10 Things to do during the September school holidays in Singapore 2026
The September school holidays are here — and if you're a parent wondering how you're going to keep the kids occupied for an entire week, you're definitely not short of options in Singapore.
For MOE primary and secondary schools, the Term 3 vacation runs from 5 to 13 September 2026, with Term 4 beginning on Monday, 14 September.
I've rounded up some of the more interesting family-friendly activities happening around Singapore this September, including quite a few free options because entertaining children gets expensive very quickly.
As always, event information can change, so I've included the official event pages wherever possible. Check the organiser's latest details before making the trip.
1. Singapore Botanic Gardens & Fort Canning Park Heritage Festival
Where: Singapore Botanic Gardens and Fort Canning Park
This is probably one of my favorite options on the list if you're looking for something that doesn't automatically involve entering a shopping mall.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens and Fort Canning Park Heritage Festival runs for nine days with music, art, guided experiences and activities centered around the Gardens' history and heritage.
One particularly interesting addition this year is EnlighTEN, the Singapore Botanic Gardens' first large-scale light show, which transforms five locations around the Gardens using light installations and storytelling.
You could easily turn this into a longer family outing with a picnic and a walk around the Gardens.
Parents with younger children should note that the Treehouse at Jacob Ballas Children's Garden is currently closed for rectification works, although other parts of the children's garden remain available subject to weather and operating conditions.
Singapore Botanic Gardens Heritage Festival details
2. Explore the Disney-Inspired Magical Island Adventure at Sentosa
When: Until 20 September 2026
Where: Palawan Beach, Central Beach Bazaar and Sensoryscape
Admission: Free entry to the installations
Disney fans still have time to catch A Magical Island Adventure around Sentosa.
At Palawan Beach, you'll find oversized installations inspired by Disney and Pixar favourites, including Toy Story characters and a giant Baymax, while Marvel fans can look out for Iron Man and Groot-inspired displays.
The installations become particularly photogenic after sunset when parts of the beach light up.
Best of all, entry to the installations themselves is free, although naturally you may end up spending money on food or other Sentosa attractions while you're there.
Magical Island Adventure at Sentosa
3. Visit SAFRA Open House 2026
Where: All seven SAFRA clubs
If you want an activity that stretches beyond the actual school-holiday week, SAFRA Open House 2026 is happening throughout September.
Families can take part in discovery trails, interactive challenges and family activities across SAFRA's seven clubs.
There are also selected club-event days featuring additional hands-on and defence-inspired activities. Some promotions and activities are reserved for SAFRA members, so check what's available at the club you're planning to visit before heading down.
SAFRA Open House 2026 programme
4. Stay Out Late at Gardens by the Bay's Mid-Autumn Festival
When: 12–27 September 2026, 6pm–10pm
Where: Golden Garden, Supertree Grove, Bayfront Plaza and Flower Dome
Admission: Free for the main festival
This one starts right at the tail end of the September school holidays, which makes it a nice way to finish the break.
The Mid-Autumn Festival 2026 at Gardens by the Bay features illuminated lantern displays alongside carnival games, food and selected workshops.
There will also be an LED Lion Dance at Supertree Grove Lawn on 12 September at 8.30pm, with additional craft activities taking place on selected dates.
The main festival has free admission, although charges apply to selected workshops, attractions and activities.
Gardens by the Bay Mid-Autumn Festival 2026
5. See the “Northern Lights” at Supertree Grove
This outdoor light-and-sound installation recreates the visual effect of the aurora borealis among the Supertrees using light and cloud particles.
Normally it runs on Saturday, Sunday and Monday evenings, but from 12–27 September 2026, the show is scheduled for 9pm–9.15pm because of the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is free to watch, although it can be cancelled in wet weather.
That gives you a pretty easy itinerary:
Lanterns → dinner/snacks → Borealis.
Borealis at Gardens by the Bay
6. Make It a Disney + Flowers Day at Floral Fantasy
Credit image link: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/things-to-do/calendar-of-events/disney-garden-of-wonder-at-floral-fantasy.html
There is another Disney option at Gardens by the Bay if your children prefer air-conditioning.
Disney Garden of Wonder at Floral Fantasy is running until March 2027, with horticultural displays featuring Disney and Pixar characters.
The current edition includes displays inspired by Toy Story 5 and Frozen, alongside other Disney favourites.
Unlike the free Mid-Autumn Festival, Floral Fantasy is a ticketed attraction, so this might be better saved for a particularly hot or rainy afternoon.
Gardens by the Bay events and attractions
7. Spend an Evening at Palawan Beach
Instead of rushing home after a Sentosa afternoon, consider turning it into an evening outing.
The Disney-inspired installations around Palawan Beach are illuminated after dark, which gives the area a completely different atmosphere compared with daytime.
For parents, I think this is one of those outings where you don't necessarily need a complicated itinerary.
Bring the kids to the beach, have dinner, walk around the installations and call it a day.
Sometimes the simplest family plans are the ones that actually happen.
8. Take the Kids to the Singapore Botanic Gardens After Dark
Most of us think of the Botanic Gardens as a morning destination.
This September is a little different.
During the Heritage Festival from 5–13 September, the CDL Green Gallery and Heritage Museum at Botany Centre have extended operating hours until 10pm, instead of the usual 6pm closing time.
Combine that with EnlighTEN and you have a rare opportunity to experience parts of the Gardens after dark.
It could also work well for working parents who can't take leave during the school holidays but still want to do something with the children after work.
Latest Singapore Botanic Gardens visitor notices
9. Make a Full Evening Out of Gardens by the Bay
If your kids can stay awake long enough, Gardens by the Bay is one of the easiest places to stack several activities together.
A possible September evening could look like:
6pm: Explore the Mid-Autumn lanterns
7pm: Dinner
7.45pm: Garden Rhapsody
8pm onwards: Continue exploring
9pm: Borealis
Garden Rhapsody normally takes place daily at 7.45pm and 8.45pm, while the September Mid-Autumn Festival runs from 6pm to 10pm.
It saves you from driving the children to three different places in one day, which is already a win.
10. Do Absolutely Nothing for One Day
This technically isn't an event, but I'm putting it on the list anyway.
School holidays don't have to become seven consecutive days of enrichment classes, attractions and carefully planned “core memories”.
Have a slow morning.
Go downstairs.
Let the kids play.
Order lunch.
Watch a movie.
Visit the playground.
Parents need school holidays too.
There are plenty of things happening around Singapore this September, but you definitely don't need to do all of them.
Pick one or two that genuinely sound enjoyable for your family and leave some empty space in the calendar.
September School Holidays 2026 at a Glance
For MOE primary and secondary schools, the September vacation runs from Saturday, 5 September to Sunday, 13 September 2026.
Students return for Term 4 on Monday, 14 September 2026.
If you're still deciding what to do, my shortlist would be:
For a free daytime outing: Singapore Botanic Gardens Heritage Festival.
For Disney fans: Sentosa's Magical Island Adventure.
For an evening outing: Gardens by the Bay Mid-Autumn Festival.
For something close to home: Check what's happening at your nearest SAFRA club.
And if everyone is tired?
Stay home.
That's a perfectly legitimate school-holiday activity too.
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