Online Festivals, Kids Workshops and Father's Day Specials This June

While Singapore is slated to enter Phase 2 of post-Circuit Breaker from 19 June where most businesses and social activities will resume, there are still certain restrictions to be mindful of.

Yes, we are now allowed to dine-in (within groups of five). But when it comes to larger venues such as libraries, museums, cinemas to indoor and outdoor attractions, they will still be closed. Larger public venues such as malls will also be subject to capacity limits.

Parents who are looking to bring kids out for entertainment can perhaps find alternatives at the comfort of their homes—which has now become the new normal. To help spice things up this June, here is our fun-filled list of stay home activities to indulge and spark the minds of the entire family.

COVID-19: Stay Home Activities in June with Kids

Singapore Heritage Festival: Digital Edition

Take a ‘visit’ and explore lesser known sights of Tanjong Pagar, Pasir Ris and Kallang, as part of a mini documentary series from Singapore Heritage Festival. 

There are also various programmes available, from stay home activity kits for kids, animated storytelling, colouring activities, online masterclasses to even food demonstrations featuring heritage food recipes such as soon kueh. 

*Online registration is required for some programmes.

When: 19 June – 5 July 2020

View more programmes here.

Father’s Day special: Online father-child bonding activities

Specially on 21 June, get pumped up with a series of exciting father-child bonding activities ranging from magic shows, craft sessions (create your own DIY Stained “Glass”), percussion play and movement session to cooking adventures for the entire family! 

When: 21 June 2020

Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm (Various timings for different activities, view entire programme and join here)

#SmartNationTogether: Online Series of Tech-related Talks & Workshops

The #SmartNationTogether online series organised by Smart Nation Singapore provides a great opportunity to tap into the basics of coding for even young children. It also offers insights from experts on the latest tech trends and offers workshops such as making a game of Shoot the Ghost.

What’s best is that it is free for the entire family. You just have to register for the programme that you’re keen on, here.

When: 15 June – 30 June 2020

Time: Different timings, please find details of programmes here

*Schedule of activities are updated bi-weekly, do refresh their page to keep updated.

Esplanade’s PESTA RAYA ONLINE

Esplanade has curated a variety of activities for kiddos and families alike in celebrating and learning of Malay history, arts and culture. 

Get access to compelling storytelling and meet familiar characters from Malay folklore; dance and groove along to performances. There’s also a Pesta Raya PLAYpack with printable activities and crafts.

Date: 19 June – 28 June 2020

Time: More details of each programme here

Even with COVID-19, it’s still business as usual with popular Shilin Market—except for it moving online.

Expect close to 100 local and regional vendors offering an array of food and beverages as well as retail goods. Other highlights include performances via livestream, cooking and workout demonstrations. 

Get competitive in their slew of online games for chances to win attractive prizes and vouchers! Enjoy the digital experience here. 

When: 19 June – 21 June 2020

Time: 12pm – 11pm  

Astronomy 102: Live Stargazing

Take the family to geek out over the stars with the Science Centre Singapore’s Observatory team in a live stargazing session on 26 June 2020. Exciting astronomy content await so check back on their Facebook event page for further updates here.

When: 26 June 2020

Time: 8 – 9pm

LIVE Story Reading Session

Join dad, Shawn & his children on Facebook livestream in weekly story reading sessions where they feature SingLit stories from local authors. Don’t miss 19 June’s session as there will be a bonus story awaiting you and your kids!

When: 22, 29 May, 5, 12 and 19 June 2020

Time: 7.30pm – 8.30pm

Adventure of a Lifetime at Google Arts & Culture

By now, you might have already heard of the online offerings from Google Arts & Culture. 

Explore the virtual galleries, learn of fun facts or even join pesky penguin as he enters the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, explore street art and other locations.

The site also offers off-screen time with cultural activities to do at home, such as downloadable activity book of colouring, mazes and more! Simply download here, and print.

Netflix’s Free Educational Documentaries on Youtube

Embark on nature’s wildest landscapes, from forests, oceans, grasslands and deserts in Netflix’s documentary ‘Our Planet’. It is both a treat to the eyes and the minds, teaching all the importance of conservation and social responsibility. 

Else, in Netflix’s ‘Babies’, explore the groundbreaking science that reveals how infants discover life during their very first year: from first words, crawling, sleep and love.

Find all episodes under Netflix’s educational documentary series here. 

Fun Chinese Cartoons for Kids to Enjoy Learning Mandarin

This one, the Octonauts (海底小纵队), is just one of the many Chinese cartoons you can find on YouTube to help little ones get into the groove of familiarising themselves with mandarin. These cartoons are not only fun, they also teach us the importance of family and friendship to moral values such as perseverance, honesty and responsibility.

View our complete list of best Chinese Cartoons to enjoy learning mandarin here, including favourites like Pororo the Little Penguin, Peppa Pig and Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf.

Learn a Language for Free

Pick from a variety of languages, including French, Japanese, Korean to German, Russian and many more with Duolingo.

There are different levels to be unlocked, according to your proficiency. You can also track your progress and gain XP, or gems for the much-need motivation to master the language. 

Free Online Art Lesson Series: Draw with Drew (and Rosie!)

Draw with Drew (and Rosie!) features Drew, creative director of TIME for Kids, and his sidekick Rosie. Look forward to a new drawing assignment weekly where each episode tackles different drawing subjects, from animals, self-portraits, landscapes and more—and sometimes with a special guest.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for tips to help improve your little one’s artwork! Suitable for kids up to eight years old. Check out their videos here.

Enjoy Nature’s Wonders: Free e-books, DIY craft activities and more

Enjoy the wonders of nature all the same through Gardens by the Bay’s specially curated list of #StayHome activities. From downloadable e-books for kids, creating your own 3D paper tulips, origami flowers to fun printable colouring sheets, there’s so much to keep little ones occupied.

Feast your eyes on their digital photo exhibition or even pose questions to a plant doctor for anything related to plants in general.

View all activities here.

eBooks: Beautiful and Inspiring Stories (Aged 1 to 7)

There’s nothing quite like an adventure into the world of books. 

These titles featured here are relatable and gives little ones the opportunity for social emotional development, such as Butterflies on the First Day of School, When Sadness Is at Your Door and My Heart.

Find the list of recommended reads here you can download via the National Library Board (NLB) mobile app. 

Creative Science Experiments 

With just a few common materials you can get in your pantry, your little one can carry out their own science experiment. Whether it’s creating a rainbow jar, milk art to demonstrating how rain actually comes about, this is the list to refer to! 

DIY Edible Sandpit for Little Ones

Mum Elleanna Christine has come up with an innovative way to give her child a sensory play experience.

While sandplay is not a new play idea, her method surely is—using blended cheerios. Cause, why not? 

You get to have your cake, and eat it too! You can view her TikTok video here.

#SmallBigDreamersAtHome

In the second edition of National gallery’s biennial Small Big Dreamers festival, partake in activities such as Tangram Fun, Shadow Art, Drawing with Music, make a 3D house or even let little ones create their own canvas of emotions. There are also videos to seek inspiration and tips from creating art with textures, patterns, music and colours.

When: 1 June 2020 – 28 March 2021

For more information and activities, visit here.

Fun Kids Workouts To Release That Energy

These workouts will come in handy to help little ones release their excess energy, if unable to head outdoors.

ActiveSG has compiled a variety of exercises, including mother-child exercises, full body exercises for kids, general gymnastics and more to keep the entire family healthy. Find more exercises here.

Family Fun with Board Games

Take to these classic board games for the entire family—#StayHome or not. We’ve compiled a grand list of games suitable for little ones, pre-teens and even for the adults.

From Candyland, Unstable Unicorns Base Game, Scrabble Junior and many more, they will help to hone developmental skills such as decision-making, patience, abiding by rules and many more. Some of these games are also great for little one’s hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. 

ALSO READ: This Brilliant Trick Allows You To Make Edible Sandpit for Baby Using Blended Cheerios