day adventure on Sentosa for the ultimate fun in the sun.

9. Nerf Action Xperience: Get the fam’s adrenaline pumping

You’ve probably wielded a Nerf blaster when you were a kid (and you’ve passed on the tradition to your children) — but the Nerf Action Xperience turns your imagined rescue mission into reality. You just need to be older than 7 years old to get in on the action.

No more staking out at the cushion fort or crawling under the dining table for cover. How about playing in an actual area that’s packed with four themed activity zones: Compete, Conquer, Create and Challenge? That’ll surely get the whole family’s adrenaline pumping, Nerf fan or not.

You and your folks could be blasting digital and physical zombies with your Nerf blaster and darts at the Compete zone. Big families might be split into teams where you will compete to blast targets and locate the hidden missiles to gain extra points. Or how about a trip to Camp Dune? The objective: Blast your opponents in a classic game of “capture the flag”.

To fuel your competitive spirit, the Conquer zone offers a dual-climbing “ice cliff”, a rope course at the “summit”, a “volcano” obstacle course, and finally the thrilling “glacier” drop slide. At the Challenge zone, teens and their parents can put their lightning-fast reflexes, agility, accuracy, strength and speed to the test through a series of physical trials.

Finally, in the Create zone, family members can create their own unique souvenirs using Nerf Super Soaker blasters filled with fabric paint, be it a T-shirt or tote bag.

Ultimately, no matter who wins or loses, the activities in the Nerf Action Xperience help to build character, enhance motor skills, as well as improve teamwork and communication.

10. Universal Studios Singapore: A field day for families with kids

There’s been much talk about the expansion of Universal Studios Singapore (USS), with the addition of 2 new areas — Minion Park and Super Nintendo World — in the future. However, that’s not all, for Resorts World Sentosa said they plan to open new attractions from 2020 to 2025, such as an Adventure Dining Playhouse (replacing The Resorts World Theatre), the Singapore Oceanarium (a rebrand of the S.E.A Aquarium, which will have 3 times the space), 2 new hotels, shops and eateries along the waterfront promenade.

At present, there’s still so much to do when at Universal Studios Singapore with your kids. The older ones can challenge the Battlestar Galactica: Human versus Cylon roller coasters, or indoor (but no less thrilling) Revenge of the Mummy ride. Remember to pack ponchos for the whole family if you’re attempting the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure and wear covered, laced shoes to soar above Jurassic Park on the Canopy Flyer.

Families can get their excitement from simulators Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase and Transformers the Ride, and younger ones can drive their desert jeep through an abandoned Egyptian excavation site with Treasure Hunters.

There are also plenty of shows to catch — a challenge, since the revised opening hours are now 2pm to 9pm — so plan your time for WaterWorld that boasts stunts and pyrotechnics, Elmo’s TV Time and the fireworks display on select dates at Lake Hollywood.

Don’t forget to snap pictures with the street performers and larger-than-life mascots as you rush from ride to ride, and show to show. Pro-tip: Upgrade your ticket to an USS express pass to zip through as many rides and shows before park closure.

11. Explore one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Singapore as a family

Your neighbourhood might be cooler than you think! What better way to rediscover Singapore than right in your own backyard, as a family? Your own ‘hood might be chock-full of hip and trendy things to do — a hotbed of hipster cafes, hidden hiking spots, under-the-radar unique hawker dishes, or unknown historical landmarks and architecture. This is an activity that everyone can do, even the kids. For an even more fun family outing, each member can suss out 1 spot each, or plan cool neighbourhood trails for the week.

Here’s a neighbourhood suggestion to get you started — Kampong Gelam, which is steeped in heritage and packed with modern, trendy cafes. The popular Haji Lane is also within this area, famed for its soulful street buskers, eclectic vibe, colourful wall murals, indie retail outlets, cool cafes and a car-free walking street after dusk. Plan to rest at Kandahar Street for a coffee? While enroute, check out the unique architecture of the shophouses there.

When exploring Kampong Gelam, easily incorporate educational visits to the Malay Heritage Centre (formerly Istana Kampong Gelam) — which showcases the culture, heritage and history of the Malay community in Singapore, the gold-domed Masjid Sultan, Hajjah Fatimah Mosque and the headquarters of St John Ambulance, Singapore.

Food-wise, amid the modern cafes, you’ll find lots of traditional Malay food, as well as Middle Eastern eateries at Arab Street. On a scorchingly hot day, Kampong Gelam is just a stone’s throw away from Bugis, where you can retreat into the shopping malls there for some needed air-conditioning, before embarking on the exploration of the Bugis precinct itself.

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