BusyKidd’s Ultimate Guide: Kids & Family Activities 17–18 February 2024

Welcome to BusyKidd’s Ultimate Guide for Kids and Family Activities on 17–18 February 2024! We’ve curated a fantastic list of events and activities that promise a weekend filled with fun, learning, and memorable moments for the whole family. Whether you’re into exciting outdoor adventures, creative workshops, or engaging cultural experiences, we’ve got you covered. Explore the best activities happening this weekend to make the most of quality family time. Let the adventure begin!

Lion Dance Performances @IKEA

Image Credit: Ikea.com/sg

A beloved family destination, IKEA has something special for the Chinese New Year festivities. Join them in celebrating the Year of the Dragon with exciting activities for families! Experience the vibrant tradition of lion dance performances and receive blessings for a prosperous and joyful year. Make your family visit to IKEA even more memorable as you usher together in the Chinese New Year. Enjoying the festivities and creating lasting memories with your loved ones at IKEA is a wonderful opportunity.

• IKEA Tampines: 18 February, 11.00 am
• IKEA Alexandra: 18 February, 11.00 am
• IKEA Jurong: 18 February, 3.00 pm
• More Details

KidsFest 2024: Spot’s Birthday Party

Image Credit: Kidsfest.com.sg

Guess what? Spot is throwing a super special birthday party, and you’re invited! Get ready for a fantastic celebration filled with party hats, lively songs, fun dancing, and loads of interactive party games. It’s going to be the ultimate birthday bash!

Join in the festivities with Steve the Monkey, Tom the Crocodile, and Helen the Hippo as they come together to wish Spot a big, cheerful HAPPY BIRTHDAY! This is an invitation to an unforgettable birthday party where the joy is contagious and the fun never stops. Don’t miss out on the excitement; come join the celebration!

Note! The show is 55 minutes long without a break. All attendees, regardless of age, need their own tickets.

• Where: Victoria Theatre
• When: 15–18 February 2024
• Tickets: S$42–S$72
• More Details

A Rain-bowl of Happiness Storytelling 

Image Credit: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

On the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, many Chinese families celebrate with reunion dinners, and they usually indulge in tang yuan, a delightful glutinous rice ball dessert.

Families are invited to a playdate at PIP’s playbox, where a storytelling session featuring the locally written and illustrated story “A Rain-bowl of Happiness” by BrookieKids awaits them. Inspired by Emily Yeo’s “The Little Book of Singapore Food Illustrated,” the narrative follows Olive, Kale, and Mum as they craft a bowl of Rainbow Tang Yuan using natural ingredients like butterfly peas and pandan leaves.

The playdate, facilitated by Little Forest, ensures a session filled with fun and laughter for the little ones. In addition to the storytelling, there’s a sensory play session where children can engage in making Rainbow tang yuan using non-edible play dough with various natural colorings. The session lasts for 30 minutes.

The event promises an enjoyable Mandarin-language playdate, combining stories, creativity, and joyful activities for families to cherish.

• Where: PIP’s Playbox
• When: 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 February 2024
• Tickets: Free
• More Details

Huayi Huat Opening!

Image Credit: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

The Huayi Chinese Festival of Arts 2024 begins with an awe-inspiring lion dance performance on high poles presented by the acclaimed Yi Wei Athletic Association! The association is founded in 1999 and is among the local community’s most vibrant lion dance troupes. Their impressive track record includes numerous awards, notably securing the Ngee Ann City National Lion Dance Competition championship for nine consecutive years, from 2014 to 2023. Adding to their accolades, they were crowned the champions at the prestigious Genting World Lion Dance Championship in 2023. Get ready for an extraordinary display of skill and tradition as they kick off the festival!

• Where: DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre at Esplanade
• When: 16 February 2024, 7.15 pm
• Tickets: Free
• More Details

Beats of the Dragon: Festive Drum and Wushu Performance

Image Credit: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with “Beats of the Dragon: Festive Drum & Wushu Performance.” Experience the power and symbolism of a festive drum performance, reflecting strength, unity, and good fortune. Martial House, Singapore’s premier wushu academy, showcases the modernity of Chinese martial arts through dynamic routines featuring various wushu forms and weapons.

In 45-minute sessions, immerse yourself in the energy of the drums and the artistry of wushu. With partnerships across government agencies and organizations, Martial House aims to unite the community through wushu. Their youth initiative, Martial House Youth Connect (MHYC), actively engages young members in projects that contribute to the community. Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of culture and talent!

• Where: DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre at Esplanade
• When: 16 February 2024, 7.30 pm and 9 pm
• Tickets: Free
• More Details

Little Dragon Dance

Image Credit: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Don’t miss the mesmerizing performance by the talented young artists from the Stamford Dragon Lion Arts and Cultural Troupe! Watch as they breathe life into the dragon with intricate choreography, creating a captivating display of skill and artistry. Connect with the Stamford Dragon Lion Arts and Cultural Troupe for a 15-minute spectacle that promises to be both enchanting and exhilarating!

• Where: Esplanade Courtyard
• When: 17 February 2024, Sat, 7 pm & 8.15 pm
• Tickets: Free
• More Details

Tennis and Pickleball Festival

Image Credit: Playpickle.sg

‘Play! Tennis’ and ‘Play! Pickle’ are hosting their first tennis and pickleball festival in Singapore! They want everyone, whether you’re a fan, a beginner, or just curious, to come try these cool racket games indoors, no matter the weather. This festival is like a sneak peek into both sports, guided by awesome coaches in a friendly atmosphere.

If you’re five or older, you can grab a tennis racket or pickleball paddle, hit some balls with the coaches, get tips, and have a blast meeting other racket ball fans. And here’s the fun part – you can vote for your favorite game, tennis or pickleball, after trying both. In the end, those who picked the ‘winning’ sport might score prizes from Play! Tennis.

It’s all about having fun, as tennis and pickleball have cool points. They’re great for all kinds of players with different preferences and skill levels. Come join the fun and games!

• Where: Red Quarters, 26 Jln Benaan Kapal, Singapore 399629
• When: 17 February 2024, from 9 am to 12 pm
• Tickets: S$58
• More Details

New 3-level Go-Kart Circuit Hyperdrive

Image Credit: Palawan.mediatropy.com

Discover Singapore’s newest go-kart track, HyperDrive, nestled in the family beach club of Shangri-La’s The Palawan @ Sentosa. This isn’t your average go-karting experience—it’s a fully electric, indoor adventure! Imagine a three-level racetrack and an integrated gamified experience designed by former karting world champion David Terrien, transporting drivers into a virtual game reminiscent of real-life Mario Kart.

HyperDrive boasts 308 meters of thrilling straightways and 14 exciting turns. Families can enjoy the action together with 36 eco-friendly electric go-karts available in senior, junior, and tandem configurations. Parents with younger kids can team up in dual go-karts. The go-karts can reach speeds of up to 30 km/h for novice levels and 50 km/h for advanced levels, allowing for thrilling races to the finish line.

For those who prefer to watch, the second-floor HyperDrive Cafe provides a perfect vantage point overlooking the tracks. To add more excitement, they’ve introduced Game of Karts, where participants race to collect ‘weapons’ to sabotage competitors or ‘boosts’ to turbo-charge themselves to victory!

Wondering about kids? Children need to be at least 9 years old to go-kart and to go solo, they must be at least 140 cm tall. For younger kids under 140 cm, tandem go-karts are available to ride with an adult. Get ready for an electrifying go-karting experience at HyperDrive!

• Where: The Palawan @ Sentosa, 54 Palawan Beach Walk, Singapore 098233
• When: Mondays to Fridays: 12.30 pm – 9 pm, last entry: 8.30 pm; Saturdays, Sundays, and Public and School Holidays: 10 am – 9 pm, last entry: 8.30 pm
• Tickets: From S$35
• More Details

The Last Chance to See the Dragon Drone Show

Dragon Drone Image Credit: Marinabaysands.com

Prepare for an amazing Chinese New Year 2024 celebration, welcoming the lucky Year of the Dragon! Marina Bay has something special planned: a fantastic drone show called “The Legend of the Dragon Gate” on six magical nights in February 2024.

During this captivating 10-minute show, you’ll hear the mythical story of the Dragon King, an important character from Chinese legends. Picture this: 1,500 drones light up the Marina Bay night sky, making a breathtaking display that will leave everyone amazed. It will be a dazzling celebration you won’t want to miss!

• Where: Marina Bay
• When: 10, 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18 February 2024, 8 pm
• Tickets: Free
• More Details

Total Defence For Thee Exhibition

Image Credit: Singapore Discovery Centre via Instagram

The Defence Collective Singapore (DCS) is marking the 40th year of Total Defence (TD) with exciting events at the Singapore Discovery Centre. The special exhibition named ‘Total Defence For Thee!’ will tell our defence story over the last four decades.

This exhibition aims to emphasize the importance of being prepared for future challenges. Families can dive into an interactive adventure, exploring how Total Defence tackles evolving threats. Grab a game card and embark on a journey around the centre, solving clues that lead to the final exhibition!

But that’s not all—there will be carnival games and a free laser tag experience for visitors. It’s a unique opportunity to learn about our defence history and have fun as a family. 

• Where: Singapore Discovery Centre
• When: Until 17 March 2024
• Tickets: Free
• More Details

Aeroplane-themed Playground at Dakota Breeze

Image Credit: Playpoint.asia

Bring the kids to the exciting playground at Dakota Breeze for some aeroplane-themed fun! The playground features a cool climbing structure shaped like an aeroplane, complete with slides, seesaws, and a heliport for endless entertainment. Test your balance skills on the ropes of this aeroplane-climbing structure. Climb the rope ladders to reach the ‘cockpit,’ buckle up, and let your imagination take flight as you soar off into the sky with your buddies!

Head over to the Dakota Heliport, where kids can climb up and zoom down the slide for an emergency landing exit! After a soft landing, dust yourselves off, pick yourselves up, and zoom down the padded runway for another thrilling ride. Enjoy a playful ride on the seesaw or rockers. With plenty of padded ‘runway’ space, little ones can run around freely. Consider bringing scooters along for added fun taking turns zooming down the tracks.

This playground is part of the larger Dakota Breeze complex, which includes fitness areas and two rooftop gardens. While the rooftop gardens are primarily for Dakota Breeze residents, they are also open to the public. So, whether your little ones want to explore the airplane-themed climbing structure or enjoy other play features, Dakota Breeze offers a fantastic padded playground experience for kids of all ages!

• Where: Dakota Breeze, 92A Jln. Satu, Singapore 392092⁠
• When: Everyday
• Tickets: Free

Kidzplay at NEX

Image Credit: NEX via Facebook

Escape the heat and check out KidzPLAY at SkyGarden, the revamped water playground at NEX. This pirate-themed water park is a watery wonderland featuring a grand pirate ship, a colossal octopus with water-spouting tentacles, three exciting water slides, playful water fountains, and more.

Kids can have a good time splashing around on the sunken trampoline. And for the grown-ups, there are sheltered benches where you can finally enjoy your coffee and afternoon snack in peace while the little ones play. For a refreshing and enjoyable experience, make your way to kidzPLAY at SkyGarden for a day of water-filled fun!

• Where: NEX at Serangoon Central
• When: Open daily from 11 am – 7 pm
• Tickets: Free

Children’s Museum Singapore

Image Credit: Nhb.gov.sg/childrensmuseum

Children’s Museum Singapore (CMSG), formerly known as the Singapore Philatelic Museum, proudly stands as the first museum dedicated exclusively to children aged 12 and below. Driven by the vision of creating a wonder-filled and joyous learning environment, CMSG is committed to providing children with opportunities to discover and engage with Singapore and the broader world, all through the transformative power of play.

The Children’s Museum Singapore is the perfect destination for parents seeking a creative and immersive way to teach their kids about Singapore’s rich history. With captivating exhibitions and safe, interactive spaces for children to roam freely, explore, and play, it offers an unparalleled avenue to ignite your children’s excitement about history. Young toddlers can immerse themselves in the Play Pod, a delightful area designed for free play, while older kids can embark on a journey back in time to understand why our forefathers came to Singapore. At Children’s Museum Singapore, learning becomes an adventure, making history come alive in a fun and engaging manner for children of all ages.

• Where: Children’s Museum Singapore, 23-B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807
• When: Tuesday–Sunday (closed on Monday), closed daily 12:45 pm – 2 pm for cleaning. 
• Tickets: Free for Singaporeans and PRs; For tourists: S$10 per child and S$15 per adult
• More Details

Cover Image Credit: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience

Explore Singapore’s lovely woodlands at night and immerse yourself in the enchanted Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience. This engaging, family-friendly outdoor route draws inspiration from well-known motion pictures. Meet magical creatures like Hippogriffs and Nifflers, act out your favorite forest scenes, and try wand duels and Patronus casting. The outdoor light trail uses sounds, lights, and special effects to make you feel like you’re in the wizarding world. Read more.