What to do in Singapore during the school holidays 2023

For those of us who will be spending the school holidays in Singapore rather than abroad, even though this is the time when the majority of expats will be home (wherever that may be) or on vacation with the family, here is an article just for you.

So if you have been in Singapore for some time now, you may think you have seen it all, but let me tell you, there is so much more to see. Here are some hidden gems of Singapore and a guide to what to do in Singapore during school holidays.

Family-friendly things to do in Singapore

Coast to Coast trail

It is time to explore this beautiful island city and head out on Singapore’s Coast-to-Coast trail. Download the app and follow the map to guide you to the checkpoints that you can have fun checking in at every checkpoint along the way. Otherwise, you can follow the online Trail on your own. It is 36km from start to finish, and some areas are closed, so check before you go. You may want to do it over a few days, which could be a good challenge for the whole family.

Recommendation If you are planning to walk about 10km per day, I would suggest going early because most of the pathways are uncovered and can get very hot.

Sembawang Hot Springs

Before you get too excited, there is no onsen in Japan or hot springs in Rotorua. You can not bathe your aching body in these hot springs. Even though it is a somewhat strange attraction, it is worth spending a few hours here if you are in the neighbourhood. The Sembawang hot springs have been around since they were first discovered back in 1909, and at the time of writing this blog, they are open from 7 am to 7 pm daily.

Recommendation Stop for lunch at Sembawang Eating House Seafood Restaurant.

Beach Cleanup

Why not make these school holidays a memorable one? Sure, there is plenty of fun stuff to do in Singapore, but why not lead by example and show the kids how important it is to make our beaches safe and clean to swim? Educate our children by registering here, following the guidelines, and checking out the areas that need a helping hand.

Recommendation Why not combine this little lesson with the Save the Planet storybook workshop, or visit ArtScience Museum’s exhibition Planet or Plastic?

Forest Adventure

The Forest Adventure is at Bedok Reservoir Park, Singapore, 479244. It is closed on Monday and Thursday but is open every other day from 930am to 630pm. Treetop and zip courses vary in age and cost, so it is best to check online and book with Forest Adventure here before you go. This adventure park is a great day out for all ages.

Recommendation If you are in the area and you still want more, then head over to PA PAssion WaVe where you can hire kayaks for the afternoon on the water.

Drift Karting

Yep, drift karting is here in Singapore and can be found at ORTO Yishun 81 #01-15 Lorong Chencharu. 769198 and open between 10 am and 8 pm Monday to Friday and open until 9 pm on weekends. Enjoy the fun with the kids and see how well you drive along the path at a decent speed; who knows, you may even beat the kids at their own game. Book your tickets online here.

Recommendation Check out what else is in the area here for a full day out.

Clementi Forest

So you may have seen in my post about my favourite Walks in Singapore that I mentioned the Green Corridor (which I love, by the way). Here is a continuation (if you choose to go this way) that will have you start at the Clementi Forest and end at the Bukit Timah Railway Station. In other words, you can begin at one old railway track and end at another. The hike takes approximately 1 hour, and I would highly recommend older children on this walk and not head there after a downpour because it can be very muddy.

Recommendation The word is out that this beautiful natural forest may not be around for much longer, so it is time to explore before the Clementi Forest is no more!

Splat Paint House

Want to get creative during these school holidays? Head over to Splat Paint House 207A Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574346, and anyone from the age of 6 onwards can get their hands dirty. Please choose from one of the many packages on offer, as they cater for all ages.

Recommendation Book into the Art Attack Art Camp for 6 to 13-year-olds these school holidays. The Splat Painthouse is not your average art class!

High Tea

If you have never had the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon sipping tea and eating gorgeous heavenly treats, then this is the time to start. You can choose from the many well-known traditional high teas such as Raffles Hotel or try something a little different at National Kitchen by Violet Oon, which stays true to its Singapore heritage. There is something for everyone on every budget. There are also TWG Tea locations, which can be fun for all ages. Do you want something specially designed for the children or at least the children at heart? Then book an afternoon at Platform 1094, Where all your Harry Potter dreams come true!

Recommendation Arteasiqu not only has high tea but also art jam classes. Why not combine the two?

Singapore Discovery Centre

There is plenty to do at the Singapore Discovery Centre. Check visiting times here before you arrive because different activities are open at varying times. You will find a few free Christmas activities as well as exhibitions (which you will need to purchase tickets for before you go) and a few laser games and paintball challenges to choose from. Whether you are there for outdoor activities or prefer indoor exhibitions, this place will have you entertained for hours.

Recommendation 2020 is a time of frequent changes; please check online before you go to avoid disappointment.

Something For The Animal Lovers

The Live Turtle And Tortoise Museum

The live turtle and tortoise museum is more of a family collection than a museum. Located at ORTO, 81 Lor Chencharu, Singapore 769198, open from Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm daily. The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum currently hold the Guinness Book of World Records for the most extensive collection of turtles and tortoises in the world. Book tickets online here before you go.

Recommendation Combine your day out with a visit to Orto, where you can do a whole lot of other activities.

Hay Dairies Goat Farm

Hay Dairies Goat Farm is located at 3 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4, Singapore 718859 and is open Wednesday to Monday, 9 am to 430pm each day. Arrive between 9 and 1030 am and watch the milking of goats. This free farm tour is fun for the entire family. You can purchase hay and feed the goats yourself.

Recommendation There are also educational packages (for a fee) that also include a more in-depth explanation of the goat farm history along with some goodies to take home.

Bukit Timah Saddle Club

Have you ever wanted to learn to ride a horse but haven’t had the time? Or you weren’t sure where to go? There are many benefits to learning to ride a horse which include balance, core strengthening, timing, rhythm and coordination. So, check out Bukit Timah Saddle Club or Singapore Polo Club. Both offer lessons for children over the school holiday period. Classes range from 6 years old and above; contact them for more details.

Recommendation Adults can have lessons too!

River Safari

I know you will be surprised to see that I have opted for river safari over the Singapore Zoo. I am probably presumptuous here by saying that by now, we have all been to Singapore Zoo at least once so far! But how many of us have been to the lesser-known river safari? I personally prefer the River Safari because it is a little different from your average zoo, with animals and information about river animals (except the Pandas! Which aren’t known to be lurking in any rivers that I know of).

Recommendation Want to buy tickets? Then book your River Safari tickets online. Remember, if you are thinking about seeing the other zoos in this area, it is more affordable to buy them all at the same time.

Staycation Ideas

W Hotel Sentosa

The W Hotel has always been known for its quirkiness, and this hotel does not disappoint. Another Sentosa Island resort but this time, you have the bonus of Sentosa Cove at your doorstep. Of course, the main drawcard of this funky hotel is the huge pool and slide with the fun outdoor area, including a DJ. The kids will love taking photos with the iconic W dotted all around the hotel, and so will the big kids, I promise!

Recommendation Book a room with a balcony; you won’t regret the little extra you pay for the luxury.

Marina Bay Sands

I know, I know it has been reviewed a million times, and I am sure most of us have stayed here at least once since they first arrived. But it had to be added; just for the pure, iconic status this place has to offer. With the infamous infinity pool, fabulous location, and fantastic restaurants, staying at the Marina Bay Sands makes you feel like you are on vacation. Head down to Marina Bay Sand and enjoy a crazy shake, spend the evening checking out the Supertrees and be a real guest in this city you call home.

Recommendation Treat you and the family to dinner at the Spago for a special treat.

Village Hotel

The Village Hotel Sentosa, right next to Imbiah Station, is a great location to spend a few days with the kids. This fun hotel offers a pretty fantastic pool that includes a lazy river that will keep the kids entertained for hours. From movie nights to Scavenger Hunts, this hotel caters to families. Check out the benefits of staying at this location here.

Recommendation, The Village Hotel offers other locations which all have uniquely different experiences awaiting you. Check them all to pick the one right for your family.

The Fullerton

Taking Glamping to a whole new level, the Fullerton Hotel is offering families a Glamping Package to remember these school holidays. Otherwise, the hotel is offering a funtastic package which includes a range of tours. All packages have your children taking home something special to remember their staycation. No matter what your package chooses, there is plenty to do for the entire family.

Recommendation Book your spot on tours early; they fill up fast!

Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa, Singapore

Fancy packing your bags and getting away? Well, I am sure we are all feeling a bit the same way at the moment. Shangri-La’s staycation option is the perfect little getaway for the family these school holidays; located on Sentosa Island; you can choose to stay at the resort the entire time or spend your time exploring Sentosa for the day. Who really needs to go exploring when the resort offers a kids’ club, pool slides, and multiple play areas for the kids?

Recommendation The Shangri La at 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350, has a fantastic kids’ club, and themed family suites are also a great option.

To Keep The Kids Entertained

Craft Atelier in Joo Chiat

Craft Atelier in Joo Chiat is offering taster sessions during these school holidays. If your child is ready to start something new, then now is the best time. From upper cycling food wrappers to Christmas quilling, this place has it all. All sessions are 2 to 3 hours long, so just enough time to drop off the kids and get a little holiday shopping done. Located at 426A Joo Chiat Road Singapore 427644, Craft Atelier is open from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm Monday to Friday and 10.00 am to 6.00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Recommendation If you find the taster is not enough, sign up for one of the full-day sessions.

Hungry Mummies Cooking Classes

Do you have a budding chef among you? If so, this is perfect for keeping your child busy during these school holidays. Hungry Mummies Cooking Classes cater for 7-12-year-olds, and classes last 2 hours. You will find the courses located at 58 Telok Blangah Heights, Singapore, 100058 and more information can be found on their Facebook page here. If your child would prefer to become the next Cake boss, they also offer baking classes.

Recommendation This cooking school also offers classes for teens to check online for more details.

Bouncy Paradise

Okay, so this might be a kid’s dream right here! Bouncy Paradise is precisely that, Singapore’s largest bounce house. A two-hour ticket will get you loads of fun at any age. You find the location at 200 Pandan Gardens (PeopleUp Enrichment Hub), which opens from 10 am to 8 pm on weekends and during school holidays. Book your ticket to Bouncy Paradise online here

Recommendation Wear socks with grip; it will make life easier for the kids when they are trying to climb. If you have socks with grips on the bottom, even better.

Library

There is more to your local library than borrowing books. If your children are between 4 and 6 or 7 and 10 years of age, join the librarians in a half-hour storytelling session diving into some fun facts and stories. Jurong Regional Library has now introduced a teen library service. Being the first Library in Singapore to introduce this service, it is a library by teens for teens.

Recommendation: The Singapore Boardgames Meetup Group will teach new board games to teenage board game lovers. For more events, check out the Singapore Library website here.

Bounce

Bounce Singapore is a fun way for the kids to let off some steam these school holidays. Bounce Tramp Camp is for kids from 3 years old and onwards. You will find Bounce at Cineleisure, 8 Grange Road #09-01

Singapore 239695, Opening hours are 10 am to 7 pm daily, with Friday and Saturday opening until 9 pm. Book your tickets to Bounce here.

Recommendation The three-day camp will have your kids wanting more, and if that is the case, then why not try the Flight Academy (6 years and above), where your child will have individual coaching that will have them learning more technical tricks and tips.

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Thanks for taking the time to read this this post. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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Paula Barreca Barnes

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