Kiztopia Prestige Review

We have always been going to their flagship outlet at Marina Square, so we thought we should explore their outlets before the #1 outgrow his indoor playground phase. Prestige is located at New Bahru. It is a pretty interesting place and deserve a whole post on its own. Prestige is a very new outlet and is in the soft, woody colour themed scheme that gives it a premium feeling. 

The space isn't particularly huge but has interesting corners such as an area outdoor, reading nook and a carousel. There was also an area dedicated for free-play with modular cushions and blocks. Because of the outdoor area, when parents/ kids leave the door open, the whole indoor playground can grow to become rather warm. 

I can imagine this being one of the best toddler-targeted playground alongside Pororo Park. The 2 kids still had a great time within the 2 hours. Any longer, they might have been bored. During special occasions, there will always be special activities - including a meet-and-greet etc. From observation, Prestige seems to be particularly targeted at the expats - a place for the families to gather. For the first time, the local children are the minorities. 

To fully complete the indoor playground journey, Prestige should still be a must-visit. But once is more than enough for me. For the parents, there is not much adult-targeted fun. Haha. Maybe I should have another baby to enjoy this place better :P

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Kiztopia (Super worth it when you are buying passes) : https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/114036-kiztopia-ticket-singapore-river-valley/

** Use the discount code "BABYNFAMKLOOK" when you book through Klook for a 5% Discount. Applicable to All Klook Activities with min. spend of SGD50. Discount capped at SGD15.

Gobblin Club: Baking Classes for kids

Given how much our kids love baking, it was such a relieve to find that Gobblin Club has finally moved to the West - Alexander Central Mall. Best of all, it is conveniently located right beside IKEA. Parents would know how hard it is to find baking classes for children. Most are located in the East or extremely expensive. It is a relief that each class of GGobblin Club is so affordably priced.

The mini kitchen was made to the children's height, making it accessible even without the adult's guidance. The trainer was patient and kind. Each session was around 75 mins, with drop-off option available for children older than 7 years old. 

The kids utterly enjoyed themselves. Personally, I felt the menu at Gobblin Club was really adorable. And they change too. Not only do they look good, they taste really yummy too. After the lesson, the recipe was sent to us. However, we didn't really re-create it at home. For one, we don't really have the ingredients and were not too keen in buying bulk for it. 

Secondly, Mummy doesn't want to clean up their mess. So classes like this were really up my alley. Apart from weekend classes, there are also weekday classes, holiday classes and a "baking academy". Personally, I felt this was an one-off treat more than a permanent enrichment. 

I was also very interested in their kids party - $35 per pax is incredibly reasonable. I just wonder how they find space in their Alexander outlet for the cake-cutting. As you can see from the photos, the children were super serious about prepping for their bakes and were involved from start to end. They were extremely proud of their end-products and was asking everyone in the family to have a try of their bakes!

 No surprise here, but they are already looking forward to their "next treat" at Gobblin Club.

Slava's Snowshow Review

Touted as a family show, I took a peek at the review videos. I have to say I was utterly intrigued. Riding on the promotional prices (1 for 1), we decided to head over as an family for Slava's Snowshow. No regrets because it was one of the most interactive clown shows we have seen. There were a few acts and I couldn't completely comprehend the storyline. But somehow, I couldn't keep my eyes off them. 

My impression of clowns were that they were always comedic. In the acts, although their actions were pretty funny, it seemed to explore different themes of fear,  desolate and despair. They were basically miming throughout the shows. No words were spoken, but there were always murmurs of conversations by their young children audiences. 

During intermission, we didn't step out. And surprisingly, there was a small performance on its own. Eventually, it became a full act. The clowns would come down the stage, splashing water at the audience. The energy was chaotic, but fun. We could not really anticipate what would happen next. The kids and I were excited laughing during the 2nd half. 

Our favourite was the giant spider web, snow blizzard and the giant balls. It was a spectacle itself watching how a snow blizzard was presented. The kids would raise their hands to try to catch the web, paper and balls. I love how there were not much rules to enjoy. The crowd maintain civil and for Singapore standards, was having an absolute blast chasing the balls and throwing Papier-Mâchée in the air. 

Slava's Snowshow is only at Sands Theatre from 15 to 26 July, do get your tickets before it ends. It doesn't come by Singapore often. So the next time you get to watch it, it might be 3 years later! Tip: To catch promotional prices, always keep a lookout and check the MBS theatres social medias. That's how I caught mine :D 

A trip to Kok Fah Technology Farm

I am always on a lookout for enriching experience for the children. So I was really excited when the community arranged this (S$10 per pax) only to the Kok Fah Technology Farm. We were very forunate to have a guide with us. We first started off with some salad tasting (which disgusted my kids). So, I got to enjoy 3 plates of veggies. Yum. 

Following, there was an aloe vera jelly extraction demonstration. I was personally very interested because we have a few aloe vera plants at home. Fun fact, the size of your aloe vera is dependent on your pot size. From 1, we ended up having 3. They are very resilient plants and love sun and water, so they are really easy to rear. :D

The farm tour were the kids' favourite. They got to learn more about they hydroponics process, types of herbs and even...harvest 3 xiao bai cai each. Even, I was very excited about it. But what happened next was the most exciting for me, shopping at their market place for the famers' produce. We ended up buying S$50+ of planting kits and produce. 

Fun fact, I realised I went to their weekend farmer's market before. But I forgot it was called Kok Fah. Ended the trip with some aloe vera juice, which was too healthy and blend for me. Haha. Once we get our gardening plot, we do anticipate ourselves purchasing their seedlings. To be quite honest, Kok Fah is pretty out of the way, so join a community tour to attend the guided version!

Forest Bathing Experience Review

I was so inspired by Will Smith in Pole-to-Pole doing forest-bathing and having this stark relisation of life that I decided to go on one myself. Forest Bathing basically originated in Japan which involves aimless wandering within nature. In Pole-to-Pole, it is recommended for the feet to touch the soil. It helps to alleviate symptoms of mental fatigue, helping to manage stress and boosting immunity. 

I went on a guided one with Gentle Walks because I didn't know how to start. And frankly, forest bathing isn't cheap. It is around S$60 per pax. Because it was an event hosted by Sttoke, I got it at a slight discount and goodie bag. I thought that was the most affordable it would ever be, if I ever wanted to try. 

It started off with some sharing and gentle meditation and awakening of senses. Through this, the guide "forced a slow-down to my pace" and I could feel myself hearing sounds and smelling scents I ignored - chirping of birds and earthy smell of the gardens. I could even and appreciate the breeze. When I re-opened my eyes, the world looked a lot more vibrant and beautiful. 

During the exploration, I was relaxed - no KPIs, no timeline to catch. I just let curiosity took over me. I ended up banging into my kids who were doing their own nature walk nearby. That got my cortisol pretty high again. I could feel myself speaking faster (maybe more agitated). Note: From that, I concluded it is better to go on this journey alone to enjoy a deeper self-reflection. 

The whole session lasted for 2 hours. I left feeling I would do that again (myself) cos I can't afford S$60 every time I do it. The husband said I looked happier and more radiant when I came home. The children also seemed more serene than usual. There was definitely a glow. To fully retain the therapeutic effect, you have to engage in nature frequently i.e. 20 minutes a day. 

Personally, I felt the garden you go to, matters. I doubt Garden by the Bays would have the same effect on me because it was so busy with tourist and had a lot metallic (non-natural) elements to it. Also, it was too close to my workplace, which by-association won't allow me to shake off and immerse fully. For those who are new to this, I would suggest going for a guided session first so that you would know how to start the journey and calm the mind. :)