Chinese New Year is a holiday celebrated by millions of Chinese people worldwide and is accompanied by numerous traditions – from decorating with red lanterns, handing out red envelopes, eating traditional dishes like dumplings, and sharing of snacks with friends and family that come by to visit.
It's an incredible moment of celebration, but it can easily become overwhelming for younger children who may not understand the importance or customs surrounding this time of year. To ensure that everyone in your family gets to experience something wonderful during Chinese New Year, we've compiled a list of fun activities you can do together as a reminder that this festive period isn't just about grown-up affairs. Read on to discover our best ideas for making sure you have a blast while staying safe and having plenty of fun!
Spring in the S.E.A. Aquarium
Image: Resorts World Website
If you're looking for things to do during Chinese New Year, look no further than the S.E.A Aquarium in Singapore! As one of the world's largest aquariums, it promises a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone who visits.
Plus, there are plenty of activities and attractions that are specific to the Chinese New Year season that are sure to make your trip even more special! The centerpiece of the S.E.A Aquarium is its expansive collection of marine life from around the world, which houses over 800 species from over 200 different habitats.
This includes everything from tropical fish and jellyfish to sharks, rays, and other large predators, all in their natural environment and in stunningly realistic recreations of their natural habitats.
You can also explore interactive exhibits, such as touch pools where you can get up close and personal with some of the resident creatures, or take part in educational programs like "My Ocean" which provides visitors with an insight into current environmental issues affecting our planet's fragile ecosystems.
During the Chinese New Year season, the S.E.A Aquarium will be hosting special events and activities to celebrate this festive time of year!
The festivities include traditional lion dances as well as cultural performances like musical duets, puppet shows, folk songs, drumming performances by local heritage groups, and much more! There will also be exclusive deals on admission tickets during this period so make sure to take advantage of them while they last!
Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Image: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Website
Bringing your family to Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is a great way to treat the whole family. It hosts a spectacular lion dance performance every year during the Chinese New Year.
The lion dance performance is said to bring good luck and prosperity to those who witness it, making it perfect for the start of the new year. The performance usually lasts around 25 minutes, giving everyone in the audience plenty of time to enjoy the show.
Another popular activity at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall during Chinese New Year is festive drumming. This traditional activity is said to bring joy and harmony into people's lives, as well as ward off bad luck.
The drummers are highly skilled and will put on an impressive show with their vibrant costumes and mesmerizing rhythms. They also often invite members of the audience up on stage to join in the fun!
The memorial hall also offers family workshops throughout Chinese New Year that are designed specifically for kids aged 5-12 years old. These workshops combine creative activities with cultural education, helping kids learn more about their heritage while having fun at the same time!
Parents can take part too, so it's a great way for families to bond over some creative projects while discovering more about their shared ancestry.
Universal Studios Singapore
Heading to Universal Studios Singapore should be at the top of your list of must-do activities. This one-of-a-kind theme park is filled with thrilling rides, fun activities, and exciting attractions. It's the perfect place for yourself to let loose and have an amazing time.
Universal Studios Singapore offers a truly immersive experience that puts your family right in the middle of all the action. The sprawling theme park features seven themed zones, each one more exciting than the last. From Ancient Egypt to Hollywood, there's something for everyone here.
Each zone contains unique attractions that will keep you entertained for hours. Plus, there are plenty of food options available so you can refuel as you explore everything this park has to offer.
Universal Studios Singapore also provides educational opportunities for your kids. There are interactive shows and exhibitions that provide an interesting look into how films are made, giving your little ones a chance to learn about filmmaking in a fun and interactive way.
There are also plenty of exhibits that allow them to explore different cultures from around the world, helping them gain a better understanding of different ways of life and cultures outside their own home country.
At Universal Studios Singapore, there really is something for everyone – no matter what age they are! Younger kids can enjoy classic rides like Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase, while older children can try out some of the more thrilling roller coasters like Battlestar Galactica or Transformers The Ride 3D.
There are even special areas designed just for toddlers so they can have fun without getting overwhelmed by larger crowds or bigger rides.
River Hongbao
River Hongbao offers families the chance to experience authentic Chinese culture in a lively environment. From the colorful decorations, lanterns and lights that adorn the venue, to the various performances and activities available throughout the day, you will be sure to have an unforgettable time!
In addition to experiencing traditional Chinese culture through its many attractions, River Hongbao also offers plenty of family-friendly activities. The festival features fun rides such as bumper cars and ferris wheels, as well as carnival games that they can play with their friends or siblings.
There are also several interactive exhibits where they can learn about the history of China while having fun at the same time. River Hongbao is a great way for families on a budget to spend quality time together during the Chinese New Year without breaking the bank.
Most of the attractions are free or very affordable, some even offer discounts for students or large groups. So if you're looking for something fun yet educational during Chinese New Year holiday, be sure not to forget about River Hongbao!
Chingay Parade
Every year, the Chingay Parade Singapore is a much-anticipated event that brings people from all walks of life together to celebrate and be amazed. It is an eye-catching parade filled with vibrant costumes, colourful floats, dynamic performances, and dazzling lights.
If you have children and are looking for something to do in Singapore, then bringing them to the Chingay Parade should be at the top of your list! It features a wide variety of cultural performances, such as traditional Chinese dragon and lion dances, marching bands, acrobatics, stilt walkers, jugglers, and more.
All these amazing performances are accompanied by beautiful floats that light up the night sky with their dazzling colors. Your kids will be mesmerized by all the sights and sounds at the Chingay Parade; it's like nothing they've ever experienced before!
In addition to enjoying the show itself, your family can also take part in fun activities such as face painting and craft workshops. There are also food stalls selling delicious local snacks so you can enjoy a bite while watching the parade.
The best part about going to the Chingay Parade with kids is that it's completely free! That means you don't have to worry about spending money on pricey tickets or expensive meals; just bring your family along for an evening of fun. There's no better way to introduce your kids to the vibrant culture of Singapore than by taking them to this extraordinary event.
Chinese Cultural Centre
Image: Chinese Cultural Centre Website
Exploring the Chinese Cultural Centre Singapore together with your children is a great way to have fun and learn about the rich culture at the same time! You can join one of their exciting workshops focused on traditional crafts such as calligraphy and paper cutting.
For younger kids, there are specially designed preschool classes that allow them to explore music, sensory play, movement activities, arts and crafts. On Saturdays and Sundays, they offer cultural tours of various areas within the centre, which provide information about some of its notable landmarks.
If you're feeling more adventurous, take your little ones to a closed-door 'Mystery Tour' which will be filled with interesting puzzles! This is such an excellent opportunity for you to bond with your kid while discovering something new.
There are many things to do during Chinese New Year in Singapore with your kids! From exploring the Chinese Cultural Centre Singapore and making a Dragon Dance costume to visiting the Chingay Parade for some Lunar New Year festivities, your family is sure to have a blast celebrating together.
If you need to bring along some snacks to munch along for your day out with the family. Tasty Snack has amazing chips, pop corn, pretzels, healthy nuts and trail mixes. You'll never get bored with over 300 different types of snacks on our site.