BusyKidd's Ultimate Guide: Kids & Family Activities 20–21 January 2024

Embark on a journey of fun and excitement with Busy.Kids’ Ultimate Guide to Kids & Family Activities on 20–21 January 2024! Discover a world of engaging and entertaining experiences for your little ones and the whole family. From creative crafts to thrilling games, this guide is packed with ideas to make your weekend memorable.

Light to Night Festival

Image Credit: Singapore Art Week via Instagram

Step into the mesmerizing realm of the Light to Night Festival 2024, returning at the National Gallery and Civic District. Be captivated by over 60 artworks featuring a 6-meter saga seed and an interactive ‘Ping Pong Go-Round’ table tennis artwork. Organized by the National Gallery Singapore in collaboration with Civic District partners, this year’s theme, “Reimagine,” invites you to explore the concept of reimagining art. Embark on an unconventional journey through immersive experiences inspired by history, origin, and national collections. Be sure to witness the luminous ‘Wings of Change’ saga seed, the iconic Art Skins on Monuments, and many electrifying performances and engaging activities that will bring the heart of Singapore’s art scene to life.

The National Gallery Singapore has designed four recommended routes to guide you through the Civic District during the Light to Night Festival:

The Casual Observer (30 minutes): Ideal for a quick visit or those passing through the Civic District.
The Squad (1 hour): Tailored for groups enjoying programs and installations together.
The Explorer (1.5 hours): Dive into exhibitions, installations, programs, and captivating light projections across the Civic District.
The Art Lover (2.5 hours): Perfect for art enthusiasts wanting to immerse themselves in everything Light to Night Singapore offers.

You can find the following:

Art Skins on Monuments: Daily from 7:30 pm until midnight.
Public art installations in the Civic District.
Art x Social: Festival Street at St Andrew’s Road.
A Wide Range of Interactive Activities at the Festival.
Extended Gallery exhibition.

“Hands off the art” is a common rule, but you can engage with interactive artwork at Light to Night Festival 2024.

When: 19 Jan – 8 Feb 2024
Location: National Gallery Singapore, The Arts House, Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall, Asian Civilisations Museum, Esplanade—Theatres on the Bay, Funan Underground Pedestrian Link
Price: Admission is free, with optional ticketed programs
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Singapore Art Week 2024

Image Credit: Artweek.sg

Get set for Singapore’s grand art celebration! Enjoy excellent presentations by local and global artists featuring cool stuff like light installations, performance art, tours, and exhibitions. It’s the 12th edition, with over 150 events and 400 artists. Whether you love art or want to try something new, there are talks, walks, and tours for everyone. Don’t miss the fun of celebrating diverse arts community! It’s a big part of the visual arts. Don’t miss out!

When: 19–28 January 2024
Location: Civic District, Marina Bay, Bras Basah Bugis, Gilman Barrack, and Tanjong Pagar Distripark
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Abundance of Wealth Cake

Image Credit: Bakersbrew.com

Get ready to shout “Huat ah!” as you embark on a journey to create the Abundance of Wealth Cake this New Year. It’s not just a cake. It’s a learning adventure for your child. From mastering fondant to exploring various techniques, this class is a challenge that will boost skills.

In this exciting class, your child will:

Learn the art of mixing and piping batter.
Discover the secrets of buttercream and fondants.
Explore the magic of edible images.

Age Requirement:

For kids aged 4 to 12 years.
For those under 7, having a parent or guardian standby is recommended.

Bonus Alert! If you want to join the fun with your child, use the promo code 2024BUDDY50% when signing up for 2 pax. Enjoy a 50% discount, and parent and child will craft one set together.

The class lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes, and all necessary equipment is provided, including aprons and ingredients. Participants work individually, ensuring that each person takes home their own cake part at the end of the session.

What are you waiting for? Let’s bake a fortune this New Year!

When: 19 Jan 2024, 2.30 pm – 3.45 pm
Price: S$78.00 + 9% GST
Location: Paragon (Orchard), #05-46, 290 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238859
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New Children’s Biodiversity Library to Open in January 2024

Welcome back to the newly transformed Central Public Library, which reopened on 12 January 2024.

The Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium explores marine biodiversity with various interactive features. This includes the Open Ocean Zone, allowing children to closely observe specimens like shark jaws, coral skeletons, and a floor-to-ceiling column featuring coral-like elements. Infographics aid in understanding coral reefs’ vital role in marine biodiversity. Visitors can enhance their experience by immersing themselves in sea jelly habitats through a video projection from the S.E.A. Aquarium. The library also introduces the Intertidal Zone for learning about shoreline organisms through interpretive displays.

Additionally, the space hosts the Central Public Library’s children’s collection, featuring diverse books and reading materials across various subjects to enrich learning and foster a love for reading.

Exciting monthly programs await children at the Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium. Trained volunteers lead these programs in a submarine-themed space, including interactive human library sessions with real-life divers and aquarists, intertidal animal art workshops, storytelling sessions, upcycling workshops, and more. Developed by NLB and S.E.A. Aquarium teams, these engaging activities aim to captivate children’s interest and deepen their understanding of marine biodiversity and conservation. Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming programs!

When: Every day
Location: 21 Jurong East Central 1, Singapore 609732
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Mandai River Wonders

Image Credit: Mandai.com

Explore the Best of Mandai River Wonders! Journey through Asia’s first river-themed wildlife park, Mandai River Wonders, inspired by the world’s mighty rivers. Get close to iconic giant pandas at the Yangtze River zone, witness the Congo River’s fascinating fish exhibit, and observe ancient-looking creatures at the Nile-inspired River of Life.

Marvel at the vibrant colors of diverse fish as you stroll through Mandai River Wonders. Take a thrilling boat ride on the Amazon River Quest, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of Amazonian animal species. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the new home, housing over 3,500 birds from 400 avian species!

Learn about Africa’s Congo River depth and the Ganges’ religious significance. Explore North America’s Mississippi endangered species and Asia’s Mekong floating villages.

Take the Amazon River Quest boat ride (onsite purchase) for a rainforest cruise and delve into the ‘lungs of the earth’ with the Flooded Forest. Mandai River Wonders promises endless fun and discovery for the whole family!

When: Everyday
Price: From S$42
Location: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
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Explore the Wonders of the Deep at S.E.A. Aquarium

Explore the diverse offerings of S.E.A Aquarium with over 8 zones, housing more than 100,000 aquatic animals. Encounter dolphins, sharks, alligators, and unique aquatic species up close. Delight in an extraordinary dining experience underwater, adding a tasty twist to your aquatic exploration.

Discover the underwater wonders at SEA Aquarium Singapore, which is divided into eight zones with 40 habitats. Witness shipwrecks turned into homes for aquatic creatures, explore a School of Fish with over 5,000 varieties, and marvel at the Ocean Diversity showcasing unique marine animals like dolphins and sea jellies. The Open Ocean Habitat features a transparent dome with 40,000 sea animals, while Quirky Adaptations displays unusual underwater creatures. Learn about the importance of coral reefs in the Underwater City and observe Apex Predators of the Sea, showcasing 100 predators and 12 shark species. Explore the interconnected marine ecosystem at the Aquatic Ecosystems Zone.

What can you do here?

Dive into the Shipwreck Zone, featuring 4 million liters of water, and learn about the significance of shipwrecks through a viewing panel.
Say hello to the endangered Shark Bow Mouth Guitarfish, also known as Shark Ray, which is exclusive to this aquarium.
Witness the vibrant beauty of colorful reef gardens hosting 5,000 fish from 100 species.
Be mesmerized by seeing six species of beautiful jellyfish illuminated by stunning lighting.
Experience a diverse collection of hundreds of complex and 20 soft coral species.
Get up close with 70 sharks from 12 rare species, witnessing these mighty creatures in action.
Discover colorful paddlefish, alligator gars, and other vibrant freshwater fish.
Participate in interactive experiences following safety precautions, including fish-feeding sessions in the discovery pool.

The best time to go to the S.E.A. Aquarium is around 11 am during feeding times. This is when the animals are most active, and you can see them up close as they interact during feeding.

When: Every day
Price: Adult: S$44.00; Child (4–12): S$33.00
Location: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
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Singapore AirShow

Image Credit: Singaporeairshow.com

Join the excitement at Weekend@Airshow during the Singapore Airshow 2024 on February 24-25. Cheer on incredible aerobatic flying teams performing thrilling stunts in the sky. Explore the latest commercial and military aircraft up close, meet the friendly mascots Leo and Leonette, and enjoy family-friendly activities planned for you. It’s a weekend filled with adrenaline, precision, and aviation fun! Read more about the event.

Get tickets to the Singapore AirShow here.

HyperDrive at Palawan @Sentosa

Image Credit: Thepalawansentosa.com/hyperdrive

HyperDrive is a unique go-kart activity in Southeast Asia. It uses electric karts and has a three-level racetrack. What makes it unique is the virtual gaming part. You race on the track and play virtual games while driving! In the virtual world, you can use special powers to make your race fast or slow down other racers. It’s a whole new level of fun!

HyperDrive is making history as the only Asian circuit to introduce Game of Karts, bringing virtual racing to the go-kart track soon.

Imagine an interactive race where you gather ‘weapons’ to mess with opponents or ‘boosts’ to speed yourself to the finish line. All this happens with special lighting and sound effects for the ultimate experience! Get ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure!

Race on their 3-level indoor track designed by former karting world champion David Terrien for the ultimate adrenaline rush. The 308-meter raceway with 14 thrilling turns is perfect for speed enthusiasts. Enjoy with confidence as top-notch safety measures are in place.

For solo go-kart driving, participants must be a minimum of 9 years old and 130cm tall.

Kids at least 90cm tall can ride a dual kart with a driver at least 18 years old and 140cm tall.

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
Price: From S$35
Location: The Palawan @Sentosa, 54 Palawan Beach Walk, Singapore 098233
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Visit Chaos Lab for a Thrilling Entertainment Experience!

Discover Chaos Lab Melbourne in Singapore, a delightful haven for children with fun and creativity. Now open at Changi Airport, it promises an exciting and imaginative experience for kids of all ages. Dive into a world of amusement and exploration at Chaos Lab! Read more about this event in this article.

Enter Chaos Lab, where Dr. Splat, the enthusiastic guide, leads kids on an imaginative journey through 11 game consoles. As “interns,” children unleash creativity in rooms like a ball pit, sludge factory, and neon graffiti. Dive into hands-on slime adventures, express on a neon wall, and experience an adrenaline rush in the Bubbling Ball Pit. Chaos Lab is a thrilling space for kids to explore, create, and have fun!

Mandai Night Safari

Image Credit: Mandai Wildlife Reserve via Facebook

Experience the magic of the Singapore Night Safari, where over 2,500 nocturnal animals come to life after dusk. It’s one of the most exciting zoos in the city, alongside the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise. Get close to animals as they play, graze, and hunt throughout the night. Take tram rides through seven regions with a knowledgeable guide answering your questions. Explore walking trails like Fishing Cat, Leopard, East Lodge, and Wallaby to meet animals that come alive at night. Don’t miss the Creatures of the Night Show to learn about nocturnal animals.

Experience unique dining at Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant, with indoor or al fresco options. Explore the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and the new Bird Paradise with over 3,500 birds from 400 species for the complete wildlife adventure!

When: Everyday
Price: Adult from S$55, child from S$38
Location: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
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Kids Workshops @Art Plus5

Image Credit: Artplus.com.sg

Embark on a creative journey this Lunar New Year by joining this art workshop, where you’ll learn the delightful craft of making Chinese dragon masks. Perfect for children aged 4 and above, this workshop promises an exciting experience in mask creation. Capture the essence of the festive season while crafting these charming dragon masks that reflect the spirit of the celebration. Another workshop is crafting your own Chinese dragon puppets. This hands-on experience involves origami paper folding and coloring, making it suitable for children aged 7 and above. Also, there is a memorable parent-child bonding experience at their lantern-making workshop. Engage in the joy of creativity together as you craft a unique Lunar New Year lantern using various delightful materials.

When: Chinese Dragon Mask – 21 January, 6.00–8.00 pm; Chinese Dragon Puppets – 22 January, 6.00–8.00 pm; Parent-Child Lantern Workshop – 29 January, 5.00–7.00 pm
Price: S$60–80
Location: 302b Punggol Place, Singapore 822302, Singapore
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Bilingual Immersive 3-Week Programs @Little Joy Play

Image Credit: Little Joy Play via Instagram

Participate in the particular 3-week program this Lunar New Year (for kids aged 8 months to 6 years old). Each child has to be parent-accompanied. Activities include engaging Chinese New Year story sessions, music, movement, hands-on sensory play with a CNY twist, calligraphy painting, air-dry clay fun, DIY Chinese hand drums, and more. There’s also outdoor exploration with activities like mud kitchen, water play, and process art. The classes are taught by approved teachers who are certified in both Mandarin and English, as recognized by ECDA.

When: 20, 27 January, and 3 February; 9.30–11.00 am
Price: S$60 for 1 session for kid; S$165 for 3 sessions for kid
Location: Signature Park, 58 Toh Tuck Rd, Singapore 596747; Pasir Ris, Blk 528B Street 51, Singapore 512528; Rocking Horse Playhouse, 100 Turf Club Road, #01-02M, Horse City, Singapore 287992; Haven, Parkway Centre #09-06, Singapore 449408
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