There’s plenty of reason to celebrate and have fun this August because Singapore turns 55! Also, many attractions and hotels are now open so you can finally have some fun outside with the brood, with strict safe distancing measures in place, of course. If you feel better staying home, we’ve also rounded up some activities you can participate in from your living room in the month of August!

1. NDP2020

Image source: NDP2020 website 

Image source: NDP2020 website

You may not be able to attend the National Day Parade this year, but there’s a slew of activities you can partake in, to thoroughly celebrate Singapore’s 55th come 9 August. As with every year, the parade will be live streamed into everyone’s home. However, what’s different this year is that there is a chance you can catch the SAF’s parachute and mobile column members in action AND the coveted firework display, right in your neighbourhood! Here are additional activities you can engage in from home this year — catch the evening concert via live stream, or participate in a virtual choir session to sing together as one people, one nation, one Singapore!

Do check the NDP website or Facebook page for the latest programme updates.

2. Visit an attraction

Image source: Wildlife Reserves Singapore 

Image source: Wildlife Reserves Singapore

Can we hear a collective HOORAY that most attractions are now open for business again? Among the attractions that can be visited are the Singapore Zoo, River Safari, Jurong Bird Park, SEA Aquarium, Universal Studios Singapore, and most museums. The caveat is that there are a whole slew of safe distancing measures in place; such as smaller crowd capacities, online ticket reservations and the routine SafeEntry and temperature taking. But hey, these small inconveniences are now part of our new-normal and we’re just ecstatic we can troop around Singapore to check out our favourite attractions once more with our masks on!

3. Head to your neighbourhood library

Image source: TODAY 

Image source: TODAY

If your kids have been clamouring for more books to read the past 3 months, you will rejoice to know that NLB has finally opened all its public libraries again. You can now check the crowd levels at the libraries in real time before visiting. Pssst: Books can still be loaned for 6 weeks all the way till 31 December, so do go stock up on some new reads to your heart’s content!

4. Take a staycation

Staycation 

We won’t be traveling for a long while yet, not while countries remain closed in the face of COVID-19. The next best thing? A staycation in a Singapore hotel! With more than 80 hotels now open for bookings and a plethora of discounts and perks to sweeten the deal, now’s a better time than ever to plan a local getaway for the family. It’ll make the perfect treat for everyone as we ease back into a post-pandemic normal. If you’re wondering if it’s safe to bring the brood out for a weekend of fun, be assured that these hotels that are allowed to open have to adhere to very stringent safe measurement practices, like reduced capacity and minimal intermingling of guests, thorough cleaning and disinfecting, and screening of guests.

5. Saturdays@ACM: Shining Shimmering Splendid

Saturdays@ACM: Shining Shimmering Splendid 

Image Source: Saturdays@ACM: Shining Shimmering Splendid

COVID-19 has not stopped this fun monthly series for the kids by the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM)! Traditionally held on the last Saturday of each month at the museum, this series of activities have found a virtual home since the circuit breaker started. This August, drink in the wonders of the ACM’s new Jewellery Gallery with a weekend visit there – the ACM is now open with safe distancing measures in place. Then head on home to engage the young ‘uns with the virtual Saturdays@ACM programme, with an immersive audio storytelling session by children’s favourite drama group ACT3, as well as a craft activity to make your very own headdress!

6. The Makers Club Virtual Workshops by Difference Engine

Difference Engine 

Image source: Difference Engine

Workshops are still not back during Phase 2 post-Circuit Breaker, so but we’re thankful we can still attend them online – something we’ve grown accustomed to during the not-too-distant circuit breaker days of April. Comics publisher Difference Engine has some really cool virtual workshops planned, as part of the digital launch of their new STEAM comic series The Makers Club: Game On! There are two workshops planned for August on the topics of creative problem solving by drawing comics, and a zine-making workshop for you to create your very own 8-page zine. The best part? Registration is absolutely free!