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Trick, treat or thrills

From racing against time in a scavenger hunt to surviving horror-themed escape games, HomeTeamNS members enjoyed a scarily good time during Halloween.

TEXT: ADLINA ADAM
PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS

SPOOKY LANE OF FITNESS, TRICK OR TREAT AT HOMETEAMNS-JOM BALESTIER

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Over the Halloween weekend on October 30 and 31, 478 HomeTeamNS members dropped by HomeTeamNS-JOM Balestier to participate in exciting activities with their families. From Gho-st Hunting to the Spooky Lane of Fitness, Trick or Treat, participants gave themselves a good scare before going home with bags full of treats and big smiles on their faces.

Spooky Lane of Fitness, Trick or Treat

Spanning 20 meters, participants conquered different stations filled with tricks and activities. Along the way, they came face-to-face with ghoulish Halloween favourites, including Dracula, Skull, Mummy and Jack-O-Lantern.

Participants tackled challenges such as collecting items for the Witch’s brew with a pair of chopsticks at the fastest speed possible, breaking Dracula’s Dra-Code using mathematics, conquering Jack-O-Lantern’s agility ladder drills, and counting the number of eyeballs in the jars for Skull. After completing all the stations, participants were rewarded with sweet treats to take home.

Let’s Gho-st Hunting

There was indeed something strange in the neighbourhood! Participants navigated the Spooky Lanes to find Halloween creatures that had gone into hiding. To find the creatures, participants scanned QR Codes on hidden posters. With the discoveries, they gained chances to enter the District Lucky Draw. Prizes included sports bags and towels.

SPOOKTOBER AT HOMETEAMNS KHATIB

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As for HomeTeamNS Khatib, members lived their scary movie moments through a series of fearsome horror stories, dressed up in their best ghastly costumes, and ventured out on a scavenger hunt from October 22 to 31.

The 5 Stories of Horror

At allocated timeslots between October 22 and 31, some 142 participants worked under pressure to solve five horror mystery stories at HomeTeamNS Khatib – Walk-of-Dead, Haunted Toy Museum, Dr Jekyll’s Lair, Wacky Warehouse, and Circus Comes Alive. Grouped in pairs, they received a survival guide that included ground rules and the synopsis of the stories. Participants were given 15 minutes to solve a task at each venue, before moving on to the next story.

CarnEVIL
 

616 members and their loved ones had a fang-tastic time at the CarnEVIL! Consisting of four game booths – “Bewitched Ring Toss”, “Skeleton High-Fives”, “Feed the Pumpkins” and “Ghoul-in-One”, participants were on roll as they collected stamps on their spooky passes and redeemed some prizes and popcorn!

To snazz up the carnival vibe, families were dressed up in their best ghastly costumes and strutted down the EVIL Runway, and even went trick-or-treating with the clubhouse’s popular mascots. 

Terrorfic Hunt

Parents and their children raised their hunting skills to new heights as they scrambled through all 5-storeys of HomeTeamNS Khatib during the Terrorfic Hunt! In this digital scavenger hunt, participants searched for hidden clues and discovered a secret message at each checkpoint. At the end of the hunt, they were treated to a Boo! Bag of all things Halloween such as chocolates and candies!

 

SCAVENGER HUNT AT HOMETEAMNS BUKIT BATOK

A scavenger hunt was held at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok between October 25 and 31, with 158 participants taking part. Members had to scout for a list of hidden items such as mummies, pumpkins, candy corns and witches to redeem an ice-cream that was stolen from the Witch before Halloween.

For the latest updates on HomeTeamNS events and activities, subscribe to our newsletter, visit our website or official Facebook page .

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Lifestyle

School’s out — but these places and activities are in!

Running out of places to visit in our Little Red Dot during the year-end holidays? Then it’s time to check out these kid-friendly attractions.

TEXT: MORGAN AWYONG
PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS, SHUTTERSTOCK

With options for overseas trips still fairly limited, planning for family activities for the year-end may seem a little daunting. Why not be a tourist in your own country — you’d be surprised at the possibilities our own little island still has to offer. This is especially true now, as local operators have dug deep to come up with new activities to spice up familiar venues.

Here are ideas for you to drop into your calendar, to keep your end-of-year programme just as exciting and safe.

COMBINE WITS FOR A JEWEL HEIST

Find out who’s the brains in the family with this adventure at Changi Jewel. Set off on a three-hour mission in cool air-conditioned comfort, solving puzzles in the dazzling mall while seeing the iconic building in a new light.

Work together to solve clues and see if you can get away with the prizes. There’s now even a Burger King edition which includes a free T-shirt for each participant, and a special grand mystery prize too!

ANOTHER WAY TO SIGHTSEE WITH PLANES

Taking to the skies may still be off the cards for many, but you can still get your fill of aircraft with private hangar tour at Seletar Airport.

Stretch those limbs and spread those wings. Okay, so you may not be flying to a holiday somewhere but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get up close to planes. Explore another side to Seletar with an award-winning private hangar tour with Xperience DMC, and enjoy a guided tour filled with nuggets of information of this area’s Royal Air Force history.

Don’t miss the photo-op seated inside a propeller plane and drinks at the Aviator’s Lounge while overlooking the Seletar Airport runway. And if you’re still raring to learn more, visit Jewel’s Changi Experience Studio for more experiential exhibits of our famous airport. Compete in a virtual runway race against a Boeing 747 and play games to win actual discounts at the gift shop.

A FANTASTIC WAY TO FARM

Let the kids understand where their food comes from, while inculcating sustainable mindsets with a trip to an urban rooftop farm by Ugly Food. The initiative hopes to cut food waste by extolling the virtues of surplus produce and what the organisers call “optically challenged fruits and vegetables”.

Growing up in a city environment has removed us from the source of our food, and this eye-opening visit will foster a greater appreciation for those greens they might not have wanted to eat previously! End off by juicing and making sorbet from said “ugly food” at the end to let us realise that they taste just as good.

But if wildlife is more your thing, try the Kranji Farm Tour. This programme takes you to Hay Dairies to meet goats, Jurong Frog Farm for some close encounters with the misunderstood amphibians, and the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve to check out some of the world’s rarest mangroves, indigenous wildlife and migratory birds.

A PLAYGROUND FOR ALL AGES

Adventure HQ at HomeTeamNS Khatib goes big with attractions that include Singapore’s first indoor Roll Glider, 165m-long indoor artificial caves and the country’s longest indoor Firemen slide at 14m.

The phrase “Go big or go home” may have been in reference to the playgrounds at HomeTeamNS. Adventure HQ at HomeTeamNS Khatib is the biggest of the lot — 2,800sqm in size  — and is home to Singapore’s first indoor Roll Glider, 165m-long indoor artificial caves and the country’s longest indoor Firemen slide at 14m. It’s so big and offers so many different activities that the entire family can easily find a station that suits them.

Alternatively, HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok holds its own with PlayPen, featuring game rooms for rent and Laser Quest for sharpshooters. The younger ones will also love T-play, an augmented playground themed to delight with transportation designs. Residents in the East can head to the structures at Clip ‘N Climb in Tampines. You and your kids will challenge colourful obstacles of varying difficulties, and the imaginative terrain is a treat for all.

CONQUER, CHALLENGE AND COMPETE

If your energetic kids are always bouncing off the walls, then a trip to Nerf Action Xperience (NAX) might be just what they need. With obstacles and activities that will challenge all their faculties, NAX, promises not to disappoint. Highlights include a large obstacle arena to test strength, coordination and courage, as well as stations to train agility, precision and creativity.

Younger kids who love to just play should visit Waka Waka. The safari-themed playland is at Furama RiverFront and a great spot for parents — while the children tire themselves out in the space, mum and dad can have a leisurely buffet at the nearby hotel’s lobby.

PACK YOUR OWN LUNCH

Whether you're signing up for a class or taking the DIY route, making cute bento meals is one way to inspire picky eaters to eat their vegetables.

If the kids are either a little picky with their food, or love to create with their hands, why not try out some Cute Bento Making in a private class? Led by insta-bento-famous @simletseat, you’ll pick up skills that will ensure lunches will never be boring again.

The class uses basic kitchen tools to create the cutest characters, and includes S$40 You Tiao Man e-vouchers to buy ingredients for your next attempt. The creations here are so cheeky, even fussy eaters won’t be able to resist their new food friends.

MAKE LEARNING COOL AGAIN

An ever-popular destination for school excursions, the iconic Science Centre, is home to various halls of immersive presentations and interactive exhibits.

Find mind-boggling themed mazes filled with lasers and mirrors or evoke some sympathy from your children at the aging booths as they watch themselves grow old on screens. Topical themes ranging from Da Vinci to dinosaurs make learning extra engaging and visual. Choose from one of the many nearby extensions to end your visit.

The outdoor Ecogarden is a living laboratory of insects and plants, while the Kinetic Garden applies physics principles in an open playground. For something totally refreshing, pick an arctic visit to Snow City just next door for a chance to slide down icy slopes, clash in bumper cars or just build a snowman.

Need more ideas for family-friendly activities? We’ve got you covered. For the latest updates on HomeTeamNS events and activities, subscribe to our newsletter, visit our website or official Facebook page .

Categories
Lifestyle

On the hunt for great staycation spots in Singapore

Bigger rooms? Play pools? Babysitting services? Yes please.

TEXT: MORGAN AWYONG
PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS, SHUTTERSTOCK

Planning a staycation for the family requires that a few extra boxes be checked. With a larger group that prefers to stay together — and lots of energy waiting to be expended — parents are looking out for features that ensure kids will be comfortable, safe and engaged. Most hotels cater more to solo and couple guests, but with the prolonged pandemic and staycations now the new norm, many are including more family-friendly features and itineraries.

Here are a few noteworthy options to start.

SUN, SAND, SEA

For an island-hopping escape, look no further than the swanky Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, equipped with the balmy beach vibes. Singapore’s only beachfront resort offers views of the sea, pools, hills or gardens.

The establishment also boasts dedicated pools for adults and children for a splashing good time. Kids even get three water slides and a splash pad for some safe fun. Children can even visit nearby Nestopia – an outdoor space with 17 sections of play. Younger ones can also opt for the hotel’s own Cool Zone kids club. Pack in that Sentosa adventure with their many packages or start with a choice of rooms from S$425.

FAMILY BUSINESS

When we think of staycations, serviced apartments may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but there are a lot of reasons why they make sense for a family. The larger square footage of these units with compartmentalised areas are superb for offering enough privacy even in the same space. Plus, the in-room amenities such as kitchenettes and washers mean even long stays are welcome.

Oakwood Premier AMTD, located in the heart of the CBD, boasts all of the above as well as spectacular views of the port and neighbouring islands when you stay in their Premier rooms. The Family Together package allows you to customise meals, so you needn’t worry about dining separately when out. Whether it’s to cook up a storm or to enjoy some laps in the infinity pool, it’s a luxurious home away from home, with the bonus of attentive staff on-premises 24/7. Rates from S$260.

BAYFRONT BONANZA

The Mandarin Oriental's massive pool offers stunning views of Marina Bay and the Central Business District.

The only thing better than a pool, is a bigger pool. And the Mandarin Oriental has a massive one, with stone fountains, swaying palms, private cabanas and a view of the Marina Bay. This also means that safe-distancing limits are more generous, giving your family a chance to spend more time in the water.

It’s also located near family attractions like the ArtScience Museum, Kidztopia and Nerf Action Xperience to help fill up that itinerary. The hotel is offering a package that includes tickets to the first two with daily breakfast for four, rollaway beds and a late checkout too. Rates for rooms looking at the bay area start from S$359, and suites are going at a steal with their one-for-one offers.

A WALK IN THE PARK

A stay at Goodwood Park Hotel, a heritage property, transports you back in time. Built in 1900 as an elite club, the estate features Dutch, French and English influences in its different wings.

The Deluxe Poolside room and newly-refurbished Pool Suites are delightful as they lead directly to the Balinese-inspired Mayfair pool – perfect for water babies. If not, try out their variant of Squid Game with the quirky Sotong Game package. If you’re looking for an escape, check out this exclusive package for HomeTeamNS members that includes a complimentary upgrade, free breakfast for two, and a 1-for-1 Spa Rael voucher for that completes the holiday vibe.

CROWN JEWEL

You may feel that you’re missing out on a legitimate holiday experience because you’re not heading to the airport with packed bags. YotelAir begs to differ. Located in the iconic Changi Jewel, an overnighter at this easterly destination gives you the privilege of staying late past the crowds to enjoy a different side of the mall.

With over 280 shops, the premises is an all-inclusive venue, with attractions such the Walking and Bouncing Nets and enough retail shops to occupy your day. Adults can even drop off the kids (from seven to twelve years of age) at the exclusive Wilderness Explorer programme. Let them make ecological discoveries as you claim some time at a spa or watch a movie. Pick the family room for four, including a bunk bed for the kids from only S$220. 

YOUR SECOND HOME

Some of us have fond memories of holiday chalets. The HomeTeamNS Villas at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok offer plenty of space in each two-storey unit – enough for large families to engage in their favourite activities, like binging on their favourite shows or playing a few rounds on the X-box game console that’s in each chalet. Set in a lush private environment, you’ll also want to strike up the chance to have a barbecue with your own allocated pits. Rates start from S$210.

If tiring out little ones is the name of the game, staycationers can hit the clubhouse’s futsal courts, “shoot” their loved ones in a game of laser tag at the Laser Quest arena and have a ball of a time at the T-Play playground, to name just a few activities.

ONE-STOP URBAN HANGOUT SPOT

If you prefer a “daycation”, HomeTeamNS Khatib’s ManCaves are another option to celebrate that special occasion – or enjoy a quick escape – subject to the prevailing safe-distancing guidelines. Play console and board games, blast your favourite tunes over the high-quality sound system, relax in air-conditioned comfort, and enjoy the private BBQ patio with every Mancave booking.

Need a comfortable and spacious location to get some work done? Stay productive with the Work-from-Mancave promotion for only $60 per day. Make your bookings for weekday slots till 31 March 2022 here.

Hang out with HomeTeamNS today! Find out more about HomeTeamNS members’ deals and treats.

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