DIDN'T snag a ticket for the National Day Parade (NDP)? Here are other ways you can mark the nation's 44th anniversary of independence:

For the kids

• NTUC Income Kite Festival Singapore 2009: Children of all ages may take part in kite-making workshops organised for this inaugural kite festival, from tomorrow to Monday. They can also view an exhibition of giant kites handpainted by 700 children from today to Monday at Raffles City, City Square, Level 3.

• Jurong BirdPark: The park will hold concerts and youth events over the National Day weekend. The A Cappella Society Youth Voices will perform tomorrow, on Sunday and Monday at 12.35pm at the Pools Amphitheatre.

  A Scarlet Ibis feeding session will be held at 11.30am and a children's parrot show at 1pm on those days. Normal admission charges apply.

• Singapore Discovery Centre: This is where visitors can take a behind-the-scenes peek into the making of NDP. Highlights include a display of NDP 2009 props and costumes, insider video footage of the parade's control room and the tale behind the NDP funpack. On until Aug 15, between 9am and 6pm, Tuesdays through Sundays.
  
  
  

  Great ways to fly

• Singapore Flyer: Besides taking in the spectacular views from the 165m-high observation wheel, riders may take part in the National Pledge Moment at 8.22pm on Sunday and opt for an NDP Sky Dining package of three courses and two glasses of wine for $299++ a couple.

  Those born in August can fly for free all month if they are with someone paying the adult fare.

• Tiger Sky Tower on Sentosa: Turning 44 this year? Get a free ride on National Day; children below the age of 12 can get a ride for just $4.40.
  
  
  

  Down by the water's edge

• Clarke Quay: This will become party central tomorrow with the National Day Celebrations 2009 Countdown Party: One Nation! One Party! from 7.30pm until late. The countdown will climax with a balloon drop at midnight, and acts such as Juxtapose, Douglas O & Friends, The Arena Band and Power 98FM DJs will be on hand.

• Sentosa: Admission to a number of attractions, including Fort Siloso and the Merlion, will be at $4.40 from tomorrow until Aug 31. At the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom, the $4.40 entry is only for children. Adults pay the full fee.
  




In the shopping malls

• Most malls will take part in the 8.22pm Pledge Moment, and some will screen the parade live.

• Orchard Central: Wear red and white and win shopping vouchers for being a well-dressed shopper. Shoppers also get free face-painting and manicures; those who turn 44 this year are eligible for gifts.

• Junction 8: Catch the Singapore Calendar Babe 2010 finals at 1pm tomorrow and meet director Jack Neo and the cast of Where Got Ghost? at 6pm. On Sunday, the Singapore's Got Youth Talents 2009 finals is at 2pm.

• Bukit Panjang Plaza and Lot One: The first 100 people to show up to watch the parade live on Sunday will be given free popcorn and candy floss.
  
  
  

  A chance to do good

• Help clean up Singapore's shores on an outing to the Lim Chu Kang mangrove swamps tomorrow. Bring covered shoes, water, hat, sunblock, raincoat or poncho and wear trousers. From 7.30am until noon. To find out more, go to http://coastalcleanup.wordpress.com/

• Raise funds for the people who are literally building the nation. Transient Workers Count Too runs a free meal service for destitute migrant workers in Little India. Meet the beneficiaries of this programme at a fund-raiser tonight at Food #03, 109 Rowell Road, from 7.30pm to 11pm. The entry fee is $10.

  For more details, visit http://www.twc2.org.sg/site/migrants-in-the-news/thelittlepinkcamera.html

  GRACE CHUA