100 Holiday Activities for Kids (Part 1)

(#1 to #25)

The year-end school holidays are upon us once again, and we challenged Daddy to come out with a list of 100 activities to keep us occupied. Hopefully, he's able to reach #100. Hee.

And so, here goes!

1. Throng the shopping centres (& queues) to catch the Christmas Shows at the Malls

It's Christmas season, and once again the malls will be invaded cartoon characters adored by all kids. From Barney to Thomas to Spongebob to Looney Tunes to even Angry Birds, click here: http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-shows-at-malls-updated.html for a detailed listing for all the shows happening this festive season!


2. Let your festive season senses tingle with Christmas in the Tropics

From 19 Nov 2011 to 2 Jan 2012, bring the whole family to revel in spectacular mall displays, scintillating lights, fun street performances and endless shopping promotions along Orchard Road Christmas Light-up or simply immerse yourself in the dazzling multi-sensorial decorative pieces installed across the Marina Bay Christmas Light-up.

Or if you prefer to celebrate the season away from the city’s hustle and bustle, step into a different magical world with A Fairy Tale Christmas @ Resorts World Sentosa.


3. Stomp away with the Elephant Parade - Singapore 2011
Dates: 11/11/2011- 12/01/2012

Catch the elephant stampede all over Singapore this school holidays as over 100 brightly-painted life-sized elephants take to the streets. Check out our previous blog entry about the Elephant Parade here: http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2011/11/elephant-parade-singapore-2011.html

To view the exact locations of the elephants, download a copy of the Routemap here: http://elephantparade.pixelonion.com/downloads/milan2011/ELEPHANT%20PARADE_2011_20111101-FINAL.pdf


If you prefer some indoor stuff, there are also lots of activities targeted at kids at our MUSEUMS too.

4. Discern your dreams from the reality at the National Museum of Singapore

Needing no special introduction, the National Museum of Singapore offers a little bit of everything to the young and old ranging from the History to Living Galleries.

For this school holidays, it has an exhibition titled 'Dreams & Reality: An interactive tour for children'.
Join master painter Vincent van Gogh on a journey where he gets inspired by two colourful characters in his quest to perfect his work. Through dramatised performance, fun activities and lots of interaction with the characters, participants will enjoy discovering more about the paintings, drawings and photographs featured in the exhibition of Dreams and Reality: Masterpieces of Painting, Drawing and Photography from the Musée d’Orsay, Paris.

Dates: 19 Nov, 3 Dec & 17 Dec
Time: 10.30am & 1.30pm (60 min)
Venue: Exhibition Galleries, Basement
Fees: $12 per child
Details: Click here



FREE event: Dreams & Reality: A Storytelling Session for Children

- Suitable for children aged 5-8 years old.
Dates: 6, 23, 30 November 2011; 7, 14 December 2011; 4, 11, 18, 25 January 2012 and 1 February 2012
Time: 10am & 11am
Venue: Exhibition Galleries, Basement


5. Get all nostalgic at the Children Little Museum

This tiny gem is packed with stuff from the old days from toys, school memorabilia to even a old drinks stall push cart! Definitely a must-go for parents to reminisce and for children to know more about the Singapore in the past.

Read about our experience here: http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2010/03/children-little-museum.html

Address: 42 Bussorah Street (in front of Sultan Mosque), Singapore 199460
Opening Hours: 10.30am - 10.00 daily
Admission: $2


6. Get a taste of life during the Japanese Occupation at the Old Ford Factory Museum

This historical site played a vital role in Singapore's history, as it served as the venue for the formal surrender of Malaya by the British Forces to the Japanese Army on 15 February 1942. This museum tells the many tales of those who lived through the Japanese Occupation years.

We were there last year (http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2010/05/i-heart-museums-old-ford-factory.html) for a Kids event, and I was particularly amazed by the interesting Japanese Occupation-related exhibits there. Definitely worth a second trip there.

Address: 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588192
Mondays to Saturdays, 9.00am to 5.30pm
Sundays, 12.00pm to 5.30pm


7. Pay your respects to the gallant dead at the Reflections at Bukit Chandu

Yet another gem of a museum tucked away in a secluded corner of Pasir Panjang, this WWII Interpretive Centre commemorates the gallantry and sacrifice of men of the 1st and 2nd Battalion Malay Regiment who defended the Western sector of Singapore in February 1942.

Address: 31-K Pepys Road, Singapore 118458
Tuesdays - Sundays, 9.00 am - 5.30 pm


8. Go all nyonya-gila at Peranakan Museum

The Peranakan Museum explores the culture of Peranakan communities in in Southeast Asia, and through its comprehensive collection of Peranakan objects, it serves to provide an enriching experience for all.

There are lots of activities for children as well, most notably a room specially dedicated to kids to expose them to all things Peranakan. Read more about our experience here: http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2011/06/ashs-culinary-adventure-at-peranakan.html

Address: 39 Armenian Street, Singapore 179941
Monday: 1pm to 7pm
Tuesday to Sunday: 9am – 7pm (to 9 pm on Fridays)
Admission Charges: Click here


9. Explore the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum

The ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands is the premier museum destination in Singapore for major international traveling exhibitions from the most renowned collections in the world.

Embracing a spectrum of influences from art & science, to media & technology, to design & architecture, ArtScience Museum features over 50,000 square feet of galleries to inspire visitors of all ages, walks of life and from shores near and far.

Currently, Titanic - The Artifact Exhibition runs through to 29 April 2012. More details can be found here: http://titanic.sg/

Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm daily, including Public Holidays
Admission Charges: Click here


10. Go sailing with the famed Navigators of yesteryear at the Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium

The Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium, or MEMA for short, is the first and only museum to showcase the Asian maritime history. With the Aquarium slated to open in 2012, the current exhibits revolve around the voyages and objects from the Maritime Silk Route during the 9th to 19th century.

Read about our recent trip there: http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2011/11/maritime-experiential-museum-aquarium.html

Opening Hours: Mon to Thurs, 10am - 7pm daily; Fri to Sun, 10am - 9pm
Admission Charges: Adult - $5; Child (4-12) - $2; Senior Citizens (above 65) - $3
*All admission charges exclude entry to Typhoon Theatre.


11. See how stamps & bunnies go together at Singapore Philatelic Museum
- Bunny Wonderland Stamp Exhibition (til 1 Jan 2012)

Discover things you never knew about rabbits, learn how to tell apart the different bunny breeds and meet famous bunnies whose popularity has transcended time and cultures. In addition, admire colourful rabbit stamps and philatelic materials from all over the world.

Opening Hours: Mon, 1pm-7pm daily; Tue to Sun, 9am-7pm
Admission Charges: Adult - $5; Child, Senior Citizens (above 60) & NSFs - FREE



There are also MUSICALS and WORKSHOPS galore during the school holidays.


12. Musical - Narnia The Musical: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe

“Narnia The Musical” is a hit musical adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". The musical will take you on an exciting adventure through the magical world of Narnia with the Pevensie children, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy.

Dates: 24 Nov - 1 Dec
Venue: Suntec Convention Centre Theatre, Level 2
Tickets: $50 - $70
For timings & more details, please click here.


13. Musical - John Tartaglia's ImaginOcean

From the Tony award nominee John Tartaglia (Playhouse Disney series ''Johnny and the Sprites”), comes ImaginOcean, a one-of-a-kind magical undersea adventure with Live glow-in-the-dark puppets. Three best friends, Tank, Bubbles and Dorsel, are about to set out on a remarkable journey of discovery. 

Witty & wildly entertaining, ImaginOcean is perfect for all ages! Be mesmerized by glow-in-the-dark bubbles, lasers and underwater magic! Jam-packed with music ranging from swing, R&B to Big Band, it’s a blast! Learn how the values of cooperation and respect helped the three best friends overcome their challenges.

Dates: 15-18 Dec

Venue: Downtown East D'Marquee

Tickets: $28 - $68

For timings & more details, please click here.

14. Musical - Jack & The Beanstalk

Join Jack on his madcap adventure as he climbs the beanstalk and meets the wonderful and lovable characters that help him outwit, outplay and outdo the Giant! An original adaptation of a well loved classic fairy tale, Jack and the Beanstalk is the one musical that will have you singing, dancing and spilling the beans!

Dates: 4 Nov - 15 Dec
Venue: DBS Arts Centre
Tickets: $28 (Weekedays) & $38 (Weekends)
For timings & more details, please click here.


15. Workshops - People's Association

Sign up for one of the many workshops or holiday courses for kids at the various Community Centres. You can do a search for the workshops available via online:
http://one.pa.gov.sg/CRMSPortal/CRMSPortal.portal


16. Workshop - Up Against The Wall! Art Workshop @ION Orchard

Presented by ACT 3 International, Up Against The Wall! is a specially curated programme that invites children to be drawn into a world of artistic adventures through the eyes of Scott Walker, a UK-based cartoon artist. Through this, children will learn illustration skills, engage in a fun and hands-on art experience, and above all, be creatively inspired. Suitable for ages 5 and above.

Dates: 29 Nov - 6 Dec
Venue: ION Gallery, Level 4, ION Orchard
Time: Fantastic Creatures Workshop - 10am to 12pm; Monster Masks Workshop - 4.30pm to 6.30pm
Cost: $45 per child, per workshop
For more details, please click here.


17. Workshops - Educational Programmes by Singapore Botanic Gardens

For the young visitors to the Jacob Ballas Children's Gardens at the Botanic Gardens,  there is a new storytelling cum guided tour programme called “Storytime with Sara at Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden” especially designed for the 2 to 4 years old. And to celebrate the upcoming Christmas, there are two Christmas Special Workshops “Jingle All The Way with Flowers & X’mas Cookies” and “Gardens In A Christmas Bottle".

For a listing of more workshops and guided tours, please click here: http://www.sbg.org.sg/education/workshopchi.asp


Family-centric EVENTS, will no doubt please the kids too!

18. Event - okto's WHOA! (Weekend Hall of Awesomeness!)

Be the first in Singapore to watch Batman ‘LIVE’ on stage in The Dark Knight – an action show filled with martial arts, acrobatic and abseiling stunts! The girls will be enthralled by The Magical FairyLights Princess show where Fairy Princess Lightheart and her friends embark on an amazing adventure with amazing fairylight costumes & props, to save the magical fairy world!

Dates: 25 - 27 Nov
Venue: The MAX Pavilion @Singapore Expo
Time: 11am to 8.30pm
Tickets: $10 or $30 for 4 tickets
For more details, please click here.


19. Event - Sweet Dreams Family Fiesta

For the children, take part in fun games and contests to learn more about what Child Abuse is, how to detect signs of abuse and how to seek help. Look forward to an interactive play called Sweet Dreams performed by renowned theatre group, The Necessary Stage. The play centers around a happy little girl named Lisa, whose life changed when her parents met with a car accident and when Aunty May took over the care of her. Learn how little Lisa overcame her fear and problems and changed things for the better!

For the parents, learn tips and techniques on effective parenting and foster closer bonds with your child.

Dates: 26 - 27 Nov
Venue: Suntec City Mall, Galleria Foyer, Level 1
Time: 11am - 9pm
Cost: FREE
For more details, please click here.


Alright, enough of the indoors stuff. Let's go OUTDOORS!

20. Experience the Singapore countryside by visiting the Kranji Farms

Kids will be fascinated by things that they do not normally see in their everyday life - like goats, frogs, fishes or even organic produce. The Kranji Countryside has many farms and you can read about our excursion here: http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2011/10/kranji-farms-day-out.html

For a full list of the farms in Kranji, click here: http://www.kranjicountryside.com/


21. Take a scenic walk along Changi Point BoardWalk

This Boardwalk runs along the Changi coastline from the Changi Beach Club to the Changi Sailing Club, and is made up of four segments. Sunset Walk has a splendid view of the sunset over Changi Point, while Kelong Walk is a stretch of the boardwalk with kelong stilts built over water. Cliff Walk is located just below the hilltop chalets, and allows a walk through lush greenery while Sailing Point Walk provides open views of the sea.

We were there before too - though it was quite a long time ago.

VERY VERY long time ago in fact! Hee hee... perhaps we should make another trip down, and this time we will download the Changi Point Walking Map.


22. And since we are near there, why not hop over to Chek Jawa at Pulau Ubin via a bumboat?

Yet another place that we had not been to for quite some time, but there are sure to be many interesting animals and plants to be spotted - marine life that are no longer common in Singapore. But remember to go only during low tides to make the best use of your time there!


23. Looking for more Wetlands? Then head on down to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve!

Gazetted as a Nature Reserve, the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is recognized as a site of international importance for migratory birds.

Read more of our adventure here: http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2009/09/sungei-buloh-workout.html


24. If you want to see more animals, then see them at the Animal Resort.

Well, the Zoo it is definitely not, but the Animal Resort has lots of farm animals like chickens and ducks roaming freely around the compound to make it seem all so kampung.

And you can purchase feeds to feed the animals too - you'll be spoilt for choice definitely because all the goats, horse, peacocks, birds, rabbits and guinea pigs would be vying for your attention!

Sigh, I'm missing that place already.

Address: T81 Seletar West Farmway 5, Singapore798061
Website: http://www.rictedkennels.com/


25. Or if plants are your fancy, then the Hort Park will be right for you!

The Hort Park is a one-stop gardening hub that brings together all gardening-related activities under one roof.  Besides the huge variety of plants there, we enjoyed the children's playground there too. But I guess you already knew that.

For more information, please visit here: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=parks&id=17&Itemid=73


Whew! That's all for now... stay tuned for #26 to #50 holiday activities for kids!