As parents, we’re always on the lookout for ways to make the most of the school holidays.
Whether exploring the magical worlds at Universal Studios Singapore, discovering marine life at Adventure Cove Waterpark, or unleashing curiosity at the Singapore Zoo, enriching experiences for children are abundant in Singapore.
Dive into our complete guide and discover unique, engaging ways to make every holiday moment with your kids both fun and enriching!
8 Ways for Children to Spend Their Holidays
1) Reading Together
Reading is more than just a pastime in our home—it’s a way to help our kids develop their language skills and imagination. It’s a cherished daily routine that strengthens our family bonds and opens new worlds of discovery for all of us.
Our Favorite Books
Little Ones (0-3 years): We love cuddling up with “Goodnight Moon” and exploring the colourful world of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”.
Curious Preschoolers (3-5 years): “Where the Wild Things Are” and “Green Eggs and Ham” are our go-to for fun and whimsy.
Young Readers (5-7 years): “Charlotte’s Web” and “Frog and Toad Are Friends” have been fantastic for starting conversations about friendship and adventure.
Older Kids (8-12 years): The “Harry Potter” and “Percy Jackson” series offer engaging, long-form stories that can captivate the family, friends, or you over the holidays.
How to Make Reading Fun
Reading Nook: Set up a cosy corner with plush cushions and good lighting.
Reading Routine: Regular reading times, like after lunch or before bedtime, can become a relaxing habit.
Interactive Reading: Enhance read-aloud sessions by using different voices for characters, making stories come alive.
Encourage Choices: Let your child pick out the book for each session. Choices empower and motivate them to read more.
Audiobooks: Listen to audiobooks during drives to make any journey adventurous and fun. Platforms like Audible offer a variety of stories that enhance travel experiences.
2. Museum and Library Visits
We frequent museums and libraries because they’re treasure troves of learning. Whether history, science, or art, every visit sparks new conversations and ideas!
Explore Singapore’s history at the National Museum and the innovative blend of technology and arts at the Art Science Museum. To make each visit more fun, we look out for special exhibits and roll up our sleeves for hands-on activities.
For example, the Science Centre Singapore centres family-friendly fun with interactive exhibits on scientific topics like climate change and kinetic forces. The Children’s Museum Singapore is another great choice for interactive learning experiences, focusing on Singapore’s history.
Furthermore, the National and Central Public Libraries are treasure troves of children’s literature and creative workshops. They host exciting events that make learning fun, from interactive story times to educational games that the whole family can enjoy.
3. Outdoor Adventures
Physical activity is essential for kids, and what better way to exercise than by exploring the great outdoors? Whether it’s a day at Resorts World Sentosa, a chill experience at East Coast Park, or a serene visit to Gardens by the Bay, it’s a fun, healthy part of our family life.
Here are some activities to get your kids out of the house:
Parks
East Coast Park: Offers numerous fun activities like cycling, picnicking, and beach activities.
Bird Paradise: Discover and relax at Asia’s largest bird paradise park in Mandai.
Marina Square: More than just a park, it is a hub for indoor fun, from the vibrant Marina Square’s Central Atrium to Pororo Park—perfect for sparking creative juices!
SkyPark Observation Deck: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Marina Bay Area and iconic Singapore landmarks, like Gardens by the Bay.
Nature Reserves
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: Great for hiking and wildlife spotting.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: Perfect for birdwatching and learning about wetlands.
MacRitchie Reservoir: Ideal for treetop walks and canoeing.
Unique Activities
Jewel Changi Airport: Fun stuff never goes out around Changi Airport. Try to bounce among trees at Jewel’s Sky Nets!
Singapore Cable Car: Catch breathtaking 360-degree views of Sentosa and Mount Faber during the June school holidays—a perfect addition to your family scrapbook!
Try geocaching, a real-world treasure hunt using GPS coordinates, to make outdoor adventures even more exciting.
4. Family Exercise Routines
Social-emotional development is key to helping children manage their feelings effectively in early childhood education. Techniques like open discussions about emotions and mindfulness exercises build resilience and self-esteem.
This emotional support is vital as it equips children to face life’s challenges confidently, enhancing their psychological well-being.
Social Skills and Development
Family exercise isn’t just about staying fit; it’s about spending quality time together, promoting healthier habits, and improving mental well-being.
By exercising together, families can enhance their relationships, boost physical fitness, and reduce stress, making every workout session valuable for connection and fun.
You don’t have to craft an intense routine – start simple with morning yoga, evening walks, and or weekend bike rides.
These fun, simple activities will become treasured family traditions, enhancing health and happiness while ensuring you and your child have a blast!
5. Learning a New Hobby
The holidays are a perfect time for our kids to try out new hobbies. Whether it’s music, art, or sports, it’s about broadening their horizons and finding new passions.
Some Fun Options
Music: Learning to play an instrument like the piano or guitar or joining a choir.
Art: Trying out drawing, painting, or sculpting.
Sports: Participating in activities like swimming, soccer, or badminton.
Starting new hobbies is accessible with the right resources. Look for lessons around your neighbourhood that do holiday programmes for your child to test out.
If all goes well, perhaps this new hobby can be further cultivated with year-round classes!
6. Cooking and Baking
Cooking and baking are not just fun; they’re educational. It’s a hands-on way for the kids to learn about nutrition and hone their fine motor skills.
Involve them in meal planning, grocery shopping, and preparing dishes to make the process educational and enjoyable.
Essential Kitchen Skills for Young Chefs
Mixing Skills: Encourage kids to mix ingredients for local favourites like pandan cake, promoting an early interest in Singaporean snacks and food.
Safe Knife Skills: Teach older children to use child-safe knives by practising on soft foods, such as tofu or cooked noodles, under close supervision to ensure safety and build confidence.
Measuring and Pouring: Introduce basic measurements and pouring skills by making simple beverages like a Milo Dinosaur or teh, allowing them to follow simple recipes and understand proportions.
Teaching kids to cook is more than just fun; it’s a gateway to healthier lifestyles. By preparing their meals, they can better understand nutrition and healthy eating habits.
Cooking enhances fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through chopping and mixing. Most importantly, mastering new recipes boosts their creativity and confidence.
7. Community Involvement
Community service teaches children the importance of helping others and fosters a sense of social responsibility. Participating in projects as a family can be a rewarding and educational experience.
Teaching kids to give back is important because it shows them how to be kind and care about others. When discussing how their kind acts help people, they learn to see the real-world effects of their generosity and kindness.
Also, teaching them to understand and empathise with others helps them connect better with those around them.
8. Afterschool Care Programs
Afterschool care programs provide structured and supervised environments where children can engage in educational and recreational activities.
Afterschool care programs holistically nurture young minds and bodies in a structured yet nurturing environment, ensuring each child not only keeps up academically but thrives in all areas of life:
Physical Development: Early activities like running enhance health and teach life skills such as teamwork.
Emotional Growth: Discussing emotions and practising mindfulness build resilience and self-esteem, equipping children to handle life’s challenges.
Social Skills: Group activities foster communication and empathy, which are essential for strong relationships and future success.
Intellectual Growth: Engaging in curiosity-driven activities enhances problem-solving skills, preparing children for real-world application.
Moral Development: Lessons on ethics and community involvement develop a strong moral compass, guiding positive societal interactions.
Furthermore, at OBA, we have special school holiday programmes to nurture young minds year-round!
Make Every School Holiday Count with Out of Box Academy
Transform school holidays into a time of growth and discovery with Out of Box Academy (OBA)! Known for our holistic approach to child development, we offer a dynamic blend of academic and creative programs tailored to nurture young minds.
From developing foundational literacy and language skills to fostering critical thinking with tech and science projects, we ensure your child remains engaged and productive during breaks.
What Sets Us Apart?
Curated OBA Curriculum™: We uniquely blend rigorous academics with creative pursuits, all tailored to prepare students for real-world challenges. It’s a forward-thinking approach to learning that develops tomorrow’s leaders today.
Meaningful Space™: Our centres are more than educational spaces—they’re second homes where children feel secure, allowing them to thrive academically and socially, fostering deep learning and friendships.
Exceptional Educators: With a focus on individual growth, our experienced educators ensure personalised attention for every child, supported by a low teacher-to-student ratio and continuous professional development.
Strong Parent Partnerships: We enhance child development through robust communication, providing frequent updates and detailed parent-teacher meetings to ensure parents are closely involved.
Don’t miss seeing how Out of Box Academy can enrich your child’s holidays!
Sign up for a tour today and save up to $2,000 on your first term with OBA!
