Are the stricter measures in this phase of heightened alert putting a damper on your plans this August? There is no need to fret over the restrictions. Make the most of August with this curated list of six family activities that are both safe and fun whether you are choosing to stay at home or are thinking of heading outdoors.
1. Watch wondrous science experiments online
Image source: Singapore Science Centre’s YouTube channel
Join Pepper as she explores the world of science in the Science O’clock Junior: #Pepper’s Lab series. Brought to you by the Singapore Science Centre, this series features a variety of instructional science experiments—32 to be exact— that are bound to keep curious young minds engaged for hours. Each experiment comes with an easy-to-follow step by step guide for mums and dads to try with their kids. Find out how to make homemade slushies, slingshot rockets, invisible extinguishers, handmade butter and many more. This engaging series is suitable for kids eight years and below.
2. Catch the National Day Parade 2021 at home with your family
Image source: ndp.gov.sg
The National Day Parade (NDP) will be held on 21 August 2021. This year’s show segments have been carefully designed with a home audience in mind to provide a meaningful NDP experience for those who are not able to watch the parade live. Expect a thoroughly immersive experience complete with television exclusive special effects during the live stream segments. There will also be a myriad of home activities to keep your whole family engaged in the celebrations throughout the day.
But don’t let the two pax limit on social gatherings dampen your patriotic vibes. Connect with family and friends over Zoom to watch the parade and celebrate Singapore’s special day together!
For more updates on this year’s show, visit www.ndp.gov.sg.
3. Check out what the buzz is about at the Bee Amazed Garden
Image source: Bee Amazed Garden
Spend some quality time with your family at the Bee Amazed Garden. Learn about the different types of bee behaviours, the roles they play in a bee colony and how they make the delicious honey we have all come to love.
If you have what it takes, try your hand at being a beekeeper and master the differences between bees, wasps and hornets. More importantly, pick up tips on how not to be stung by any of these insects and what you should do in case you are!
Located at 91 Lorong Chencharu, the Bee One Happy Family programme is available in two-hour slots and bookings can be made online.
4. Visit the Animal Friends exhibition at the Woodlands Regional Library
Image source: Little Day Out
Visit the Animal Friends exhibition at the Woodlands Regional Library from 2 August to 30 September 2021. This exhibit follows the story of Rimau, a baby Malayan tiger who travels to Singapore looking for new animal friends. She gets to meet four of them on her journey—a dugong, an otter, a fowl and a hornbill and learns all about their interactions with people and the natural world.
With its interactive and engaging flip panels and picture puzzles, your kids can explore the exhibition and listen to an audio narration of the story with their earphones while you sneak in a quiet read!
5. Go on a scavenger hunt in your own neighbourhood
Image source: Singapore Philatelic Museum
Are your kids getting restless at home? Consider taking them on a simple scavenger hunt around your neighbourhood for some fun outdoors. Scavenger hunts are excellent at sharpening the observation skills of young kids in a relaxed and fun way and can even help them pick up new vocabulary.
Use this activity sheet as a guide if you need a place to start. For a more personalised experience, add on landmarks and interesting things that are unique to your own neighbourhood and see if your kids can spot them all!
For more useful resources and activities you can do as a family, check out the Children's Museum Singapore's (previously, Singapore Philatelic Museum) website.
6. Navigate the Hydrodash obstacle course
Image source: KLOOK
If you are looking to get wet and wild in this hot weather, Singapore’s first floating Aqua Park located at Palawan Beach in sunny Sentosa will not disappoint. Try and stay afloat as you leap, bounce and navigate your way through each obstacle course in this giant inflatable playground. With four separate zones catering to the different age groups, this park is a must-visit for families looking for an exhilarating weekend!
Remember to book your access passes ahead of time before all the slots are taken up!
*With the stricter measures in phase 2HA, do check the updated safe management measures before heading down to any of these places.