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6 Unique Staycation Experiences For Quality Family Time

No passport, no sweat - book a staycation for your next family getaway.

By Mandy Lim Beitler        29 June 2022

Whether you’re looking for quick passport-free getaways or planning ahead for long weekends in the coming months, we’ve got you covered with a selection of family-friendly staycation ideas catering to the young and the young-at-heart.

1. A Space Odyssey – Grand Park City Hall

Always wanted to be like the family in the classic cartoon ‘The Jetsons’? Here’s your chance. Grand Park City Hall’s first-ever augmented reality staycation takes guests to the stars. The interactive gaming experience invites you to put on your spacesuits and complete astronaut missions. You get to mine resources from planets across the solar system in Story Mode or even create your own galaxies in God Mode!

Complete Story Mode to redeem a complimentary Galactic Dessert at Tablescape Restaurant, where you’ll also enjoy 20% off its 3-Course Galaxy Kids Menu, featuring playful themed dishes such as Shooting Star Margherita Pizza and Asteroid Attack. Developed in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board, the experience, which originally ends its run in June, has proven so popular that it’s been extended till September, so don’t miss out!

Book at grandparkcityhall.com.sg for stays till September 11, 2022.

SAFRA members enjoy promotional rates from $188++ per night; more info at safra.sg/promotions/grand-park-cityhall

10 Coleman Street, Singapore 238879; Tel: 6206 1888


2. Dollop Automat – M Social Singapore

If capturing memories is just as important to you as creating them, then embark on this experiential staycation package at M Social Singapore. In partnership with Dollop Automat, one of the pioneers of the rising self-studio trend, the Phillippe Starck-designed lifestyle hotel gives guests access to a private 15-minute self-studio session, where you get to translate your most candid moments with your loved ones into a series of black-and-white and full-colour photos with laid-back resort vibes.

Freedom of expression and creativity is the name of the game. Dress up, dress down, and twirl around on the dynamic SWIRL360 video booth platform – the next viral TikTok or Reel is yours for the taking. At the end of the stay – which includes breakfast for two – check out with four 4R prints of your choice. Top up $40 to purchase the digital files of all photos taken.

Book at msocial.com.sg for stays till December 31, 2022.

SAFRA members enjoy promotional rates from $200++ per night till July 31; more info at safra.sg/promotions/m-social-singapore

90 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238879; Tel: 6206 1888


3. Sentosa Young Family Experience – Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Singapore

As if a stay at Singapore’s only beachfront resort isn’t appealing enough, this package packs in no fewer than eight Sentosa attractions for a rollicking good time. Specially curated for families of two adults and two children under 12 years old, the fun begins when you arrive for your stay via cable car with the Round Trip Cable Car Sky Pass. After checking in, head off to Madame Tussauds Singapore, Ultimate Film Star Experience, Marvel 4D Cinema, and Images of Singapore. You also enjoy a Spirit of Singapore boat ride and two rides at Sentosa 4D AdventureLand.

Back at Siloso Beach, one-hour access to the world of Nestopia awaits – the open-air play space boasts 17 play sections with netted obstacle courses and two of the longest slides anywhere on the island. Cool off in the sea while trying various sea sports activities from kayaking to stand-up paddle board or head into The Cool Zone, the resort’s well-loved kids club. The package also includes daily breakfast at Silver Shell Cafe.

Book at shangri-la.com/rasasentosa for stays till December 31, 2022.

SAFRA members enjoy 30% off Round Trip Cable Car Sky Pass and 15% off Sentosa Island Bus Tour; more info in the respective links

101 Siloso Road, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098970; Tel: 6275 0100


4. Urban Jungle Adventure – Pan Pacific Singapore

Go on an adventure to find eight curious jungle friends who got lost exploring our concrete jungle of Marina Bay at Pan Pacific Singapore’s colourful indoor play area. Launched in February this year, Urban Jungle Village offers seven activity zones integrating thinking, learning, and playing. Children staying in the hotel can go Fishing on the Tree, drive a car through Safari Trail, escape into the Forest Library, and much, much more.

Elevate the experience by booking the Urban Jungle Adventure package, where you’ll stay in an Urban Jungle Suite, co-created with Kiztopia. While parents relax in the main bedroom, the little ones can get up to monkey business in their own jungle-themed room with inflatable rocking hippo, teepee, and treehouse bunk bed. The stay includes private access to the Urban Jungle cabana by the pool with Kiztopia floats and three hours’ playtime at Kiztopia at Marina Square. You also receive an Urban Jungle Survival Pack with bath toys, daily breakfast, and Pacific Club privileges.

For stays till March 31, 2023
7 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039595; Tel: 6336 8111


5. Village Important Kids – Village Hotel Albert Court, Bugis & Katong

All parents feel that their children are the most important people in their lives – and Village Hotels agrees. To ensure that your little VIPs have the best staycation imaginable, they’ve launched the Village Important Kids (VIK) programme at its Albert Court, Bugis and Katong properties. To enjoy all the kid-friendly perks at any of the three hotels, simply book a Village Family Room, which is equipped with children’s amenities and welcome treats.

The special treatment begins upon arrival at the VIK priority check-in counter, where children from three to 12 years – with the help of a VIK ladder – are in charge of checking the whole family in. They’ll receive an activity book and $40 Village Currency they can spend at any store in the “Discover Our Partners” list. Endless activities, from retro snacks and movie screenings to interactive precinct tours and complimentary dessert, await. Families can also look forward to a rotation of VIK Playtivities, such as face painting, caricature, balloon sculpting and Nerf gun, and an exclusive meet-and-greet with VIK mascots Vee and Vin.

For stays till December 30, 2022
Village Hotel Albert Court, 180 Albert Street, Singapore 189971; Tel: 6339 3939
Village Hotel Bugis, 390 Victoria Street, Singapore 188061; Tel: 6297 2828
Village Hotel Katong, 25 Marine Parade Road, Singapore 449536; Tel: 6344 2200


6. Glamping with the Animals – River Wonders & Singapore Zoo

If you missed the chance to experience Staycation with the Flamingos at Jurong Bird Park which has been fully booked till end-July, don’t fret. Get up close with aquatic animals at  River Wonders in Staycation with the Manatees instead. Your itinerary includes dinner and breakfast, a River Explorers guided tour, reserved seating at Once Upon a River show and meet-and-greets with squirrel monkeys and a mystery animal. Finally, drift off to sleep in your air-conditioned glamping tent watching the placid manatees at the Amazon Flooded Forest.

Alternatively, get acquainted with terrestrial creatures in Staycation in the Wild at Singapore Zoo, which launches in July. You’ll get to go on the Wild Africa guided tour, enjoy reserved seating at Splash Safari and intimate interactions with sealions, rhinos, and Asian elephants. After family bonding activities, wind down in a luxurious dome tent under the stars at Pavilion by the Lake. Remember, slots are limited, so if glamping with the animals is on your family’s bucket list, you know what to do!

SAFRA members enjoy 40% off prevailing admission rates for weekdays (Mon – Thur) at Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Wonders; more info at www.safra.sg/promotions/mandai

For stays till December 30, 2022
80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826; Tel: 6269 3411

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