The September school holidays, from 31 August to 8 September 2024, offer a much-needed break for your kids. 

While it might be tempting to let the kids focus on exam revision or fill their schedule with workshops, this short holiday is also an opportunity to bond as a family. Instead of the usual routines, why not explore five exciting local experiences that everyone can enjoy together? Read on to find out more!

Explore Play and Nostalgia at the Singapore Night Festival

 

This year’s Singapore Night Festival runs till 7 September 2024, and it’s based on the theme “Art of Play.” This is a chance to discover the heritage of the Bras Basah and Bugis district, through the lens of games and childhood nostalgia.

Before you head to the festival, here’s an interesting fact to share with the family: many of Singapore’s well-known schools, such as Raffles Institution, were established in the Bras Basah precinct during the country’s colonial period in the 1800s. Curious about the history and location of these schools? The National Library has an online “story map” with more details, which the whole family can refer to.

Visit a Crowd-Funded Library in a Heartland Neighbourhood

 

Keen to slow down and experience a more soulful side of life in Singapore? 

The newly opened Casual Poet Library (located near IKEA Alexandra) has attracted attention for its unusual concept, where every shelf in the library is rented and curated by almost 200 individuals. If you’re feeling the need to recharge but are not planning to travel, this might be a fun place to head to as a family, to spark surprising conversations about books and life.

Learn About a Founding Father Through ChatGPT

 

From now till 21 Oct 2024, visitors to the Central Library can discover the life and contributions of one of Singapore’s founding fathers, S. Rajaratnam, through a Generative AI-powered “ChatBook.”

Here’s what you’ll be able to do:

• Pose questions to the ChatBook, by speaking into a microphone or typing on a typewriter
• Get to know S. Rajaratnam through the AI responses, which draw from oral interviews, speeches, authorised biographies, and more.

What exactly did S. Rajaratnam do for our country? There are many online articles that will provide a quick introduction. You might already know that he was a former journalist and writer, whose creative works impressed famous authors like E.M Forster and George Orwell. He was also Singapore’s first Minister of Culture, and he drafted our National Pledge, calling us to be “one united people, regardless of race, language or religion.” He passed away in 2006 at the age of 90, and was accorded a state funeral. 

Go on a Community-Run Heritage Tour

 

Instead of dropping your child off at an enrichment workshop, why not share a learning experience together? 

My Community is a non-profit organisation that celebrates our culture and heritage. They have weekly free and paid tours that anyone can sign up for to explore different districts and try new foods. You can even join factory tours to see what goes on in SingPost’s mail processing centre, or find out what a data centre looks like. However, please note that slots for free tours will run out quickly!

Meet Interesting People in Singapore

 

If you’re open to a splurge, local experience portal Seek Sophie lists several themed tours that should provide a unique experience for the entire family. 

Here are some activities to sign up for, which are definitely out of the ordinary: you could meet an ex-gang member for a crash course on secret societies and notorious gangsters in the Chinatown area (open to all ages), take a night tour to see what Chinese “spirit mediums” do, or walk with Instagram influencers to learn about their photo taking tricks and where to find great backdrops.

 

Need more activity ideas? Download walking trail guides that you can use on school holidays and weekends!