Gardens by the Bay Children’s Festival 2025: A Magical Journey Through ‘Ohana and Adventure
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 Stars)
Gardens by the Bay has outdone itself with the 11th edition of its signature Children’s Festival, transforming the iconic Supertree Grove into Asia Pacific’s first Lilo & Stitch-themed outdoor playground. This ambitious collaboration with Disney creates an immersive experience that seamlessly blends entertainment, education, and emotional development in one of Singapore’s most spectacular settings.
Location & Setting
Venue: Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Duration: May 24 – June 15, 2025
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily (play spaces close at 7:00 PM)
Admission: Free (separate charges for carnival games and selected workshops)
The choice of Supertree Grove as the festival backdrop is nothing short of inspired. The towering artificial trees, already resembling an alien landscape, provide the perfect otherworldly atmosphere for Stitch’s extraterrestrial adventures. The juxtaposition of cutting-edge architecture with Disney’s beloved characters creates a unique visual spectacle that captivates both children and adults.
Featured Activities & Attractions
1. The Great ‘Ohana Wave (★★★★★)
Age Range: 6-12 years
Safety Requirements: Mandatory helmets and round floats provided
The crown jewel of the festival, this nearly 7-meter-tall slide spirals around one of the iconic Supertrees, offering a 28-meter journey of pure exhilaration. The engineering feat alone is impressive, but the thematic integration with the Supertree creates an unforgettable experience. Safety measures are comprehensive without being intrusive, and the gentle slope ensures accessibility for the target age group while maintaining the thrill factor.
Parent Tip: Expect queues during peak hours (11 AM – 3 PM). Early morning or late afternoon visits offer shorter wait times.
2. Space Adventure (★★★★☆)
Age Range: All ages
Activity Type: Interactive cosmic mission with swing cars
This attraction brilliantly captures Stitch’s extraterrestrial origins through an engaging competitive element. Children navigate swing cars while attempting to strike light beams, combining physical activity with hand-eye coordination development. The space theme is well-executed with appropriate sound effects and visual elements that maintain immersion without being overwhelming for younger participants.
3. Forest of Belonging (★★★★★)
Age Range: All ages
Activity Type: Forest-themed inflatable exploration
Perhaps the most emotionally resonant attraction, this inflatable playground encourages children to discover hidden messages about ‘ohana while navigating a forest environment. The design cleverly incorporates both physical challenges and moments of quiet discovery, allowing children to internalise the festival’s core message about family and belonging at their own pace.
4. Stitch’s Mischief Makers (★★★★☆)
Age Range: All ages
Activity Type: Beach-themed sensory play with kinetic sand
The kinetic sand play area provides excellent sensory development opportunities while maintaining the Pacific island theme. The sand’s unique properties fascinate children and encourage creative expression. The beach setting, complete with appropriate props and decorations, effectively transports visitors to Stitch’s Hawaiian home.
Educational & Developmental Goals
Learning Objectives Successfully Achieved:
Emotional Intelligence Development: The festival excels in teaching children about family bonds, acceptance, and belonging through interactive storytelling and themed environments. The ‘ohana concept is woven throughout all activities, making abstract values tangible and memorable.
Physical Development: Each attraction targets different motor skills – from gross motor development on The Great ‘Ohana Wave to fine motor skills in the kinetic sand area. The variety ensures comprehensive physical engagement across age groups.
Social Skills Enhancement: Shared experiences in group activities, particularly in Space Adventure’s competitive elements, naturally foster cooperation, patience, and healthy competition among children.
Cultural Awareness: The festival subtly introduces Pacific Islander culture and values, broadening children’s cultural horizons while maintaining entertainment value.
Values & Character Development Goals
Core Values Promoted:
Family Unity (‘Ohana): The festival’s central theme effectively communicates that “nobody gets left behind or forgotten,” encouraging children to value family relationships and inclusive behaviour.
Self-Acceptance: Through Stitch’s journey of belonging, children learn to embrace their unique qualities and differences, promoting healthy self-esteem and confidence.
Environmental Stewardship: The Gardens by the Bay setting naturally incorporates lessons about nature conservation and environmental responsibility, enhanced by the specialised “Plants On The Move!” educational sessions.
Friendship and Loyalty: Interactive elements require cooperation and mutual support, reinforcing the importance of genuine friendship and loyalty in relationships.
Special Event Features
Garden Rhapsody: “The Way To ‘Ohana”
Showtimes: 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM daily
Duration: 15 minutes
The specially programmed light show transforms the Supertrees into a synchronised symphony of lights choreographed to the original Lilo & Stitch soundtrack. This technological marvel provides a perfect conclusion to each day’s activities, creating lasting memories for families.
Character Meet & Greet
Dates: June 7-8, 2025
Character: Stitch
The opportunity to meet Stitch in person adds significant value for Disney fans and provides excellent photo opportunities in the unique Supertree setting.
Plants On The Move! Educational Sessions
Dates: May 31 and June 14, 2025
Duration: 35 minutes
Leader: Dr. Janelle Jung (Hawaii-born plant researcher)
Cost: Free (advance booking required)
These storytelling sessions cleverly combine botanical education with Pacific Island history, teaching children about plant migration patterns through engaging narratives. Dr. Jung’s Hawaiian background adds authenticity and cultural depth to the educational component.
Activity Booklet & Rewards Program
The complimentary activity booklet serves multiple purposes: extending engagement beyond the attractions, providing educational content for home use, and offering a tangible reward system through sticker sheet redemption. This thoughtful addition significantly enhances the overall educational value.
Getting There: Public Transport Guide
MRT (Most Convenient)
Bayfront MRT Station (Circle & Downtown Lines)
- Exit: Exit B or C
- Walking Time: 5-7 minutes via Dragonfly Bridge
- Route: Follow signs to Gardens by the Bay, cross the iconic Dragonfly Bridge for a scenic approach
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair and stroller accessible
Alternative MRT Options
Marina Bay MRT Station (North South Line)
- Walking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Route: Walk through Marina Bay Sands Shoppes (air-conditioned route)
- Advantage: Shopping and dining options en route
Bus Services
Direct Bus Routes to Gardens by the Bay:
- Route 400: From various city locations
- Route 133: Connects from the Toa Payoh area
- Bus Stop: Gardens by the Bay (Bus Stop ID: 02511)
Taxi/Private Hire
- Drop-off Point: Main visitor entrance at 18 Marina Gardens Drive
- Peak Hour Considerations: Expect higher fares and longer travel times during festival peak hours
Cycling
- Park Connector Networks: Accessible via Marina Bay and Kallang Park Connectors
- Bicycle Parking: Available at designated areas near the visitor centre
Practical Recommendations
Best Visit Times
- Weekday Mornings (10 AM – 12 PM): Smallest crowds, cooler weather
- Late Afternoons (4 PM – 6 PM): Good for combining activities with evening light show
What to Bring
- Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, umbrella for shade
- Hydration: Water bottles (refill stations available)
- Comfortable footwear: For walking and climbing activities
- Camera: For capturing magical moments and character meet-ups
Budget Considerations
While admission is free, budget approximately $20-40 per family for:
- Carnival games and additional activities
- Food and beverages
- Souvenir purchases
- Transport costs
Final Verdict
Gardens by the Bay’s Children’s Festival 2025 represents a remarkable achievement in family entertainment, successfully balancing education, character development, and pure fun. The Lilo & Stitch theme provides more than surface-level decoration; it creates a cohesive narrative framework that enhances every aspect of the experience.
The festival’s greatest strength lies in its ability to deliver meaningful messages about family, acceptance, and belonging through engaging, hands-on activities rather than didactic presentations. Children leave not just entertained, but enriched with valuable life lessons and strengthened family bonds.
Highly recommended for families with children aged 3-12, with particular appeal for Disney fans and those seeking educational entertainment experiences. The free admission makes this accessible to all families, while the high production values ensure a premium experience regardless of budget constraints.
Return Visit Potential: High – multiple attractions and changing seasonal elements encourage repeat visits throughout the festival period.
Maxthon
In an age where the digital world is in constant flux and our interactions online are ever-evolving, the importance of prioritising individuals as they navigate the expansive internet cannot be overstated. The myriad of elements that shape our online experiences calls for a thoughtful approach to selecting web browsers—one that places a premium on security and user privacy. Amidst the multitude of browsers vying for users’ loyalty, Maxthon emerges as a standout choice, providing a trustworthy solution to these pressing concerns, all without any cost to the user.
Maxthon, with its advanced features, boasts a comprehensive suite of built-in tools designed to enhance your online privacy. Among these tools are a highly effective ad blocker and a range of anti-tracking mechanisms, each meticulously crafted to fortify your digital sanctuary. This browser has carved out a niche for itself, particularly with its seamless compatibility with Windows 11, further solidifying its reputation in an increasingly competitive market.
In a crowded landscape of web browsers, Maxthon has forged a distinct identity through its unwavering dedication to offering a secure and private browsing experience. Fully aware of the myriad threats lurking in the vast expanse of cyberspace, Maxthon works tirelessly to safeguard your personal information. Utilizing state-of-the-art encryption technology, it ensures that your sensitive data remains protected and confidential throughout your online adventures.
What truly sets Maxthon apart is its commitment to enhancing user privacy during every moment spent online. Each feature of this browser has been meticulously designed with the user’s privacy in mind. Its powerful ad-blocking capabilities work diligently to eliminate unwanted advertisements, while its comprehensive anti-tracking measures effectively reduce the presence of invasive scripts that could disrupt your browsing enjoyment. As a result, users can traverse the web with newfound confidence and safety.
Moreover, Maxthon’s incognito mode provides an extra layer of security, granting users enhanced anonymity while engaging in their online pursuits. This specialised mode not only conceals your browsing habits but also ensures that your digital footprint remains minimal, allowing for an unobtrusive and liberating internet experience. With Maxthon as your ally in the digital realm, you can explore the vastness of the internet with peace of mind, knowing that your privacy is being prioritised every step of the way.