20 Activities for Kids this Easter Long Weekend 2016

Nothing like a long weekend to cushion the dread of the new school term. So if you are looking for something fun to do with the family, here are 20 suggestions to make the Good Friday long weekend a fruitful one!

Tanjong Pagar Railway Station Open House

25 Mar 2016; 9am - 6pm

Tanjong Pagar Railway Station

Free Admission

The old railway station at Tanjong Pagar opens its doors this Good Friday. The public can enter the railway station using the main entrance along Keppel Road or through the side entrance along Spottiswoode Park Road.

In addition, a 90's themed art market with over 100 art, retail and food stalls organised by The Local People will be held from 3pm to showcase crafts made by local young artists. Highlights include movie screenings within the indoor portion of the station, digital art installations around the platform and musicians doing covers of 90s music.

Pet Expo 2016

25 - 27 Mar 2016; 11am - 8pm daily

Singapore Expo Hall 7

$4 per day | $10 for 3-day pass | FREE for kids under 12

This year, Pet Expo 2016 aims to provide the platform for pet lovers and owners to engage in and learn about sport activities which will promote the growth and health of their pets. Consumers can also look forward to a series of informative seminars, educational workshops and entertaining contests and competitions organised to bring the pet community together on a fun-filled learning journey towards pet ownership. For more information, visit petexposg.com.

Meera’s Adventures

25 - 27 Mar 2016; 1pm & 3pm (30 mins per session)

PIP's PLAYbox, Level 4, The Esplanade

Free Admission

Known as the festival of colours or the festival of love, Holi is a spring festival widely celebrated in many parts of India and South Asia. It signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring and the end of winter, and is for many a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair ruptured relationships. Join Grace in the PLAYbox as she tells you tales about love and family before and during this festival of colours.

Sentosa Egg Fiesta - Garden Edition

25 – 27 Mar 2016; 10am – 3pm

Palawan Beach, Sentosa

FREE (Island admission applies)

Bring your family down to Sentosa and experience the magic of Easter! Wander through the whimsical Easter Garden, where you can snap photos with our colourful giant Easter eggs, and indulge in mystical encounters with faeries and bunny characters. And don’t forget to partake in fun-filled activities like egg painting and bunny photo prop making as well!

Let’s Play Holi

26 Mar 2016; 4.30pm - 6.30pm

The Esplanade, Lawn

Free Admission

Indian communities all over the world gather on Holi each year to throw colour at each other in celebration of the spring festival. Over the years, it has become the most important and highly-anticipated component of the festival. Bring your family and friends to join in the fun at this color-throwing activity at the Lawn, where DJ Milan spins the latest Bollywood numbers, accompanied by the Singapore Dhol Federation with their percussive beats.

A Victorian Musical Evening @ Botanic Gardens

26 Mar 2016; 5.30pm - 6.45pm

Singapore Botanic Gardens, Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage

Free Admission

Join Victoria School Concert Band and Victoria Junior College Symphonic Band as they present to you an evening of captivating music. Under the baton of Conductors Mr David Wong and Mr Adrian Chiang, the bands will perform a series of entertaining pieces, such as "Adele in Concert" medley and the theme music from the action movie "Mission: Impossible" featuring Tom Cruise.

Car-Free Sunday SG

27 Mar 2016; 7am onwards

Padang and surrounding area

FREE

On every last Sunday of the month, the Civic and Central Business District will be transformed into a cycle-friendly, walkable and activity-filled public space with something for everyone as roads around the Padang, together with Fullerton Road, will be fully closed to vehicles from 7am onwards. The streets will come alive for families, joggers and cyclists who can look forward to activities ranging from fitness group exercises, kid-friendly activities to a breakfast picnic. For full details on the list of activities and timings, visit HERE.

For families with kids, head to the Kids’ Zone at Esplanade Park (Heroes Lawn), 7.30am to 7pm, where a host of family activities await. Enjoy street performances by buskers and activities by mime artist and balloon sculptor at Connaught Drive, Esplanade Park and Empress Place. In celebration of Easter Day, children will get to paint Easter eggs and bring them home! There will also be family-friendly activities such as sketching, plant propagation, and bouncy castles as well.

Blossom Beats Floral Display

Now until 27 Mar 2016; 9am - 9pm daily

Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay

Admission charges apply

Be captivated by beautiful blossoms all around! This March, step into a garden of pastel blooms with our experimental floral display. Featuring a variety of blossoms that include the Cherry (Sakura) and Peach, this display spans just over two weeks and celebrates the delicate nature of life. Admire the fleeting beauty of these flowers amidst a traditional Japanese garden setting, complete with Torii gate, bonsai arrangements, and the rousing beats of Taiko drums.

i Light Marina Bay

Now until 27 March 2016

7.30pm to 11pm daily, with an extension to 12mn on Fridays and Saturdays

Marina Bay waterfront promenade

FREE Admission

Over the next 3 weeks, the Marina Bay waterfront transforms into a colourful outdoor spectacle as i Light Marina Bay 2016 returns for its fourth edition. From 4 to 27 March 2016, a whopping 25 sustainable light art installations will dot and light up the areas around the Promontory @ Marina Bay, the Marina Bay waterfront promenade and the Float @ Marina Bay. There will be tons of other fringe events too - like an Uncle Ringo Carnival! - but just strolling through the installations is going to be a treat for the whole family. Read my detailed post on the event for family-friendly activities!

Arts In Your Neighbourhood 2016

Now until 27 Mar 2016; Various timings

Various locations

FREE

The Arts in Your Neighbourhood (AYN) programme is back again this March bringing you enriching arts experiences at your doorsteps. Packed with entertaining, fun and interactive performances and activities over 3 weeks in March, AYN is a great way for everyone to experience the arts in your very own neighbourhood, whether you are catching an arts performance for the first time or a seasoned arts-goer. This weekend's highlights include:

Stories Under the Stars by ACT 3 Theatrics
26 Mar 2016 | 2pm | Woodlands Regional Library | FREE
Bond with your child over stirring tales of Singapore’s rich history and be merrily entertained in this storytelling and craft session, Stories under the Stars.

Rojak Rendezvous by KULCHA
26 Mar 2016 | 7.30pm | Tanglin Halt (Blk 88) | FREE
Go on a rendezvous with KULCHA as they bring you a ‘rojak’ of popular tunes and original compositions through a wonderful concoction of music combining eastern and western instruments that will promise to leave you with a pleasing earwig. Join in the fun during the interactive segment where audiences will be introduced to the basics of playing the Angklung, in harmony with the band.

Cinema’hood by Objectifs
27 Mar 2016 | 7pm | Toa Payoh Amphitheatre | FREE
Relive moments of yesteryears catching films in neighbourhood open spaces with popcorn in hand at Cinema’Hood and bring the entire family.

Sports Game Carnival

Now until 27 Mar 2016; 12pm - 10pm

Changi City Point, Open Plaza, Level 1

Step right up for a day of thrills and spills! The Sports Game Carnival is packed with fun, interactive activities for all ages, including an inflatable rock wall, battery go kart, water drum walker and sports-inspired game booths. Come and get your ticket to this festival of sports and get your adrenaline pumping! Simply spend $20 and receive a ticket to enjoy the games/rides at the carnival.

Chingay 2016 @ Heartlands

26 & 27 Mar 2016, Various timings

Various locations

FREE

Nee Soon GRC (Central)

Venue : Field in front of Yishun Community Hospital

Date: Saturday, 26 March 2016

Time: 4.00pm - 9.30pm

Jalan Besar GRC

Venue : Road outside Geylang West CC

Date: Sunday, 27 March 2016

Time: 6.30pm - 9.30pm

Sentosa Merlion Magic Lights

Now until 31 Mar 2016; 7.45pm, 8.15pm & 8.45pm

(additional shows at 9.45pm and 10.15pm during weekends, eve of PH and PH) 

Merlion Plaza, Sentosa

FREE (Sentosa Admission applies)

Get ready to be amazed as the Sentosa Merlion comes alive in March, in a spectacular 3D display of video, light and sound show every evening!

The Great American Vacation

Now until 3 Apr 2016; 12pm - 11pm daily

Changi Airport T3

Free Admission

Head down to Changi Airport Terminal 3 to experience a special showcase packed with star-spangled family fun and travel deals! With numerous activities to try out, the event will be held at two different locations at Terminal 3.

Lil' Carnival (Carnival Rides)
25 – 27 March and 2 - 3 April 2016 | 12pm to 11pm
Carousel - Terminal 3, Public, Departure Hall Level 2 (Immigration Area)
Galloping Horses and Train Ride - Terminal 3, Public, Basement 2 (Opposite Kopitiam)
Let the little ones go wild with joy with 3 different carnival rides!

*A minimum spend of S$60 in a maximum of two (2) same-day receipts (S$40 for Changi Rewards members and Kids Pass holders, S$80 for all supermarket purchases) is required to redeem one (1) carousel ride pass, one (1) kiddy train ride and one (1) galloping horse ride. Each activity pass admits up to two (2) persons for a single play session.

Celebrate the Carnival Spirit
25 – 27 March and 2 - 3 April 2016
Treat yourself to some carnival fun with free candy floss and popcorns, face painting, balloon sculpting, and California cheese sampling.

Activities available at Terminal 3, Public, Departure Hall Level 2 (Immigration Area):
Free candy floss and popcorns (3 - 5pm)
Balloon sculpting is available (7 - 9pm)
California cheese sampling (12 – 9pm)

Activities available at Terminal 3, Public, Basement 2 (Opposite Kopitiam):
Face painting (12 – 11pm)

The Art of Speed

Now until 3 April 2016; 10am - 6pm (Tues - Sun)

Playeum's Children’s Centre for Creativity

(Blk 47, Malan Road, Gillman Barracks, #01-23, Singapore 109444)

Child (1-12): $20 | Accompanying adult: Free | Additional accompanying adult: $10

Read the monkies' experience here: www.cheekiemonkie.net/2015/09/playeum-art-of-speed-children-centre-for-creativity.html

Jump For Joy Carnival

Now until 10 Apr 2016

Mon - Fri 5pm – 10pm | Sat, Sun & PH 12pm – 10pm

City Square Mall, Level 1 City Green (Outdoor Park)

$4 per ticket | $20 for bundle of 6 tickets

For those that enjoy some outdoor fun, head outside to City Green park! Reach for the skies on the bungee, or bounce around and make new friends in the inflatables at the park.

Easter Eggstravaganza at Universal Studios Singapore

Now until 17 Apr 2016

Adult $79 | Child $59 | Senior $41

Experience fun at Universal Studios Singapore's Easter Eggstravaganza featuring your favourite rides, live entertainment and festive characters. Highlights include live shows like "An UnEggspected Wedding" and a special egg hunt with an exclusive Minion Easter Egg treat. Plus, top up a little eggstra to enjoy the Easter buffet lunch and get up close and personal with the Madagascar characters!

Egg Hunt
Embark on an Eggs-ploration to find the Easter Eggs in the park and receive an exclusive Minion Easter Egg when you complete the Hunt.

Eggciting Live Shows And Street Acts
- Witness Egg Lord and his entourage in the ‘An unEGGspected Wedding’ show at Pantages Theatre.
- Watch out for The ‘Sunlight EGGspress’ gang at the Parade and as they skate through New York passing beads to guests.
- Watch Puss in Boots and Kitty Softpaws flaunt their feline flamenco moves at The Dance for the Magic Beans Show. Don’t miss Easter-themed surprises throughout the show!

- Enjoy Easter-themed Projection Mapping at New York Public Library

Ocean Eggsploration

Now until 17 Apr 2016

Admission Fees apply

Celebrate Easter at S.E.A. Aquarium with festive activities and colourful experiences that everyone in the family will enjoy. Take pictures with the Easter decorations, embark on the Eggtopus Eggtivity Trail, find out what colourful wonders the SEAcret Garden holds, plus more!

Underwater Easter Bunny Appearance
Time: 11am – Open Ocean Habitat | 2pm – Open Ocean Habitat | 4pm – Shipwreck Habitat
Catch the underwater Easter Bunny as he distributes Easter eggs to his fishy friends from 12 Mar to 3 Apr. *Weekends and public holiday only

Eggsuberant Easter decor
A riot of colours are overtaking the aquarium as we litter Easter Eggs in the habitats, dress up our divers and staff members with bunny ears, and decorate our spaces with twinkling Easter lights.

Eggtopus Easter Trail
The hero of our Easter celebrations, the Eggtopus, has hidden 12 eggs in our aquarium - can you and your kids find them all? A little token will be given for those who complete the Trail!

SEAcret Garden
Enter this fantastical realm to be overwhelmed by multi-hued decorations and displays teeming with colourful fish! Kids will love the Eggtivity Area where they will get to make their own Eggtopus crafts!

Manta Mascot Meet & Greet
Time: 2.45pm – Open Ocean Dome | 3.45pm – Open Ocean Dome
Kids (and the kid in you) will enjoy meeting our cute and friendly Manta Ray mascot and taking pictures with it! And don't forget to give it a hug while you're at it!

The Great Egg-Venture at Sentosa HarbourFront Precinct

Now until 17 Apr 2016

Across Sentosa HarbourFront

Gather your family and friends and join in on Singapore's biggest egg hunt! Search for giant Easter eggs that are hidden across Mount Faber, Harbourfront and Sentosa, and stand a chance to win great prizes! On top of a Grand Draw, participants can also stand to win attractive prizes every week, including shopping and dining vouchers, hotel stays, attraction tickets and more. Visit www.thegreateggventure.com for more details.

With Love from Snoopy, Charlie Brown & the Peanuts Gang Exhibition

Now until 30 April 2016; 10am - 7pm daily

Singapore Philatelic Museum

FREE Admission for Singapore Citizens & PRs | Others: Adult $6 & Child: $4

Join Snoopy, Charlie Brown and friends from the Peanuts Comic Strip in sending your love through letters, postcards and greeting cards. Letter writing and postal themes are commonly featured in the comic strips. They are also popular themes on postage stamps. View rare stamp artworks, stamps and first day covers issued by Portugal, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, USA, Japan, Australia and Hong Kong. Learn about the creator Charles Schulz and his creation of these famous characters – Charlie Brown and his sister Sally Brown, Snoopy his famous beagle, and his friends Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Woodstock, Pigpen, Franklin, Peppermint Patty and Marcie. Also on display are comic strips and collectibles on loan from private collectors, Charlie Brown Café, and Mint Museum of Toys.