School's out and the June holidays are here ? Amidst performing your religious obligations for Ramadan and preparing for Eid, those of you with kids (or even those without!) are probably also looking for things to do to maximise the holidays. Well, you've come to the right place as we're here to get you psyched up for long break!
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From religious activities during Ramadan to fun and exciting activities for the family, we've got you covered! So, read on to find out what you can do if you're stuck in Singapore this 2018 June holidays ?
1. Spend time at the mosque
Since the start of the holidays coincides with Ramadan, there's no better way to strengthen your faith and iman than by spending time at the mosque ? This is especially so for the last 10 nights of Ramadan during which Lailatul Qadr (night of power) is expected to grace us. This holy night has been described in the Quran as being "better than a thousand months" (Surah Al-Qadr, Verse 3).
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It's said that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) actually spent the last 10 days of Ramadan and he stayed awake with his family (Bukhari & Muslim recorded from Abu Huraira). During this time, most mosques in Singapore will be organising Qiyam-ul-Layl (voluntary ibadah for Lailatul Qadr) sessions where acts of worship will be done throughout the night.
Qiyam-ul-Layl is encouraged as it brings us closer to Allah and is a way to atone for our sins. Making a du'a at night is also special as Allah will grant them, insyaAllah. If you're thinking of performing Qiyam-ul-Layl this year, check with the mosques near your home for their Qiyam-ul-Layl schedules ☺️
Other than the last 10 days of Ramadan, mosques are also abuzz with activities such as having terawih prayers every night, seminars by religious scholars and even camps for your kids, and you can keep a lookout for those activities here.
2. Volunteer with your loved ones
Another way to spend quality time with your family is by volunteering together. And when else is a better time to do that than during Ramadan? Take this opportunity to open your kids' eyes to the plight of the less fortunate and being charitable is also one of the values that we're supposed to practise during Ramadan ❤️
Credit: BAPA on Facebook
Many Islamic organisations like BAPA and Ramadan On Wheels do frequent food distributions to the less fortunate throughout Ramadan and they are always welcoming volunteers so it'll be great to do it as a family. Not only will you be contributing to a good cause, it's also the perfect family bonding activity.
Credit: Jamiyah Singapore on Facebook
Alternatively, welfare organisations like Jamiyah Singapore and Pertapis do various activities such as helping the elderly, cleaning houses or painting homes, so there are more than enough volunteering activities for you to choose from ?
P.S. Interested in volunteering? Check out how you can help others in Singapore and Malaysia!
3. Visit Artbox 2018
This hipster market from Thailand is back and it's THREE times as big this year, spanning over two weekends. With over 400 stalls at the Bayfront Event space at Marina Bay, this giant of a market attracted some 600,000 visitors last year!
Other than creative and independent local retailers, be prepared for a wide range of amazing food, live music and not forgetting insta-worthy backdrops ?
And don't fret about finding halal food at Artbox - there's an interesting mix of cuisines at Artbox this year, from mouth-watering Thai eats to these enticing takoyakis. So you can definitely eat to your heart's content ?
Credit: @getsaiko on Instagram
But that's not all - check out our full list of halal stalls you need to visit at Artbox here.
Where: Bayfront Event Space, Marina Bay
When: 25-27 May, 1-3 June, 3pm-11pm
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4. Witness cartoon characters come alive
Do cartoons like Adventure Time, We Bare Bears and Powerpuff Girls ring a bell to you? Then Cartoon Network's Animate Your Life festival would be perfect for you! With giant inflatables, carnivals and workshops, witness your favourite characters come to life at this 16-day festival ?
Credit: Cartoon Network APAC on Facebook
Have a whale of a time at the event's 4 cartoon zones. Get lost in a maze with Finn and Jake from Adventure Time or slide down a log-ride inflatable slide with the bears from We Bare Bears. You'll also be able to catch your favourite Cartoon Network mascots. If you've always wondered what it takes to create a cartoon, sign up for their workshops and learn how to draw various characters, do a voice-over or even make a stop-motion video!
Where: Bayfront Plaza, Gardens By The Bay
When: 26 May-10 June
Mon-Thur: 3pm-9pm (last admission at 8pm)
Fri-Sun: 3pm-11pm (last admission at 10pm)
Admission: $18++ (Adult), $12.50++ (Adult), $15++ (Student), $50++ (Family Pack - 2 Adults+2 Children), $48++ (Friends Pack - 4 tertiary students)
5. Bake kuih raya with your kids
Isn't it wonderful that Ramadan and Eid coincides with the holidays? That means more quality time for you and your family ? For those of you who are busy baking cookies or cakes for Eid, why not let your kids join in the fun? And at the same time, you'll get some help in the kitchen too.
Credit: Fitness Farmer on Facebook
But more importantly, when your kids help you in the kitchen, they also learn important values such as patience. What's more, they can also put what they've learnt in school to good use as baking requires them to use math and science concepts ?
6. Get in touch with the arts at Flipside
If you're looking for something different and interesting to do with your kids or even friends, head over to the Flipside festival at Esplanade for a different take on the arts. With interactive installations and immersive experiences, you don't have to be an arts enthusiast to have fun at Flipside ?
Credit: Esplanade
Experience what it's like to stage a puppet performance at String Symphony - you get to control a giant puppet with fellow "puppeteers" and watch as the movements sync with music and lights. It will definitely be a magical highlight you won't want to miss!
Credit: Esplanade
You can also try your hand at making music at Sound Maze. Have fun hitting a dozen newly invented musical instruments and sound sculptures and you'll see just how fun it is ?
Check out the full list of their programmes here.
Where: Esplanade - Theatres On The Bay
When: 25 May-3 June
Admission: Free for some events
7. Be a Marvel superfan
What's one way to be a Marvel superfan? Learning ALL about the history of your favourite characters of course! And you can do just that at the Marvel Studios: 10 Years of Heroes exhibition at the ArtScience Museum from 9 June to 30 September. Step into the world of Marvel's 19 movies and reminisce your favourite superhero moments with a variety of cinematic installations.
Credit: Marina Bay Sands
With state-of-the-art audio visual technology and immersive media, you can watch your favourite superheroes come alive! Treat yourself to an interactive journey into the world of Black Panther or immerse yourself in an installation featuring Thor: Ragnarok.
Credit: Iron Man on Facebook
Learn more about Marvel’s major characters like Iron Man, Captain America and Thor through an engaging display which also features the science and cultural stories behind them. With all of Marvel's superheroes under one roof, you definitely won't want to miss this ?
Where: ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
When: 9 June-30 September, 10am-7pm daily
Admission: $19 (Adults), $12 (Children)
8. Get a respite at Pesta Ubin
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience a slower pace of life at Pulau Ubin. Pesta Ubin is back this year to celebrate the island's charming kampung life and nature. There's a variety of activities planned out for the whole month of June and the best part is, they are all FREE ?
Credit: Pesta Ubin on Facebook
Have fun learning about Ubin's heritage by playing kampung games and pose with traditional costumes at a photo booth or go on a nature trail at Chek Jawa. You can also do something more adventurous like kayaking in a quarry, go mountain biking or experience a night walk. There are plenty of activities for everyone!
Credit: Pesta Ubin on Facebook
Bonding with your kids at Pulau Ubin is definitely one way to spend a meaningful time with your family. If you're not planning a trip overseas during the holidays, we highly recommend heading to Pulau Ubin for that much needed respite ?
Credit: Pesta Ubin on Facebook
Do check out the full list of programmes here.
Where: Pulau Ubin
When: 26 May-24 June
Admission: Free
Directions: Head to Changi Point Ferry Terminal and take a bumboat ($3) to Pulau Ubin
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9. Celebrate the zoo's 45th anniversary
Bet you didn't know the Singapore Zoo turns 45 this year! And it's celebrating its anniversary with quite a bang ? An array of activities have been planned out and there are plenty of surprises in store for visitors.
The zoo's "U-dunno-meh?" Checklist features 45 things you never knew you could do at the zoo - this includes petting a falabella (one of the smallest breeds of horses in the word), greeting a baby rhino or meeting the zoo's oldest resident, an 80-year-old giant tortoise.
Credit: Singapore Zoo
There'll also be activities for the whole family if you're heading there on weekends. The Zoolympix is an educational activity which teaches kids more about the animals at the zoo. They will also get to collect exclusive animal badges when they complete several activities. So, this is definitely a great way to keep your kids occupied.
#HHWT Tip: There are many promotions lined up for visitors during this period, such as discounts for tickets and wildlife tours. Find out more here.
Where: Singapore Zoo, 80, Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826
When: 26 May-27 June
Admission: $35 (Adults), $23 (Child) - get a second ticket at 45% discount during this period
So, if you're looking for things to do this June holidays, we hope our list has been helpful! ? While you're busy with Ramadan and Eid preparations, take this holidays to spend quality time with your loved ones and have the ultimate bonding session.