If you’re staying in Singapore for the SG50 National Day celebrations, you don’t need parade tickets to get the most out of the long weekend from 7–10 August. As it turns out, there are tons of things to do and see in Singapore over the long weekend: museums, galleries, wildlife, escape games … the list is long. To help you figure out how you want to spend your 4 days of glorious leisure, we’ve put together this handy list of fun experiences to fill up your mini-vacation. Happy birthday, Singapore – and bring on the long weekend!

 

Museums

The great thing about these museums – apart from fascinating artefacts and a glimpse into the past – is that they all have free admission from 7–10 August 2015. Who said you have to pay a heavy price for history?

 

National Museum of Singapore

One of the special exhibits open to the public for free during the long weekend is Singapura: 700, a look at the tiny nation-state from its sleepy beginnings to its contemporary development.

 

Asian Civilisations Museum

The Asian Civilizations museum has some excellent exhibitions, including current exhibitions about ancient religions and artefacts from the oldest museum in India.

 

Peranakan Museum

Explore the fascinating world of the Peranakans, or Straits Chinese, as they were known. Current special exhibits include Great Peranakans: 50 Remarkable Lives. Apart from that, expect intricate porcelainware, dainty beaded slippers, and jewellery lavish enough to put a socialite to shame.

 

Singapore Philatelic Museum

If you grew up in the 80s, you probably remember how unbearably cool stamp collecting was in your formative years. Relive the childhood thrill of finding rare stamps at the Philatelic Museum, and explain to the ypoung ‘uns that this was really something people enjoyed in the pre-Facebook era.

 

ArtScience Museum

There is plenty to keep kids occupied at the ArtScience museum at Marina Bay Sands, including exhibits like The Deep,  featuring (you guessed it) deep sea creatures, which will either delight or terrify children and adults alike. There’s free admission from 7–9 August, along with a 50% discount on the Sampan ride along the shops.

Other museums with free admission during the long weekend include:

• Sports Museum
• Civil Defence Heritage Gallery
• Singapore City Gallery
• Marina Barrage Sustainable Singapore Gallery
• Mint Museum of Toys
• Reflections at Bukit Chandu
• Malay Heritage Centre
• Indian Heritage Centre
• Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
• Singapore City Gallery

 

Historical tours

If you’re a history buff, the long weekend is a real treat: apart from tons of free admission deals from museums, you can also check out these fun historical tours around the city to satisfy your curiousity about the past.

 

WWII historical tour

In this historical tour of World War II in Singapore, visit the old Ford motor factory where the British surrendered to the Japanese. View the archives and photographs at the Changi Museum, which also houses the chapel built by prisoners of war at the Changi Prison. Round off the trip at the Kranji War Memorial, where Singapore’s war heroes of many nationalities are honoured.

 

Historical run

Are you an overachiever, a history afficionado, and a runner? If you answered yes to all three, this historical run will delight you. Breeze past Boat Quay, Chinatown, Sri Mariamman Temple, Fullerton Hotel, Esplanade, War Memorial and the Padang at a casual pace, with plenty of time to stop for photos along the way. After all, why go for a walking tour when you can run, right?

 

Outdoors and Sports

Take the opportunity to reconnect with the great outdoors during the long weekend. Spend a day at Pulau Ubin kayaking or cycling through sleepy trails. There’s also an excellent MacRitchie forest trail which will introduce you to flora and fauna you never noticed before.

If hiking and cycling is too strenous for you, just splash around with a few friends at Lazarus Island (next to St. John’s Island), which has a relatively unspoilt beach.

For serious athletes, there’s Wing Chun lessons, while those prone to giggling during a workout will enjoy bubble soccer thoroughly. If you just want a workout without venturing too far from your home, Singapore citizens and PRs get free entry to all ActiveSG swimming pools and gyms from 7–10 August.

 

Splurge and Romance

 

If you’re feeling annoyed that you’re not going on a romantic vacation with your other half for the Jubilee weekend, don’t worry: these experiences are just bursting with good old fashioned romance: candlelight, hearts, candy, the works. Dine on Cloud 9 – literally! This luxurious dinner in the skies features a four-course menu and takes place in a cable car. If your honey is not a fan of heights, take to the high seas instead. Rent your very own private yacht equipped with kayaks, fishing rods, and a beach BBQ option – now that is a great way to spend the weekend!

 

Family Adventures

Rest assured that there’s lots to keep the kids happy and occupied during the long weekend. Start off with the Science Center, which has free admission from 7–10 August. Take the munchkins to meet their favourite animals at the River Safari, the Zoo, or the Night Safari. If they’re not interested in wildlife, Adventure Cove should satisfy even the fussiest child – everyone loves a water park! Cool off at the Gardens by the Bay, or immerse yourself in a magical world of coral reefs and jewel-bright fish at the S.E.A. Aquarium.

 

Workshops and Zany Fun

If you still find yourself listlessly wondering what to do next, you could try your hand at at batik painting workshop, or learn how to print with a letterpress. Tea enthusiasts can go for a tea appreciation session, which sounds like you were being productive although you were actually just sitting around and drinking tea. Good times!

Break out your inner Derek Zoolander at the Trick Eye Museum and strike a pose! If you like puzzles, try a real-life escape game – they are insanely fun. If you’re looking for something a little geekier, then look no further than a lightsaber duelling session. For real. (Not with real lightsabers, because that could get messy very quickly.)

If you like being freaked out, Haw Par Villa is a spooky ride through several levels of Taoist mythology, including more hells than one can count. If you’re in need of a drink after that experience, the Tiger brewery tour is a good bet.

That’s it for our roundup of activities: enjoy the National Day celebrations and the long weekend, folks!