Technology Fun at Singapore's 1st Tech Carnival | welovedayout

Last Saturday we visited Singapore's 1st Tech Carnival organised by IDA Singapore. The children were very excited. The event was held at Suntec City Convention Hall, Level 4. We saw lots of children and families at this fun and interesting carnival.

1st Tech Saturday organised by IDA

Upon entering we were given a 'Passport' to go around the hall to get the passport stamped from the exhibitors and once fulfilled 3 stamps, we can redeem a free hot dog bun. When 6 stamps were completed, we can redeem a free memento for each passport.

Free food kiosk at the event

There were 4 main areas to explore: 'Worksheds', 'Arena', 'Tinker Space' and 'Tech Showcase'. 

Various workshops for different age groups

'Worksheds' are workshops conducted in 4 tents for different age groups starting from kids to seniors. At the 'Arena', there were RC competitions held. The children were very excited to check out the drone and the drift racing competitions.

There was also a Kids Hackathon competition and it was very impressive that at such a young age, the children know how to do computer programming.

Fun activities for children @ TINKER SPACE area

Activities for kids to try at Singapore 1st Tech Saturday organised by IDA

There were many other activities for the children too. The carnival atmosphere was lively, and the crowds were fully engaged.

Here are some interesting exhibits that we came across. 

NTU's NV8 - first 3D-printed concept car in Singapore

Smart vending machine - Smile Big to get a drink!

Overall, it was an impressive carnival for the children to learn about how technology can be applied to daily life, and it's many uses in different industries. It would be great if there were more workshops for children as the queue were pretty long. 

We hope the carnival will be extended to two days so that more families can experience this fun event.

Fun Visit to Singapore Gardens by the Bay | Flower Dome & Cloud Forest | Safra Family Day 2015

Beautiful evening view at Gardens by the Bay

SAFRA Family Day is back again. This time we were going for a fun visit at Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Located at Marina Gardens Drive, you can find the different ways to get there here.

Safra Family Day 2015 activities 

Before heading to explore the two domes, we had to collect our goodie bag from the SAFRA event tent located in the park near the Big Trees. The goodie bag came with a passport where we are able to collect Swensens ice cream, popcorn and candy floss. There was a photo booth corner for families and fun face painting for the children too. The fringe activities were quite similar to the last SAFRA family day which you can read it here.

Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay 

After having some fun and games at the event tent, we made our way to the famous flower dome. The floral display in the dome is constantly changing. Right now we had the chance to experience the Tulipmania Garden Trail.

Different species of flowers at Flower Dome

Upon entering the dome, we experienced the nice cool and dry climate and we were welcomed by the beautiful flowers and plants surrounding us. We spotted many varieties of plants and flowers from different countries, which were showcased beautifully in the dome enclosure.

On the basement level, is where the Tulipmania Garden Trail starts. This year we have over 40 varieties of tulips. We were quite surprised that tulip was the 3rd most popular flower after roses and chrysanthemums. 

Cinderella's pumpkin carriage

Hansel & Gretel house

The Little Mermaid

White Splendour at the Flower Dome

The garden trail was beautifully set up with charming blooms depicting a range of classic fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina and White Splendour.  

By the time we finished admiring the Flower Dome side, sun was setting. We quickly crossed over to the Cloud Forest.

35 meters tall man made waterfall in the Cloud Forest

At the entrance of the Cloud Forest, we were welcomed by a 35 metre-tall man-made mountain (also called the “Cloud Mountain”) with waterfall. Be warned, you may get wet at this point.

The cooling temperature in the Cloud Forest is similar to the Flower Dome which is a plus to escape from the humid weather outside the dome.

Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay

The Cloud Forest trail is best enjoyed from starting at the highest point, which replicates the vegetation found around 2,000m above sea level. Lifts are provided, so we could explore the trail in comfort and at our own leisurely pace.

Crystal Mountain at Cloud Forest

It is much better to view the Cloud Forest during the day time to admire the surroundings in the dome. The Cloud Forest is divided into various levels. It consists of Lost World, Cloud Walk, The Cavern, Waterfall View, Crystal Mountain, Tree Top Walk, Earth Check, +5 Degrees and the Secret Garden.

+5 Degree Interactive Display

The kids definitely enjoyed the Cloud Forest more than the Flower Dome. They were squealing beneath the waterfall sprays, having an awesome view of the Cloud Forest from the top, and enjoying the +5 Degrees interactive display.

 By the time we finished walking the Cloud Forest, it was getting chilly and turning dark outside. We left the dome and headed to Casa Verde at Supertree Dining, just a short walk round the back to satisfy our hungry stomachs.

It was overall a nice and cooling visit to the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest.  The tulips were not fully bloomed yet so maybe a few weeks more will be nice to see a full garden of blooming tulips.

For more information regarding the admission price and the opening hours, please refer to here. We hope you and your family will enjoy this place as much as we did. Till the next family fun day out!

Family Fun Day Out to Navy Musuem of Singapore

Republic of Singapore Navy

Navy Museum of Singapore is a place for the young generation to learn more about our navy's progress over the years and be up close to some interesting equipment found on board the ship. 

Located at Tanah Merah Coast Road, besides the SAF Yacht Club, this museum is pretty quiet on a weekend. We were told the museum usually has more group visitors from schools and other visiting navy friends from other countries when their ships are docked in Changi Naval Base.

As the museum is now located within the gated compound of the Changi Naval Base, you will need to park your vehicle at the pass office, change to a visitor pass, and a friendly uniformed personnel will come and escort you to the museum. Make you feel like VIP. 

Naval equipments in the early days

The museum is nicely spread over 3 levels. On the 1st level, it displayed some ship equipments used in the Navy during the early years. There was a working 10-inch Signalling Lantern (which was used for communicating via morse code) from RSS Mercury that was quite interesting as we did not get to see this before.

Video screening at the museum

There was a theatrette showing Navy life, songs that all Navy boys know and snippets of training on board ships.

Single Barrel 40mm/L70 Bofors

Single Barrel Oerlikon 20mm

On the second floor, we got to hands-on pretend firing at simulated targets with a decommissioned anti-aircraft gun which could rotate 180° and the gun turret which could be raised or lowered . It was so cool, got us entertained for a while.

Submarine at the Navy Museum of Singapore

Submarine mock up and diving suit

There was also a mock up submarine periscope for us to try.

Frigate simulator at the museum

Being a frigate commander and steering your vessel to the target point. One of the interactive games on level 2.

Naval assistance provided

On the 3rd level, it shows the many friendships that our Navy has forged through the years. It also highlights milestone events that the Navy was involved in, some to strengthen friendships between our countries, some to provide urgent assistance to people in need.

Gifts from different countries

Over the years, Singapore Navy has received many beautiful and interesting ceremonial gifts as they visited different Ports of Call throughout the world.

At the back of the museum, the outdoor exhibits shows some of the naval artillery found on board our Navy ships.  

Navy Museum of Singapore 

Naval artillery 

Naval guns at Navy Museum Singapore

It's really amazing to see how much our Naval force has progressed through the years. A lot of planning and effort has been put in to lead our Singapore Armed Forces to where we are today.

With that ending thought, another fun family outing has been done at the far end of our eastern shores.

Resorts World Sentosa S.E.A Aquarium | Safra Family Day Out 2014

This year SAFRA did a great job organising their yearly 'SAFRA Family Day Out'. It was held at the renowned Resorts World Sentosa  S.E.A Aquarium.

Entrance of The Maritime Experiential Museum and S.E.A Aquarium

Many fun games and activities booths

Free snacks for the family at the event

The collection area was held at the outdoor auditorium of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) Hard Rock Hotel. It was a pretty hot day and queues were forming fast for all the different fun activities booths. There were many fun family activities like 'Balloon Sculpting', 'Round Them Up', 'Temporary Tattoo' and many more. There were stage activities for families to participate too. FREE cotton candy, popcorn, Swensens ice-cream and sandwiches were provided as well.

After collecting the goodie bags and playing some games, we headed towards the S.E.A Aquarium.

Different kinds of goods traded

Upon entering, we were greeted by 'The Maritime Experiential Museum'. Over here we could learn the different regions and cultures that were prominent during the early days of maritime trade.

After walking through the museum, we went down to B1 towards S.E.A Aquarium. The children were starting to get more excited. It was a beautiful sight with so many different species of fishes, crabs, jellyfishes, rays and many more.

Shipwreck Habitat at RWS S.E.A Aquarium

There were mainly 7 zones namely the 'Shipwreck Habitat', 'Discovery Touch Pool', 'Ocean Journey', 'Ocean Gallery', 'Ocean Dome', 'Moray Eel' and 'Shark Sea'.

Shark Sea at S.E.A Aquarium

Santa Claus and Elf appearances underwater 

At this point, we heard a sudden screaming from the children. Oh no! Something happened? That's when we saw Santa Claus and elf gliding past us as we were walking along the Shark Sea exhibit.

Beautiful dolphin swimming underwater

It was really a sight to behold, when we saw the friendly dolphins swimming carefreely up-close through the viewing panels at the Dolphin Island exhibit. They looked so relaxed and happy. 

Commanding King Lobsters

Mesmerizing Moon Jellyfishes

Prickly Sea Urchins

We also saw king lobsters, different types of jellyfishes, sea urchins. Just some of the many marine life exhibits located throughout the aquarium and it was really interesting to read up on all the new information available.

Magnificent Ocean Gallery in S.E.A Aquarium

Different species of rays

More species of rays

The children were getting more and more excited as we were slowly approaching the 'Ocean Gallery'. Finally we got to rest our feet as the children sat amazed in front of the world's largest viewing panel, having fun looking and taking photographs of leopard sharks, goliath groupers, a squadron of magnificent manta rays and many more.

Just before exiting the aquarium, we went to the 'Tyhoon Theatre' to experience what it feels like on a ship caught in a raging storm.

Zheng He's Bao Chuan (Treasure ship)

We were in time for the Bao Chuan show, which gave us an insight into some of Admiral Zheng He's exciting voyages many centuries ago.

We must say, it was quite an impressive aquarium to visit. With so many things to see and do, the whole family will be kept happily occupied for hours.

Currently the aqauarium is having Merry Fishmas theme from 17th Nov 2014 - 4 Jan 2015. There are activities like 'The Great Christmas Trail', 'Sharing Sessions By Aquarists', 'Santa Claus and Elf Appearances' and 'Ocean Dreams, Christmas Edition'. Do check out for the availability here.

Resorts World Sentosa Singapore
8 Sentosa Gateway
Singapore 098269
Tel : (65) 6577 8888
Operating Hours : 10am - 7pm

10 Fun School Holiday Activities During Year End 2014

Year end school holidays are here. Do you have any family plans to go for a fun holiday trip or planning to spend the holidays in the sunny island of Singapore? welovedayout has some family fun day out suggestions to keep your children entertained during this holiday.

Photo courtesy from Changi Airport

Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

Airport Blvd

Changi Airport is going to transform into a winter wonderland. Lots of activities happening, from Mickey Mouse Club House bouncy playground to meet and greet session with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. It's going to be a fun filled day with activities and performances. Details right HERE!

Photo courtesy from Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore
Resorts World Sentosa
8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island
Singapore 098269

Have you been to Universal Studios Singapore? Well, we have not but we are looking forward to A Snowy Christmas in Santa's Land and Glow In The Park! Neon Countdown. It's definitely going to be great day out with my family.

Photo courtesy from Navy Museum

Navy Museum

112 Tanah Merah Coast Road
Outside Changi Naval Base (Next to SAF Yacht Club)
9am to 5pm (Monday to Friday)
9am to 3pm (Saturday)
Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays

This is where all the naval action takes place. Great for maritime buffs. With lots of information and display of decommissioned ship guns, it will keep the little ones occupied for hours. 

Photo courtesy from Science Centre Singapore

 Science Centre Singapore

15 Science Centre Road 

   Singapore 609081

Tel: (65) 6425-2500

   Fax: (65) 6565-9533

Head down to the new highlights exhibits at Singapore Science Centre. Currently the centre has Transformers 30th Anniversary Exhibit, Human Body Expierence (HBX), Island Adventure and Defending Science. Do remember to bring extra clothes for the children as there is a water play area in the centre. Families will have a fun day out visiting Science Center.

Amped Trampoline Park

Welcome to the 5000 square feet interconnected trampolines park. Families and friends will have an awesome time bouncing together or doing stunts on the trampoline. Remember to stretch well and warm up first!

There are two locations available for booking. Tanjong Katong in the east or Jurong West in the west of Singapore. Remember to book your slots here before heading down to have a bouncing good time.

Dogs Adoption Drive 

Dogs Adoption

There are many unfortunate dogs being abandoned everyday or stray dogs roaming around our small island. Fortunately there are many dog lovers who doesn't mind adopting these dogs from dog shelters. 

Why not spend a meaningful and fun family day at any of the shelters and see whether is there any dogs that you are attracted to and wish to adopt. Feel free to make an appointment to view the animals available for adoption at the following shelters.

Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD)
Action for Singapore Dogs
Noah's Ark Care
Three Legs Good
Uncle's Koh K9 Shelter 
Animal Lovers League
Causes for Animals
Gentle Paws
Mdm Wong's Shelter
SPCA

Gardens By The Bay 

Thinking where to celebrate Christmas? Head down to Christmas Wonderland organised by Gardens By The Bay and have a wonderful festive celebration. At the same time there will be a European-style Festive Market  to enjoy shopping too. Before that you may like to check out their calender of events here for other fun activities with families and friends.

Photo courtesy from ActiveSG

ActiveSg School Holiday Sports Programmes

ActiveSG has programmes and activities for all ages. It aims to encourage healthy lifestyle in Singapore, and aims to build more sports participation.
It is free membership for all Singaporeans and PRs. You may like to know how to sign up for the membership here and at the same time check out their 2014 year end holiday programmes. Lots of activities like archery, netball, inline skating, dance fitness and many more. Fastest fingers first before the activities are fully booked.



ALIVE MUSEUM
Suntec City Mall #03-372 (Between Towers 3 and 4)
Opens daily from 10am to 10pm (last admission at 9pm)
Fridays and Saturdays last admission at 10pm.
Ticket Prices: $25 (Adults), $20 (Children 3-12 yrs)

This illusionary entertainment museum from Korea is going to be a MUST DO for our family. Spread over 10,000sqft with more than 80 exhibits to entertain all ages, how fun is that going to be. The organiser is so smart to put in free wifi so that everyone can upload their pictures immediately on their social medias. Can't believe we have not been to ALIVE MUSUEM. 



National Library Board

Parents can find various fun activities for children from Singapore National Library (NLB) in different locations across the island. Check out their programmes available for the month of November - December  RIGHT HERE.