It will not be surprising that many parents lament the limited leisure time we have with our kids, often wishing there is more we can do. At the same time, the younger generation these days are subject to higher than ever stress levels, and desire more free time.

Given that commitments as working adults or children are unlikely to diminish, it is perhaps more practical to find the best balance suited for our lifestyle. 

Getting active as a family (including grandparents!) is one of the easiest, potentially fuss-free and most enjoyable ways to spend quality time together, including other benefits such as:

• There are so many activities you can choose to engage in, from indoor to outdoor, physically light to demanding, free play to team sport, using equipment or none – there must be something that makes for quality fun for both the kids and even elders. 

• It is a great stress relief and way to stay fit for everyone in the family, including helping with your kids’ crucial development. 

• It is a potentially inexpensive way of entertainment for the family. 

• There is opportunity to socialise with existing friends and their families, or even befriend new ones.  

Off our heads, here are some activities that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family:

• Badminton

• Brisk walking

• Cycling

• Dancing

• Golf

• Hiking

• Jogging

• Swimming (Check out our Top 5 Public Swimming Pools guide here.)

• Yoga

We gather some top of mind choices among our circle of parents that you might want to check out too! 

For vacation-deprived families

Photo: Sentosa

Yes, there is always good old Sentosa, which never fails to present their own school holiday specials and promotions. Whether you are a beach goer or nature lover, outdoor or indoor type, you will be spoilt for choice with more than 30 attractions. Top it off with a staycation on the island, and enjoy the activities at a less hurried pace. 

Don’t limit yourselves to hotels at our nearest outlying island. Did you know Furama Waterfront Hotel has an Annex wing with an indoors playzone featuring state-of-the-art play equipment, custom built to promote parent-child bonding through multi-sensory play? (Not to mention other amenities for adults to get some pampering.)   

For outdoor-loving families

Singapore has put in great effort to building lovely parks and playgrounds, so any parent will be spoilt for choice where to get some sun and fresh air.

Check out these articles for our picks:

• Let’s Go Play Outside! - 5 Unique Playgrounds around Singapore to Train Your Child’s Fundamental Movement Skills
• 7 Nature Destinations for Adventurous Families
• 7 Family-friendly Hiking Trails in Singapore

Up the game and design a scavenger hunt for your kids! 

For followers/to-be of ActiveSG Active Parents

ActiveSG’s activities calendar and resources for Active Parents should be in your bookmark anytime of the year, even if not for the special and additional school hols programmes. Take your pick from the wide variety of activities, that can be done as a class or as a family within the comfort of your own home, outdoor or indoor, even virtually! Follow Active Parents’ Facebook here and bookmark our website (you are here!) – join the Active Parents network for the latest updates and ideas, and timely registration (usually a month before the start of school holidays!). 

If you still need more recommendations, check out these active parents and families:

• 3WheelingTots Facebook | Instagram

  

  Photo: 3wheelingtots 

   

• Andy Lee of Sengkang Babies Facebook | Instagram

  
  

  Photo: Sengkang Babies

• Dawn Sim of @thatmomoffour Facebook | Instagram

  
  Photo: Dawn Sim
  
  

• Kelvin Ang of Cheekiemonkies