7 Fun and Secretly Educational Things You Can Do this National Day

Wondering where to bring your child for the National Day celebration? Well, the obvious answer has to be The Float @ Marina Bay where he or she gets to watch the Parade live, right?

However, if you’ve not already claimed your tickets by now, or not lucky enough (like me) to get a spot, you can still immerse yourselves in the festive mood to celebrate our nation’s 52^nd birthday!

Besides heading down to the usual spots to wait for the magnificent fireworks and aerial display in town, be sure not to miss out the other fun and secretly educational activities you can do with your child this National Day!

1. Palawan Green Sentosa

Want to walk down memory lane to get a real feel of Singapore through the ages? Head down to the Heritage Carnival 2017 at Palawan Green! Brush shoulders with roving characters dressed in pre-war Singapore costumes, savour the traditional eats at the food stalls, and challenge your kids to an obstacle course designed for the little ones. When night falls, sit back and enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars. What a fun-filled day!

Psst… Your child gets to learn about Singapore history!

When: 4-13 August, 11am-9pm (Movie screenings from 7-13 August)
How Much: Free
More Info: www.sentosa.com.sg/sosingapore

2. National Gallery Singapore

Dive into art and history as you enjoy a complimentary general admission this National Day. It’s an opportunity not to be missed as your kids can join the Gallery Children’s Biennale where there’s a fun scratch art activity featuring images of the City Hall and former Supreme Court buildings through time. Kids from four years can also learn about Singapore’s history through art, before creating artworks to showcase their idea of future Singapore.

Psst… Your child can learn about art, culture and history!

When: 9 August, 10am to 7pm
How Much: Free
More Info: www.nationalgallery.sg

3. Zoo, Bird Park or River Safari

Want to have a “wilder” National Day celebrations this year? Bring your child to any Wild Reserves Singapore’s attractions and enjoy a whopping 52% discount for two-park combo package! Take photos with animals, watch manatee reveal a National Day banner, and encounter birds native to Singapore! Or does spending National Day with the adorable pandas sound good to you?

Psst… Your child gets to learn about the wildlife and nature!

When: 1-31 August
How Much: From $13.92 per child and from $23.52 per adult
More Info: www.zoo.com.sg

4. Singapore Sports Hub

A sporty day at the National Day Fiesta 2017 is a great way to celebrate our nation’s birthday. Join a 52-minute fitness workout with familiar National Day songs on repeat mode, challenge yourselves to an aquathlon workshop, or get the kids to craft their own Singapore flag collage at the Singapore Sports Museum! Don’t miss the upsized board games, racing simulators and bouncy castles too! Tired after a day of fun? It’s time for a family picnic while watching the live telecast of the NDP.

Psst… Kids can learn how to play various sports and burn some energy away!

When: 9 August, 9am-9pm
How Much: Free admission
More info: www.sportshub.com.sg

5. Science Centre Singapore

A “sciency” celebration awaits at the Science Centre! With one free adult ticket for every adult ticket purchased, and one free child ticket for every child ticket purchased, it’s the perfect season to experience exhibits like Professor Crackitt Light Fantastic Mirror Maze! What’s more, every child ticket into Dino Robot Factory allows one adult in free too! If your kids need a cooler, swing by Snow City for an hour of snowy fun for just $5.20 in commemoration of Singapore’s 52nd birthday!

Psst… Your child can learn how science works in a fun way!

When: 5-13 August, 10am to 6pm
How Much: $6 (adult); $4 (child)
More info: www.science.edu.sg

6. Gardens by the Bay

Get your child to understand the Singapore Story the “flowery” way! This year’s Orchid Extravaganza floral display uses the motif of a butterfly’s life cycle to narrate the evolution of Singapore. Kids will be thrilled to see a sculpture of 52 butterflies in the shape of Singapore. Remember to come dressed in red and white!

Psst… Your child can learn about our national flower orchid and know more about butterflies!

When: Till 20 August, 9am to 9pm
How Much: $5 off Flower Dome Tickets Purchased Online (Local Residents)
More Info: www.gardensbythebay.com.sg

7. KidZania Singapore

Where’s a better place to bring your child to than the kid-sized city which features National Day-themed activities for the little ones! Kids can dance to popular National Day songs in a specially choreographed National Day dance with a special rendition of the City Parade at the City Clock, pledge your wishes and ink your love for Singapore on the Pledge Wall, or discover fun facts about Singapore and stand to win great prizes!

Psst… Your child can learn to sing and dance and understand Singapore through the fun facts!

When: 1-13 August, 10am to 6pm
How Much: $25-$58 (2-17 years old), $35 (adult)
More info: www.kidzania.com.sg