August 2024: Where to Have Fun in Singapore - Family Guide to Recreational Activities

August is bursting with excitement in Singapore, and we’ve got the ultimate family activity lineup to banish those boredom blues! From outdoor adventures to cultural escapades, there’s something for every family member to enjoy.

Tipsy Unicorn Launches Minicorn Club for Children with Fun-Filled Workshops and Activities (from 28 July 2024)

If you’ve loved the electric vibes of Tipsy Unicorn’s parties and fitness classes, get ready for a whole new reason to hit the beach club! This July, Tipsy Unicorn is unleashing the Minicorn Club — a magical Sunday escape where kids aged three to eight get pampered with fun workshops and activities.

Now, Sundays are for both parents and their little ones to enjoy!

Highlights:

• Location: Euphoria Suite, Tipsy Unicorn, 36 Siloso Beach Walk, #01-01, Sentosa Island, Singapore 099007
• Timeslots: Sundays, 1 pm – 4 pm and 4 pm – 7 pm
• Activities:
  • Storytelling
  • Dramatisation
  • Arts and crafts
  • Music and movement
  • Sing-alongs
  • Sensory play
  • Balloon sculpting
  • Magic shows
  • T-shirt designing
  • Puppet photo booth with fun props

More Details:

• Expert Facilitators: Activities led by The Creative Nook
• Capacity: Up to 25 kids per session
• Registration: Onsite, first-come, first-served basis
• Launch Date: July 28, 2024

As parents sip on their well-deserved mocktails and swap stories with friends, the kiddos can dive into the enchanting Euphoria Suite on the second floor. This magical haven offers pint-sized adventures with a view — overlooking the stage, pool, and beach! With each activity lasting just long enough to keep the little ones entertained (and out of your hair) for 30 to 45 minutes, it’s a win-win for everyone.

Mark those calendars because the Tipsy Unicorn Minicorn Club gallops into action on July 28, 2024! Don’t let your mini unicorns miss out on the fun — this is where unforgettable childhood memories are made, one sparkly hoof at a time!

Celebrate National Day with Music and Community at SingNation! 2024 (3 Aug 2024)

Get ready for an evening of fun, music, and national pride! SingNation! is back for its fifth edition, and it’s set to be an unforgettable celebration. Jointly organized by Voices of Singapore and Capitol Singapore, with support from VOS Corporate Patron Perennial Holdings Private Limited, this year’s event promises to bring the community together like never before. Mark your calendars for 3 August 2024 at Capitol Singapore Outdoor Plaza!

Highlights:

• Trivia Games: Test your knowledge about Singapore’s rich heritage and win exciting prizes.
• Candid Stories: Hear heartfelt stories that celebrate our shared heritage and national pride.
• Live Sing-Alongs: Join in the fun as The Passerbys, Joyce Ang from Voices of Singapore Ladies Choir (VSL), and Sean and Bangyan from Voices of Singapore Youth Choir (VYC) lead us in singing beloved National Day Parade (NDP) songs.
• Spectacular Fireworks: End the night with a bang as fireworks from the nearby National Day Parade rehearsals light up the sky at 8:15 PM.

Event Details:

• Date: 3rd August 2024
• Time: 7:15 PM – 8:15 PM
• Location: Capitol Singapore Outdoor Plaza
• Admission: Open to the public, free of charge

Bring your family and friends, and let’s celebrate Singapore’s national spirit together at SingNation! 2024. It’s a night you won’t want to miss! 

Get Ready to Bloom at the Singapore Garden Festival 2024 (from 3 to 11 August 2024)

Get ready to be enchanted! The Singapore Garden Festival (SGF) is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever! From 3 to 11 August 2024, join us at Suntec Singapore for Asia’s premier tropical garden and flower show. Whether you’re a green thumb or just love the beauty of nature, SGF 2024 promises a blooming good time for the whole family!

Highlights:

• Best of Show Designer Gardens: Marvel at 12 stunning gardens crafted by top local and international award-winning designers. From lush landscapes to whimsical fantasy gardens, these displays are sure to inspire and amaze.
• Floral Windows to the World: Step into a world of vibrant colours and enchanting floral displays created by international floral designers. Perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots!
• Balcony Gardens: Discover creative and colourful garden ideas perfect for apartment living. Get inspired to transform your own balcony into a green oasis.
• Wearable Floral Art: Witness the fusion of fashion and nature with breathtaking wearable floral art pieces. This is a true testament to the creativity and ingenuity of floral designers.
• MarketPlace: Shop till you drop at the MarketPlace with over 70 retailers offering plants, gardening products, arts, and crafts. Don’t miss the unique items from nearly 30 overseas vendors from Ecuador, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand.
• Workshops and Demonstrations: Participate in engaging workshops and watch live floristry demonstrations. Learn new skills and tips from the experts!
• Community Showcases: Enjoy a variety of community showcases, including bonsai and Ikebana arrangements, and a botanical-themed photography exhibition.

Special Event:

• Global Botanic Gardens Congress: Held in conjunction with SGF, this congress brings together leaders from major botanic gardens worldwide to discuss biodiversity conservation, plant curation, and more. A must-attend for plant enthusiasts and professionals!

Don’t miss out on this spectacular event! Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for a fun-filled day at the Singapore Garden Festival 2024.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official SGF website.

Get Ready for Trunk-tastic Adventures with Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters (from 9 August 2024)

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The school holidays might be over, but the wild fun is just getting started at Singapore Zoo! Families, friends, and adventure-seekers are in for a treat with the Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters. It’s your chance to hang out with the zoo’s majestic Asian elephants and get to know them like never before.

Highlights:

• Meet the Herd:
  Get introduced to our five fabulous ladies, each with her own diva personality and unique friendships. Trust us, they’re a trunkful of fun!

• Behind-the-Scenes Access:
  Sneak into the elephants’ VIP areas and catch a glimpse of their daily routines—because even elephants need a little pampering.

• Elephant Pedicures:
  Watch as these gentle giants enjoy their very own ‘spa day’ with a pedicure session. Who knew elephants were into nail care?

• Positive Reinforcement Training:
  See how our elephants are trained with treats, because who wouldn’t do a trick for snacks? Bonus: It helps keep them healthy!

• Hands-On Experience:
  Get up close and personal by feeling their ears and bristly hairs, and don’t miss the chance to hand-feed them their favorite snacks. It’s like a gourmet buffet—elephant style!

• Fascinating Facts:
  Hear from our expert keepers about all the quirky habits, oddball behaviors, and cool gadgets that make these elephants’ lives extra special.

Ready for an elephant-sized adventure? Join us daily from 9 August 2024, 2pm to 3pm. Don’t wait—book now and snag special discounts for Friends of Wildlife members!

Celebrate 30 Years of Night Safari Magic and Exciting New Adventures at Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Families are in for a night to remember as Night Safari celebrates 30 wild years of nocturnal wonders! With thrilling new adventures and exciting surprises around every corner, there’s never been a better time to visit the world’s first nocturnal animal park. It’s the perfect way for families to experience the magic of the night like never before!

Night Safari Highlights

• New Pangolin Trail: Stroll along a 280m-long sheltered walking trail and encounter fascinating nocturnal creatures like the Sunda pangolin, slow loris, binturong, oriental small-clawed otter, and spotted giant flying squirrel. Learn about the critically endangered Sunda pangolin and the park’s efforts to protect this elusive species.
• Chawang’s New Habitat: Meet Chawang, the iconic Asian bull elephant, in his brand-new habitat. Watch him forage and play with enrichment features designed to keep him active and healthy. Get up close and personal from a lookout deck for an unforgettable experience.

Singapore Zoo Highlights

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• Marine Coastal Habitat (Coming 2027): Dive into the future with a new underwater-viewing habitat featuring Californian sea lions, African penguins, and harbor seals. Enjoy a unique dining experience with underwater views at the first level restaurant or relax at the upper-level bistro with panoramic views of the sea lions.
• Breakfast in the Wild: Start your day with a wild breakfast on the upper floor terrace, surrounded by tree-climbing orangutans. Interact with keepers and learn about these incredible creatures in their naturalistic habitat.
• New Banquet Hall: Host your next big event in the spacious new banquet hall, accommodating up to 400 guests. Enjoy curated experiences, including animal interactions, right outside the hall.

Why Visit?

Dr. Cheng Wen-Haur, Deputy CEO and Chief Life Sciences Officer of Mandai Wildlife Group, sums it up perfectly: “By offering a range of memorable and meaningful wildlife experiences, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is a window into the wild for our guests. We hope to inspire our guests to better appreciate nature and join us in our efforts to protect threatened wildlife.”

So, gather your family and friends and embark on a journey through the wild at Night Safari and Singapore Zoo. Celebrate 30 years of nocturnal magic and discover the wonders of nature like never before!

Celebrate Diversity Through Your Lens and Join the International Migrants Day Photography Contest 2024 (11 August 2024)

Capture the vibrant interactions and shared joys between local and migrant communities beyond the workplace. Show how recreation unites us all!

Highlights:

• Open to All: Both local and migrant communities are invited to participate.
• Multiple Entries: Submit multiple entries, but remember, you can only win once.
• Photo Specs: Submit up to two related JPEG photos per entry, each between 1 MB and 10 MB.
• Storytelling: Accompany your photos with a write-up of no more than 150 words.
• Deadline: Submit by 11 August 2024, 23:59 hours.
• Authenticity: Only basic photo enhancements allowed—no digital manipulation.
• Family-Friendly: Ensure your photos and stories are respectful and appropriate for all audiences.

Submit your entries at https://go.gov.sg/imd2024photographycontest and be part of this global celebration of unity and diversity!

Important Dates:

• Submission Deadline: 11 August 2024, 23:59 hours
• International Migrants Day: 18 December 2024

Let’s celebrate International Migrants Day by showcasing the beautiful tapestry of our shared lives. Ready, set, click!

Light Up Your Nights at Singapore Night Festival 2024 (from 23 August to 7 September 2024)

Get ready to dive into a world where history meets playfulness! The Singapore Night Festival (SNF) is back for its 15th edition, and it’s bigger and brighter than ever. From 23 August to 7 September 2024, the Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) precinct will transform into a nocturnal wonderland over three magical weekends. Organized by the National Heritage Board (NHB) and supported by Lead Sponsor Samsung Singapore, this year’s festival is all about exploring the Art of Play.

Highlights:

• Projection Mapping Artworks: Watch heritage buildings come alive with stunning visual displays that tell the stories of BBB’s rich past.
• Night Lights Installations: Wander through mesmerizing light installations that illuminate the night and spark your imagination.
• Festival Villages: Discover four unique Festival Villages, each with its own vibe, offering food, performances, and interactive experiences.
• Performances Galore: Enjoy a diverse range of performances, from jazz to xinyao singalongs, bringing the precinct’s history to life.
• Interactive Art: Engage with immersive artworks that delve into the concept of play and childhood, inspired by BBB’s historical significance as the birthplace of some of Singapore’s first schools.
• New Spots to Explore: Check out the new late-night Festival Village at GR.iD and the Bugis Street Art Lane, featuring a brand-new Night Lights artwork.

With over 50 programs, including partner events and community activities, there’s something for everyone. So, gather your family and friends, and let’s celebrate the arts, culture, and heritage of Singapore in the most playful way possible!

See you at the Singapore Night Festival 2024 – where every night is a new adventure!

Family-Friendly Festival ADWT 2024 Brings Tradition to Life with Hands-On Workshops (23 August to 7 September 2024)

Pack your bags, folks, because this August, we’re taking a family trip—but not just any trip. We’re headed to a place where tradition meets creativity, and fun is the only thing on the agenda.

That’s right, A Date with Tradition (ADWT) is back for its third and most epic edition yet at the Stamford Arts Centre, and trust us, this is one cultural journey you won’t want to miss!

Running from August 23 to September 7, this festival is about to become your family’s new favourite tradition. For the first time ever, ADWT will stretch across three weekends, giving you plenty of time to dive into a whirlwind of captivating performances, art installations, workshops, and interactive activities that celebrate the vibrant world of traditional arts.

1. Stamp or Stitch! by Beadsbadwolf: Get Crafty, Get Creative

Ever wanted to try your hand at stamping or embroidery? Now’s your chance! With Stamp or Stitch! by Beadsbadwolf, you and your mini-me can create your very own drawstring pouch using traditional motif stamps or embroidering a floral design. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a newbie, this workshop is all about getting your creative juices flowing. Plus, you’ll leave with a keepsake that’s uniquely yours. Who knew tradition could be so trendy?

2. Under the Big Top by Bonfire Circus: Step Right Up!

Cue the circus music, because it’s time to clown around! Under the Big Top by Bonfire Circus invites you to explore the magic of circus arts in a way that’s fun for the whole family. From juggling to clowning, this activity is designed to get everyone moving and laughing. And parents, don’t be shy—this is your chance to show off those unicycle skills you never knew you had. Whether you leave as a circus pro or just a little bit goofier, you’re guaranteed to have a blast.

3. UPSIZED Fun and Games: Bigger is Better

Remember those childhood games that used to keep you entertained for hours? Well, they’re back—only this time, they’re supersized! In UPSIZED Fun and Games, you can challenge your kids (or vice versa) to life-sized versions of classics like five stones, pick-up sticks, and eraser battles. And when you’re ready to kick back, grab a spot for the cinema-on-wheels experience. Watching movies under the stars? That’s a family night done right!

4. A Sea of Stories – The Boy, King, Island & Beast by Open Score Project: Dive into Folklore

Gather ‘round, because it’s storytime! A Sea of Stories is an interactive adventure that retells the tale of how Redhill (Bukit Merah) got its name. This isn’t just any old storytelling session—this one combines traditional narratives with modern performance art, making it a feast for the imagination. Your kids will be spellbound by the story, and you’ll love the cultural richness it brings. This is where legends come to life, and memories are made.

5. Colourful Adventures: Explore Minhwa Art by Singapore Association of Minhwa Art: Art with a Splash of Culture

Let’s add a splash of colour to your day with Colourful Adventures, a hands-on workshop that introduces your family to the beautiful world of Minhwa—Korean folk art. Using traditional materials, your little artists will create vibrant pieces while learning about this unique art form’s history and techniques. Parents, this is your chance to bond over paintbrushes and patterns, creating masterpieces that are as culturally rich as they are colourful.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss ADWT

• Cultural Immersion: ADWT isn’t just a festival; it’s a journey into the heart of traditional arts. It’s like a cultural vacation, without the jet lag.
• Interactive Fun: From crafting to circus tricks, these activities are all about rolling up your sleeves and getting involved. Learn, laugh, and create together.
• Memorable Experiences: This isn’t just another weekend—it’s a memory-making extravaganza. These are the kind of days your kids will talk about for years to come.
• Artistic Exploration: Encourage your kids to discover new passions and talents, all while exploring different cultural traditions.
• Community Connection: Connect with other families and art lovers, and share in the joy of tradition, creativity, and fun.

So, mark those calendars, rally the troops, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable family adventure at A Date with Tradition. Whether you’re crafting, juggling, storytelling, or exploring art, this festival promises a delightful escape into the vibrant world of traditional arts. See you at the Stamford Arts Centre!

Join the Fun at the 15th Edition of Singapore Night Festival! (from 23 August to 7 September 2024)

Get Ready for Three Weekends of Retro Fun and Nostalgia!

The Singapore Night Festival is back for its 15th edition, and it’s the ultimate nighttime adventure for families. From August 23 to September 7, the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct transforms into a playground of nostalgia and creativity, celebrating the theme Art of Play.

Why should you and your little ones join in? Because this isn’t just any festival — it’s a journey through Singapore’s rich history, set in the very spot where some of our first schools began. With a magical mix of old-school charm and cutting-edge fun, it’s the perfect way to spark your kids’ imagination while creating cherished family memories.

Highlights:

• Dates: 23 August – 7 September 2024
• Location: Bras Basah.Bugis precinct
• Theme: The Art of Play
• Highlight Act: Wonder World by local artist SKL0
  • Amusement park rides
  • Old school game stalls
  • Nostalgia-themed food and beverages
  • Performances and more!
• Festival Villages: Food and retail experiences across 5 different villages
• Art Installations: Signature projection mapping artworks and night light installations by local and regional artists
• Performances:
  • Jazz performances
  • Xinyao singalong (festival first!)
• Special Programmes: Exploring the unique stories and traditions of the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct

More Details:

Take a trip down memory lane at Wonder World, where the retro vibes of Singapore from the 1950s to 1970s come alive! Created by the talented local artist SKL0, this nostalgic wonderland serves up a delightful mix of old-school amusement park rides, classic games, and all your favourite throwback treats. It’s like reliving the golden days — but with a modern twist!

As the Singapore Night Festival 2024 lights up the city over three weekends, come hang out and soak in the artsy, cultural goodness. Round up your crew and make memories that’ll last a lifetime!

Nathan Sawaya’s Iconic LEGO® Art Exhibit Comes Back to Singapore (from 31 August 2024)