The National Day holiday is definitely something most of us are eagerly looking forward to. As we celebrate our nation’s birthday, here are a few ideas for you to make it extra meaningful for your family.

➡️ Related Read: Fun Things To Do This National Day 2020 Long Weekend In Singapore

1. Watch the National Day Parade live

What better way to showcase our national pride and educate our children on the history of Singapore than to be at the National Day Parade (NDP), in the flesh? If you’re one of the lucky few who applied for tickets to this year’s parade and got it, be sure to treasure every moment of the evening! And with an all-new and exciting variety show format, it looks set to be a very interesting program this year!

Didn’t manage to get tickets? Fret not, you can always go to the Marina Bay area to soak in the NDP atmosphere. For what to expect near the vicinity of Marina Bay, visit National Day Parade (NDP) at Padang. If you do not want to travel to the city, you can also celebrate at 5 heartland locations, find out more via National Day Celebrations @ Heartlands 2023.

2. Watch the fireworks for free

If you can’t watch the parade live, you can still enjoy the beautiful fireworks that always fill the night sky with their magical light! You need to do a bit of research to find a good location for a picnic spot, that will allow you a decent view of the sky over the Marina Bay area. The Marina Bay Sands, The Promontory, Marina Bay Waterfront, One Fullerton, Jubilee Bridge and Esplanade are some of the better options around. Enjoy the cool night breeze while waiting for the action to begin!

Here are places to catch fireworks in Singapore.

3. Put together a time capsule

Want to stay at home instead? Stay true to the year’s NDP theme by getting each member of your family involved in a simple photo-journalistic project. Here’s how it works:

Each person is to take a photo of somewhere in Singapore that has held special meaning for them this past year. It could be your children’s school, or the garden at Grandma’s, or even the kopitiam near your flat which knows your order by hard. Then, pen a story – journal style – about what this place means to him or her. Collect all your photos and stories into a folder for safe-keeping, to be taken out and read anytime over the years to come.

Or you could also try out these National Day Craft activities with your little ones.

4. Paint your faces

Be outrageous for a day! Paint each other’s faces in patriotic themes and parade your artwork about for the whole day. Whether you are going to town or just downstairs to the minimart, wear your face with pride. And take lots of photos to remember this day!

Alternatively, you can also put on some temporary Singapore face tattoo just for fun. You can buy them at Shopee.

5. Become tourists for a day

As the song goes, “You can take a little trip around Singapore Town in the Singapore City Bus, to see Collyer Quay and Raffles Place, the Esplanade and all of us!” Hop on to the City Sightseeing bus and get ready to see Singapore as you’ve never seen her before! Cameras and sunblock are a must for this activity.

Here are Top 10 scenic places you can visit in Singapore.

6. Re-watch and re-learn all the old NDP songs

One of the most important components of the National Day Celebrations is the NDP theme song. We found a beautiful cover by local band The Sam Willows below.

Which is your favourite NDP theme song over the years?

7. Go on a National Heritage Trail

There’s no better way to explore Singapore than on a trail route. Take your pick from heritage walking trails and a river cruise, designed to introduce you to Singapore’s history, architecture and culture. Savour the cultural and architectural richness of the Peranakan, Kampong Glam and Museum trails, enjoy the outdoors on the Bukit Timah Trail, step back in time with the Fort Canning and Civic District trails, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Little India and Chinatown trails!

By Dorothea Chow, edited by Michelle Ang.

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