two asian parents walk hand in hand as their elder daughter and younger son run ahead of them at the park

Keep children and adults occupied with these activities while you clock 10,000 steps, or approximately 8km per day.

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Day at the Museum

Visit a museum to learn about little-known aspects of Singapore’s history and culture, or string a few of them together for a walking tour around central Singapore.

Try this suggested itinerary:
Start your day with Once Upon This Island at the Singapore Art Museum, a series of contemporary works by Singapore artists that explore life on this island nation.

Then, take a short walk to the National Museum for Growing Up at the Growing Up Gallery. Kids can learn what schools and kampungs were ​like in Singapore during the 1950s and 60s, while adults will appreciate these exhibits against the backdrop of Singapore’s political history.

Round up the day learning about Babas and Nyonyas at the Peranakan Museum.

Related: The Surprising Health Benefits of 10,000 Steps​

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Wildlife Spotting

Make a day trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve[1] or Chek Jawa[2] to learn about the diverse ecosystems in Singapore’s mangroves, wetlands, ponds and forests. At Sungei Buloh, spot migratory birds such as plovers and sandpipers from September to March, or admire herons, kingfishers and sunbirds year-round. Meanwhile, Chek Jawa’s intertidal area is home to marine life such as crabs, starfish and mud skippers.

 
Photo of Sungei Buloh Wetlands by James Lum (@lumology), participant of NSC #my10ktoday challenge
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If you’re pressed for time, parks and park connector networks (PCN) near your estate also offer wildlife spotting opportunities. Families of otters have been seen at Bishan Park and along the Punggol PCN, while monitor lizards and herons can usually be found near bodies of water.

For guaranteed animal sightings, make a day trip to the Singapore Zoo, Bird Park or River Safari. Use these opportunities to talk to children about environmental conservation, and how they can do their part to protect the planet’s biodiversity.

Related: 3 Trails to Hit This Weekend For a Dose of Fitness and Heritage

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Smart Shopping


Head to the mall as a family, and let children browse in bookstores and libraries. The National Library Board organises programmes such as storytelling and craft sessions for young readers, with many activities specifically planned for the school holidays.

Do grocery shopping as a family, and let children take part in making and buying with a shopping list. Take this opportunity to teach older children about financial planning by working within a fixed budget.

Take part in a mall workout, and try activities such as Zumba, Piloxing and Kpop dancing in an open section of the mall! The workouts are free and usually held on weekends or weekday evenings.

Related: Walk the Malls: Shop til You Drop (Kilos)​

Go on Holiday


If you’re looking to go further than Singapore’s shores, pack your walking shoes and take a holiday.

Soak in the sights and sounds of a new country as you explore on foot, and use the chance to teach older children about the different cultures and ways of life for people abroad. Popular nearby destinations include Malacca, Penang and Phuket, which can all be reached in two to three hours on a bus or plane.

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References

  1. NParks. (2017, Jan 31). Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve [Website].
    Retrieved March 2017 from https://www.nparks.gov.sg/sbwr

  2. NParks. (2016, Dec 8). About Chek Jawa [Website].
    Retrieved March 2017 from https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/pulau-ubin-and-chek-jawa/what-to-see/about-chek-jawa