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updated 18 Nov 2011, 13:30
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Tue, Mar 15, 2011
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Colourful time for family
by Diane Louys

1) Learn Asian cultures (Top image)

The Children of Asia 2011 is an arts and cultural showcase, presented by Act 3 International.

Some 20 artisans like weavers, carvers and jewellery makers from Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan will wow with their skills. There will be hands-on sessions and dance performances too.

Ms Ruby Lim-Yang, co-founder and artistic director of Act 3 International, said: "Our aim is to introduce children to other cultures...travelling abroad is not the only way to (do it)."

She believes that it is important to be selective and know the child's interests when choosing activities.

She said: "Parents should make choices and not try to squeeze in too many activities."

WHEN: March 12-20, 11am to 9pm
WHERE: Raffles City Shopping Centre (Level 3)
TICKETS: Free

2) Catch puppets

Based on the classic story by Hans Christian Andersen, The Ugly Duckling is a puppet show with a meaningful message about being different.

This entertaining piece presented by The Little Company, an arm of the the Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT), allows adults a chance enjoy the show and discuss such issues with children.

Said SRT's executive director Charlotte Nors, 42: "This is really one of our more popular plays, it's so nice to see families come in. They'll often go out after and have lunch together. It makes a really nice day event for parents and children."

WHEN: March 10 - April 16 (Mondays to Fridays: 10am, Saturdays: 11am, 2pm) WHERE: DBS Arts Centre, Robertson Walk
TICKETS: Weekdays weekends $22 available from Sistic at 6348 5555 or www.sistic.com.sg

3) Be a Superhero

The Superheroes Skate Camp programme gets children to have fun socialising outdoors through skating and role-playing.

Organised by Skate With Us, it is ideal for kids aged three and up. Mr Jerald Wee, head coach and skate camp director, believes that children should be introduced to outdoor activities from young.

He said: "Singaporean children tend to stay indoors to play computer games or watch TV. It's common to see children overweight or wear glasses at early age. They should go outdoors and have fun."

WHEN: March 14-17 (for March school holidays)
WHERE: West Coast Park and East Coast Park
COST: Registration fee of $30. From $168 (one full-day or two half-days) to $488 (four full days).

Visit www.skate-with-us.com/swuholidaycamp.html for more information

4) Take power flight

Give the kids an idea of the story behind Singapore's air force and a chance to gawk at planes and helicopters.

Comprising nine galleries, the Air Force Museum is a unique view of the history of the Republic of Singapore Air Force from its beginnings to present day. The theme: "Men, Machine and Method".

The display includes a range of aircraft from the Cessna 172K, BAC 167 Strikemaster and the SF-260 SIAI Marchetti to recent acquisitions such as the UH-1B Helicopter and A4-S Skyhawk.

The exhibition also includes air defence artillery such as the Bloodhound Missile.

WHEN: Tuesday to Sunday, 8.30am to 5pm. (Closed on Mondays and public holidays.)
WHERE:
Air Force Museum, 400 Airport Road
TICKETS: Free

5) Watch the twins

The Adventures Of Wei Wei And Kang Kang (right) is an entertaining Chinese musical about a pair of twin brothers.

In the strange world of computer gaming, the twins get trapped inside a forest, which sets off a series of adventures as they try to get home.

The musical by Ko-nen Creative (KC), aims to improve communication between parents and children. The songs are newly arranged classic Chinese songs.

"It's a musical production that tells of courage, passion and love," said KC artistic director Jiu Jian. "It promotes love and care for nature and the environment."

WHEN: March 9-13 at 3pm and 8pm; March 15-17 at 8pm
WHERE: The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane
TICKETS: $28 (lower chamber) and $20 (upper chamber).

To book, call 6332 6919.

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