Learn To Have FUN

ESPLANADE

The world-famous Paris Opera Ballet comes to town with a series of dances performed to songs by 30-year-old English singer-songwriter James Blake. The choice of music - delicate ballads over electronic keyboard and percussions – is modern and displays the talent of a new generation of Paris Opera dancers. Visit www.esplanade.com/festivals-and-series/dans-series/2019.

FOR THE ENERGETIC ONES

ACTIVESG

Does your kid love singing K-Pop songs? Let them dance to their favourite tunes and get fit at the same time at this dance camp. Kids aged five to 12 will learn a different dance routine each day, they’ll definitely have happy feet. The aerobics and body toning exercises include Zumba and KpopX dance moves. Visit www.myactivesg.com 

SPORTS CAMPS SG

If your kid hasn’t had the time to try different sports, this multi-sport camp is perfect. Kids and tweens learn under specialist sports coaches and are exposed to a total of eight sports on the grounds of the Singapore Cricket Club. The active programme builds confidence, new friendships and skills by giving children the motivation to play and train for the sport they like. Visit www.sportscamps.sg. 

THE YARD

If your child loves being active and making new friends, sign them up for the camps that run for five days from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 12 pm. Gymnastics, trampolining, freestyle and ninja-moves are some of the activities they can choose. Siblings are offered a 10 per cent discount off your total! Visit www.theyard.sg.

GROUND UP INITIATIVE

Think Singapore is a bustling city? Experience the nature that Singapore has to offer at this two-day-one-night camp that has art jams for kids and even lets them harvest crops. As night falls, pitch a tent, barbecue by a campfire and build memories with your children. Visit www.groundupinitiative.org. 

FOR THE CREATIVE ONES

VICTORIA CONCERT HALL

Let your child hear the works of Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin at the Singapore International Piano Festival. Legendary Martha Argerich will play with musicians of the SSO in a programme on the 9th, all set to demonstrate the intricacies and intimacies of musical camaraderie. Visit www.sso.org.sg/sipf.

GATEWAY ACADEMY

Every Saturday at 11 am, listen and let your imagination take your child to another world during the free “Once Upon a Time” storytelling session. Professional storytellers share through narration and enactment of a published children’s storybook. Parents and kids are encouraged to interact, sing and dance. Visit www.academy.gateway.sg.

NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE

The 9th International Children’s Film Festival showcases the best short films for kids from more than 30 countries. Each programme is curated to engage kids from ages two to 16 in a fun, thought-provoking and creative way. Visit www.nationalgallery.sg for more. 

GOODMAN CERAMIC STUDIO

Get your hands dirty and experience the amazing tactile sensation of working with clay. With some help, every member of the family can create beautiful works of art from a simple blob of clay. This sensory experience, suitable for kids between the ages of eight and 12, helps to improve concentration and motor skills, encourages creative thinking and promotes self-expression. Visit www.goodmanceramicstudio.com to find out more. 

SINGAPORE FLYER

It’s been 60 years since Barbie inspired girls to be anything they want to be. From now till the end of June, ride on the world’s first Barbie flight in a special capsule and experience a 360-degree view of Singapore on Asia’s largest observation wheel while learning about local landmarks. Visit www.singaporeflyer.com for details. 

FOR THE CURIOUS ONES

ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM

Fall down the rabbit hole into Wonderland, a playful and interactive exhibition that both you and the kids will enjoy. Celebrating Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale, this magical exhibition takes you on a trip into an enchanted world with theatrical sets like the Mad Hatter’s tea party, colourful environments, eye-catching original costumes and amazing audiovisual artworks. Visit www.marinabaysands.com/museum. 

GARDENS BY THE BAY

The Children’s Festival is upon us again from June 15 to 30. The festivities will transform the Supertree Grove into a colourful carnival inspired by Disney Pixar’s upcoming film, Toy Story 4. Spot your favourite characters like Woody, Buzz and Rex. Visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg.

SINGAPORE SCIENCE CENTRE

Catch a 2D or 3D version of the 40-minute Space Next movie that summarises how we took to the skies. Learn the latest updates of private space developments and national space programmes. The cutting-edge movie is an immersive display that will excite and inspire your child to dream of flying and colonising Mars in the future. Visit www.science.edu.sg.

PLAYEUM

The latest Playeum hands-on exhibition “I-Opener” aims to get kids to explore their senses and encourages open-ended learning. The interactive exhibition will feature sensory play-worlds co-created by individuals with and without disabilities. For example, the poetry of Joan Devadason, a woman with Down syndrome, will highlight the play of words in her installation, Poetree. Visit www.playeum.com. 

VICTORIA CONCERT HALL

Recommended for ages six and above, let your child learn the lessons of understanding and hope through The Story of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff – a classic tale of the adventures of a little elephant who avoids capture by escaping to the city. There will also be a mini exhibition of old organ pipes and little ones can even learn how to make a panpipe out of straws before and after the concert. Visit www.sso.org.sg/families/vch-organ-series-the-story-of-babar.

FOR THE PATRIOTIC ONES

NATIONAL MUSEUM SINGAPORE

Print out the Family Time Guide from the museum’s website and embark on a fun journey that will let you meet various historical figures and landmark objects dating back 500 years before 1819, when Sir Stamford Raffles arrived in Singapore. Visit www.nationalmuseum.sg.

ISTANA OPEN HOUSE

How cool is it to run around the expansive grounds of the Istana on Hari Raya Puasa (June 5)? Taste forgotten dishes of the past with the food heritage showcase and be entertained by performances from local schools. Visit www.istana.gov.sg/Visit-And-Explore/Istana-Open-House.

SENTOSA

Hop on a heritage bus and enjoy a round island tour to experience the Old Sentosa and learn about its colonial past. Journey through time with the stories shared by the passionate guide, and uncover the hidden histories of various places and buildings around the Island. Visit www.sentosa.com.sg. 

BALIKSG

An augmented reality experience for tech-savvy kids. Follow the trails and get to learn the stories of historical places along the Singapore River and Fort Canning, meet historical characters like William Farquhar, and see how different places looked then and now. Simply download the free BALIKSG app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Visit www.roots.sg/baliksg.

FROM SINGAPORE TO SINGAPOREAN: THE BICENTENNIAL EXPERIENCE

Take a stroll around Fort Canning and let this immersive multimedia sensory experience show you key moments in Singapore’s transformation from as far back as 1299. The two-pronged programme is made up of a cinematic ticketed experience within Fort Canning Centre, and a free and easy exploration through interactive pavilions within the greenery of Fort Gate. Visit www.bicentennial.sg/thebicentennial-experience. 

TEXT: DEBBY KWONG / PHOTOS: 123RF.COM