January 2026 Family Activities - Maxthon

Featured Activity Reviews

1. Lenny’s Toddler Techno Tour at Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Our Review: This groundbreaking toddler-centric EDM experience brings high-energy music to the littlest family members in a safe, engaging environment. Unlike traditional concerts, this is specifically curated for ages 1-5, making it a rare opportunity for toddlers to experience live music designed just for them. The outdoor setting at Green Canvas provides ample space for little ones to dance freely.

How to Reach by Public Transport:

Take MRT to Khatib Station (NS14) on the North-South Line
Board bus 138 towards Mandai Depot and alight at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Alternatively, take bus 927 from Choa Chu Kang MRT or Woodlands MRT
Journey time: Approximately 45-60 minutes from city center

Lessons & Values:

Musical Appreciation: Early exposure to different music genres and rhythms
Self-Expression: Freedom to move and dance builds confidence
Social Skills: Interacting with other toddlers in a structured environment
Sensory Development: Experiencing live music engages multiple senses
Family Bonding: Shared musical experience creates lasting memories

Dining Options:

Green Canvas Café on-site for light refreshments
Wildlife Reserves Food & Beverage outlets nearby
Pack snacks and water for toddlers (outdoor venue allows outside food)

2. New Ranger Buddies Quests at Singapore Zoo & River Wonders

Our Review: This interactive quest transforms a typical zoo visit into an educational adventure. The app-powered missions keep children engaged throughout, making learning about wildlife exciting and purposeful. With four different missions across two parks, families have excellent replay value through March 2026.

How to Reach by Public Transport:

MRT to Khatib Station (NS14), then bus 138 or 927
MRT to Ang Mo Kio Station (NS16), then bus 138
MRT to Choa Chu Kang (NS4/BP1), then bus 927
Direct services available during peak hours

Lessons & Values:

Wildlife Conservation: Understanding animal habitats and protection efforts
Critical Thinking: Solving challenges and completing mission tasks
Technology Literacy: Using apps for educational purposes
Environmental Awareness: Learning about biodiversity and ecosystems
Goal Setting: Completing missions teaches persistence and achievement
Observation Skills: Paying attention to animal behaviors and details

Dining Options:

Ah Meng Bistro at Singapore Zoo
Mama Panda Kitchen at River Wonders
Multiple kiosks and food courts throughout both parks
Picnic areas available for packed lunches

3. Light to Night Festival 2026 (Civic District)

Our Review: Now in its 10th edition and extended to four weekends, this free festival transforms Singapore’s historic Civic District into an interactive art playground. The “Power in Us” theme encourages community participation, making it perfect for families to explore art together. Evening timing makes it ideal for weekend family outings.

How to Reach by Public Transport:

MRT to City Hall Station (NS25/EW13) – main access point
MRT to Bras Basah Station (CC2) – direct to National Gallery
MRT to Esplanade Station (CC3) for waterfront areas
Multiple bus routes service Stamford Road and St Andrew’s Road

Lessons & Values:

Art Appreciation: Exposure to diverse artistic expressions and installations
Community Spirit: Understanding collective strength through the festival theme
Cultural Heritage: Exploring Singapore’s historic Civic District
Creative Thinking: Interactive installations encourage imagination
Public Space Engagement: Learning how art transforms urban environments

Dining Options:

National Gallery Singapore restaurants (Odette, Yan, National Kitchen)
Capitol Piazza dining options
Raffles City Shopping Centre food court and restaurants
Beach Road area hawker centers nearby
Chijmes dining precinct within walking distance

4. Indian Heritage Centre Pongal Open House

Our Review: This free, family-friendly celebration offers authentic cultural immersion across two weekends. The hands-on activities make it accessible for young children while the live performances and demonstrations provide educational depth. The community atmosphere creates a welcoming environment for families of all backgrounds to learn about Indian harvest traditions.

How to Reach by Public Transport:

MRT to Little India Station (NE7) – 5-minute walk
MRT to Farrer Park Station (NE8) – 8-minute walk
Multiple bus routes along Serangoon Road (buses 64, 65, 111, 147)

Lessons & Values:

Cultural Appreciation: Understanding Tamil harvest festival traditions
Community Values: Experiencing the importance of gratitude and togetherness
Traditional Crafts: Learning pulli kolam (kolam art) and pottery making
Intergenerational Connection: Seniors painting pots creates cross-age bonding
Agricultural Awareness: Understanding harvest celebrations and food origins
Respect for Diversity: Appreciating Singapore’s multicultural heritage

Dining Options:

Little India’s extensive dining scene along Serangoon Road
Tekka Centre Food Centre (authentic Indian food court)
Komala Vilas (vegetarian South Indian)
Sakunthala’s Restaurant
MTR 1924 for traditional South Indian fare

5. Museum Red Packet Collection (49 Museums)

Our Review: This brilliant initiative turns museum visits into a treasure hunt while introducing families to Singapore’s diverse museum landscape. The collectible red packets featuring unique designs from each institution make excellent keepsakes and encourage multiple visits. It’s educational disguised as festive fun.

How to Reach by Public Transport: Varies by museum. Key locations include:

National Museum: Bras Basah MRT (CC2)
ArtScience Museum: Bayfront MRT (CE1)
Asian Civilisations Museum: Raffles Place MRT (NS26/EW14)
Science Centre: Jurong East MRT (NS1/EW24) + bus
Check individual museum websites for specific transport details

Lessons & Values:

Cultural Exploration: Discovering Singapore’s heritage through different museums
Collection & Organization: Building a complete set teaches goal-setting
Historical Awareness: Each museum visit provides different learning opportunities
Planning Skills: Strategizing which museums to visit and when
Appreciation for Heritage: Understanding the value of preserving history
Festive Traditions: Learning about Lunar New Year customs through themed designs

Dining Options: Most museums have on-site cafés or are located near dining precincts. Plan meals based on museum location and neighborhood options.

6. Play! Pickle Family Pickleball Carnival

Our Review: This beginner-friendly introduction to pickleball removes intimidation factor by focusing on family fun. The structured 2-hour session with coaching ensures everyone gets quality play time regardless of experience. The ice cream and photo opportunities add festive touches that make it memorable beyond just the sport.

How to Reach by Public Transport:

MRT to Bedok Station (EW5), then bus 16 or 31 to Chai Chee
MRT to Eunos Station (EW7), then bus 135
Located at Chai Chee Industrial Estate
Journey time: 30-45 minutes from city center

Lessons & Values:

Physical Fitness: Age-appropriate exercise and movement
Sportsmanship: Learning rules, fair play, and encouragement
Family Teamwork: Playing together builds cooperation
Trying New Things: Overcoming hesitation to attempt new sports
Hand-Eye Coordination: Developing motor skills through gameplay
Social Confidence: Interacting with other families in sports setting

Dining Options:

Light snacks and ice cream included in carnival package
Nearby Bedok Food Centre for post-activity meals
Chai Chee neighborhood coffee shops
Consider dining at Bedok North or Bedok Central after the session

7. ArtScience Museum – Insects: Microsculptures Magnified

Our Review: Levon Biss’s stunning photography transforms tiny insects into monumental art pieces, revealing intricate details invisible to the naked eye. The 37 high-magnification portraits from Oxford University’s collection offer both artistic beauty and scientific wonder. Interactive elements and local research stories make it relevant to Singapore families while inspiring curiosity about the natural world.

How to Reach by Public Transport:

MRT to Bayfront Station (CE1/DT16) – direct underground connection
Exit at Marina Bay Sands and follow signs to ArtScience Museum
Extremely accessible with covered walkways
Journey time: 15-30 minutes from most central locations

Lessons & Values:

Scientific Observation: Seeing nature through microscopic detail
Environmental Awareness: Appreciating insects’ role in ecosystems
Art-Science Integration: Understanding how disciplines overlap
Attention to Detail: Noticing patterns, colors, and structures
Biodiversity Appreciation: Recognizing insect diversity and complexity
Photography as Documentation: Learning about scientific imaging techniques
Local Conservation: Connecting to Singapore’s research community

Dining Options:

ADRIFT by David Myers (upscale)
SPAGO Bar & Dining (celebrity chef restaurant)
Rasapura Masters food court (Marina Bay Sands)
Multiple options at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Lavo Italian Restaurant
Gardens by the Bay dining options nearby

8. Baby Shark Run & Capybara Run (Marina Barrage)

Our Review: These themed fun runs offer perfect first-race experiences for young children. The 2km and 4km non-competitive distances keep it achievable while the beloved characters add excitement. The generous participant packs and scenic waterfront location make it worthwhile. Race pack collection the day before helps reduce race-day stress.

How to Reach by Public Transport:

MRT to Marina Bay Station (NS27/CE2), then 15-minute walk
Bus 400 from Marina Bay MRT directly to Marina Barrage
Bus 402 from Raffles Place or Tanjong Pagar
Consider taxi/Grab for early morning race start with young children

Lessons & Values:

Physical Endurance: Building stamina through running
Achievement Mindset: Crossing finish line builds confidence
Healthy Habits: Introducing exercise as fun family activity
Goal Completion: Training for and completing a race
Early Rising: Discipline of preparing for morning events
Participation Spirit: Enjoying activity without competition pressure
Environmental Appreciation: Running in scenic outdoor location

Dining Options:

Sustainable Singapore Gallery Café at Marina Barrage
East Coast Park food centers (short taxi ride)
Gardens by the Bay dining options
Marina Bay Sands food court
Pack recovery snacks and hydration for post-race

General Tips for January 2026 Family Activities

Weather Considerations

January is typically warm and humid with occasional afternoon showers. Pack:

Sunscreen and hats for outdoor activities
Light rain jackets or umbrellas
Water bottles for hydration
Change of clothes for children

Budget Planning

Many events are free (Light to Night, Pongal Open House, museum red packets)
Mid-range options: $40-80 per person (themed runs, OH! Moonstone)
Premium experiences: $100+ per family (Lenny’s Toddler Techno, Ranger Buddies)
Dining can add $20-50 per person depending on venue choice

Booking Recommendations

Book early for limited-capacity events (Lenny’s Toddler Techno, Family Pickleball)
Register for runs before cutoff dates
Check museum hours during Lunar New Year period
Reserve exhibition time slots where required (T5 In the Making)

Making the Most of Your Visit

Combine activities in same area (e.g., Light to Night + museum red packet collection)
Plan for rest breaks, especially with young children
Check for member discounts at venues you visit frequently
Document experiences with photos for family memories
Follow up with related activities at home (drawing insects after museum visit, practicing pickleball)

Educational Value Summary

January 2026’s activities offer rich learning across multiple domains:

STEAM Learning: Insects exhibition, T5 In the Making, Ranger Buddies quests Cultural Education: Pongal celebrations, Lion Dance heritage, museum visits, CNY festivities Physical Development: Themed runs, pickleball, inflatable playgrounds Arts & Creativity: Light to Night Festival, VERSE literary programs, craft workshops Social Skills: Group activities, performances, community events Environmental Awareness: Wildlife quests, nature photography, sustainability themes

These activities balance entertainment with meaningful learning, making January an excellent month for family enrichment in Singapore.