Overview
Singapore offers three exceptional family experiences this holiday season that combine entertainment with meaningful life lessons. From marine conservation at Singapore Oceanarium to cultural appreciation with Mofusand, and inclusive community building at the Enabling Lives Festival, these activities provide rich opportunities for children to learn while having fun.
1. Hangyodon Marine Discovery at Singapore Oceanarium
Getting There by Public Transport
Location: Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway
By MRT + Sentosa Express:
- Take the North East Line or Circle Line to HarbourFront Station (NE1/CC29)
- Exit to VivoCity (Level 3)
- Board the Sentosa Express monorail to Waterfront Station
- Walk approximately 5 minutes to Singapore Oceanarium
By Bus:
- RWS 8 from VivoCity drops you directly at Resorts World Sentosa
- Public buses 123, 65, 80, 93, 188, 855 to HarbourFront, then transfer to Sentosa Express
Alternative: Take the Sentosa Boardwalk from VivoCity (free, scenic 10-minute walk)
Experience Highlights
The Hangyodon Marine Discovery transforms the oceanarium visit into an educational journey featuring Sanrio’s beloved half-fishman character. Photo spots double as learning stations, making conservation education accessible and engaging for young minds.
Hangyodon, introduced in 1985, represents the “busakawa” (ugly but cute) aesthetic that teaches children an important lesson: beauty comes in all forms, and uniqueness should be celebrated rather than hidden.
Meet-and-Greet Schedule:
- Monday-Thursday: 3pm
- Friday-Sunday & Public Holidays: 12pm and 3pm
Pricing for Singapore Residents:
- Adults: from $42
- Children (4-12): $35
- Seniors (60+): $35
- Coral Workshop add-on: $28/person (45 minutes)
Lessons and Values
Marine Conservation Awareness Children learn that ocean health directly impacts their future. The coral workshop, led by animal-care specialists, demonstrates how humans can actively participate in preserving marine ecosystems through propagation and responsible care.
Biodiversity Understanding The learning stations teach that every creature, no matter how unusual-looking, plays a vital role in the marine ecosystem. This parallels social lessons about accepting differences in people.
Environmental Stewardship By connecting with Hangyodon, a character who lives in the ocean, children develop emotional investment in protecting marine habitats. They understand that their daily choices—reducing plastic use, proper waste disposal—have real consequences for ocean life.
Scientific Curiosity The coral propagation workshop introduces children to marine biology careers and shows that science can be hands-on and exciting, potentially inspiring future conservationists.
Insights for Parents
Use this visit to discuss:
- How pollution affects marine animals
- Why coral reefs are called “rainforests of the sea”
- What careers help protect the ocean
- How our food choices impact marine life
Dining Options
Within Singapore Oceanarium/RWS:
- Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora: Fine dining with aquarium views (advance booking recommended)
- Malaysian Food Street: Casual hawker-style fare with local favorites
- Violet Oon Singapore: Peranakan cuisine in an elegant setting
- Fratelli: Italian family dining
- Quick bites: Food Republic food court at VivoCity (before entering Sentosa)
2. Mofusand Christmas Celebration at CapitaLand Malls
Getting There by Public Transport
Multiple Locations Across 17 CapitaLand Malls
Featured Locations:
Bugis Junction (3 themes in one location)
- Bugis MRT Station (EW12/DT14) – Direct connection
- Buses: 2, 7, 12, 32, 51, 61, 63, 80, 130, 133, 145, 197, 851, 960
Raffles City Singapore (8m Christmas tree)
- City Hall MRT Station (EW13/NS25) – Underground connection
- Buses: 36, 56, 77, 131, 162, 166, 174, 195
Funan (Strawberry Meow appearance Dec 4)
- City Hall MRT Station (EW13/NS25) – 5-minute walk
- Clarke Quay MRT Station (NE5) – 7-minute walk
IMM (shark and penguin themes)
- Jurong East MRT Station (EW24/NS1) – Free shuttle bus
- Direct buses: 51, 143, 185, 198, 502
Experience Highlights
This marks Singapore’s debut as the first Southeast Asian country to host a Mofusand-themed Christmas celebration, with the added rarity of mascot appearances outside Japan. Created by Japanese artist Juno, these feline characters teach children about creativity, playfulness, and cultural appreciation.
Shark Meow Meet-and-Greet Schedule:
- Every Friday-Sunday, Dec 6-21
- Sessions at 1pm, 4pm, and 7pm
- Exclusive to CapitaLand app members
- Rotating locations across malls
Photo Zones: Three themed areas
- Board Shark theme
- Fruit Meow theme
- Coffee & Donuts theme
Lessons and Values
Cultural Appreciation Mofusand introduces children to Japanese pop culture and the concept of “kawaii” (cuteness) as an art form. They learn that different cultures express joy and creativity in unique ways, fostering global awareness.
Creative Expression The whimsical costumes worn by Mofusand cats—sharks, fruits, coffee cups—teach children that imagination has no limits. This encourages them to think outside the box and embrace their own creative ideas without fear of judgment.
Community and Shared Joy The festival atmosphere at multiple malls demonstrates how shared experiences bring communities together. Children see people of all ages enjoying the same characters, teaching them that joy is universal and ageless.
Digital Culture and Social Media Parents can discuss how Mofusand grew from social media, teaching children about positive online communities and how creative content can spread happiness globally.
Patience and Planning Limited meet-and-greet sessions teach children about planning ahead, being patient in queues, and that special experiences are worth the wait.
Insights for Parents
Use this experience to discuss:
- How art and characters can cross cultural boundaries
- The difference between consumer culture and appreciating creativity
- How to be respectful during meet-and-greets (not pushing, taking turns)
- Why different cultures have different aesthetics
Dining Options
At Bugis Junction:
- Food Opera: Food court with local and international options
- Waraku: Japanese family restaurant
- Delifrance: French bakery-cafe
- Din Tai Fung: Taiwanese dumplings (nearby Bugis+)
At Raffles City:
- Paradise Dynasty: Xiao long bao and Chinese cuisine
- TungLok Seafood: Fresh seafood
- Prego: Italian restaurant
- Food court options: City Hall food center nearby for budget-friendly local food
Special Recommendation: Sushi Tei (multiple locations including Raffles City and IMM) offers Mofusand-themed food and drinks with collectible redemption, extending the themed experience to mealtime.
3. Enabling Lives Festival at Enabling Village & Beyond
Getting There by Public Transport
Main Venue: Enabling Village
- Address: 20 Lengkok Bahru, Singapore 159053
By MRT:
- Redhill MRT Station (EW18) – 10-minute walk
- Labrador Park MRT Station (CC27) – 12-minute walk
By Bus:
- Stop at Alexandra Road: 51, 93, 120, 122, 131, 145, 186, 963
- Stop along Bukit Merah View: 10, 30, 57, 100, 131, 139, 186
Children’s Museum Singapore (for Superhawker Me! performance)
- Address: 2 Jurong East Street 21
- Jurong East MRT Station (EW24/NS1) – Direct connection via J Gateway
- Multiple feeder buses available
Experience Highlights
Now in its fifth edition, the Enabling Lives Festival offers over 55 activities led by persons with disabilities, creating an inclusive environment where children learn empathy through direct interaction rather than theoretical lessons.
Featured Activities:
Community Piano Painting (Dec 6)
- Free 45-minute session
- Collaborate with artist Abraham Koh from ART:DIS
- Transform a piano into community artwork
- Registration required
Cookie Baking Workshop (Dec 7)
- Led by bakers on the autism spectrum
- $25 per person
- Includes drink and take-home cookie
- Hands-on learning experience
Superhawker Me! Performance (Dec 7)
- At Children’s Museum Singapore
- For neurotypical and neurodiverse children aged 3-8
- Interactive performance with sing-alongs
- Character Ming aspires to become a hawker hero
- $20 per person
Lessons and Values
Disability Awareness and Inclusion The festival’s most powerful lesson is experiential: children interact directly with persons with disabilities in leadership roles—as teachers, artists, performers, and workshop facilitators. This fundamentally reshapes their understanding of ability and potential.
Empathy Development Rather than learning about disabilities through books or lectures, children develop genuine empathy by working alongside persons with disabilities. They discover shared interests, humor, and humanity, breaking down barriers of “us” versus “them.”
Neurodiversity Understanding The cookie baking workshop with bakers on the autism spectrum teaches that people process the world differently, and these differences can be strengths. Precision, focus, and attention to detail—common autistic traits—are assets in baking and many other fields.
Community Co-Creation The piano painting session demonstrates that everyone, regardless of ability, can contribute to creating something beautiful together. Children learn that community strength comes from valuing every person’s unique contribution.
Challenging Assumptions By presenting persons with disabilities as skilled professionals and teachers, the festival challenges children’s unconscious assumptions about what people with disabilities can achieve. This cognitive disruption is critical for building an inclusive future generation.
Communication Skills Children learn to communicate across different styles—some instructors may use sign language, assistive technology, or non-verbal cues. This flexibility in communication is increasingly valuable in our diverse world.
Local Culture Connection “Superhawker Me!” connects disability inclusion to Singaporean food heritage, teaching that local culture and inclusivity aren’t separate values but interconnected parts of community identity.
Insights for Parents
Before the Visit:
- Discuss that everyone has different abilities and challenges
- Explain that it’s okay to be curious but important to be respectful
- Prepare children that people communicate in different ways
During the Visit:
- Let children ask questions directly to persons with disabilities
- Model respectful, natural interaction
- Point out specific skills and talents you observe
- Allow children to feel challenged or uncertain—this is part of learning
After the Visit:
- Discuss what surprised them or changed their thinking
- Ask what abilities they noticed that they hadn’t expected
- Connect the experience to inclusion at school or in their community
- Consider how they can make their own spaces more inclusive
Long-term Impact: Research shows that children who have positive interactions with persons with disabilities develop:
- Lower levels of unconscious bias
- Greater advocacy for inclusive practices
- More diverse social networks
- Enhanced problem-solving skills (through exposure to different approaches)
Dining Options
Near Enabling Village (Bukit Merah Area):
- ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre: Authentic local hawker food (5-minute walk)
- Alexandra Village Food Centre: Famous for local breakfast options
- Queensway Shopping Centre: Various food options after shopping
- IKEA Alexandra: Swedish and international food (family-friendly)
Near Children’s Museum Singapore (Jurong East):
- Westgate: Extensive mall dining including Din Tai Fung, Crystal Jade, and food court options
- JEM: Food republic, Ding Tai Fung, and numerous family restaurants
- Jurong Point: Mix of local and international chains
Comparative Value Analysis
Educational Value Rankings
Marine Conservation Focus: Hangyodon Marine Discovery
- Direct STEM learning through coral workshop
- Career inspiration in marine biology
- Tangible conservation actions
Cultural Appreciation: Mofusand Christmas
- Cross-cultural understanding
- Creative expression
- Global connectivity through shared pop culture
Social-Emotional Development: Enabling Lives Festival
- Highest empathy development potential
- Real-world inclusion practice
- Community building skills
Age Appropriateness
Ages 3-5:
- Mofusand (visual appeal, simple joy)
- Superhawker Me! performance (specifically designed for this age)
- Hangyodon meet-and-greet
Ages 6-8:
- All three activities suitable
- Enabling Lives workshops particularly impactful
- Hangyodon coral workshop (with parent support)
Ages 9-12:
- Enabling Lives Festival (maximum learning potential)
- Hangyodon coral workshop (can grasp complex concepts)
- Mofusand (may need to frame as cultural appreciation rather than just cute characters)
Budget Considerations
Free Options:
- Mofusand photo zones (no purchase required)
- Piano painting at Enabling Lives Festival
- Viewing Mofusand Christmas tree at Raffles City
Mid-Range ($20-35):
- Superhawker Me! performance ($20)
- Cookie baking workshop ($25)
- Hangyodon admission for children ($35)
Premium Experience:
- Hangyodon with coral workshop ($63 for children)
- Combined with fine dining at Ocean Restaurant
Creating a Values-Based Itinerary
Half-Day Marine Conservation Focus
Morning: Hangyodon Marine Discovery with coral workshop Lunch: Ocean Restaurant (discuss sustainable seafood) Reflection: What can we do at home to protect the ocean?
Full-Day Inclusion & Culture Journey
Morning: Enabling Lives Festival activities (9am-12pm) Lunch: ABC Brickworks (discuss community dining spaces) Afternoon: Mofusand photo zones at nearby mall Reflection: How are joy and inclusion connected?
Weekend Cultural Exploration
Saturday: Mofusand tour across 2-3 malls, Sushi Tei themed dining Sunday: Return for Shark Meow meet-and-greet Reflection: How does creativity travel across cultures?
Final Insights: The Hidden Curriculum
Beyond the stated activities, these experiences teach crucial life skills:
Resilience: Waiting in lines, accepting when meet-and-greets are full, adapting when activities differ from expectations
Social Navigation: Interacting with strangers, respecting shared spaces, taking turns
Cultural Fluency: Understanding that different communities celebrate differently, and that’s enriching rather than confusing
Critical Thinking: Questioning why certain animals are endangered, how festivals are organized, what makes characters appealing across cultures
Emotional Intelligence: Reading social cues from persons with different communication styles, managing excitement in public spaces, expressing gratitude to workshop leaders
Systems Thinking: Understanding how individual actions (plastic use) connect to large systems (ocean health), how community spaces are funded and maintained, how cultural products spread globally
Practical Tips for Maximum Learning
- Prepare with Questions: Before each activity, develop 2-3 questions your child is curious about
- Document the Journey: Let children take photos or draw what they see—this deepens observation
- Connect to Daily Life: Reference the experiences in subsequent weeks (“Remember how the coral needed care? Your plants need that too!”)
- Validate Emotions: If children feel uncomfortable during Enabling Lives Festival, acknowledge it while gently encouraging engagement
- Avoid Over-Scheduling: Choose quality over quantity—one deeply experienced activity beats three rushed ones
- Follow Their Lead: If your child becomes fascinated with one aspect (coral biology, Mofusand art style, sign language), pursue that interest beyond the activity
Conclusion
These three activities represent Singapore’s commitment to education through experience rather than instruction. Whether your child leaves inspired to study marine biology, eager to learn Japanese, or simply kinder to classmates who are different from them, each experience plants seeds for a more aware, empathetic, and engaged future generation.
The true value lies not in checking off activities, but in the conversations they spark, the assumptions they challenge, and the expanded worldview they offer your children. In a rapidly changing world, these experiences teach children to be curious, inclusive, and engaged citizens—skills far more valuable than any souvenir.