As October rushes at us at full-speed around the corner, there’s lots to do for everyone ranging from family-friendly Children’s Day, to events like Halloween and World Mental Health Day that anyone can take part in (observing the proper social distancing measures, of course).
Even though the month of October is the ‘month of doom’ for primary school children as their final-year exams approach, we say that there is no reason they can’t take a weekend off to relax with some of these activities that will be sure to release some stress.
Parents will be happy to know that there are family-friendly activities taking place in Universal Studios Singapore, the go-to place for Halloween fanatics.
Halloween Fun for Everyone includes Meet and Greets with popular characters such as the Minions from Despicable Me, Cookie Monster from Sesame Street, and the lovely Po from Kung Fu Panda.
Before coming, you may want to dress up in your best Halloween outfits to stand a chance in winning best-dressed of the day.
Also, make sure not to forget to bring little pumpkin baskets! Candy Ambassadors will be stationed all around the amusement park to give out candy, so you and your child will have a fun time hunting them all down.
From now till 7 November, 2021. Prices start at $69 for adults and $59 for children (Singapore Residents). Visit here for more information.
If you and your little one were mesmerised by The Greatest Showman and are looking for something similar in real life, then La Clique is a must-watch.
La Clique is a theatrical performance full of sword-swallowing, fire breathing, and even extreme hula hooping. It is a mix of circus, cabaret, comedy, and live music — a lively and thrilling blend that is sure to light up anybody’s October.
Some things to take note – Children aged three and below are not allowed and that tickets can only be purchased in pairs due to the pandemic.
From now to 7 November, 2021 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Exhibition Hall C, Level 1. Prices start at $98 for CAT 2 and go up to $188 for VIP seats. Click here to book your tickets.
If Baby Shark is still your child’s go-to jam, then the S.E.A Aquarium is the best place to bring them to this Halloween season.
The event features a musical walkway that plays a note with every step you take. This is an opportune moment for you to whip out your phone and video your little one’s reaction as Baby Shark starts playing as they walk.
Make awesome memories together as you play multiplayer games with your child and try to save the seas.
Lastly, don’t forget to have your phones ready for when the Fin-tastic Friends come out to shock you into taking a wefie together.
From now to 10 November, 2021. Tickets start from $23 (Singapore Residents). For more information, read here.
The virtual free-to-run race has a variety of race lengths, from the oh-so-familiar 2.4km to the more challenging 24km.
The best thing about the virtual race is that it spans 21 days. This allows you to plan your runs whenever the family is free.
Since 2.4km is a distance that primary and secondary school kids all must run under a certain time, the race will be beneficial to the children and serve as a great bonding time as you try to keep each other from slacking off.
From 1 – 21 October, 2021. Registration ends on 30 Nov, 2021. Click here to register.
Hands-on activities are the best way for children to learn, so what better way is there to learn about creating a sustainable world?
The STEAM Festival features activities for children with this goal in mind. Some activities planned are: viewing taxidermied marine animals, decorating reusable bags, making your own airplane, boat racing with renewable energy, and many more!
Part of the package includes a multi-sensory performance where the audience must save a bird and his habitat from destruction.
The event has two time slots per day; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. So regardless of how you plan your day, it will be easy to find time for the family to go.
From 2 – 10 October, 2021. Tickets are at $60 per child and $18 per adult, inclusive of admission to KidsSTOP. Read more here.
Do you want to take part in craft workshops and contribute back to society at the same time? Habitat for Humanity Singapore is holding a 14-day long carnival with various workshops and performances, of which proceeds will go to creating better living conditions for the vulnerable.
If your child is interested in a variety of crafts and just can’t choose which they like best, this carnival is the best time to let them try a little of everything. Craft workshops feature resin art, macrame, sewing, introspective drawing, and so on. Each workshop is conducted by a different talented individuals and take place through various modes such as in-person or online.
If crafts aren’t your family’s thing, then you can jam along to performances by local performers or move stretch that body with mobility exercises. Whatever you and your child like to do, there’s something for everyone.
From 4 – 16 October, 2021. Donate certain amounts to qualify for each workshop and performance. Click here to find out more.
Tulipmania finally makes its long-awaited return to Gardens by the Bay!
With tulips of all shades of orange and red, the display shines a light on the origin of tulips as a wildflower in Central Asia. Focusing on the heritage and architecture of Kazakhstan, take pictures of a traditional yurt handmade by Kazakh craftsmen and follow in the footsteps of Kazakh nomads.
Make sure to bring your cameras to snap insta-worthy pictures of the flowers and your little ones surrounded by them.
From 7 October, 2021 to 14 November, 2021. Flower Dome admission tickets are required. Book your slot here.
Oct 10 is World Mental Health Day and AIA has organized 10 activities to encourage you to take care of your mental health.
Activities range from physical workshops such as virtual runs and yoga sessions to webinars and workshops about emotional wellness and how to be a better supporter.
The ‘Colours of the Mind’ workshop in particular allows you to spend quality time with your child through colouring together.
All activities are free for everyone to participate.
Happening on 10 October, 2021, click here to find out what activities are taking place.
Octoburst is a children’s festival held in the Esplanade filled with free activities to transport you away from the rush of Singapore.
Beats and Doodles Session is what we like to call a “draw and vibe” activity. With music in the background, children and busy adults alike are encouraged to draw whatever the music inspires them to.
If you would prefer a more exciting activity, Festival Club Activity has animal-themed craft activities for children to take part in. They will also discover trivia on animals such as pandas and common birds. If your child is looking to shelter or adopt a pet, they will also learn the related information in this activity.
When all that is done, your family can explore Esplanade on a self-guided tour and learn more about the artworks displayed in the building.
From 8 – 10 October, 2021. Register and find out about the other festival activities here.
If you’ve always wanted to experience rural life, you can now have a taste of it with the family. With hands-on sessions with farm animals such as baby chicks and American bullfrogs, this is the best time to learn about our local farm animals as well as how they are looked after.
And, come on, who doesn’t want to hold some baby chicks?
There are two sessions for you to sign up for. Though similar, both have their differences so you can choose which you are most interested in!
Happening on 16 October, 2021. Prices start at $15 per ticket and $45 for a family of four. Sign up here.
If you are looking for a fun, interactive detective mystery to solve with your kids, then Bigfish Detective has just what you are looking for.
When Madame Ong planned to showcase her rarest and finest jade sculpture, she didn’t plan on it going missing. But it did. Now, you and your family can help her solve the mystery behind the missing statue.
In groups (subject to COVID-19 regulations), you and your family will go down to a specified location and begin your detective solving.
From 23 – 24 October, 2021, tickets are $45 for up to eight people. Click here for more details on the mysterious adventure.
If your kids are fans of The Flying Dutchman from Spongebob Squarepants, then the Ghost Ship Cruise is about as close as it gets.
Dress in your spookiest costumes and board the Royal Albatross as it sails into the Sentosa Triangle. Lasting 2.5 hours, enjoy a three-course Halloween themed dinner and visit the haunted captain’s cabin if you dare.
If you have a dog, you may also consider the Howl-loween Dog Cruise where you can bring your dogs onto the ship. The best part? Your furbaby will also receive a gourmet three-course meal, so they will eat as good as you!
From 27 – 31 October, 2021. Prices start at $195 for both, tickets for dogs not included. Click here to read more.
If you need some guidance this spooky season, Craneum has tarot reading services to cast light onto what awaits you. Don’t worry, it is a family-friendly activity, with sessions meant to uplift you.
You are free to ask any questions you have, be it serious or just downright goofy.
Each session is 15 minutes long. If you would like to enter as a family (max group of three), then you will have to book three consecutive slots to go in together.
Happening on 31 October, 2021. Tickets are priced at $30.41 per pax. Slots are limited so book yours here.
If your family is MSG crazy, or would just like to create your own DIY instant noodles, then the Slurping Good! instant noodle-themed playground is the place for you.
Newly opened on Sep. 23, the playground features Nissin noodle slides and a ramyun hot pot swing. Included in the venue is a display of cup noodles from various brands, including varieties from Japan that aren’t sold in Singapore.
The main star of the event for us has to be the DIY instant noodles. Visitors can ideate their own noodles on a piece of paper and have it created at the Soul Good Noodle Bar.
From now until 30 January, 2021, prices at $21 per pax. Children under 3 are granted free entry. Located at 2 Serangoon Rd #01-51 to 54, Tekka Place, Annex Building, Singapore 218227. Click here to purchase your tickets.
Sentosa boasts the most popular beaches in Singapore, and during this pandemic, they have been hard to book. But with the free Sentosa Singapore Islander membership, you can skip the hassle of booking a slot and get priority access to the sandy shores!
All you have to do is get your whole family registered and enjoy a beach-filled October.
(PSA: signing up also means two hours of free parking at the beach station)
Learn more here.
If your child fancies themselves a princess or a prince, then Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is the perfect place for them. Take your little ones on a journey to explore the royal courts of India through ACM’s Court and Company Gallery.
Your family will also be able to experience the sights and sounds of the royal courts through various mediums: storytelling, drama performances, and even craft activities that are inspired by what will be on display.
Happening on 31 October, 2021. From 1pm to 5pm. Admission is free and the event occurs both online and at Asian Civilisations Museum. Keep your eyes peeled here for the latest updates.