Photo: National Gallery Singapore/Instagram
Cover Photo: National Gallery Singapore/Instagram

Not sure what to do with your kids this June holiday because of the restrictions? Here are some fun online and offline activities

It's that time of year again: the June school holidays have finally rolled around and while children might be celebrating this much-needed break from home-based learning, it can be a stressful time if you're a parent trying to figure out how to keep your kids entertained with the Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) that will last till June 13.

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In fact, finding activities that are both engaging and meaningful can seem nearly impossible especially if you'd like to minimise time spent outside in order to keep your family safe.

If you are stumped, check out our list of Covid-19 friendly activities you can take your kids to this holiday.

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1. The Soul of Ink: Lim Tze Peng at 100 exhibit

Tatler Asia
Crowded Bugis Street. Photo: The Arts House
Above Crowded Bugis Street. Photo: The Arts House

Soul of Ink: Lim Tze Peng at 100 is a book that pays tribute to the artist's journey. It was written by Woon Tai Ho and traces the beginnings of Lim Tze Peng as well as the controversies that followed his innovations in Chinese calligraphy. 

The book launches on June 15 and will be followed by an exhibition at the Arts House where 20 of Lim Tze Peng's most recent ink works will be on display. The exhibition will be held from June 14 to June 20. More information here.

2. Gallery Children’s Biennale

Coming back for its third edition this month is the National Gallery's Children’s Biennale and this year, it promises to be bigger and better with its first-ever “phygital” experience.

The interactive online experience aims to help children navigate these difficult and ever-changing times with empathy and confidence through playful and interactive art experiences that will explore themes such as home, diversity, time and environment. 

The experience launched on May 22 and will be followed up with an on-site art installation which will be open to the public from September. More information here.

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3. Changi chapel and museum

Despite the Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) measures, we can thankfully still visit museums so make use of that this June holidays by visiting the newly opened Changi chapel and museum which closed in 2018 for major redevelopment.

The newly reopened museum boasts 114 artefacts and eight galleries that take you on a historical journey of the stories and experiences of POWs and civilian internees in Changi during the Japanese Occupation in Singapore. More information here.

4. Human x Nature Exhibit

Get in touch with Singapore’s natural history by making a trip down to the Human X Nature exhibit, held by the National Library Board.

Featuring an array of natural history books and botanical prints from the National Library and National Archives, as well as herbarium and natural history specimens from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Singapore Botanic Gardens and Urban Redevelopment Authority, this exhibition will help you and your child gain a better understanding of the natural world that can sometimes seem far-removed from city living.

Collections within the exhibition, Library of Life and Animal Friends, also promise to engage young ones through fun and interactive displays. More information here.

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5. Gateway Arts Kids Club

Let your child's creativity blossom with interactive virtual storytelling and arts and crafts sessions hosted by Gateway Arts.

As a weekly programme, the Gateway Arts Kids Club provides an enjoyable way to bond with your little one while helping them to improve their motor, problem-solving and language skills, all without having to subject them to a stuffy classroom environment.

Hosted on different dates throughout the month to fit your busy schedule, free sessions can be booked through the Gateway Arts website or Sistic. More information here.

6. The Singapore Zoo

If your child is an animal lover, the online experiences offered by the Singapore Zoo will be the perfect Covid-19 friendly virtual day out for the whole family.

Whether you’d like to learn more about animal care with a baby rhinoceros or take a walk on the wild side with moustachioed emperor tamarins, there are a variety of experiences to choose from.

Is your aspiring zoologist curious about animal behaviour and training? Then attend a session hosted by the zoo’s trainers and their adorable assistants, Benji and Buddy the golden retrievers. More information here.

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