SINGAPORE - It's no jungle, but children are able to experience a whole range of nature's sounds, smells and textures as they make their way across a sensory art trail.
Curated by a LaSalle College of the Arts lecturer and three local artists, the nature-themed trail takes children on a thrilling sensory journey, channelling their inner explorer as they make music with wooden "percussion frogs" and take in the scents of different flowers and herbs.
The more adventurous ones can even challenge their critical thinking skills at a mini logic-driven "escape-room".
The trail, which makes its debut this year, is one of many activities featured in SmartKids Asia 2018, the region's largest educational children's fair.
Organised by Sphere Exhibits, the annual fair is back in Singapore for its sixth edition on Friday (March 16) and features a gamut of both educational and entertainment programmes with a focus on hands-on learning.
Said Ms Mandy Wong, business director of Sphere Exhibits: "There's a lot of talk about how kids nowadays are stuck to digital gadgets like iPads... We hope that through this fair we can really show how things can be brought back to basics - how to get your hands dirty."
Apart from attractions such as bouncy castles and rock-climbing, the fair features educational and enrichment booths run by various enrichment centres at the newly introduced Learning Pavilion, where children can try their hand at activities like rocket-making and even yoga meditation.
Free trial classes are run daily, subject to availability.
There are also exciting stage performances at Storyland and mascot meet-and-greets for the little ones.
"It's nice to let the children interact and be exposed to some games " said housewife Evelyn Loh, who was at the fair five years ago with her eldest daughter, now 10. She was back this time with all her three children, the youngest of whom is three .
"It's a great place to let them try hands-on activities, and also for the parents to find out about enrichment courses for the younger ones."
SmartKids Asia runs until Sunday (March 18) at Singapore Expo, Hall 6. Admission is free.
