From a family-friendly gallery experience to local theatre: Arts activities in August for children to learn and play

Between school, enrichment classes and busy family schedules, finding activities that are both fun and beneficial for children’s cognitive and emotional growth can be challenging.

That’s where the arts come in. Whether children are watching an interactive theatre show, creating their own artwork or expressing themselves through dance, they build creativity, confidence, communication and problem-solving skills while having fun.

These experiences also create opportunities for families to bond. As children explore storytelling, movement and visual arts in engaging ways, parents get to be part of their children’s growth and create lasting memories together.

Whether your child enjoys imaginative play, making art or dancing, here are seven family-friendly picks worth exploring.

Express creativity through printmaking

Participants can explore the art of relief printmaking by designing, carving and printing their own custom rubber stamps in this hands-on workshop. They’ll then use their finished stamps to create a personalised canvas tote bag.

Suitable for beginners, the two-hour session encourages creativity and imagination, while introducing participants to the fundamentals of printmaking. Participants will also exchange stamps with one another, fostering friendship and collaboration.

Introduction to Relief Printmaking Workshop
By: Arterly Obsessed
When: Until Aug 31
Where: Arterly Obsessed, 197 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #01-10
Ticket info: From $60
More details here

Bring creative ideas to life through digital art

Children can explore the basics of digital art by designing and illustrating their own custom stickers using an iPad and Apple Pencil. Guided step by step by an experienced instructor, they will experiment with digital drawing tools, colours and layouts before seeing their creations transformed into printed stickers.

Suitable for beginners, the workshop introduces the fundamentals of digital illustration while encouraging creativity and visual expression through hands-on experimentation. The finished stickers will be printed, cut and shipped to participants’ homes, giving young artists a personalised keepsake of their creations.

Digital Art Painting with Procreate Workshop in Singapore
By: DoodleBit SG
When: Until Oct 31
Where: 994 Bendemeer Rd, #06-01
Ticket info: From $90
More details here

Spark imagination through storytelling

A seemingly ordinary piece of fabric becomes the key to unlocking imagination for siblings Nora and Adi. From secret hideouts to costumes and sails, the siblings embark on a playful adventure fuelled by their mother’s sarong.

Best suited for children aged three to six, this interactive play encourages them to see the extraordinary in everyday moments and objects. Through Nora and Adi, children are also taught to build empathy and positive connections with others by noticing and caring for their feelings.

The performance is adapted from the popular children’s book The Amazing Sarong by Quek Hong Shin. The book is the first in the Heritage Picture Book series, which explores how children can connect with their cultural identities. 

PLAYtime! 2026 The Amazing Sarong
By: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
When: Until Aug 30; 9.30am and 11.30am on Tuesdays to Fridays; 11am, 2pm and 4pm on weekends
Where: Esplanade Theatre Studio (Level 4), 1 Esplanade Drive
Ticket info: $23
More details here

Follow Chicken Little as she finds courage when fear takes over

In this feather-filled family musical bursting with heart and humour, children will discover that even the smallest voice can make the biggest difference.

When Chicken Little sets out to warn the King that the sky is falling, she must face her fears and find the courage to speak up. Children will join her on a lively quest to save her farmyard friends, meeting beloved storybook characters along the way – Cocky Locky, Ducky Daddles, Turkey Lurkey and the ever-scheming Foxy Loxy. Through the journey, young audiences will learn that bravery isn’t about being fearless – it’s about speaking up even when it feels scary.

Chicken Little
By: Singapore Repertory Theatre
When: Until Aug 30 (English performances); 11am and 2pm on weekends
Where: Drama Centre Theatre (Level 3), National Library, 100 Victoria Street
Ticket info: From $22
More details here

Let curiosity grow through art and play

Located within the National Gallery Singapore, the Keppel Centre for Art Education is designed for children aged four to 12.

The Centre offers an inspiring, fun and nurturing environment where families and children can discover the world of art through a variety of interactive learning zones. Through immersive, sensory experiences, children are encouraged to observe, imagine, create and make connections with the world around them, including themes inspired by nature and environmental sustainability.

Besides Keppel Centre, families can visit When Art Meets Nature until Nov 1. The children’s exhibition is free for all to enjoy, featuring two interactive installations, including Peace Forest by Singaporean artist Soh Ee Shaun, inviting young visitors to explore nature through art. 

During weekends, longer wait times of approximately 30 minutes or more are possible. Families can explore the Gallery’s exhibitions on the other levels before returning to the Centre.

Keppel Centre for Art Education 
By: National Gallery Singapore
When: Daily from 10am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 3.30pm and 4.30pm to 7pm (last entry at 6.40pm)
Where: City Hall Wing, Level 1, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew’s Road
Ticket info: Free
More details here

Building confidence through dance and movement

For children with boundless energy, the O School Junior Programme offers a creative outlet through hip hop dance classes for children aged five to 12. Young dancers build foundational skills through movement and choreography while developing coordination, rhythm and confidence in a supportive environment.

Children can progress through foundational, intermediate and advanced classes as their skills grow, giving them opportunities to continue their dance journey at their own pace. 

O School Junior Programme
By: O School
When: Ongoing
Where: L5 by O School, #05-01/02, GR.iD, 1 Selegie Road
Ticket info: From $280 for eight lessons
More details here

Discovering culture, one brushstroke at a time

Introduce children to the art of traditional Chinese ink painting through this hands-on workshop, where they will explore brush painting techniques while learning about the history of the Chinese zodiac and the personality traits associated with each zodiac animal.

The 90-minute session offers an engaging way for children to deepen their appreciation of Chinese art, culture and heritage while expressing their creativity through painting. Calm spaces are also available to ensure every child feels comfortable and at ease throughout the session.

Art of Brush: An Introduction to Traditional Chinese Painting
By: Singapore Century Calligraphy
When: Until Aug 31, 2pm
Where: #01-20, Waterloo Centre, 261 Waterloo Street
Ticket info: From $100
More details here

Discover more stories about how the arts can enrich your child here.

For more, head to Catch.sg, Singapore’s national platform on all things arts and culture. The $100 SG Culture Pass can be used on eligible events.