To avoid a week spent staring at screens, take the young ones on a journey of discovery around Singapore.
PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS, SHUTTERSTOCK, HAY DAIRIES
TEXT: MELODY TAN
The one-week school holidays in March can feel neither here nor there – too short to make travelling outside the region feel worthwhile, yet too long to spend doing nothing.
Luckily, there’s plenty to do in Singapore. Play tourist for a day and take your little ones out for a leisurely picnic, unlock their scientific minds with enriching activities, or give them a taste of farm life. With so much fun on the cards, this short break just might prove one of the highlights of your family’s year yet.
1. EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Ever heard of the Gen Z phrase “go touch some grass”? Used to imply that someone is spending too much time online and is hence out of touch with reality, it’s the perfect antidote to screen addiction.
Take your kids to the sprawling Marina Barrage for a DIY picnic on real grass and let their imaginations soar as they fly kites against the backdrop of the city skyline or engage in a friendly game of tag.
If the weather proves too humid, retreat to the Sustainable Singapore Gallery on the second floor for an interactive learning hour about Singapore’s sustainability journey and the impact of climate change on our island.
Venue: 8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951
Operating hours: Marina Barrage – 24 hours, daily; Sustainable Singapore Gallery – 9am to 6pm daily, except Tuesdays
2. DISCOVER SOME FARMYARD FUN
You don’t have to fly out of Singapore to experience farm life. Hay Dairies Goat Farm offers tours of its premises, including an up-close milking demonstration – in which the goats show off their very Singaporean ability to queue up in an orderly manner – and an opportunity to feed these animals with alfalfa hay.
You can also opt for a free-and-easy exploration of the farm and purchase fresh goat’s milk before heading home. It’s a great experience for kids whose prior encounters with animals may be limited to their own pets. Pro-tip: Arrive early at 9am to catch the milking session.
Venue: 250 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 719866
Operating hours: 9am to 4pm daily, except Tuesdays
3. SEE SINGAPORE FROM UP HIGH
When was the last time you rode a cable car? Whisk the whole family away on an aerial journey with breathtaking views of Singapore’s cityscape with Mount Faber Leisure. Did we mention that HomeTeamNS members get 30% off the Cable Car Sky Pass (Round Trip)?
Start your day at Mount Faber before continuing to Sentosa to relish other perks, such as 20% off the Wings of Time (Standard) laser light show and 15% off SkyHelix Sentosa, an open-air gondola ride that is the highest of its kind in Singapore.
HomeTeamNS members also enjoy 30% off the Sentosa Island Bus Tour, a guided experience that offers informative insights into Sentosa’s transformation from sleepy island to vibrant holiday destination.
Venue: 109 Mount Faber Road, Faber Peak, Singapore 099203
Operating hours: 8.45am to 10pm (last boarding: 9.30pm)
4. EGG ON THE KIDS TO HAVE FUN
It’s an egg-citing time for the little ones at HomeTeamNS-JOM Balestier’s Easter Eggcellent Day. Let them loose on an Easter Hunt before getting them to unleash their inner Picasso at the Easter Egg Painting Competition, with the Grand Prize – Apple Watch SE.
There are also water-themed activities such as watercolour painting and water conservation games, as well as free giveaways of candy floss and popcorn. Topping it all off, go for a swim with free access to the pool after 6pm with Unicorn and Flamingo floats provided. After the day, the kids might be hopping like Easter bunnies on a sugar high, but this once-in-a-year indulgence will make their March holiday memories so much sweeter.
Date: 23 Mar 2024, from 2pm to 6pm
Venue: 31 Ah Hood Road, HomeTeamNS-JOM Balestier, Singapore 329979
5. COOL OFF WITH A DIP N’ SPLASH
This beloved event from HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir is back with a splash! Held at the Atrium and swimming pool, Dip N’ Splash is packed with fun and excitement for the whole family.
Indulge your taste buds at the food stalls offering piping-hot churros and popcorn, then dive into the array of games at the booths. For kids who prefer to stay on dry land, there’s plenty to keep them entertained, with a bouncy castle, balloon-sculpting and engaging colouring activities. Meanwhile, the water babies can revel in the transformed swimming pool, where inflatable floats, paddle boats and a thrilling obstacle course await.
Date: 9 Mar 2024, from 9am to 6pm
Venue: 900 Bedok North Rd, HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir, Singapore 479994 (Level 2)
Tickets are $10 for HomeTeamNS members, which includes 29 coupons, complimentary candy floss and popcorn and access to the swimming pool station. Get your tickets here: https://www.hometeamns.sg/events/dipn-splash-bedok-reservoir/
6. LEARN TO MAKE EVERY DROP COUNT
Continuing with the water theme, HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok is holding a Water Conservation Week from 10 to 16 Mar 2024.
Learn the importance of conserving water in the exhibition and win PUB merchandise by completing puzzles and games. On top of that, kids can practise their artistic skills with the water theme colouring activity, too. Admission is FREE.
Date: 10 to 16 Mar 2024
Venue: 2 Bukit Batok West Ave 7, HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok, Singapore 659003
7. BUILD CONFIDENCE AND KNOWLEDGE WITH SKILLFEST
Ignite your child’s passion for learning with SkillFest, a dynamic holiday programme focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M) education. This March Edition is themed around the element of Water, the programme is suitable for kids between 8 and 12 years old, with a minimum height of 1.25m.
The young participants will head to facilities such as Action Motion and Aqua Adventure to engage in hands-on learning through gameplay and interactive challenges that introduce S.T.E.A.M concepts in a creative and stimulating environment. In addition to building confidence, the kids will learn to think critically, innovate to solve problems, work with peers and develop essential communication skills.
Find out more here: https://www.hometeamns.sg/events/skillfest2024-march/
Date: 11 Mar 2024, from 9am to 6pm
Venue: HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir
Price: HomeTeamNS – $90 | PA/SAFRA – $120 | Public – $160
8. WHERE GIRL POWER AND SUSTAINABILITY MEET
Step into the world of empowerment and sustainability at Empower Bloom. This extravaganza at HomeTeamNS Khatib celebrates the synergy between women empowerment, sustainability, and eco-conscious living.
Explore the exhibitions showcasing HomeTeamNS Khatib’s sustainability journey from 9 Mar 2024 onwards. Also, check out the diverse array of offerings at the Market Place on 9 and 16 Mar 2024, brimming with products to support a greener lifestyle as well as complimentary movie screenings, eco – games and activities from 12 to 15 Mar 2024.
Keep an eye out for special appearances by bubbly mascots Water Wally and his younger sister Sally on 16 Mar 2024, and join them in championing sustainability and the power of women in shaping a brighter tomorrow.
Date: 9 to 17 Mar 2024
Venue: 2 Yishun Walk, HomeTeamNS Khatib, Singapore 767944 (Level 1, Thoroughfare)
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