Hurray for Play!
Playgroups for babies to 5
Thursday, 26 Jul 2012
Why tear your hair out at home with tear-away toddlers and bored babies, when you can get yourself to one of these playgroups and super social mornings? You’ll get to chat, make friends and spend that important quality time with your tots.
Playing house
Daily Parent and Child sessions at White Lodge feature fab and fun activities like circle time, music and movement, art, sensory and outdoor play. From 6 to 18 months. (Drop off playgroup from 18 months to 2 ½.)
We love: It’s very expat-friendly.
Cost: From $37 for one day a week
Where: White Lodge Loewen Gardens, 75 Loewen Road, p. 6475 7262 and White Lodge East Coast Kindergarten, 102 Guillemard Road, #02-01, p. 6440 6690
Make way for play
St. George’s Church Mums and Tots sessions in Dempsey are a Honeycombers’ favourite. They run on various days with toys galore and a sing-a-long at the end. (You don’t need to be religious.) Be warned sessions fill up quickly. From newborn to 5.
We love: Shh! It’s one of Singapore’s best-kept secrets (until now!)
Cost: $60 per term. Drop in sessions available over the summer
Where: St. George’s Church, Minden Road, Singapore 248816, p. 6473 2877
A hive of activity
The Canadian School Mother and Child mornings take place 4 mornings a week. There’s heaps of things to do from crafts, singing, building toys, games, puzzles, circle time, stories and outdoor playtime. From 15 months to 3 years.
We love: Everyone is so welcoming to newbies.
Cost: From $242 per term.
Where: Canadian International School, Lakeside Campus, 7 Jurong West Street 41, Singapore 649414, p. 91193073
Meet and greet
New Mother’s Support Group organises fun monthly socials at JWT and at Gymboree. Kids get to run around and tire themselves out whilst you can chat with other mums. From newborn to 5.
We love: The kids are free to roam, whilst mums are free to chat.
Cost: $5 for members.
Where: JWT, 81 Clemenceau Avenue, #02-12 UE Square, Singapore 239917 and Gymboree, 163 Tanglin Road, #03-21 Tanglin Mall, Singapore 247933
Go explore
Blue House Nursery, Turf City, has a new space dedicated to infants and toddlers with a daily programme combining languages, yoga, music, art, and the all-important messy play. From 6 months to 2 ½ (3 on Saturdays).
We love: it’s very much about exploring together with your child
Cost: $50 per class ($30 during July and August).
Where: Blue House Nursery, 2 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287988
Get mingling
This popular playgroup at The Dutch Club is held on Tuesdays, and is a great opportunity for the mums to mingle and share tips & experiences. From newborn to 3 years old.
We love: It’s relaxed and friendly
Cost: Members $5 per session, non-members $12.50
Where: Hollandse Club, 22 Camden Park, Singapore 299814, p. 6464 5225
One big adventure
ANZA‘s Under Fives’ playgroup is held on Friday mornings at Go-Go Bambinis. There are musical instruments and ball pits for babies and toddlers, and slides and obstacle courses for the more adventurous little ones.
We love: This is a great way to meet people
Where: Go-Go Bambini, Block 8 Dempsey Road,?#01-15 Dempsey Hill?, p. 6699 0920
Giggles galore
It’s all about playing, laughing, talking and learning how to get along with other children at Julia Gabriel’s twice-weekly sessions at The Forum. They encourage a playful approach to life and learning in both children and parents. From 6 months to 4.
We love: It may be pricey but it’s a whole lot of fun
Cost: $877 per term for 2 sessions a week.
Where: Julia Gabriel, #04-00 Forum, 583 Orchard Road, 238884, p. 6733 4322
