Fun With Kids: New playground at National Museum, PastaMania kids’ menu, picture book for charity
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The whale-themed playground draws inspiration from the National Museum’s early origins as a natural history institution.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO FILE
SINGAPORE – Make family time all the more special with these ideas and activities.
New playground at National Museum
On your next visit to the National Museum of Singapore with your children, be sure to explore its recently launched outdoor playground named A Whale Of A Tale, A Magical Bridge Design.
The new attraction coincides with the museum’s 138th anniversary celebration. Established in 1887, it started out as the Raffles Library and Museum, focusing on natural history.
Located near the front lawn, the playground draws inspiration from the museum’s blue whale skeleton, which was displayed from the early 1900s to the 1970s.
Mosaic tiles, a classic decorative element from playgrounds of yesteryear, adorn parts of the whale body.
The whale-themed playground draws inspiration from the National Museum’s early origins as a natural history institution.
It is designed to be an inclusive playground and aims to bring everyone in the family together.
You will find senior-friendly workout areas for grandparents and a hideaway hut, providing a calming retreat for children who need a quiet moment.
PastaMania’s revamped kids’ meals
PastaMania has introduced new pasta dishes, such as prawn zuppa, for kids.
PastaMania has refreshed its offerings for diners aged 10 and under.
On the kids’ menu of the home-grown Italian chain are three new pasta dishes: plant-based bolognese, prawn zuppa and cheesy crumble chicken sausage. There are also two returning favourites: creamy honey chicken and mac and cheese.
Priced at $9.90, each pasta dish comes with a choice of sides or desserts – such as cheddar cheese sticks and Udders dark chocolate ice cream – plus oat milk from Oatside.
While waiting for food to be served, you and your children can scan a QR code at your table to access a series of three mobile games.
Score at least 400 game points to get a $5 PastaMania voucher for your next visit. This is limited to one voucher an account every month.
And for every kids’ meal purchased, you will receive a stamp which can be accumulated to redeem rewards such as merchandise and free kids’ meals.
The menu is not available at its outlets at Changi Airport Terminal 2, Toa Payoh and Pioneer Mall. Find out more at pastamania.com.sg
Charity picture book by teens
Author Saachi Khatwani hopes her book The Girl Of The Grey will encourage children to celebrate their strengths.
Inspired by 16-year-old author Saachi Khatwani’s experiences, The Girl Of The Grey is a picture book that encourages children to recognise and celebrate their strengths.
Recommended for readers from eight years old, this self-published book tells the story of a young girl who could not keep up with her classmates. “Maybe I’m just not that smart after all,” she whispers to herself.
The book draws inspiration from challenging times in Saachi’s life, such as coping with personal loss while preparing for exams.
“I realised that while academics are important and everyone should try their best in school, they are not the only measure of who we are,” she says. “Being a whole person means valuing every side of who you are – your curiosity, efforts, compassion and courage.”
She teamed up with 13-year-old Arianna Dattani Joshi, who worked on the illustrations.
Launching in October to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month, proceeds from the book will go to Limitless, a charity which provides mental health support for youth in Singapore.
Support the cause by buying a copy for $19.99 from Book Bar (str.sg/6Cie) or downloading the Kindle edition for $2.99 via Amazon (str.sg/okrS6).
