Mandai Wildlife Reserve – A wilder way to celebrate Singapore this National Day

Celebrate the nation’s 61st birthday at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve this August with a lineup of activities across the precinct, including Wild Day Out, a one-day “Going Local” farmers’ market on 8 August co-organised with Kranji Country Association (KCA). Throughout the month, guests can also discover the Stars of Mandai, a lineup of iconic animal personalities at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, with a special highlight on those born right here in Singapore.

Ah Meng, the Sumataran orangutan, one of the Stars of Mandai. Credit Mandai Wildlife Group

Wild Day Out 2026

Wild Day Out returns for its third edition on 8 August, from 10am to 6pm, at Mandai Wildlife West. This year’s theme, “Going Local”, brings KCA’s signature farmers’ market to the wilder side of Singapore, free and open to all visitors. Visitors can browse a curated selection of vendors offering fresh produce from local farms. Beyond the market stalls, join the free educational workshops conducted by KCA, which cover topics ranging from microgreens and edible flowers to discovering how the humble black soldier fly serves as one of nature’s most efficient decomposers. Families can dress up in cultural costumes or get crafting at hands-on activity stations. Keep an eye out for “My Little Chingay Float” Truck rolling through, bringing a slice of Singapore’s multicultural heritage to Mandai Wildlife West. Guests can also refuel at any of Mandai Wildlife West’s nine dining outlets offering local and international flavours.

Dog Playground at Mandai Wildlife West. Credit Mandai Wildlife Group

And this year, there are additional reasons to bring the whole family, paws included, with the new addition of a Dog Playground on the West Lawn. Spanning the size of two basketball courts, the space is kitted out with ramps, steppers, hurdles and tunnels, designed to encourage play, exploration and enrichment for dogs of all sizes. Access to the play area is free for all furry friends and their owners. As the West Lawn is also used for other events, the playground will be temporarily unavailable during those periods. For more information on Wild Day Out, visit here.

Celebrate Singapore’s Wildest Stars

This August, get to know the 11 Stars of Mandai – animal icons born and raised at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Keeper talks and “Born-in-SG” storytelling sessions across the five wildlife parks bring their personalities to life, and guests can collect limited-edition fans and stickers as keepsakes. For more information on the Stars of Mandai, visit here.

Among the 11 stars are:

Ah Meng, a Sumatran orangutan at Singapore Zoo and granddaughter of the original Ah Meng who was once the park’s tourism ambassador
Canola, a West Indian manatee hand-raised by aquarists at River Wonders
Arlo the king penguin at Bird Paradise
Narnia, a binturong featured in Night Safari’s Creatures of the Night presentation
Bayu the Malayan tapir at Rainforest Wild Adventure

Beyond the Stars of Mandai, the WILDerful Singaporeans campaign invites guests to celebrate and discover Singapore’s native wildlife through a series of interactive booths across the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. The WILDerful Singaporeans Booth and Trail introduces the wild neighbours sharing our spaces and how to coexist with them. Bulbul & Buddies Discovery Booth at Bird Paradise spotlights Singapore’s rich birdlife and how to protect them, while Night Safari’s Pangolin & Pals Discovery Booth uncovers nocturnal residents like the Sunda pangolin and common palm civet. A highlight of the lineup is the Mandai Action for Wildlife Project Showcase, presenting the work of primary and secondary students from the Mandai Action for Wildlife programme – Mandai Wildlife Group’s flagship programme that guides young people through designing real conservation solutions for wildlife issues in Singapore. This August, guests can see these ideas come to life firsthand and lend their support to the next generation of conservationists.

River Wonders' Amazon Flooded Forest River Wonders’ Amazon Flooded Forest. Credit Mandai Wildlife Group

Local residents enjoy exclusive savings and ticket bundles with WildPass, a complimentary digital membership. From now until 31 August 2026, get up to 30% off the 2-Attraction Pass, with prices starting from S$44 for children and S$59 for adults. Senior citizens aged 60 and above can access Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, Rainforest Wild Adventure or Exploria at S$25 per attraction. For unlimited annual visits, guests can also purchase the Friends of Mandai membership with prices starting from S$265.

KEY ACTIVITIES & PROMOTIONS AT A GLANCE: WILD DAY OUT (8 AUGUST 2026)

Activities at Mandai Wildlife West

Local Farmers’ Market by Kranji Countryside Association

🕙 10am – 6pm
📍 Entrance of Bird Paradise

Discover the local farmers’ market featuring fresh produce grown by Singapore farmers. Support local agriculture while exploring a selection of seasonal vegetables, herbs, and farm-fresh products.

Discover Chingay on the Move: Meet “My Little Chingay Float” Truck

🕙 10am – 2pm
📍 Mandai Wildlife West, outside Bird Paradise Learning Centre

“My Little Chingay Float” Truck brings Singapore’s living heritage closer to communities across Singapore while sharing Chingay’s journey towards the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity recognition.

Through interactive activities and story-based learning adapted from the children’s book ‘My Little Chingay Float’, the truck allows visitors of all ages to discover and appreciate the multicultural Chingay celebration.

“My Little Chingay Float” Storytelling

🕙 11.30am & 11.45am
📍 Hall 1, Bird Paradise Learning Centre

My Little Chingay Float Truck

Discover the spirit of Chingay through the “My Little Chingay Float” storytelling session by the People’s Association!

Guided by trained storytelling volunteers, children will learn about the history and traditions of Chingay, Singapore’s iconic parade, and learn how community spirit, diversity and lending a helping hand can bring people closer and create something truly special.

This storytelling session is suitable for children aged 12 and below.

Chingay Costume Try-ons

🕙 10am – 6pm
📍 Bird Paradise Learning Centre

Experience costume try-ons and uncover the stories behind Chingay through exhibits and postcard craft activities.

Bring the whole family along for a fun and colourful experience filled with culture, creativity, and photo-worthy moments.

National Day Face Painting

🕙 10am – 6pm
📍 Outside Bird Paradise Entrance
🏷 Varies based on design

In celebration of National Day, sign up for a paid face painting session and get Singapore and National Day themed designs. Add a splash of festive fun with face painting and get into the National Day spirit while exploring Wild Day Out!

Children Colouring Activity by Singapore Food Agency

🕙 10am – 6pm
📍 Outside Bird Paradise Entrance

Children Colouring Activity by Singapore Food Agency Mandai

A fun and engaging colouring activity where young visitors can discover local farms, fresh produce, and Singapore’s food story through creativity and art.

Dog Demonstration Session by Waggie

🕙 4.30pm
📍 Mandai Wildlife West, West Lawn / Open Space opposite UnPackt

Get a glimpse into Waggie’s training sessions and see experienced trainers in action with their canine companions.

Free Workshops by Kranji Countryside Association

Microgreens Experience Workshop by Hydrogo Farm

🕙 10am – 11am
📍 Hall 1, Bird Paradise Learning Centre

Step into a world where small greens make a big impact.

Explore how microgreens and edible flowers can transform the way we eat, live, and care for our environment.

Limited to 30 participants.

*No prior registration required. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Black Soldier Fly Frass Workshop by Ento Industries

🕙 1pm – 2pm
📍 Hall 1, Bird Paradise Learning Centre

At this hands-on workshop, families will get up close with black soldier fly larvae, discover the fascinating lifecycle of one of nature’s most efficient decomposers, and learn how these tiny creatures are quietly transforming the way we think about food waste. It is science, sustainability, and a little bit of squirmy fun, all rolled into one!

Limited to 20 participants.

*No prior registration required. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Grow & Glow – Mushroom Growing Workshop by Yili Farm

🕙 4pm – 5pm
📍 Hall 1, Bird Paradise Learning Centre

Explore how something as small as a mushroom can teach us about sustainability, patience, and the beauty of natural cycles.

Limited to 30 participants.

*No prior registration required. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Egg-citing and Flightless Bird Discoveries Workshop by Uncle William Pte Ltd

🕙 2.30pm – 3.30pm
📍 Hall 1, Bird Paradise Learning Centre

Discover the wonders of eggs! From hatching to incubation, unravel the secret of eggs and their incredible life cycle.

Did you know that eggs come in different sizes and colours? Learn why some eggs are brown, others are white and uncover the factors that make each egg unique.

Limited to 30 participants.

*No prior registration required. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

KEY ACTIVITIES & PROMOTIONS AT A GLANCE (1 – 31 AUGUST 2026)

Free National Day Parade 2026 Watch Party

📅 9 August 2026
🕙 5.30pm – 8.30pm
📍 Entrance of Singapore Zoo

Celebrate Singapore’s birthday at our National Day Parade Watch Party at Mandai Wildlife East! Gather your family and friends and come dressed in your best red and white, as we livestream the nation’s biggest celebration in a uniquely wild setting. Pack your favourite snacks or grab a bite from Owa Bistro, then sit back and soak up the festive atmosphere surrounded by nature.

Frame Your Wild

📅 1,2 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 August 2026 (Weekends only)
📍 Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, Rainforest Wild Adventure

Pick up a limited-edition Stars of Mandai Fan and set off on a wild photo adventure across the parks. Frame all 11 stars through the fan, snap your photos and share them on social media to redeem an exclusive Stars of Mandai sticker sheet.

Members’ Exclusive: Present your Friends of Mandai membership e-Card to redeem an additional Orangutan accessory charm. Limited to one redemption per valid membership visual ID. While stocks last.

Collection of Fan & Sticker Sheet

Mandai Wildlife EAST (near Guest Services) from 8.30am to 5pm & 7pm to 11pm (Night Safari only)
Mandai Wildlife WEST (near Unpackt) from 9am to 5pm

WILDerful Singaporeans

Get to know Singapore’s native animals at our interactive booths across the Mandai Wildlife Reserve and discover how we can play a part in conserving Singapore’s biodiversity.

WILDerful Singaporeans Booth and Trail

Discover the native wildlife of Singapore and learn how we can coexist harmoniously.

Bulbul & Buddies Discovery Booth

Flock over to our interactive booth to learn about Singapore’s rich birdlife and how we can protect them.

Pangolin & Pals Discovery Booth

Uncover our nocturnal neighbours such as the Sunda pangolin and common palm civet and learn how we can protect them at this interactive awareness booth.

Mandai Action for Wildlife Project Showcase

Be inspired by the innovative solutions our students from the Mandai Action for Wildlife programme have developed to address wildlife issues in Singapore.

🎉🇸🇬 SINGAPORE NATIONAL DAY 2026 – SG61 🇸🇬🎉

Singapore turns 61 this year, and it’s time to celebrate in style! From family-friendly activities to special SG61 events happening across the island, there’s something for everyone this National Day weekend. So, dress in red and white, gather your loved ones, and soak in the festive spirit!

🎆 Didn’t manage to score NDP tickets at the National Stadium? No worries! You can still catch the action, rehearsals, and fireworks at various locations around Singapore. Check out the best viewing spots, dates, and timings here:
👉 National Day Rehearsal & Where to Catch NDP Fireworks

September School Holiday 2026

It is the one-week September school break. Do check out our compilation of exciting September School Holidays Activities 2026 in Singapore.