What to do on a Rainy Day in Singapore with your Family

Keep your loved ones physically and mentally stimulated with these activities, to ensure that a downpour won't dampen your spirits.

30 Nov 2023

Keep your loved ones physically and mentally stimulated with these activities to ensure that a downpour won’t dampen your spirits.

TEXT: THERESE TAY

IMAGES: HOMETEAMNS; TRIFECTA MARTIAL ARTS; SCIENCE CENTRE SINGAPORE; HYPERDRIVE; SUKI SUKI THAI; MOTION ART SPACE; PUNGGOL REGIONAL LIBRARY

Singapore’s north-east monsoon season, which typically brings heavy rains and strong winds from December to early March, is approaching. While it can scupper outdoor activities, that doesn’t mean you have to just #NetflixAndChill.

Here’s our top pick of rainy-day activities in Singapore, from adventurous pursuits that won’t leave you drenched to mentally stimulating quests to mould impressionable young minds.

PLAY WITH WATER… INDOORS

Climb, slide, and splash through exhilarating zones at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir’s Aqua Adventure. This indoor water adventure centre features a 114m-long Double Trouble Slide that’s said to be the longest indoor water slide in Singapore. You can choose to plunge through it together with a friend on a dual float. There is also the 85m Blackhole Slide that brings you through a thrilling 12 -15 second-long journey in total darkness. The adventure centre also boasts an elevated water obstacle course that will help you to build confidence through various interactive elements — you’ll be splashed with water as you navigate the course — and Clockwork Towers, a five-lane interactive rock climbing wall for the especially agile.

(For our HomeTeamNS Members) Enjoy exclusive members’ rates starting from S$40 per session.

MAKE LIKE A NINJA

Conquer obstacles and scale heights at HomeTeamNS Khatib’s four-storey, 2,800 sq m indoor adventure centre, Adventure HQ. The challenges include Urban Climb, a dynamic rock-climbing experience and Ninja Course, which is great for improving strength, endurance, and agility with its monkey bars and warped wall you are meant to sprint up. Other exciting installations include Sky Venture, a two-tiered rope course with 16 obstacles, and the thrilling Parabolic Slide that features a 90-degree drop.

(For our HomeTeamNS Members) Enjoy exclusive rates starting from S$32.30 per session.

UNLEASH YOUR COMPETITIVE SPIRIT

Action Motion, a gamified multi-tier obstacle course at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir, has amped up stations featuring swinging nets; climbing walls (try the Ascend Lab with its auto-belay system); an Augmented Reality trampoline; and ball pits (test your balance, agility, and strength with Motion Mesh). Embrace some friendly family competition as you notch your achievements with RFID wrist tags. Earn points by completing the obstacles and stand the chance to redeem attractive prizes the likes of Sudio wireless earbuds, Nintendo Switch game titles, Sephora e-gift cards, and more.

(For our HomeTeamNS Members) Enjoy exclusive rates starting from S$35.33 per session.

LEARN MARTIAL ARTS

Martial arts can help develop your self-esteem, discipline, and respect for others. Trifecta Martial Arts offers Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Krav Maga lessons. Their BJJ Powertots class incorporates age-appropriate drills and games to hone the motor and cognitive skills of toddlers and kids. Book a trial class at its HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir outlet.

(For our HomeTeamNS Members) Enjoy a 50 per cent discount on trial class and registration fees plus a 20 per cent discount on uniform and equipment purchase.

EMBARK ON A SCIENTIFIC JOURNEY

Discover the inner workings of the fascinating world we live in at the Science Centre. It’s home to KidSTOP, where children aged eight and below can learn to inquire, investigate, and innovate in a safe and conducive environment. It also offers plenty of activities for older kids and adults, from learning how to create an AI-generated gif to exploring a mirror maze. There’s also a plethora of facilities: Souvenir shops, prayer rooms, F&B outlets, as well as a microbrewery.

(For our HomeTeamNS Members) Enjoy 10 per cent off Science Centre and KidSTOP annual passes.

SPEED LIKE HAMILTON

Race your kids at HyperDrive on Sentosa’s Palawan precinct. The F1-inspired electric go-kart circuit offers fun virtual gaming elements such as turbo boosts and safe ways to sabotage your competitors. Its neon-lit three-level racetrack, designed by former karting world champion David Terrien, offers adrenaline packed action with 308m of straights and 14 turns. Those who want to ride with a child (who must be at least 90cm tall) can opt for the dual kart, which requires the driver to have a valid car or motorcycle licence.

WARM UP WITH HOTPOT

What can be more comforting than warming up with steamboat or hotpot when it’s raining outside? Besides the world-famous Hai Di Lao, check out the Mongolian-style Happy Lamb Hotpot and Uncle Fong Hotpot, the latter a popular choice among Hong Kong celebrities. For a wallet-friendly option, Suki Suki Thai offers a halal buffet featuring quality ingredients such as thinly sliced beef, fresh chicken, and homemade fish paste.

(For our HomeTeamNS Members) Get 10 per cent off your total bill at Suki Suki Thai at HomeTeamNS Khatib outlet.

READ, PLAY, LEARN

Immerse yourself in a riveting novel at one of Singapore’s public libraries. We recommend the recently opened Punggol Regional Library, which has two floors catered specifically for children to read and learn in interactive ways. It also offers upskilling workshops for entrepreneurs and an accessible collection with Braille texts and phonic readers. Assistive technology devices are also available for persons with disabilities. The library is located within One Punggol community hub, which has sheltered basement parking and an indoor food court.

CREATE ABSTRACT ART THROUGH PHYSICS

Motion Art Space is an art jamming space where you can create abstract masterpieces using spin and pendulum painting methods. The latter involves swinging a mechanical pendulum attached to paint-filled squeeze bottles and trays over a rotating table, creating bright patterns with bold paint spatters. The company also has a 1 per cent philanthropic model whereby it pledges to give back 1 per cent of profits, employee’s time, and product respectively to the community.

RAINY SEASON TIPS

Here’s how to stay safe and dry while you’re out and about.

If you’re driving, take note that some roads may experience flash flooding. Tune in to the radio for weather- and flood-related information.
On the road, general driving best practices during rainy days include extending the safe distance between you and the car ahead and switching on your headlights.
Find sheltered parking nearest to your location using Parkopedia, which maps out Singapore’s car parks and street parking.
If you’re caught in a storm, grab ponchos or umbrellas at convenience stores such as 7-Eleven or Cheers. You can also rent umbrellas at Nestia Shared Umbrella’s 137 stands islandwide, which includes some MRT stations.

Interested in serving beyond your obligations? Consider the Volunteer Extension Scheme, which allows PNSMen who have completed their NS liability to continue serving beyond their statutory age. PNSMen (With NS liability) who have passed their statutory age of 40 years (Junior Officers) & 50 years (Senior Officers) may apply.

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