
The Christmas season always calls for splurging on festive feasting and gift shopping. So when it comes to activities with the kids, the more you can save money, the better. The good news? Little Steps has compiled a list of both fun and free things you can do with the kids – time to start clearing your calendar during this holiday season!
Want more? Check out our other Christmas guides right here!
This list has been updated for 2022!
Even if you have zero plans of going overseas this end-of-year season, you can still celebrate the festivities at Changi Airport, as there are a ton of activities to expect. Over at the T3 Departure Hall, marvel at the 7-meter tall Marui Pod, straight out of the Avatar film series. There are also nightly light and projection shows at the Shiseido Forest Valley, heritage photo spots and the Jurassic Mile is transformed with food trucks and fairy lights!
When: Now to January 2, 2023
Changi Festive Village, various locations around Changi Airport, www.changiairport.com/en/changifestivevillage
Introduce the kids to the world of food at Masak Masak, a free food-themed exhibition held at The Artground. The play area has slides and other interactive displays designed in the shape of food which will be a fun photo opportunity. Entry is free, but do note that you would need to book a slot online before heading down!
When: Now to March 26, 2023
Masak Masak, The Artground, 90 Goodman Road #01-40 Blk J, Singapore 439053, +65 6925 0621, theartground.com.sg/faq-fungushumongous
The December holidays are a great chance for the little ones to catch up on books, but if you’re too tired to read to them (we don’t blame you!), why not attend a storytelling session at various national libraries all around Singapore? Suitable for kiddos aged between 4 to 10 years old, the free storytelling sessions are listed online so you can check out which suits your little one best.
When: Ongoing
Free Storytelling Sessions, multiple locations, www.eventbrite.sg/cc/programmes-on-storytelling-127929
The annual Children’s Biennale is back at National Gallery Singapore yet again, and this time they have 9 artwork galleries to explore! “Behome” has arcade games and infinity mirrors, while “Illuminated” lets kids create their own artwork. Every room is interactive and educational, promising loads of fun family time.
When: Now to December 2022
Children’s Biennale, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew's Rd, #01 – 01, Singapore 178957, +65 6271 7000, childrensbiennale.com
Whether your kid is a Mickey Mouse fan or an avid follower of all things Marvel superheroes, they will easily enjoy the many photo spots set up at Capitaland shopping malls all around Singapore. Different malls will have different set-ups. For example, Captain America will be at Clarke Quay while the Winnie The Pooh display will be at Aperia Mall and Bukit Panjang Plaza. With so many spots to visit, your December will be a busy one with the family!
When: Now to December 31, 2022
Disney Celebrations At Capitaland Malls, multiple locations, www.capitaland.com/sg/en/shop/malls/discover/Disney-From-Our-Family-To-Yours
One thing that we can always look forward to every year is the sparkle and joy of Christmas lights illuminating the entire stretch of Orchard Road – and this year is no exception. Bring the kids for a day or night out in town and spot 3D and AR projections at Mandarin Gallery, as well as explore The Great Christmas Village at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza.
When: November 12, 2022 to January 2, 2023
Christmas On A Great Street, Orchard Road, christmas.orchardroad.org
Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay is always the place to be every year, due to their giant Christmas tree, carnival games and even igloo set-ups. While the main event is ticketed, that doesn’t mean you can bring the kiddos down to bask in the atmosphere from oustide! There will also be light sculptures and installations at the Gardens that will be free for viewing.
When: December 2, 2022 to January 1, 2023
Christmas Wonderland, Supertree Grove, Gardens By The Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953, +65 6420 6848, www.christmaswonderland.sg
Don’t be shocked if you chance upon monster-looking wood structures during your next visit to Sentosa from December 2022. They’re just part of 4 art sculptures from world-famous artist Thomas Dambo, who advocates for sustainability and incorporates recycled materials into his work. The installations will be at various locations on Palawan Beach in Sentosa, and will be free for viewing.
When: Ongoing
Thomas Dambo Sustainable Giant Art Installations, Sentosa, www.sentosa.gov.sg/files/resources/news/20221108_Media_Advisory_Recycling_artist_Thomas_Dambos_giants_in_Sentosa.pdf
The Esplanade always has family-friendly programs to have on your radar, and this year-end is no exception. From now until December 31, 2022, there are free karaoke sessions, traditional dance performances, theater plays, and live music performances spanning various genres. There’s plenty to check out for all ages!
When: Ongoing
Free Events At Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981, +65 6828 8377, www.esplanade.com/whats-on
Soak in the great outdoors by taking the kids out on a hiking trail at one of many naturistic spots in Singapore. From being surrounded by green foliage everywhere at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to seaside boardwalks at Punggol Waterway Park, the family that walks together stays together. Not only will you burn some calories, but you’ll also get to explore sights at nooks and crannies around the country!
Hiking Trails, multiple locations, www.littlestepsasia.com/singapore/play/outdoor-activities/nature-walks-singapore/
Good news for kids and adults into arts and culture – many museums in Singapore offer free entry! Landmarks like the National Gallery, National Museum and Asian Civilisations Museum offer engaging and interactive experiences for all ages, so there will never be a dull moment while you’re strolling through the many galleries and exhibition spaces. Look out for children-specific events happening this year-end too!
Museums, multiple locations, www.littlestepsasia.com/singapore/play/cultural-activities/museums-with-kids-singapore/
If you’re completely clueless about what to do with the kiddos during the year-end break, outdoor playgrounds are always a good backup plan. From huge, sprawling structures at the Singapore Botanic Gardens to smaller neighborhood ones, there’s always fun just around the corner on any part of our sunny island.
Outdoor Playgrounds, multiple locations, www.littlestepsasia.com/singapore/articles/play/top-outdoor-playgrounds-singapore
School’s out, so it's a perfect chance to teach the kids a new skill like cycling. Once they’re gotten the hang of it, head outside for a cycling adventure! See the life-sized dinosaurs at the Changi Jurassic Mile, wheel around the Marina Bay Sands area or keep it classic at Park Connectors (PCN) – the choice is yours.
Cycling Trails, multiple locations, www.littlestepsasia.com/singapore/play/outdoor-activities/cycling-and-biking-trails/
There’s nothing quite like laying down on a mat, feeling the wind in your hair, and not having a care in the world. That’s what a picnic is all about, which you can have at any beach or park in Singapore. Time to plan your next picnic with the whole family – just don’t forget the snacks, card games and cooler box!
Picnics, multiple locations, www.littlestepsasia.com/singapore/play/outdoor-activities/top-picnic-areas-in-singapore/
With how hot the weather can get in Singapore, it always calls for some fun under the sun. And the perfect place to do just that? The beach, of course! Where it’s at Sentosa or East Coast Beach, bring the kids out to play frisbee, build sandcastles or simply get a tan. There are plenty of beach spots with nearby playgrounds and restaurants too, so you can plan a full day itinerary.
Beaches, multiple locations, www.littlestepsasia.com/singapore/play/outdoor-activities/best-singapore-beaches/
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