10 Wholesome Things Kids Can Do This December Holidays
The year-end holidays are finally here and finding ways to entertain your kids with healthy and fun activities can be both exciting and hectic.The good news is that letting kids have fun does not have to be costly or complicated. We show you how the simplest of activities can bring endless joy to the little ones!
1. Creativity with Duplo
Photo source: https://www.lego.com/en-us/duplo
Twice the length, height and width of traditional Lego bricks, Duplo is perfect for preschoolers to handle, without you having to worry about its parts being swallowed. What’s more, the benefits of playing with bricks are endless – not only does it encourage creativity and improve psycho-motor skills, it also develops your child’s lateral thinking and planning skills! Time to dust off your old Lego sets and challenge your little ones to get busy with their Duplo this holiday; encourage and challenge them to build out-of-the-world structures with their own imagination!
Cost: Varies with different packages. Check online or with your nearest toy shops.
More info: https://www.lego.com/en-us/duplo
2. Rock Climbing
Photo source: http://therockschool.sg/
Thinking of working out together with the little ones? Why not! The Rock School offers fantastic parent-child climbing opportunities where you can climb up the wall alongside your little ones, whether it is to guide them up to greater heights or to challenge with them in a game of who gets to the top first!
Cost: $58 for an adult-child pair, additional climbers at $20/pax
Locations: Bedok Community Centre and Tampines Hub
More info: http://therockschool.sg/programmes/double-up-parent-child
3. Korean Style DIY Soap Making
Photo source: Unmi For U SG
If you’ve always wanted to do crafts with your kids, but can’t handle the mess after, going for fun and short classes is the perfect compromise. So why not try your hands at making pretty and all-natural soap bars from scratch? Conducted by a soap artisan all the way from Korea, this unique experience is definitely one not to be missed – and who knows, your kids may love bath time after this!
Date: Classes run almost everyday so you can pick the most suitable dates for your family
More info: https://lessonsgowhere.com.sg/soap-making-classes/diy-soap-making
4. Cycle Along the Northern Eastern Riverine Loop
Photo source: Maria Fung
The 26km Northern Eastern Riverine Loop is a major loop that links 4 parks and runs through Buangkok, Sengkang and Punggol. Rich in rustic flora and fauna, wild birds and never-ending expanse of clear waters, your kids don’t have to tire themselves cycling the full loop. Make frequent pit stops instead! Key attractions along this loop include Lorong Halus Wetland, Coney Island and Punggol Beach which are in close proximity to one another.
Cost: Free
Location: Drop off at Kadaloor LRT station, cycle towards Punggol Promenade Riverside Walk and journey from Lorong Halus Wetland onwards.
More info: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/~/media/nparks-real-content/gardens-parks-and-nature/park-connector-network/00-pcn-overview-page/nerl-eguide-15042016.pdf
5. Fun with Librarians
Photo source: National Library Board
If you’d like to take a break from your storytelling duties, it’s time to approach the librarian for help. All public libraries except for library@esplanade and library@chinatown offer regular programmes to instil a love of reading and lifelong-learning in children. From storytelling sessions, interactive workshops to holiday specials, there are plenty to keep the kids occupied.
Date: Ongoing
More info: https://www.nlb.gov.sg/Programmes/ProgrammesforChildren.aspx
6. Prawn and Lobster Fishing
Photo source: http://www.funatfish.com/photo-gallery-fishbugis.html
Teaching your tots to fish at the nearby longkang (drain) may not be the best idea, especially during rainy seasons when dengue is rife. But fret not! You can always relive your childhood delights indoors and away from unpredictable weather at FishBugis+. Adults can choose to relax at the fish spa corner while the kids take turns fishing. What’s more, you even get to barbecue your delicious catch at the end of the day!
Cost: $43 per person
Location: 7th floor roof-garden of Bugis+ Shopping Center
More info: funatfish.com
7. Horse Riding
Get up and close with the friendly four-legged creatures for some equestrian fun! Horse-riding has been proven to be especially therapeutic for those facing stress, isolation, agitation or disability. The Bukit Timah Saddle Club offers fun pony riding in the weekends for the little equestrians and no prior booking is necessary.
Cost: $10 per ride
Date: Every Saturday and Sunday Time: 10.30am – 1.00pm
Location: Bukit Timah Saddle Club, 51 Fairway Dr, Singapore 286965
More info: http://btsc.org.sg
8. Outdoor Playground
Nothing beats the good’ol playground near your home or anywhere else in the country. It’s free, fun and available anytime. Recent playgrounds have also gotten a major upgrade, with challenging features such as undulating slides, uneven terrains and unusual obstacles for the more adventurous ones. Kids can develop their physical, social and problem-solving skills as well as build new friendships. Just don’t stress too much if your little ones get dirty and sweaty – it’s all part of the fun!
Cost: Free
Location: Anywhere!
9. Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay
Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/events/845399782295724/
If the idea of splurging on a family trip is giving you sleepless nights, fret not, for you can experience an equally dreamy Christmas right here in Singapore! Gardens by the Bay has outdone itself once again with its show-stopping annual yuletide fair, so bring your family down to Christmas Wonderland this December and enjoy a slew of carnival games, rides and performances. There will also be photo-taking sessions with Santa, an ice-skating rink and indoor snow playground to boot. With more than 57,000 sqm of space to explore, it’s surely a festive treat to remember!
Cost: General admission from $4 (prices vary between dates. Booking online is cheaper than at the gate.)
Date: 1-26 December 2017
Time: From 4pm
Location: Gardens by the Bay
More info: http://christmaswonderland.sg
10. Charity with the Family
Photo source: Project Awareness
What better way to nurture love and care for the less fortunate than to get your kids involved in charity. Project Awareness will be distributing 800 sets of meals to the elderly and low-income families at 4 locations in Singapore. You can help in their cause by making kind donations to purchase meals for distribution. Details of volunteering will be up soon so do follow them on their Facebook page for updates!
Cost: Free
Date: 10 December 2017
Time: 10am – 1pm
Location: Various locations
More info: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectAwarenessSG
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