10 things to do with your family this June holidays

The June holidays are upon us from this weekend until June 26. If you haven't had time to plan things to do with your kids, don't worry because we've got you covered.  

Spend some quality time with your family in June with these 10 activities!

1. Asian Festival of Children's Content

The Asian Festival of Children's Content (AFCC) is back for its seventh edition from today (May 27) till May 29. 

If your child is a bookworm, this is a great event to kick off the holidays with storytelling sessions by authors from all over Asia, as well as special performances such as a drama skit and reading session happening on May 28.

The drama skit by inwardBOUND, titled Grandfather's Footsteps, will be held at Level 1 Plaza of the National Library Building on May 28 from 11.00am-11.30am. 

The read and sing-along session with Japanese author Yasunari Murakami will take place at the Woodlands Regional Library, Everest Room on May 28 from 3.00pm-4.00pm. 

More details of the skit and the reading session can be found on the AFCC website. 

2. Manatee Madness at River Safari 

On the weekends of June 4 to June 26, head down to River Safari to check out its herd of manatees with your family. 

A special behind-the-scenes tour will allow visitors a chance to witness medical training for the manatees, as well as a chance to prepare their food and feed the herbivorous marine mammals.

Craft activities like making badges, air dry clay manatee figures and custom manatee-themed clothes pegs are also available on these weekends. 

3. Shrek the Musical 

Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, you will enjoy this live adaptation of the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animated film, Shrek, that will be playing at the Marina Bay Sands Grand Theatre from June 8-June 19. 

Ticket prices range from $65-$175 and can be purchased from sistic.com. 

4. Lilytopia and Retro Fever at Gardens by the Bay

Here's something for the whole family to enjoy - a retro-styled floral display. 

Take a walk through Lilytopia from June 3 to July 21, while grooving to hits from the past as Gardens by the Bay's Floral Dome takes on a new display featuring over 50 varieties of lilies. 

You will be able to take a joyride back in time as your kids learn about new flora and fauna. Find out more about Lilytopia here. 

5. Kidzania 

Having opened its doors just last month on April 12, it's safe to say many kids have not visited Kidzania yet. This might be the perfect time to bring your kids to Sentosa to visit Kidzania.

What's great is that you won't be left out of the fun because you'll be able to join your kids in the role-playing. 

Kidzania is opened for kids aged 4-17 years old with tickets priced at $25 (for those aged 2-3 years old) and $58 (for those aged 4-17 years old). For more information and advanced purchases, visit Kidzania's website. 

6. Diggersite @ East Coast Park

Diggersite, which is located at Raintree Cove in East Coast Park, allows children and adults to sit in life-size excavators and perform simple tasks, such as picking up bricks and knocking over metal bottles.

If you've always wanted to try excavating something, now is your chance. The excavators operate on a token system, which allows a five-minute ride for $7.

Children aged two to six must be accompanied by an adult. Visit their Facebook page for more information. 

7. Paddle Lodge @ MacRitchie Reservoir

If you and your family love the outdoors, this is an activity worth considering this June holidays. 

Head down to MacRitchie Reservoir and try canoeing with your kids at $15 per hour for sit-on-top kayaks, and at $20 for 2 hours for closed-deck kayaks. 

8. June Holiday Music Camp 

If your child is 6-9 years old and has a passion for music, this camp might be a great activity for him or her this holiday period. 

Held from June 14-16, the three-day camp by The Music Circle, will teach your kids how to beat to rhythm, note reading, as well as how to sing solfege. 

If you register by June 7, you can enjoy a 10 per cent discount and pay only $297. More details can be found on The Music Circle website. 

9. Future World Exhibition

The ArtScience Museum has an interactive art exhibition that is perfect to keep kids entertained. 

Instead of just looking at the artwork, kids will be able to play with the artwork and interact with it. Children can witness their own hand-drawn work come to life at the Sketch Town exhibition. 

Happening from now till December 31 this year, if you're unable to catch it this June holidays, you'll still have some time to do so. 

To have a look at some of the exhibits online, check out the Future World website. 

10. Garden Troopers: My Outdoor Adventures

Your kids want an adventure? This will be perfect. 

Gardens by the Bay has come up with an adventure programme that includes simple bird-watching and an investigative game through the Gardens' grounds. Children will even be able to bring home a plant of their own. 

The programme is priced at $150 per child and will be held only on June 6 and June 7. To secure a place, head over to the Gardens by the Bay website. 

mldas@sph.com.sg