School Holiday Activities in Singapore: Outdoor Ideas for Families

The school holidays can sometimes find parents worrying about how they are going to entertain and engage the children. If you have yet to fill your child’s calendar with fun-filled and action-packed plans, look no further as we share our recommended picks (suitable even if it’s not the school holidays)!

The best part is that many of these ideas work beyond the school holidays too. Whether your child loves sport, nature or simply being outdoors, here are some active family activities to add to your list.

Make the most of your ActiveSG Credits

Before you book your activities and facilities, did you know that ActiveSG credits can be used for entry into facilities like ActiveSG swimming pools and to offset fees for ActiveSG school holiday programmes? This can only mean more opportunities for your children to pursue their sporting passion. You can choose from ActiveSG’s suite of different sport programmes and maximise these credits for the holidays!

Check out MyActiveSG+ for a variety of sport programmes and offerings at various locations to keep your children active, happy and sporty! 

With eligible ActiveSG credits expiring this year, the school holidays are also a timely opportunity to put them to use while discovering new ways for the family to stay active.

1. Try an Outdoor Adventure Together

For a family day out with a little more adventure, consider activities such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking or mountain biking. Outdoor experiences give children the chance to move, explore and learn outside their usual environment while creating opportunities for the whole family to spend time together.

Activities that introduce outdoor survival skills – such as map reading, knot tying and tent building – can also help children practise teamwork, confidence and resilience while having fun.

2. Take Badminton Outdoors with AirBadminton

Badminton is a familiar favourite for many Singapore families, but it does not always have to be played indoors. AirBadminton is an outdoor version of the sport designed for play on different surfaces, including hard ground, grass and sand.

If badminton is already one of your family’s go-to activities, trying it outdoors can be an easy way to give a familiar sport a fresh twist during the holidays.

3. Cool Off with Water Play

Looking for a way to beat Singapore’s heat? Water play is an easy option for families with younger children. Head to Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, where kids can cool off at the Waterplay area featuring wading pools, water jets and fountains, while learning more about nature and the water cycle.

Alternatively, the Far East Organization Children’s Garden at Gardens by the Bay offers water-play areas designed for different age groups, making it another fun option for an active family day outdoors.

Pack a change of clothes, sunscreen and water, and get ready to make a splash!

What better ways to beat the Singapore heat than water play activities! Have you already brought your kids to Splash-n-Surf at Singapore Sports Hub? Not only is it perfect for the little ones to splash and swim, us adults can chill and soak in the views of Singapore’s Skyline. Another location that boasts water play for the kids and a scenic view for adults must be Far East Organization Children’s Garden at Gardens by the Bay. We love how they have age-appropriate areas for toddlers aged 1 to 5 and older kids aged 6 to 12.

Water Play at FEO Children’s Garden (photo: Gardens by the Bay)

4. Go Kayaking as a Family

Families with older or more adventurous children can consider kayaking for a different view of Singapore’s outdoors. Areas such as Sungei Khatib Bongsu and Pulau Ubin are popular places for nature and water-based experiences.

Choose an activity that is appropriate for your child’s age and ability, and check the operator’s requirements, weather conditions and safety guidance before heading out.

5. Explore Singapore’s Parks and Playgrounds

You do not need an elaborate itinerary to get the family moving. Singapore’s parks offer plenty of room to walk, run, cycle, play and explore.

Lower Seletar Reservoir Park is a relaxed option for a family outing, while Coastal PlayGrove at East Coast Park combines outdoor play with a day by the coast. With parks located across the island, an active day out may be closer to home than you think.

Coastal PlayGrove at East Coast Park (photo: NParks)

6. Go Hiking with the Kids

A family hike is one of the simplest ways to combine physical activity, nature and quality time. Pick a route that suits your child’s age and stamina, start earlier in the day where possible, and bring enough water, sun protection and snacks.

Need ideas? Read ActiveSG Circle’s 7 Family-friendly Hiking Trails in Singapore for more inspiration.

More Active Ideas for the School Holidays

School holidays are a chance for children to try something different, build confidence and simply enjoy moving more. Whether that means signing up for a sport programme, visiting the pool, exploring a park or heading out on a family adventure, there are plenty of ways to keep the holidays active without filling every day with elaborate plans.

For more programmes and activities, explore MyActiveSG+ and discover what is available near you.

Lastly, check out these timeless options we keep bookmarked!

• 7 Family-friendly Hiking Trails in Singapore
• 5 Unique Playgrounds around Singapore to Train Your Child’s Fundamental Movement Skills