100 Holiday Activities for Kids (Part 2)

(#26 to #50)

Read our Part 1 of our 100 Holiday Activities for Kids here: http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2011/11/100-holiday-activities-for-kids-part-1.html

Let's continue, shall we? :)

Singapore, though small, has lots of interesting PARKS scattered around the island for both the young and old.

26. Get your feet at the Submerged Boardwalk at MacRitchie Reservoir Park

One of our most recent trip to a park, we literally walked on water via a 40-metre submerged boardwalk.

Needless to say, we thoroughly enjoyed it! Read more of our experience here: http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2011/10/macritchies-submerged-boardwalk.html

Be warned though: it has seemed that the boardwalk is dry on certain days. Unfortunately, we don't have any idea when that is.


27. Be the VIP at Asia's first Children's garden - the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden

At this garden, all adults must be accompanied by a child if they want to enter. How cool is that? It sure makes all the children feel extremely important! Hee.

Besides encouraging an appreciation of nature through play and exploration, there is the all-important water playground to further make all kids go delirious.

Our past experience at the Children's Garden: http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2009/12/one-hectic-weekend-part-1.html


Want stay dry instead? These parks are loaded with climbing structures which will put a Ninja Warrior to shame. Okay okay, I exaggerate but you get the idea.

28. West Coast Park has a total of 8 superb play areas, appealing to different age groups.

Just read our experience (http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2011/07/west-coast-playland.html) to see how reluctant we monkies were when it was time to go home!

29. Pasir Ris Park is probably on par with West Coast Park in terms of fun factor.

But it had been eons since we were last there actually. So maybe it's time to head down there to refresh our memories!

Our fun time at Pasir Ris Park 3 years ago (yes, it has been that long!) : http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2008/02/park-n-ride.html


30. Climb some more spiderweb-like structures, complete with rope bridges, at Woodlands Waterfront.

Yup, that is probably the main attraction of the park, which we have of course reviewed: http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2011/11/woodlands-waterfront.html

Oh, and maybe getting a Maxis or Celcom signal from nearby Johor Bahru too. Heh.


31. Climb through a choo-choo train at Tiong Bahru Park.

Yet another park we haven't been back since 2.5 years ago (http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2009/03/train-park.html), the train (with its sloping interior) has got to be the star attraction of the park.


If scenic views are more your thing, then these parks will make you want to frame up those views and bring them home.

32. Punggol Promenade is the perfect place for kids to run, cycle or in our case - scoot around!

The 5-km long waterfront promenade links up to the Lorong Halus Wetland via a bridge. And if you want to learn more about the different types of plants, birds or other wildlfe, this biodiversity haven is the perfect place.

Yup, we certainly enjoyed our time there: http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2011/04/punggol-promenade-playtime.html

And we will be sure to be back very soon because of the next attraction.


33. Punggol Waterway, that's what.

Illustration from ST

Billed as the 'Venice of Punngol', this man-made waterway is the newest waterfront front attraction. No photos yet though, because we have yet to go down. But it will definitely be soon! Erm, I hope?


34. Go on a Fruit Tree Trail at Sengkang Riverside Park.

Unique to the Park, the Fruit Tree Trail consists of 16 different types of fruits like the starfruit, chiku, pineapple and dragonfruits. Also, you can spot lots of mangrove birds at the Wetland which serves as a wildlife habitat.

We haven't been there before, but you can get more information here:
http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=parks&id=84&Itemid=73


35. Go trail-trekking at the Dairy Farm Nature Park.

Go on either one of the 2 recommended trails - one takes you through the flora & fauna to the Singapore Quarry while the other is relatively easier for kids as it meanders through secondary jungle to the Wallace Education Centre. The Centre was formerly a cowshed but is now converted to an interpretive centre with exhibits detailing the changing landscapes of the Dairy Farm.

Get more details from our previous trip there: http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2009/10/no-cows-at-diary-farm.html


36. The Singapore Botanical Gardens certainly needs no introduction.

Map courtesy of www.sbg.org.sg

Whether it is to visit the Ginger Garden, National Orchid Garden, the newly-opened Healing Garden, or just simply to feed the swans, tortoises & fishes, there is simply something for everyone of all ages. Click here: http://www.sbg.org.sg/calendar/calendar.asp?sMonth=12&sYear=2011 for a list on upcoming events in December 2011.


37. Get a glimpse of the next Botanical Gardens at Gardens By The Bay - Bay East.

The rest of the Gardens isn't opened yet, but for now the Bay East which is based on the theme of water, is opened to public.

Along its 2km-long waterfront promenade, enjoy the serenity away from the city with its wide-open lawns, swaying palm trees and waist-high shrubs. Did we mention it's a perfect spot for cycling and scooting too? Looks like we have to pay it a visit soon!

For more information, click here: http://www.gardensbythebay.org.sg/attractions/bay-east.php


38. Or how about a park that isn't exactly a park - The Road Safety Park.

This place certainly brought back lots of childhood memories for Daddy & Mummy because they used to have school excursions here so that children are able to pick up basic traffic regulations.

Now, it has ceased its original purpose and instead, is open to the public. And it is a place where we love to bring our scooters to as well - http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2010/11/safety-on-roads.html!

Address: 910 East Coast Park Service Road, Singapore 449889


Let's balance all those outdoor activities with some INDOOR time, shall we? And one that does mix fun and learning together well is the SCIENCE CENTRE.

39. Roar and Roam with the Dinosaurs in the Dinosaurs Live! Exhibition.

See almost 50 dinosaurs come to life in a prehistoric adventure that will no doubt thrill dinosaurs-crazy kids to bits! Click on the picture below to view more highlights of the exhibition.

Be sure to download the Dinos Live! app if you have an iPhone. You can view augmented reality 3D dinosaurs come alive on your phone when you come across certain posters in the exhibition.

Exhibition Dates: 21 Oct 2011 to 26 Feb 2012
Location: Annexe, Science Centre
Admission Charges: Click here
For more information: http://www.science.edu.sg/exhibitions/Pages/dinolive.aspx


40. Time to go hands-on with present day items after all the prehistoric experience at Common Spaces @ Science Centre.

Targeting children between 18 months to 6 years old, Common Spaces is a hands-on programme designed specifically to engage the children's imagination and creative thinking; while incorporating the learning of maths, science and arts.

Check out our recent experience there at http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2011/11/common-spaces-science-centre.html.

Location: Omni Theatre Podium, Science Centre
Time: 10.30am to 5.30pm
Charges: $9 for child, $4 for adult
For more information: http://www.makebelieve.sg/


41. Stargazing at the Omni Theatre sounds like a pretty good idea to kick-start a child's interest in astronomy.

Every Friday night, the Observatory is open to the public for a night of stargazing. Different planets are visible at different times of the year. And for November, the planets Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune are visible while in December, the planets Venus, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune can be seen.

Ooh, sounds fun doesn't it? And friendly Science Centre staff will be on duty to operate the telescopes, give explanations and point out objects in the sky too.

Dates: 18 Nov - 30 Dec (Every FRIDAY night)
Time: 7.50pm to 10pm
Charges: FREE
Click here for more information and for a list of FAQs, click here: http://www.science.edu.sg/events/Pages/Stargazingfaq.aspx


42. Or if Jurong is a tad too far, there is always the Science in the Mall event - and this time it's happening at Funan DigitaLife Mall!

Science in the Mall by the Science Centre brings exhibits, science performances, demonstrations and hands-on activities to the heartland malls during the school holidays. And for this school holidays, it will be happening from 21-27 Nov at the Funan DigitaLife Mall.

For more details regarding the various shows and games timings, click here: http://scienceinthemall.sg/tech_fun/index.php/site/page?view=tech-fun


Looking for all-out FUN and want it to come packaged nicely together like a Happy Meal? Then SENTOSA is the place to be.

43. Needless to say, Universal Studios Singapore tops the list of attractions in Sentosa.

I don't think I need to open my mouth to tell you more about it, right?

Hee. Read more about our fun here: http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2010/04/universal-studios-singapore-were-back.html or visit USS' website for more details.


44. Ride like the wind on the Sentosa Luge.

I may look terrified, but I wasn't. Really.  In fact, I recently lamented it had been far too long (http://cheekiemonkie.blogspot.com/2009/04/what-goes-up-must-come-down.html) that I had been on it! Somemore, a new Dragon Trail has recently opened!

For more details regarding pricing, click here: http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/attractions/imbiah-lookout/sentosa-luge-skyride/

*Useful info - Minimum height of 85cm for a child, to ride with an adult. To ride alone, a child must be at least 6 years old and 110 cm or taller.


45. Or better yet, ride the waves at the Wave House.

Enjoy the thrills and spills of flowriding at the Wave House! Kids can start off with the Double Flowrider, which is for beginners as the waves generated are safer and non-curling. We love the sound of that already! And this has always been on our to-do list as well.

For more information and pricing, click here: http://www.wavehousesentosa.com/flowrider

*Useful info - Minimum height of 107cm to bodyboard on the Flowrider, while a minimun of 135cm is required to stand up on the Flowrider.


46. After riding like the wind and on waves, how about going iFly-ing?

Experience the thrill of skydiving at iFly Singapore, the world's first largest themed wind tunnel for indoor skydiving. Sounds cool! Yet another on our to-do list... when we REACH the minimum age requirement, that is. :P

More info available here: http://www.iflysingapore.com/main.html

*Useful info - Minimum age to fly is 7 years old.


47. After all that amount of fun, learn some water safety at the Beach Safety First! event.

Join the Beach Patrol Team on the last Saturday of every month at Palawan and Siloso Beaches to learn the ropes of staying safe in, on and around the water. Event is free of charge.

Dates: 26 Nov, 31 Dec
Time: 1pm & 3pm
Venue: Siloso Beach (1pm) and Palawan Beach (3pm)


48. Have some good old fashioned sand castling fun at the Sandy Good Times.

If you ever wanted to build more than just a sandcastle, professional sand sculptors will be on hand at Palawan Beach every Saturday between 10am to 4pm to teach new sculpting techniques and skills.

Else, just a beachdate out with the kids will no doubt be a crowd pleaser too!


49. Of course, there are the usual attractions like the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom, Sentosa 4D Magix, Sentosa Cineblast, Songs of the Sea, Cable Car, Underwater World and Tiger Sky Tower to entice the kids as well.


50. And to round up Part 2 of the list, go all wacky and arty at the Playeum's The Big Draw.

In its 3rd successful year, join this international movement to promote drawing and days of wacky fun and learning. Create and build outstanding exhibits of your own or do it with your loved ones. You don’t even have to know how to hold a pencil!

Fantastical Creatures Go Wild
Go wild and immerse in a wide range of art activities to create and build outstanding exhibits of your own, unleash your imagination and create your very own unique creatures. Be inspired by nature and be inspired by our artists.

Venue: Singapore Zoo
Date: 19 Nov 2011, Saturday
Time: 10am – 5pm (*Usual admission fees apply)

Little Creators
What do you see as you move about daily? Do you have a wish in your heart to be creative? Or what if you could create your own funny insects? Light up your imagination in the most amazing ways and in the most magical spaces.

Venue: West Coast Park
Date: 26 Nov 2011, Saturday
Time: 10am – 5pm

For more information, please visit http://www.playeum.com/current-events/the-big-draw-2011/

We are halfway there!!! Will Daddy ever make it to #100?