National Day 2024: 8 things to do with the family in Singapore!

Every year on August 9, Singapore celebrates its independence from Malaysia in 1965. If you happen to be near the Padang or the Promontory @ Marina Bay on this day, expect to see crowds of people dressed in red and white – the national colours!

The highlight of the holiday is the cherished National Day Parade (NDP), along with the Prime Minister’s address and a spectacular fireworks display.

This year, celebrations will also take place in five different heartland locations, offering carnival fun, family activities, and NDP packs while supplies last!

Look forward to dazzling fireworks displays at both the Promontory @ Marina Bay and the heartlands on August 9th. Plus, there are fireworks every Saturday during NDP rehearsals!

Here are our top picks of National Day activities in Singapore that will take place all month long.

8 things to do with the family this National Day 2024

1. The Istana Open House 

Although there hasn’t been any announcements about the Istana Open House for National Day yet, you might want to keep an eye out for it as it would be a rare opportunity to explore one of the nation’s most iconic buildings.

With guided tours that take place every 45 minutes at the Istana’s main building and the enhanced Japanese garden, you’ll not only get to catch a glimpse of the building’s interior but also browse merchandise booths and food trucks!

Venue: Istana
Orchard Rd, Singapore 238823

2. National Museum Of Singapore

To celebrate Singapore’s birthday, the National Museum of Singapore is hosting its popular National Day Open House program and activities.

This year, explore two new pop-up rooms which are inspired by the latest exhibition, “Now Boarding: Experiencing Singapore Through Travel, 1800s – 2000s”, that showcase popular Singapore sights from the 1980s.

Open from 4 August at the Glass Atrium, you can relax in the Travel Lounge, modelled after Singapore Airlines’ Raffles Lounge which was launched in 1976, or visit the hotel room inspired by the Goodwood Park Hotel in the 1980s.

On National Day (9 August) itself, the museum will offer a range of family-friendly activities, including a scavenger hunt and storytelling sessions for the little ones. On top of that, you can enjoy an outdoor live screening of the NDP on the museum’s front lawn.

Venue: National Museum of Singapore
93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897

3. Singapore Symphony Orchestra National Day Concert

Music lovers, get ready to immerse in a delightful showcase of works by Singaporean composers at the Singapore Symphony Orchestra National Day Concert.

Celebrating the works of the nation’s musical forefathers as well as today’s composers, this annual concert has been around since 2018 and will take place on 11 August, Sunday, this year.

If you’re unable to make it, the good news is that you don’t have to miss the concert entirely as it would be streamed live on the Singapore Symphony Orchestra’s YouTube channel.

Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981

4. Gardens By The Bay – Songs of Singapore

One of Singapore’s most popular attractions, Gardens By The Bay, is a hit with kids for family-friendly activities.

This August, their Garden Rhapsody program puts the spotlight on local musicians such as Aisyah Aziz, Joanna Dong, Linying and Rani Singam, with a special National Day edition – Songs of Singapore – featuring well-loved National Day songs that go with the dazzling lights display at the Supertrees Grove.

If you happen to be around during the NDP rehearsals or actual parade day, you might even be able to catch some fireworks!

 Venue: Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953

5. Asian Civilisations Museum 

Get ready to dive into a fun range of programs and activities at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) this August.

From participating in a Batik community art project to learning how to prepare classic Singaporean dishes from professional chefs, there’s no doubt you’d be able to find an activity that tickles your fancy.

Apart from that, discover Singapore’s heritage and culture through online videos and join a guided tour that highlights the museum’s collection of cross-cultural art.

 Venue: Asian Civilisations Museum
1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555

6. Spectacular Fireworks on the Singapore Flyer 

Why not watch the fireworks from high above on the Singapore Flyer?

Offering a great vantage point for capturing stunning photos of the display, the Flyer would take you 165 metres above the ground and the best part is that you wouldn’t have to squeeze in a crowd.

As each rotation lasts about 30 minutes, you’ll want to ensure you plan your timing carefully to ensure you don’t miss the fireworks by arriving too early or finishing too late. Although it’s not free, we believe the spectacular views are well worth it!

Venue: Singapore Flyer
30 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039803

7. Evening Picnic at the Marina Barrage

If the weather is good, you could consider packing a picnic and capturing some family photos at Marina Barrage with fireworks lighting up the sky behind you.

With an expansive rooftop area, the Barrage offers the perfect spot for families to relax and enjoy the breathtaking evening celebrations. For those who are more active, this is also a great spot for a family bike ride!

Venue: Marina Barrage
8 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018951

8. NDP Parade at the Padang & Bay  

Should you be fortunate enough to snag tickets to the NDP, this is definitely a must-go!

This year, Singapore celebrates its 59th birthday with the National Day theme, “Together, As One United People”. It embodies Singapore’s strength and resilience as well as emphasizes that, no matter what challenges arise, the country’s diversity serves as a powerful asset.

The theme also signifies the values of inclusivity, community, and trust that have helped Singapore thrive over the past 59 years despite various challenges.

During the NDP, you can catch the State Flag Flypast and the Presidential Gun Salute at The Padang during the parade and ceremony. Keep an eye out for the aerial display and the Total Defence Parade, featuring floats and assets from the SAF, SPF, and SCDF.

However, if you didn’t get tickets, fret not! You can still hang around the Marina Bay area and be a part of the action!

The Bay celebration allows you to see parts of the parade – from the ‘Salute to the Nation’ bomb burst to the Red Lions as they make their descent into the Padang at the Bay Area.

If you stick around till the later part, you’ll also get to see the fireworks!

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