NDP 2024 Survival Guide For Parents Going With Young Kids

Congratulations! You've snagged those coveted National Day Parade 2024 (NDP) tickets and are ready to celebrate National Day with your little ones. But with kids in tow, the excitement can be mixed with a little trepidation.

Having gone for the Combined Rehearsals (CR) on 22 June, here are a few tips and tricks I learned on how to survive the NDP 2024 crowds, keep your children happy, and create lasting memories. 

Pre-NDP 2024 prep

Read what’s on your tickets

Before the big day, take a moment to double-check your ticket details. On the front, you'll find your sector and date. 

Flip it over for a map of the venue layout and surrounding areas. Familiarise yourself with the different sectors and locate the closest MRT station. Public transport is highly recommended — ditch the car and avoid the parking hassle!

Gates open at 4pm, and everyone must be seated by 5.30pm. The parade starts at around 5.45pm, and ends at 8.30pm.

Plan your parking spot if you wish to drive

If you still wish to drive, be prepared for limited parking and long walks. Many roads are usually closed on parade day, and you'll likely face a long walk to the Padang regardless of where you park.

Alternative parking options include Raffles City, Funan, or Capitol — these malls offer parking options, but be prepared for high parking fees and traffic jam after the parade.

NDP packing list 

I’d highly recommend that you pack really light (i.e. a crossbody bag) and skip the heavy backpack. 

The fun pack provided at rehearsals was quite substantial, containing water, snacks, dry and wet tissues, a manual fan and more. This not only saved us from packing extra items, but would also come in handy to keep the kids hydrated and entertained with small treats.

But more on what’s inside the NDP fun pack later.

The only things I would say you can consider bringing are: 

• A portable charger in case your phone runs out of juice 
• A poncho for unexpected showers (Please no umbrellas — they block the view for others sitting behind you)
• A portable, rechargeable fan if you don’t feel like manually fanning yourself
• Snacks and/or dinner, in case your kids get hungry before the end of the show (around 8.30pm)
• Diapers, in case your little one needs to pee during the show

And that’s really just it! 

What to wear

Ladies: A flowy dress in red or white allows for maximum comfort and keeps you cool throughout the parade. 

Gents: A simple combination of red shirt and white shorts is a classic and comfortable choice.

Toddlers and young kids: Opt for comfy cotton clothes in red or white. Think brightly coloured T-shirts, breathable shorts, or lightweight cotton dresses for ultimate comfort.

Older kids: Let them express their national pride with red or white T-shirts paired with shorts. For a touch of fun and festivity, consider wearing mismatched socks — one red sock and one white sock!

One more thing to prep

Prepare your child for loud and potentially frightening sounds from the defence display (Singapore celebrates 40 years of Total Defence this year), as well as the fireworks. We have seen some young children cry from that.

NDP 2024: On the day itself

Arrive early

If you are going to watch the NDP with young children, aim to arrive early at around 4pm. It allows for a smooth entry process, access to clean restrooms before the crowds build, and potentially better seating options.

Go to the toilet first

Make sure everyone uses the restroom before heading up to your designated sector. This helps avoid unnecessary mid-parade dashes.

The good news is that restrooms in the form of porta-potties are conveniently located downstairs at the NDP venue. Everyone will pass by them as they enter the Padang, so finding them shouldn't be an issue.

While it's best to plan restroom breaks before or after the show, sometimes nature calls unexpectedly. You may leave your seat anytime to use the restroom, but you'll have to excuse yourself and squeeze past others (unless you're seated at the tail end of the row).

For young children who might need a potty break more frequently, consider bringing diapers just in case.

If there's any tip I can give, it's to be mindful of your fluid intake, especially for the kids. While staying hydrated is important, try not to overdo it right before the show starts.

The best and not-so-good places to sit at the NDP, in my opinion

In an ideal world, you get to pick your own seats. However, in my experience, seating is ultimately up to luck, and ushers may request adjustments to optimise space usage.

Here's the scoop on best and less ideal seats, based on my experience. 

Get close, but not TOO close to the stage

While the front rows might seem tempting, there's a catch. My experience sitting on the third row of the blue section was satisfactory in general, but it had some limitations. 

You’ll see why with this photo that I took of my parents during the CR: 

Railing obstruction: These railings can significantly block the view, especially for children. The photo clearly shows how the railing cuts off the lower portion of the performance for those seated close to it. This can be frustrating for little ones who might miss out on key elements of the parade.

Photographer blockage: Media booths with photographers can also create a visual barrier, hindering your view, especially in the front rows. 

Lighting fixtures: If we had sat a little more to the right, our view would’ve been blocked by the lighting fixtures as well. 

For an unobstructed view, consider sitting higher up in the middle sections. This sweet spot offers a good overall perspective without the drawbacks of the front rows.

No matter where we sat, we were still happy to simply be there — it's always an honour to have the privilege to attend the NDP previews and rehearsals.

Prime location

For the best overall view and amazing photo opportunities, aim for the middle of the green sector. The backdrop of the National Gallery with the iconic "Majulah Singapura" sign makes for stunning pre- and post-parade pictures.

We sat in the middle section in 2023, and it was by far the best seats we had in our years of attending the NDP. 

Less ideal areas

Avoid seats towards the left and right ends (around the 3/4 mark) of the blue and yellow sector. These areas often have obstructed views due to light structures. 

Additionally, the strong stage lights might be bothersome for those sitting at the tail end of the blue and yellow sectors.

Space alert!

Be prepared for compact seating. All seats tend to be small, and once you add your goodie bag to the mix, legroom becomes scarce. It felt a bit like squeezing into the cheapest budget flight seat, maybe even tighter!

Pro tip: Change seats after the show starts

Once the show starts and everyone settles in, keep an eye out for empty seats in nearby rows. In my case, there was almost an entire row that was empty behind me! Of course, I moved up. 

Stroller strategy

Navigating the crowds with a stroller can be challenging. As much as possible, try not to bring anything bulky. 

If a stroller is absolutely necessary, here's what to expect.

Steep stairs: Be aware that there might be high and steep stairs to access the seating areas.

Ramp access: If you need a ramp for your stroller, approach the ushers upon arrival. They can guide you to the designated ramp located at the far end of the blue/yellow sector. 

NDP 2024: After the parade

Plan your exit strategy

Leaving the Padang after the NDP with young children can feel like an overwhelming task. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth exit strategy:

• Be patient and follow the crowd (slowly): Everyone is leaving at once, so expect some congestion. Take a deep breath and be prepared to wait a while before exiting the venue. Avoid rushing or pushing.
• Let the crowds thin out: If you're not in a hurry, consider waiting for the initial crowd surge to subside before making your way out. This can significantly reduce waiting time and make navigating the crowds easier, especially with little ones. While waiting, you can even grab the chance for a nice family photo without other people around!

Bonus tip: If you're using public transport, consider heading towards a less crowded MRT station that's farther away from the Padang, like Clarke Quay MRT. This can help you avoid the worst of the crowds at the main stations like City Hall and Raffles Place.

Where to eat after NDP 2024

With the show ending at 8.30pm, you'll want to opt for a quick and easy dinner. Here are some recommendations for family-friendly restaurants near the Padang, considering the post-parade crowds:

• Clarke Quay Central: Around a mere 15-minute walk away from the Padang is Clarke Quay Central. There, you can find familiar favourites like Hai Di Lao or grab a simple bento box from Don Don Donki.
• Food courts: Malls like Marina Square and Suntec City offer a variety of food court options. This is a great way to cater to different preferences and keep things budget-friendly. Funan tends to get very crowded after the parade, making it difficult to find seating.
• Fast food chains: McDonald's or KFC can be a lifesaver if your children are fussy eaters or simply exhausted. These restaurants usually have seating available and offer a quick and easy meal solution.

What’s inside the NDP 2024 goodie bag

As promised, here’s what you’ll get in this year’s fun pack, which is made from eco-friendly materials and designed by children attending special education schools. You can read more about the artists and their artwork here.

As Singapore commemorates our 40th year of Total Defence, the pack’s designs are inspired by its six Pillars — Civil Defence, Digital Defence, Economic Defence, Social Defence, Military Defence and Psychological Defence.

The goodie bag is a lifesaver, especially for those attending with children. It provides essential items to help you enjoy the parade comfortably.

Here's a peek at what you might find inside:

Unfortunately, there are no coupon books this year.

Watch this video for a quick NDP 2024 prep.