Sneaky School Holidays - What Is It and What Can You Do?

Oct 10, 2025

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Have you ever suddenly realise that the next day is a school holiday? Perhaps it is a school closure or a off in lieu that caught you off guard? We call this the sneaky school holidays - and we are here to help!

an illustration of a calendar with hands and legs, surprising a parent - indicating a holiday that came as a surprise

Sneaky school holidays are the holidays that sneak up on new and unsuspecting parents (usually those with first-time school-going kids) that make you scramble to find special arrangements or plans.

We have been through many of these, and we are here to help! Here's a list of upcoming and common sneaky school holidays, as well as some ideas on what and where you can go to keep the kids entertained too!

List of Upcoming and Common Sneaky School Holidays

From PSLE marking days to off in lieu, here's a list we have prepared so you are prepared! Updated Aug 2025, so do check back for more recent updates.

*do note that even as we try to be as accurate as possible, the situation may differ for schools, levels and your own circumstances, so do check back with your own schools for the most accurate info.

National Day 2025: 11 Aug 2025 (Mon)
PSLE Oral Exams (P1 - P5): 13 and 14 Aug 2025 (Wed and Thu)
PSLE Listening Comprehension (P1 - P5): 16 Sep 2025 (Tue)
PSLE Exams (P1 - P5): 25 Sep - 1 Oct 2025 (Thu - Wed)
PSLE Marking (P1 - P6): 13 - 15 Oct 2025 (Mon - Wed)
Last Day of Term 4 (P1 - S4): 21 Nov 2025 (Fri - schools may end the term earlier)

Other dates to note are Teacher's Day (first Fri of Sep, P1 - S4), Children's Day (first Fri of Oct, P1 - P6), Youth Day (first Sun of Jul, subsequently Mon is a school holiday, P1 - S4). You can also check the official public and school holidays in Singapore for more details.

As a added benefit, these sneaky school holidays are great for planning your family trips too (since they are usually not peak periods like the official school holidays).

What Can You do this Upcoming Sneaky School Holiday?

We have prepared a list of events, venues and experiences that you can do with your kids. The list is separated into specifically for the upcoming sneaky school holiday for National Day 2025, and a general list for any other days!

PSLE Exams / Marking Days

Mid-Autumn Light Installations

Since the kids may not have classes the next day, you might want to use this opportunity to stay out later to enjoy Mid-Autumn light installations at these events.

Lights by the Lake at Jurong Lake Gardens, 27 Sep - 12 Oct
Moongazing with Monday Bruce at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, 11 Sep - 30 Nov
Mid-Autumn Festival at Gardens by the Bay, 22 Sep - 12 Oct
Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival 2025, 18 Sep - 20 Oct

The light installations will be available daily, but for more fun and activities, do visit over the weekends or main event dates as there will be more happenings for families.

Future Ready Fair 2025

Venue: Jurong Point Atrium
Dates: 11 - 12 Oct 2025, 11 am - 7 pm
Admission: Free

Future Ready Fair 2025 is PCF Sparkletots Preschool’s annual event showcasing the creativity and innovation of children through its STEMIE (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Invention & Entrepreneurship) programme. Now in its fourth edition, the fair highlights how children grow as creative problem-solvers and showcases the incredible inventions designed by young minds.

Beyond the showcase, families can also look forward to a fun day out at the fair with interactive STEMIE programmes, intergenerational activities and active play sessions designed for children, parents and seniors!

So save the dates and see you and your little ones at the Future Ready Fair 2025!

Meet the World's Biggest Known Dinosaur at Science Centre Singapore

Venue: Science Centre Singapore, The Annexe
Dates: From 11 Oct 2025
Admission: From $25.90

A new, epic dinosaur exhibition, DINOSAURS | EXTINCTIONS | US, is stomping its way to the Science Centre Singapore this October. This largest ever dinosaur showcase in Singapore features two renowned exhibitions, Dinosaurs of Patagonia and Six Extinctions, together for the first time.

Organised by Science Centre Singapore and the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, DINOSAURS | EXTINCTIONS | US promises an extraordinary journey through 400 million years of Earth's history. The exhibition spans an enormous 3,000 square metres, with 33 rare fossils and 60 full-scale models across three interactive zones, including a massive 40-metre-long, 70 tonnes heavy Patagotitan mayorum, one of the largest dinosaurs that ever walked on earth, and the life-sized cast of “Scotty,” the largest Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered.

This exhibition will reveal the dramatic rise and fall of prehistoric life and the five major mass extinction events that have shaped our planet before culminating in a thought-provoking look at the current "Sixth Extinction" driven by human activity on the climate.

The exhibition is now open for a limited time only—purchase your tickets here.

Tinytopia

Venue: 743A North Bridge Road
Dates: Till 28 Dec 2025
Admission: $15 (adults), $12 (children), Free (under 3 and 65+)

TinyTopia is an exciting new exhibition that invites families to explore the incredible world of insects while discovering the unique story of Singapore. Happening from 25 Aug to 28 Dec 2025, this isn't just a exhibition, it's an interactive experience where your family can see the world from an ant's-eye view.

Prepare to be amazed by live ant colonies building intricate societies inside dioramas of iconic Singapore landmarks like Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Sands.

This is a limited-time opportunity to explore Singapore's tiniest city. So head down during one of these surprise school holidays and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure!

Gallery Children’s Biennale

Venue: National Gallery Singapore
Dates: 31 May 2025 - 29 Mar 2026
Admission: Free

The family-favourite Gallery Children’s Biennale 2025 is back with multi-sensory and immersive installations where art meets play! As National Gallery Singapore celebrates its 10th anniversary, the fifth edition of the Biennale invites the young and young at heart to dream big, express their creativity, and explore a hopeful and inclusive future shaped by the core values of Joy, Kindness, Love, and Dream.

Through interactive installations by artists from Singapore and Asia, children across ages – even from as young as babies – can express themselves freely and be immersed as active participants!

Highlights include Dance Dance Chromatics by Singaporean artist Wyn-Lyn where a seamless canvas of digital ‘paintings’ are activated via movement; and Japanese artist Hiromi Tango’s series of large-scale colourful flowers with petals carrying words of kindness engraved in Braille.

LEGOLAND Malaysia - Kids in Costumes Enter Free

Venue: LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort
Date: 2 Oct - 2 Nov 2025
Fee: Admission fees apply | Special Deal: Kids (3–11 years) in full Halloween costume enjoy FREE entry with every paying adult

Halloween comes alive once again at LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort as the highly anticipated Brick-or-Treat Monster Party makes its return with fun Halloween-themed activities for the whole family!

If you are planning to visit LEGOLAND Malaysia during this period, don't forget to pack costumes for the little ones - kids (3–11 years) in full Halloween costume enjoy FREE entry with every paying adult!

T&Cs apply, click here for more details.

Just Open: Singapore Oceanarium

Venue: Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
Opening Hours: 10am to 7pm, Daily
Admission: $50 per adult, $39 per child (ages 4 to 12 years old) and $39 per senior citizen (ages 60 and above), with discounts for Singapore residents (check tickets on Klook)

Singapore’s newest marine attraction recently opens at Resorts World Sentosa. Take this chance to visit the Singapore Oceanarium and explore the 22 themed zones, packed with mesmerising displays—from Moon Jellies and ancient marine giants to deep-sea creatures, vibrant coral reefs, and majestic sharks. Beyond the tanks, you’ll find interactive exhibits, AR experiences, and thrilling features!

Just Open: Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time

Venue: Shaw Foundation Glass Rotunda, National Museum of Singapore
Opening Date: From 8 Aug 2025
Admission: Free for Singaporeans and PR, ticketed for general visitors

Housed within the reopened Shaw Foundation Glass Rotunda, the National Museum of Singapore’s new signature experience Singapore Odyssea invites visitors to take a time-travelling voyage through Singapore’s 700 -year history, and appreciate the importance of the sea in shaping our country's past, present and future.

As the museum’s SG60 gift to the nation, be amazed by this spellbinding multimedia showcase that blends light, art and interactive storytelling elements for a deeply immersive experience. Guided by magical companions inspired by Singapore native wildlife activated through a RFID wristband, take a journey through time to witness the stunning visuals inspired by our seascape, riveting animated dioramas of key moments in time, and even meet the legendary creatures from our local myths.

From first-time visitors to museum enthusiasts, this multi-sensory experience invites all to rediscover Singapore’s history, while engaging with the current and crucial topics of environmental conservation and sustainability.

Just Open: Time Capsule Experience at Singapore Flyer

Venue: Singapore Flyer, 30 Raffles Avenue
Opening Date: From 8 Aug 2025
Admission: Includes Time Capsule experience + Singapore Flyer ride (check official site for ticket bundles and promotions for Singapore Citizens and PRs)

Starting 8 August 2025, the Singapore Flyer unveils a fully integrated 75-minute journey in celebration of Singapore’s 60th year of independence. Guests can look forward to a transformed Time Capsule attraction, now a two-storey, multisensory prelude featuring cinematic storytelling, interactive exhibits, and a personalised web app—before soaring 165 metres above the city skyline aboard the iconic Singapore Flyer.

The experience promises lots of interactive features that is sure to keep the kids entertained! There is no time limit to how long you can spend at the Time Capsule PLUS it is currently part of your ticket to the Singapore Flyer ride too!

Other To-dos

Visit a Massive Park Playground

There are several parks in Singapore that are also homes to massive playgrounds for endless fun. Below are a couple of our favourites where you can spend the entire day having fun (but do remember to use sunblock and drink enough water)!

There are many outdoor playground options for families, but we really highly recommend that you visit these at least once!

Head out at a Themed Outdoor Playground

This might come as a surprise to many, but did you know that we have many themed outdoor playgrounds hidden among the HDB estates around the island? From Alice in Wonderland to Battleship, take a look at our favourite themed playgrounds, and let us know if you like to recommend any other!

Visit an Indoor Playground for Fun Times

Perhaps it isn't suitable to go outdoors? The fun doesn't stop! You can still check out an incredible array of indoor playgrounds, both free and paid for little ones to have fun at! Yes, from some of the best free mall playgrounds to paid indoor playgrounds, take your pick from our favourites below

Free

Paid

Learn & Play At A Family-friendly Museum

Singapore offers a good variety of museums suitable for little ones. While many of these are chargeable, there is also a good number that offers free entry for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. We have put together some of the best Family-friendly Museums and Exhibits in Singapore.

Visit A Library Near You

The National Library Board organises family-friendly and kids-centric events on a regular basis. With a range of diverse programmes and activities, check out the latest happenings organised by the National Library Board island-wide and find one that is suitable and convenient for your family to enjoy!

Head Outdoors To Nature With The Family

Singapore offers an abundance of parks and reservoirs to explore, many of which are family-friendly too. If you are thinking of heading out to explore nature with your family but is not sure where to start, here's a list of Family-friendly Nature Walking Trails and a list of Cycling Trails for Families to help you get started!

Need more ideas of where to go and what to do, do check out our weekly updated list of events and experiences for families too!