Looking for fun and meaningful family activities this school holiday and beyond? The National Heritage Board (NHB) has lined up exciting events from July to August that celebrate Singapore’s rich cultural heritage. From hands-on Peranakan workshops to historical trails and music performances, there’s something for parents, kids, and even grandparents to enjoy together.
Here’s a guide to what you can look forward to.
Harmony Through Heritage
When: 5 to 6 July 2025, 10 am to 8 pm
Where: Singapore Sports Hub, Kallang Wave Mall Atrium
Fee: Free
Kick off Racial Harmony Month with ART.TEA.FACTS, where families can get creative with woodblock printing, try tea blending, and sample unique brews. Organised by the NHB and Eurasian Association, this event celebrates Singapore’s shared traditions through art, food, and meaningful conversations.
Tip: Follow the social media pages of the Indian Heritage Centre, Malay Heritage Centre, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, and Eurasian Association for more updates.
Civic District Trail Launch
When: 29 July 2025 (time to be announced)
Where: Various locations in the Civic District
Fee: $15 for guided tours
As Singapore marks its 60th year of independence, explore the Civic District—the heart of Singapore’s history. The new trail highlights stories from ancient Temasek to modern Singapore, with weekend-only guided tours led by volunteer docents.
Project Citizens Pop-Up
When: April 2025 to March 2026
Where: Community hubs and libraries (more than 20 locations)
Fee: Free
Step into the shoes of Singapore’s founding generation through dioramas, vignettes, and an interactive photo zone. Families can experience what it meant to become Singapore’s first citizens and even pen messages to the founding generation for a chance to win Founders’ Memorial merchandise. Check the schedule at www.foundersmemorial.gov.sg/project-citizens.
HAN@Katong-Joo Chiat Highlights
The Heritage Activation Node (HAN) programme brings Peranakan culture alive through workshops, performances, and tours.
Crown of Katong: A Kueh Pie Tee Culinary Workshop
When: 5 July 2025, 10.30 am to 12 pm
Where: Joo Chiat Community Club Reading Room
Fee: $10
Learn to make the iconic kueh pie tee with fragrant braised turnip, prawns, and house-made sambal. Kids will enjoy trying traditional tools, and everyone gets to bring home their own creations.
A Tapestry of Peranakan Culture
When: 5 July 2025, 4 pm to 5 pm
Where: i12 Katong Atrium
Fee: Free
Experience a lively showcase of Peranakan culture with Baba G.T. Lye, Melissa Sidek, and Richard Tan through music, banter, and dondang sayang.
Treasured Melodies: Songs of Our Land
When: 5 July 2025, 5 pm to 6 pm
Where: i12 Katong Atrium
Fee: Free
Be charmed by MELF & Mei as they perform beloved Asian classics like Mo Li Hua and Chan Mali Chan—a wonderful way to introduce kids to multicultural songs.
Stories in Stone: Katong-Joo Chiat Built Heritage and Historical Tour
When: 12 July 2025, 10 am to 12 pm or 4 pm to 6 pm
Where: Koon Seng Road Peranakan Houses
Fee: $5
Take a guided tour through Katong–Joo Chiat’s architectural gems, including Peranakan shophouses, the Red House Bakery, and the former Joo Chiat Police Station. The tour also includes a visit to the ARCHIPavilion, an interactive installation created for Singapore Archifest 2025.
An Afternoon with GT Lye
When: 19 July 2025, 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: Joo Chiat Community Club
Fee: $10
Meet Baba G.T. Lye, a cultural icon and master of Wayang Peranakan, in this intimate session. Hear his personal stories and catch live excerpts from works-in-progress.
Launch of PLAY + MAKE
When: Tentatively 20 July 2025
Where: Children’s Museum Singapore, Discovery Room
Fee: Free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents; admission fees apply for others
Perfect for families with younger kids, this new maker’s space lets children experiment, create, and learn about Singapore’s food heritage through hands-on activities.
Bulan Bahasa 2025
When: 16 August to 12 October 2025
Where: Various locations in Singapore
Fee: Free unless otherwise stated
Celebrate the Malay language and culture through community events and performances. The official launch will be telecast on 29 August 2025, 8.30 pm on Mediacorp Suria.
These NHB events are not just fun—they’re a great way to help children learn about Singapore’s diverse heritage. Whether you’re tasting Peranakan food, singing along to cultural classics, or exploring historical trails, every activity is a chance to connect as a family and appreciate what makes Singapore unique.
