Get back to nature, try a new sport, appreciate the importance of upcycling – there’s plenty of scope for family fun during the week-long March school holidays.
TEXT: MORGAN AWYONG
PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK
The school holidays are here again, but with just a one-week break, it’s important to plan a family itinerary that makes the most of everyone’s time. Activities that get everyone out of the house while experiencing something make for memorable moments.
Thankfully, Singapore has many family-friendly attractions to offer. From more educational options to those that will keep thrill-seekers satisfied, here are our picks for some holiday-inspired fun.
EVERY DROP COUNTS
It’s all too easy to take basic needs for granted when you live in an affluent country like Singapore. As such it’s good to remind the younger generation that we are ultimately a small island with limited natural resources. With World Water Day (March 22) upon us, HomeTeamNS is organising some activities at all the clubhouses to spread awareness.
Bring the kids to meet Water Wally and Sally, the friendly mascots of PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, at HomeTeamNS Tampines (March 19), Bukit Batok (March 20) and Balestier (March 26) clubhouses and learn more ways to inculcate water-saving habits. Be sure to dress your family in blue and post your best snapshot on the clubhouses’ respective Facebook pages — you’ll score a chance to bring home gifts like laundry bags, tote bags and adorable soft toys!
And while you’re at the clubhouses, why not make the most of your day? Explore T-Play, HomeTeamNS’ indoor-themed playgrounds at Bukit Batok or Khatib, or swing by the Villas for a chalet escape filled with console fun and barbecue dinners.
FEEL THAT ADRENALINE
If a day of adventure best suits your family, head to Sentosa’s Hydrodash during the school holidays. Situated over the waters of Palawan Beach, Singapore’s first floating aqua park has stations for every shade of thrill-seeker.
Quarter pipes, action towers, twist or target – there are various challenges the entire family can take on. Life vests are standard issue, so just hop, clamber or hold on tight while tackling on the obstacles – or take a refreshing dip in the lagoon’s cooling waters.
To add to the excitement, try an indoor sky-diving session at iFly or speed down a man-made course at the Skyline Luge. For a more relaxed activity, the Skyride offers a scenic adventure above Sentosa’s tropical forest with a bird’s eye view of Singapore’s skyline and the South China Sea.
But if sea water’s not your thing, there’s always Adventure Cove Waterpark, with attraction like a hydro-magnetic coaster, high-speed water slides and the chance to snorkel with marine life.
SAIL AWAY
If you enjoy being out at sea, a cruise out into the endless blue on board Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas is another option to explore.
This all-inclusive cruise offers attractions for everyone, from stationary sky-diving and surfing simulators for those who prefer some high-octane action, to fun water slides, bumper cars and gaming rooms for some light fun. Movies and performances keep the entertainment going, but we’re guessing the views from your room balcony or the raised North Star glass capsule for guests will also occupy your time. The biggest decision you’ll have to make is which of the 18 restaurants onboard to eat at during your 3 or 4-night stay.
If you’ve signed up for the HomeTeamNS Family Day Sea-nic Cruise, don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram to stand a chance to score an Instax camera!
ISLAND NOSTALGIA
Pulau Ubin is very much a living museum – a time capsule of people still enjoying the kampung life. It’s a laidback environment where everyone knows everyone. The best way to explore the island is by cycling, where you can visit Ubin’s many attractions from a butterfly garden and Tibetan temple to hilly trekking routes. For the more adventurous, Ketam Mountain Bike Park offers a variety of trails, rated from beginner to advanced-level, built to International Mountain Bicycling Association standards.
The mangrove boardwalk stretching out to Chek Jawa is particularly scenic, and don’t forget to head up the watchtower along the way for a breathtaking view of the forest and ocean beyond. For something similar inland, the Punggol Waterway Park is a great cycling trail that takes you past natural mangroves, abundant greenery and some pretty bridges including the Kelong bridge.
THEME PARK PLAY
For the young and young-at-heart, don’t miss the Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration at Suntec City.
Transplanted directly from the Downtown Disney District of the original resort in California, the exhibition features seven themed rooms. It’s definitely one for the shutterbugs, with plenty of stations designed to bring you into Mickey’s world through clever cut-outs and artistic installations. Hidden surprises await in sections like the Mickey Loves Singapore room, where one can test their trivia knowledge and stand a chance to win special gifts.
If that’s not enough, Superpark is just in the next tower within the mall. This boasts an array of facilities for children to skate, climb or just bounce on a trampoline, and develop their motor skills in the process. If you wish to leave it to the hands of experts, there’s a Day Camp option where your children can pick up seven unique skill sets, while you sip a leisurely cup nearby.
GET A LITTLE CRAFTY
If you prefer to stay indoors or need some a wet-weather backup plan, then sign up for some crafting workshops. It will be a good opportunity to spark a new interest or discover a hidden talent. A family member could be a natural at pottery while another has the perfect eye to paint – finding out is half the fun.
Klook offers lots of workshops to choose from, with opportunities to turn socks into soft toys, wax into realistic macaron candles, and twine and soil into a bonsai. Parents can accompany and help out, or sign up for a slot to join in the fun.
Keen to do good at the same time? HomeTeamNS-JOM Balestier is having an upcycling class on March 26, so sign up to get creative and find out what fantastic items one can make from recycled materials.
