In today's fast-paced digital world, spending quality time with family can sometimes fall by the wayside. That's why programmes by the Civil Service Club, along with initiatives such as the National Family Festival 2024 (NFF 2024) organised by the Ministry of Social and Family Development, offer the perfect opportunity to reconnect. These activities aren't just fun; many are also pathways to rediscovering our cultural roots and heritage.
Go on: explore a museum, sign up for a traditional food cooking class, or embark on a heritage trail. If you’re not sure how to start, let the Civil Service Club guide you with our recommendations of heritage-focused activities that promise to be educational and fun.
Cruise through history on a vintage ride
Experience Singapore's rich tapestry of history from the unique vantage point of a Vespa sidecar. Singapore Sidecars Heritage Tours offers three awesome routes around the island: the Kampong Gelam and The Civic District Tour, the Joo Chiat and Katong Area Tour, and Singapore In A Nutshell, which covers Kampong Gelam, Little India and Chinatown (perfect for kiasu participants who want to make the most of their tour).
Picture courtesy of Klook
As you zip around the island, your Vespa driver, who also serves as your guide, will share entertaining stories about each heritage spot. This inclusive adventure is suitable for the whole family — pets included (up to a 15kg in weight).
Making creative bento with love
Whether it's preparing lunch or dinner for your kids or yourself, attempt to inject some creativity and fun into your bento. Have a great time bonding with your little one making your very own lovely ‘Summer Joy’ bento (Kyaraben) featuring the adorable Forever Friends bear and his cute birdie buddy.
The fun Creative Bento Art Workshop is sure to bring smiles and happiness to your loved one’s meal and can even be something special to share with them. The art of bento has been traditional craft originating from Japan and lots of creative mums (and dads) have come up with interesting ways to interest their kids to ear. It’s a fun and tasty way to bond and keep our culinary heritage alive
When: 21 July
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Where: CSC @ Tessensohn, Tessy Kitchen (level 3)
Event is open to CSC members, Public Service Officers and guests. Click here to pre-register by 14 July.
Step into the colours of Little India
Play tourist for a day with the family and see Singapore in a different light through the Little India Discovery: Guided Walking Tour, which showcases one of the city’s oldest and most vibrant heritage neighbourhoods.
Picture courtesy of Klook
The journey begins with a sensory delight at Tekka Centre, where the air is rich with the aromas of spices and flavours. Follow your guide across the street to witness a skilled artisan crafting traditional flower garlands, where you'll even get a chance to try making one yourself. Dive deeper into the area's diverse history with a visit to the picturesque Tan Teng Niah villa and the ancient Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples.
From now till to 31 January 2025, CSC members enjoy 8% OFF all Klook activities with a minimum spend of $50 (capped at $10 off) when booking online. Use the promo code <KLOOKCSC2024>. Each CSC member is entitled to 12 uses of this promotion.
Public Service Officers enjoy 5% OFF when they spend at least $50, with a cap of $10 off. Each Public Service Officer can use this promotion 6 times. Click here to view the redemption instructions and read the terms and conditions.
Go Back in Time
Singapore has changed a lot since its founding days, but at the National Museum of Singapore, history comes alive with cool exhibits and interactive displays that tell the story of our nation's journey from ancient settlement to modern city.
The museum’s Singapore History Gallery, which is free for Singaporeans, permanent residents and kids aged six and below, features all sorts of fascinating stuff. You’ll find vintage items that will take you back in time (remember stored-value payphone cards?), military artefacts from WWII, and even prehistoric tools discovered on Pulau Ubin that are thousands of years old.
If your kids are old enough to be learning history in school, let them play tour guide for the day. They can show off what they know and guide the family around the gallery. It’s a great way to learn together and create awesome memories.
Catch up over BBQs and chalets
Remember those carefree days of sprinting across the sand with your cousins, or playing master chef at the beachside BBQ?
Bring back that magic and take a well-deserved breather from your busy schedule at CSC @ Changi with a good old family BBQ with a relaxing view of the sea. As part of NFF 2024, CSC members enjoy an additional 10% OFF BBQ Pavilion bookings on top of existing rates.
Note that the discount is valid for use only during off-peak periods (Mon to Fri). Be sure to book by 30 June. BBQ Pavilion bookings must be used before 31 Jul.
For those who want to weave even more memories, step into the charming world of CSC @ Changi II’s Netheravon Terrace chalets. These units aren't just rich with colonial-era aesthetics like wooden shutters and classic brickwork, they're kitted out with all the home comforts you could need — air conditioning, attached bathroom, fully-stocked kitchen and a sheltered BBQ pit (for level 1 chalets).
For a limited period, enjoy 15% OFF on level 1 chalets and 25% OFF on level 2 chalets (without the BBQ pit).
Escape to a local resort for some 'us time'
Why jet off to distant shores when you can unwind in resort-like bliss right at CSC @ Bukit Batok? The Treehouse pavilions are your slice of paradise, offering serene views of the clubhouse's terrace pools. Sizzle up delicious treats on the grill and chat the day away with loved ones as you lounge in comfy seats. In celebration of NFF 2024, enjoy 10% OFF on off-peak bookings (for use by 31 Jul) made from now till 30 Jun.
The family that bowls together, bonds forever
Nothing spells family fun like a lively round of bowling, where you can strike up some friendly competition while upholding values like teamwork and perseverance.
Gather the clan and roll into Westwood Bowl at CSC @ Bukit Batok. The bowling alley offers a NFF 2024 special discounted walk-in hourly rate of $20 per hour per lane for CSC members; and $25 per hour per lane for the public, from now till 30 June between 9am to 6pm, Mon to Fri (excluding public holiday).
Not near Bukit Batok? No problem! Head over to Planet Bowl at CSC @ Tessensohn. The discounted hourly rate goes as low as $12 (U.P. $14) per hour per lane for CSC members; and $18 (U.P. $20) per hour per lane for the public. This promotion is valid till 30 June for walk-ins between 9am to 6pm, Mon to Fri (excluding public holiday).
Master heritage recipes together
Ever dreamt of cooking those mouth-watering family recipes passed down through generations? Sign up for the CSC Gourmet Workshop by Lisa.
Cooking instructor Lisa will walk you through the steps – and secrets – of preparing a delicious and traditional Huiji soya phoenix special, royal veggie mutton soup and a special bake recipe. To make this a family event, buy the ingredients and cook the dish together for a fun-filled Sunday lunch.
When: 29 June
Time: 2pm to 5pm
Event is open to CSC members, Public Service Officers and guests. Click here to pre-register by 24 June.
Cast lines and create memories
Tired of the routine trips to the grocery store? Spice up your family outings by showing the kids where their seafood comes from on a yacht adventure. The Join-In Yacht Fishing Course welcomes children aged five years and above, offering an opportunity for families to cast lines over the largest local coral reef system and bring their catch back for dinner. This immersive experience connects participants with nature and teaches the value of sustenance — giving everyone a glimpse into the ways our ancestors might have gathered their meals.
With expert fishing instructors by your side and equipment provided, every family member will feel right at home on the high seas. For safety, children under 12 should team up with an adult to share a fishing rod.
When: 16 June
Time: 9am to 1pm
Where: ONE°15 Marina
Event is open to CSC members, Public Service Officers and guests. Click here to pre-register one week in advance. Do note that lunch and plastic bags for your catch are not provided.
Click here to view more events for family bonding. The Ministry of Social and Family Development’s National Family Festival 2024 takes place between 25 May to 30 June 2024.