The best kid-friendly things to do during the June school holidays

Got a mini Van Gogh in tow? Expand their creative horizons with a multi-sensorial art experience at National Gallery Singapore, as it turns into a labyrinth of imagination for Gallery Children's Biennale. Themed 'Tomorrow We'll Be...', the fifth edition coincides with the Gallery’s 10th anniversary and Singapore’s 60th birthday, and invites kids to explore the possibilities of their future through the values of joy, kindness, dream, and love. Families can look forward to eight immersive and multi-sensory installations by local and international artists, including Singaporean artist Wyn-Lyn’s movement-activating digital ‘paintings’, and Japanese artist Hiromi Tango’s braille-embossed petals with words of kindness. And for the very first time, all installations are baby-friendly too.

There’s a whole lotta ‘ohana love at Gardens by the Bay, as it gets a cheeky intergalactic makeover for Asia Pacific’s first-ever Disney’s Stitch-themed Children’s Festival – just as its live-action version hits screens. Get ready for a space-meets-island crossover, bursting with immersive installations, creative workshops, carnival games, meet-and-greet sessions, stage performances, and exclusive Stitch goodies you’ll absolutely want to take home. Did we also mention the special edition of Garden Rhapsody? Watch the Supertrees light up to familiar tunes like ‘Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride’ and other nostalgic earworms inspired by the movie. Find out more here.

For those who are curious about the world around them, this year’s Children’s Season transforms five iconic venues in the Civic District – The Arts House at The Old Parliament, Asian Civilisations Museum, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, National Gallery Singapore, and Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall – into one giant playground of discovery. Take them on the self-guided Little Explorer’s Trail, where families can roam and uncover everything from ancient artefacts to musical wonders at each stop. Collect a stamp while you’re there and redeem an exclusive sticker sheet when you visit at least three venues. With both free and ticketed activities – and plenty of places to cool down – it’s a great day out for curious kids and culture-loving parents alike.

Step into ACM & Me, Asian Civilisations Museum’s brand-new play-meets-art space designed for kids to explore who they are, what stories they tell, and how they express themselves – all through art, music, play, and a sprinkle of museum magic across three fun-filled zones. With padded floors for crawlers, mirrored play areas, storytelling stations, oversized blocks, and even a Calm Corner for sensory breaks, this thoughtfully curated experience is inclusive, vibrant, and packed with hands-on discovery. While you’re at it, check out the various programmes held as part of this year’s Children’s Season, including interactive performances and craft activities from May 31.

In case you haven’t noticed, VivoCity has gotten a mischievous makeover – courtesy of everyone’s favourite blue troublemaker, Stitch. Shimmy your way through a world of family-friendly fun with interactive play zones, carnival-style games, and Instagram-worthy photo ops, including a towering 4.5-metre Stitch keeping watch at the Outdoor Plaza. The fun doesn’t stop there – check out Miniso’s first-ever Stitch Fluffy Pop-Up, where you can snap up Stitch-exclusive blind boxes and try your hand at personalising your own gifts. 

Originating from Rome, the Balloon Museum's immersive art experience is making its Singapore debut, featuring towering inflatable sculptures, vibrant light displays, and fun interactive installations. Standout works include Cyril Lancelin’s Crazy Love for Polygons with geometric structures that you can explore and rearrange; Italian collective Hyperstudio's Hypercosmo with latex balloons and kinetic lights filling up a 1,000 sqm space; and Australian studio ENESS' Spiritus Sonata, a sound-based piece evoking childhood themes. It's great for both kids and adults – and your next family photo.

Ready, set, bounce! Suntec City’s Bouncy Escapade is every child’s dream come true – a mega inflatable playground (Jumptopia Lite: Bounce Beyond!) where they can jump, slide, and tumble their way through three candy-themed obstacle courses. Featuring Kiztopia’s beloved characters, it’s a high-energy zone complete with 6.5-metre slides, colourful ball pits, and winding tunnels. There are also plenty of reward-worthy shopping perks for parents like carpark savings, free event tickets, and Suntec City e-vouchers with qualifying spend. Don’t forget to grab exclusive merch and make it a full day of squeals and squeaky sneakers. Perfect for when your kids have energy to burn and the couch just won’t cut it.

Sweet dreams are made of this. Chill out and churn up at the Museum of Ice Cream’s popular ice cream-making workshops, back this June by mouth-watering demand. Little chefs will be able to whip up their very own frozen concoctions – think minty-fresh, chocolatey-rich, or strawberry-sweet – complete with toppings galore. Each 45-minute session ends with a Scoop Master certificate, all-day access to the museum’s pastel wonderland, and of course, sweet treats. It’s a deliciously cool way to blend learning and play – and yes, grown-ups can get in on the action too. 

Broaden your little one’s imagination with this immersive, multi-sensory adventure. Journey through eight interactive rooms exploring themes like memory, perception, and ego. Watch the kids’ excitement soar as they choose a door and see their words and actions come to life in a vibrant digital world filled with lights, sounds, and ever-changing scenes. It’s a fun, artsy experience designed to spark creativity and help kids discover more about themselves in the most playful way possible.