7 Family-Friendly Things To Do From 20-26 July
A week of colours, outdoors, and most importantly, FOOD!
By Ashley Ang -
POV: It's the third week of July, and you're tired of your kids complaining about their school routine and homework. Relieve some stress for both parties by visiting GIFFEST's vibrant installations, or indulge in not one, but two food festivals. Take the Pokémon-themed cable car at Mount Faber to stay on top of things, and remind yourself that there is much more to the world than your worries.
All this and more, plus three events happening in the next two months that you can already register for!
In Singapore's strict and fast-paced city life, most of us were raised to strive for and maintain perfection in all aspects of life. Inevitably, our children are not spared from this phenomenon.
GIFFEST III by EYEYAH! aims to deepen our perspectives on the impact of perfectionism on individuals and society. With over 80 local and international creatives’ animated artworks (GIFs), GIFFEST deconstructs crucial social topics and presents the value of imperfections in an engaging manner, especially to kids. GIFFEST 2023 theme of 'Imperfect' hopes to relieve at least some of the societal pressure of being perfect, and to go forth as unique, imperfect individuals.
Join the workshops and activities amidst the vibrant moving colours of the installations, and take your time to reflect on the themes covered in GIFFEST. If your family takes an interest in NFTs, there's a talk on 22 July on the convergence of imperfections in art and high-value investments.
Happening 9am - 9pm daily, until 26 August, at National Design Centre, 111 Middle Road, Singapore 188969.
Admission is free. Visit their website for more information.
For Singapore Food Festival (SFF) 30th comeback, they've booked the huge Festival Village at Bayfront Event Space to display food and snacks from the diverse cultures of Singapore.
From traditional classics to new fusion dishes, SFF gathers over 100 brands to celebrate Singapore's robust food culture. The $8 Entry Pass entitles you to set foot in seven bustling zones: SG Food Walk, Sweets Alley, Cafe Boulevard, The Grounds, SG Mama Shop, Durian BB Park, and Tiger Food Street. Even if you're a picky eater, there's definitely something for you to enjoy. If you're down to pick up new culinary skills, you can sign up for the workshops, such as the Secret About Singapore Sambal and the Ang Ku Kueh Making Workshop.
Happening 5-10.30pm on weekdays, and 10.30am-10.30pm on weekends, from 19-30 July, at 12A Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018970. Visit their website for details and registration.
For a tropical escape, how about a Food Festival by the beach?
This might just be THE food paradise spanning across 3km of beachfront — a definite must-go if your kids are adventurous foodies and meat-lovers. It comprises 3 main sections: GrillFest, Restaurant Trail and Food Truck Fiesta, each featuring local and international chefs from over 100 food brands. Think Lobster Hokkien Noodles, Iberico Pork Jowl, and countless more fusion dishes and street snacks.
Happening 5-10pm on Fri-Sun, from 7 July to 17 September, at Siloso Beach and Palawan Green, Sentosa Island, Check out their website for the full list of vendors.
Are there any Pokémon lovers in your family, regardless of generation? Bring them to ride the Poké Ball-themed cable car 100m above sea level on the Mount Faber Line! Enjoy a bird's eye view of the Singapore city skyline in one of the five Pokémon-designed cabins (Pikachu, Eevee, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly).
Take pictures with your favourite Pokémon at various photo points, and post them on Instagram/Facebook with the hashtag #SGCableCar50 and tag @MountFaberLeisure to redeem free ice cream! (Redemption at the Singapore Cable Car Gift Shop at Mount Faber Peak. Two flavours available: strawberry or mango. While stocks last.)
Purchase your tickets over the counter to get a free Pokémon sun visor at the counter (while stocks last). Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for children (those aged 3 and below ride for free). If your kids can't get enough, you can top up $10 for one-day unlimited rides in all five designs of the Pokémon cabins. Alternatively, you can book your tickets online for 20% off round-trip Mount Faber Line.
Happening 8.45am-10pm daily, until 30 September, at 109 Mount Faber Rd, Mount Faber Peak, Singapore 099203.
Since its official opening in 1973, the Singapore Zoo has come a long way in shaping most of our childhoods and appreciation of floral and fauna. Happy 50 years to Singapore Zoo!
For their 50th year, they created a Happy ZOObilee Trail, featuring beautiful inflatable art sculptures and interactive stations to learn more about the zoo’s star animals, such as Ah Meng the Orangutan. Complete all 6 activities in the Trail Booklet to redeem a limited-edition Happy ZOObilee Pin (while stocks last). Every Trail Booklet also comes with a birthday hat to piece together and wear, in the spirit of Singapore Zoo’s birthday!
Meet the current Singapore Zoo Stars at the Pavillion by the Lake — get up close with snakes, bearded dragons, fennec foxes, and more! End it off by jumping to your heart’s content at the 21m-long inflatable art playground.
Psst! Sign up for Wildpass (free digital membership) to get discounts and deals at all things Mandai.
Happening 8.30am-6pm daily, until 27 August, at the Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826. Details about Singapore Zoo and Golden ZOObilee here.
If your family loves adrenaline-packed action, head down to the Sprint Fest 2023 this weekend at Sentosa Palawan Green! Car racing enthusiasts will love watching the first-ever Auto Gymkhana Round, featuring both male and female racers competing on a challenging track in a race organised by Motor Sports Singapore. There's plenty to do before and after the race as well — an array of food and drink popup stalls offers the family delectable delights from the likes of Burnt Cones, SOHTT Singapore, Miss Chardog, One-B Takoyaki, and more. And what's a festival without music? A lineup of onstage performances by local artists such as Reverie Singapore and Jack and Rai awaits you.
Admission is free.
Happening 11am-9pm on 22-23 July, at Palawan Green, Sentosa. Find out more here.
Avatar: The Experience has been extended until 30th September due to popular demand. Cloud Forest brings Avatar out of the screen and into Gardens By The Bay to highlight nature's role even in fictional settings. As you immerse yourself in the alluring culture of the Na'vi, take a closer look at the bioluminescent environments and you'll notice the plants that look so otherworldly in this enchanting exhibition.
Happening 9am-9pm daily, until 30 September, at Cloud Forest, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, #03-02/03, Singapore 018953. Visit their website for more details.
Imagine this: watching the sunset as you relax on the ground, surrounded by nature, peacefully listening to stories that blend seamlessly with your imagination. Your children are engaged with the plot, you’re being calmed down by the environment, and everyone is at ease.
EtonHouse Community Fund (ECF), Kiss92 and The Singapore Women’s Weekly join hands to present to you: Stories Under The Stars, a nighttime event of storytelling sessions, hilarious skits, hands-on arts and crafts, and meet-and-greet sessions with local authors. By stimulating all five senses, we aim to instill and nurture a love for reading (or at least, an appreciation for stories) among children. This is also a meaningful experience for families to spend quality time together in a protected, peaceful space and time.
Admission is free for all, but we encourage you to register here in advance to secure yourself a spot.
Happening 5.30-7pm on 19 August, at EtonHouse Garden School by the Bay (Bayfront Pavilion, Gardens by the Bay).
Registration Open: NDP Celebration and Fireworks Viewing at Pororo Park
If you didn't manage to snag tickets for NDP, you can still ensure yourself a solid spot to view the aerial display and fireworks from Pororo Park's exclusive outdoor viewing terrace. The live streaming will be up to watch as well. On top of the usual Pororo Express Train and other play areas, Pororo Park is also conducting Airbrush Tattoo and Balloon Sculpting Activities to mark up the festive vibes. Walk away with a warm heart, a strong sense of belonging to Singapore, and goodie bags for your kids.
Registration is now open: you can purchase them online or over the counter. Tickets are $65 for 1 adult + 1 child, and $118 for 2 children + 2 adult. Top up $25 for each additional adult (limited to 2 per child admission).
Psst! If you're a Pororo Park member, you stand to win a set of 2 Child + 2 Adult Admissions, balloting-style. Look out for more details from Pororo Park's emails.
Happening 6-9pm on 9 August, at Pororo Park, Raffles Blvd, Marina Square, Singapore 039594.
Mothers, this one's for you — the Great Eastern Women’s Run (GEWR) 2023 is finally back for its 17th edition with five categories of race activities, including the 2KM Mummy + Me family category: perfect for a fun mother-daughter run. For the little ones, you can sign them up for the 100m Princess Dash category to nudge them onto the right track. With each completed race, you will be entitled to an exclusive finisher medal.
Registration is now open! Tickets start from $25, and can be purchased on their website. Each registration comes with a GEWR tote bag and a race T-shirt, which will be delivered to your doorstep.
During registration or via SimplyGiving, you can also donate to the two charity organisations GEWR is supporting, namely Daughters Of Tomorrow (DOT) and Singapore Cancer Society (SCS). All funds raised will be divided equally between DOT and SCS.
Each registration also comes with a GEWR tote bag containing a race t-shirt couriered to participants. Those who successfully complete the race will also be entitled to an exclusive finisher medal.
Happening 29 October at Singapore Sports Hub.