Singapore’s cultural scene is thriving with thoughtfully designed family activities this season, offering experiences that blend entertainment with valuable learning opportunities. Here’s my in-depth review of three standout options for parents looking to engage their children in meaningful activities.
Monstrous Fun! at The Arts House (May 30-June 1, 2025)
The Experience: ★★★★★
Walking into The Arts House, a beautifully preserved colonial building that once served as Singapore’s Parliament House, families are immediately transported into a whimsical world of storytelling and creative expression. Now in its fourth edition, Monstrous Fun! has established itself as a premier literary arts festival for children.
The highlight is undoubtedly the Monster Parade, where children don creative costumes and march from The Arts House to the Empress Lawn while playing music on upcycled instruments. The parade creates an electric atmosphere of joy and communal celebration that’s infectious for participants and onlookers alike.
Educational Value: ★★★★★
Beyond pure entertainment, this festival excels at introducing literary concepts through multisensory experiences. The free “Bimbang And The Curious Trunk” session masterfully combines storytelling with puppetry and music, creating an immersive narrative experience that captivates even the youngest attendees.
For older children, the “Drum-A-Story” workshop led by Cultural Medallion recipient Louis Soliano is nothing short of transformative. Children learn how rhythm and percussion can enhance storytelling, building an appreciation for the musicality of language. This workshop represents exceptional value at just $10 per person, offering direct mentorship from one of Singapore’s jazz pioneers.
Values Cultivation: ★★★★★
The festival subtly weaves important values throughout its programming. The Monster Parade teaches environmental consciousness through the creative reuse of materials for instruments. The collaborative nature of many activities fosters teamwork and community spirit, while the storytelling sessions often explore themes of empathy, courage, and cultural heritage.
Practical Information:
- Complete Address: The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
- Public Transport:
- MRT: Alight at City Hall MRT Station (EW13/NS25). Take Exit B, then walk about 10 minutes along North Bridge Road and Parliament Place.
- Bus: Services 32, 51, 63, 80, 124, 145, 166, 174, 197, 851, and 961 stop near Parliament House (Stop ID: 04169). Walk 2 minutes to The Arts House.
- Recommended Attire: Light, comfortable clothing suitable for Singapore’s warm climate. For the Monster Parade, wear clothes that allow freedom of movement and that you don’t mind getting slightly messy during craft activities. Children participating in the parade are encouraged to wear or bring monster costumes or accessories.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; sensory-friendly spaces available
- Best For: Children aged 4-12, though some activities cater to specific age ranges
- Pro Tip: Register early for the limited-capacity workshops, which fill up quickly
Little Sifa at Empress Lawn (Until June 1, 2025)
The Experience: ★★★★☆
The Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) has successfully created a child-friendly satellite program that maintains artistic integrity without watering down the experience. The centrepiece—Yang Jie’s “The House Between The Winds” installation—transforms the stately Empress Lawn into an interactive wonderland.
The 6-meter tall sailboat is genuinely awe-inspiring for children and adults alike. During evening performances, the dialogue-free drama following a seafarer’s journey strikes a perfect balance between accessibility for children and artistic depth that parents will appreciate. The opportunity to board and photograph the impressive vessel afterwards creates lasting memories.
Educational Value: ★★★★★
Little Sifa excels in teaching through experience rather than instruction. The interactive soundscape installation responds to visitors’ movements with lights and sounds, offering a tactile lesson in cause and effect while subtly educating about Singapore’s plantation history.
The Purple Symphony’s performances (May 23-25) represent the festival’s educational pinnacle. Watching musicians with and without special needs perform together provides children with a powerful, unforced lesson in inclusivity and artistic excellence that resonates far more effectively than any classroom discussion.
Values Cultivation: ★★★★★
The programming thoughtfully promotes:
- Inclusivity and accessibility through The Purple Symphony
- Environmental awareness through the plantation-themed installation
- Cultural heritage appreciation via references to Singapore’s history
- Imagination and wonder through the seafarer’s mythical journey narrative
Practical Information:
- Complete Address: Empress Lawn, 9 Empress Place, Singapore 179556 (adjacent to Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall)
- Public Transport:
- MRT: Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station (EW14/NS26). Take Exit H, then walk about 8 minutes along Fullerton Road and Empress Place.
- Alternative MRT: City Hall MRT Station (EW13/NS25), then walk about 12 minutes via St. Andrew’s Road.
- Bus: Services 10, 10e, 57, 70, 75, 100, 107, 130, 131, 195, 196, 857, 961 stop near Fullerton Square (Stop ID: 03011). Walk about 5 minutes along Empress Place.
- Recommended Attire: Light, breathable clothing for the outdoor setting. Evening performances may get slightly cooler, so a light jacket could be helpful. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as most of the experience involves standing or walking on grass. For children planning to interact with the installation, clothes that allow free movement are ideal.
- Timing: Installation open daily; performances Fri-Sun evenings
- Cost: All activities are free, making this an exceptional value
- Pro Tip: Attend around sunset when the installation’s lighting effects are most dramatic
Tales Of The Playground Picture Book Series
The Experience: ★★★★☆
Unlike temporary events, this Chinese picture book series by Ang Aik Heng and illustrator Joshua Chiang offers a lasting resource that families can revisit. The four-book collection transforms iconic Singapore playgrounds—Dinosaur (Kim Keat), Dragon (Toa Payoh), Watermelon and Mangosteen (Tampines), and Sunken Ship (Sengkang)—into charming characters with stories to tell.
The illustrations strike an outstanding balance between realistic depictions that children will recognise and whimsical personification that sparks imagination. While the stories are simple enough for young readers, they contain layers of meaning that reveal themselves upon repeated readings.
Educational Value: ★★★★☆
These books serve multiple educational purposes:
- Supporting Chinese language acquisition through engaging narratives
- Documenting Singapore’s unique playground heritage
- Teaching social-emotional lessons through relatable playground characters
- Encouraging parent-child discussions about friendship and family bonds
The books are most effective when paired with actual visits to the featured playgrounds, creating a seamless connection between literature and real-world exploration.
Values Cultivation: ★★★★★
The series excels at promoting:
- National identity and pride through the celebration of uniquely Singaporean landmarks
- Intergenerational connections as parents share their own playground memories
- Imagination and creative thinking through the personification of everyday spaces
- Appreciation of thoughtful urban design and public spaces
Practical Information:
- Where to Purchase:
- Maha Yu Yi Bookstore, 1 Goldhill Plaza, #03-01, Singapore 308899
- Popular Bookstores island-wide
- Online via WS Education’s website (str.sg/mnAQ)
- Visit the Featured Playgrounds:
- Dinosaur Playground: Block 27, Kim Keat Avenue, Singapore 310027
- MRT: Toa Payoh MRT (NS19), then walk about 15 minutes or take bus 153 from the interchange
- Bus: Services 52, 153, 165, 166 stop nearby at Kim Keat Avenue (Stop ID: 43651)
- Dragon Playground: Block 28 Toa Payoh Lorong 6, Singapore 310028
- MRT: Toa Payoh MRT (NS19), then walk about 10 minutes
- Bus: Services 8, 26, 28, 31, 73, 90, 139, 145, 155, 159, 163, 231 stop at Toa Payoh Central
- Watermelon Playground: Block 856 Tampines Street 82, Singapore 520856
- MRT: Tampines MRT (EW2/DT32), then walk about 20 minutes or take feeder bus 291
- Bus: Service 291 stops nearby at Tampines Street 81 (Stop ID: 76199)
- Sunken Ship Playground: Sengkang Riverside Park, Anchorvale Street, Singapore 544834
- MRT: Sengkang MRT (NE16/STC), then LRT to Farmway LRT (SW2) and walk about 8 minutes
- Bus: Services 85, 119 stop nearby at Sengkang East Way (Stop ID: 66361)
- Dinosaur Playground: Block 27, Kim Keat Avenue, Singapore 310027
- Recommended Attire for Playground Visits: Children should wear comfortable play clothes and covered shoes. Hats and sunscreen are recommended for daytime visits, and mosquito repellent is advisable, especially for evening visits to Sengkang Riverside Park.
- Cost: $12.90 individual books or $34.40 for the set (excellent value)
- Language: Written in Chinese with age-appropriate vocabulary
- Target Age: 3-8 years, though the heritage aspect appeals to parents too
- Pro Tip: Use the books as guides for a “playground tour” of Singapore, visiting each location after reading its story
Final Thoughts
Singapore’s family-friendly cultural offerings demonstrate a sophisticated understanding that children’s activities need not sacrifice substance for accessibility. Each option provides layers of engagement that work on multiple levels—entertaining children while simultaneously educating them and reinforcing positive values.
For families with limited time, Little Sifa offers the most comprehensive experience with zero financial investment. Families focused on building a lasting Chinese language foundation will find tremendous value in the Tales Of The Playground series. And those seeking an immersive literary adventure should prioritize Monstrous Fun! at The Arts House.
General Tips for All Activities:
- Weather Preparation: Singapore’s tropical climate means preparing for both intense sun and sudden downpours. Bring umbrellas or ponchos that can be easily stored, especially for the outdoor activities at Empress Lawn.
- Hydration: Carry water bottles for everyone, particularly for outdoor activities. Both The Arts House and Victoria Theatre areas have water coolers for refills.
- Transport Planning: Use the Singapore Transport Land Authority’s MyTransport.SG app for real-time bus arrivals and MRT service updates.
- Meal Planning: Both The Arts House and Empress Lawn are within walking distance of various food options at Boat Quay and Raffles Place, respectively. Consider timing your visit around meal times to sample local cuisine as part of the experience.
What unites all three options is their authentic connection to Singapore’s cultural identity and their respect for children as thoughtful, capable participants rather than passive consumers of entertainment. That approach makes these activities not just ways to fill a weekend, but meaningful experiences that contribute to children’s development as culturally aware, empathetic individuals.
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