The ultimate guide to surviving a staycation with kids in S’pore

No kidding.

| Guan Zhen Tan | Sponsored | October 06, 2020, 06:01 PM

You’ve been needing a vacation since the start of the Circuit Breaker.

Being in the house too long has made you desperately crave a change of environment to unwind.

Okay lor, go on staycation, you think. Problem is, go where? Singapore so boring sia.

Before you chuck that staycation idea aside, many hotels are rolling out perks and discounts ranging from complimentary tickets and breakfast packages, so it makes your staycation even more value for money.

Here are five staycation itineraries for you to consider, with hotels and ideas of what to do around the areas.

Psssst, it's fuss-free to book both your hotels and your activities via the Expedia app without opening another website or your browser.

If you’re looking to boost your staycation experience with fun things to do, Expedia is giving you 20 per cent off selected activities in Singapore from now till October 31. Terms and conditions apply.

Savvy savers can also use Shopback for an extra 6 per cent cashback that can be put towards another year-end treat.

Sentosa

Why there?

Since Sentosa is an island away from Singapore, it makes for a very swee staycation area on its own right without being ulu. Hotels and resorts around the area are a short distance away from all those important attractions, complete with beaches, outdoor activities and fine dining. Steady.

Stay where?

Resort World Sentosa hotels are great choices, being a stone’s throw away from all the attractions, so you can have a stress-free staycation.

Hotel Michael and Equarius Hotel allow kids to stay for free, and Amara Resort Singapore also welcomes children.

Do what?

Since you’re at Sentosa, you’ll definitely want to consider heading down to Universal Studios Singapore, and S.E.A Aquarium.

With extra perks such as early entry, means your family won’t be kept waiting for long; even the most kiasu of kids and parents will enjoy a fun weekend of themed rides and aquarium visits.

Craving some action? Try out the Skyline Luge for some real-life Mario Karting, or get around the island on a GoGreen Segway. Take the kids out on an adventurous climb over nets and zip down crazy slides at Nestopia.

Can’t skydive over gorgeous views in Australia or the US? Try The Indoor Skydiving Experience at iFly instead, where you can safely replicate the thrilling experience.

You might want to pack in some swimwear too, so you can head down to Siloso, Palawan or Tanjong beach for that pseudo-beach resort getaway you were planning for.

Palawan beach also has a floating obstacle course called Hydrodash if you’re looking to spice up your beach experience with some action, but you are also more than welcome to chill at the beaches and soak up some sun.

Marina Bay

Why there?

Circuit Breaker can take Singaporeans away from the city, but it can’t take the city away from

Singaporeans. Being at the heart of Singapore, this is where you can really get to experience

the heartbeat of the city. Conveniently located (read: not too troublesome for you to travel here no matter where you stay) and a short walk to shopping malls, you’re not far away from all that you need.

Stay where?

The city centre is full of glitzy choices which are also surprisingly family-friendly.

The Ritz-Carlton features in-room camping for the kids and even a DVD library; The Capitol

Kempinski Hotel is an Instagram favourite with its unique architecture. The Marina Bay Sands

offer a great view of Singapore’s skyline, and its famous Infinity Pool is the definite star of the

show.

Do what?

Head to Gardens by the Bay and enjoy the sight of various plant species and perhaps even catch a glimpse of our local otters. The OCBC skyway has got some gorgeous views of the gardens and the city.

Check out the breathtaking skyline via the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck, or the galleries at the ArtScience Museum.

Suntec City and Raffles City are also just right around the corner, so you’ll always be close to prime shopping spots. Finish the night off with restaurants at Chijmes, as a perfect way to end your city night.

East side

Why there?

The East side is the best side. At least, to those of us living in the East, who can then make use of our proximity to the airport. Given that the airport has an amazing range of options for food and shopping and sight-seeing for visitors for all ages, it’s a great addition to any staycation itinerary in the East.

Sian of the airport? You can always head to the parks for a range of family-friendly outdoor activities.

Stay where?

Capri by Fraser Is conveniently located right beside Changi City Point.

For the full airport experience, consider staying at YotelAir, which is kind of like having a first-class flight cabin on the ground, with a family-friendly room including two bunk beds for the kids.

Do what?

Jewel by itself should busy you for much of your staycation. The Canopy Park, as you would have known by now if you were super kiasu about it, is a must-go. Separate admission charges apply to the Canopy Bridge, the Hedge and Mirror Mazes, and the Manulife skynets, but fret not, for you can buy all the admission tickets easily here.

Changi City Point is a great place to shop for all that your heart desires, given that there are plenty of factory outlets selling sports goods and apparel at a bargain price.

In terms of outdoor activities, the East is definitely more than just East Coast park. A Forest Adventure awaits you at Bedok Reservoir, where you and your family can challenge yourselves to various obstacle courses, including a Junior Course and a Grand Course, which is essentially two and half hours of navigating through tree top obstacles and flying through ziplines. Power.

Orchard

Why there?

Orchard means you’ll be conveniently located nearby the best of what Singapore’s retail scene has to offer. This makes staying in the area a fantastic choice for kanchiong spiders about getting their shopping done bright and early.

Equally important is actually Orchard’s proximity to other areas such as the Botanic Gardens, Dempsey Road and Tanglin, which can be considered part of your Orchard itinerary.

Marriott Tang Plaza offers gorgeous views of the Orchard Road vicinity, and is incredibly luxurious. It’s really accessible via MRT as well.

Mandarin Orchard is directly connected to the Mandarin Gallery shopping centre, and its ease of access to other shopping centres such as 313@Somerset, Paragon and the Apple Store makes it a prime hotel for shopaholics.

JEN Singapore Orchard Gateway is connected to Orchard Central, and makes it easy for shoppers to access popular shops such as Don Don Donki.

Do what?

Besides shopping and eating, consider fun activities that can get your entire family moving. Take a long walk in the picturesque Botanic Gardens, or even head to Bounce Singapore, which is a trampoline park that the entire family can enjoy (as long you are over 3 years old), you can bounce and flip the stress away.

There’s even an adventure course inspired by what you might see on “Ninja Warrior”, so you can test your might and see if you actually have what it takes to ace the notoriously difficult obstacle course.

Bugis

Bugis is actually full of hidden gems if you know how to look. For one, it contains the artistic heartbeat of Singapore. The nearby Arab Street is full of hipster cafes and eats, along with gorgeous murals and little trinkets. Bras Basah has bookshops and art stores that have been around for years, and you’re bound to find something around here for everyone.

Stay where?

Village Hotel Bugis in Kampong Glam has a kids-themed room, with a cute bed for the little one and patterned walls. Bugis Street is nearby as well.

Intercontinental Singapore is connected to Bugis Junction, and offers a pampering staycation experience in the middle of the Bugis area.

If you like a Hotel that’s a little more quirky on a budget, stop by Hotel G.

Do what?

Explore both Bugis Street for shopping bargains and Arab Street for food and Instagram shots.

Stop by Bras Basah to pick up books and crafts for yourself or the kids.

For a different experience, head to a suspended playground at AIRZONE City Square Mall. The playground is suspended over nets between floor levels, occupying the atrium spaces. There’s even a ball pit, slides and mazes, which should keep the entire family occupied for a long time.

Not a big fan of clamouring over nets and balls? Pick up a NERF gun or two at the NERF Action Experience, with challenging arenas and multiple-themed activity zones for you to blast the blues away.

Not only can all these hotels and prices be viewed on the Expedia app, you can also explore tickets and activities nearby your hotel of choice, allowing you to conveniently plan out your itinerary for your staycation.

If you need more reasons to download the Expedia mobile app:

  • Earn double rewards points when you book through the app.
  • Be the first to know about exclusive promotions for hotel and activities

Mastercard promotion

Mastercard card users get to enjoy additional perks as well.

Get 12 per cent off your hotel booking on desktop and mobile web for all destinations with the coupon code: MASTER12EXP.

You can also get 14 per cent off your hotel booking on the Expedia app with the coupon code: MCAPP14.

Do note that the discount value for both coupons is capped at S$50, and bookings should be made by December 31, 2020, and the stay has to be completed by June 30, 2021.

Additionally, if you save your MasterCard in your account, you’ll receive 1,000 Expedia Rewards points that you can use for your next booking.

Check details and make your booking via this link or the Expedia app.

Terms and conditions apply.

Don’t say bojio. Happy Staycationing!

This sponsored article is brought to you by Expedia. Thanks to the fuss-free app, the writer has already booked a staycation while writing this.