Try these free or low-priced activities at your next outing
Going out for fun can be risky business for our wallets.
Sometimes all we want is a simple meal and chat with friends — and before we know it, we’re $100 poorer.
Here’s a whole day of fun planned out for you for less than $20 — including GST and service charge.
8am: Wake up. Yawn. Go back to sleep. or exercise
Cost: Free
It’s the weekend — what are you doing up so early? Laze in bed a little longer today. You deserve it.
But if you do want an early start to your day, why not kick it off with a free fitness session? Fitness programme Sundays @ the Park offers free instructor-led group workouts, like zumba and KPopX fitness, at parks around the island.
www.hpb.gov.sg/sundays-at-the-park
10am: Good ol’ eggs and toast for breakfast
Cost: $2.50
Forget hipster poached egg toasts or the like for brunch. Go back to the basics.
Head to your nearest kopitiam for some cheap kaya toast and half-boiled eggs. Pair them with a cup of teh or kopi, and your morning is complete.
12pm: Snuggle with cute animals and have lunch at an Animal Resort
Cost: Free
Located in Seletar West, the tranquil and rustic Animal Resort lets you get close to animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, cassowaries, peacocks and more.
While admission is free, there are add-ons that you can purchase, such as animal feed, a stream-fishing package or even your own pet to bring home.
2pm: Swim in the same pool as champion athletes or trot down memory lane in a gallery (Bonus: free air-con)
Cost: Free to $2.20
After spending some time in the sun, you might want to cool down with a dip in an indoor pool.
At the OCBC Aquatic Centre, you’ll even get to swim where America’s Nathan Adrian and Singapore’s own Joseph Schooling have set records. Admission for locals is $2.20 on weekends.
Alternatively, a bit of cool air would be perfect too. Most museums here offer free entry to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, so take advantage of that and dive into some intriguing collections in comfort.
Check out the 50 Made in Singapore Products exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore, on until Sep 6.
History buffs can also head to the Asian Civilisations Museum to look at the contents of an uncovered time capsule once buried at the Empress Place Building (until Sep 27).
Or you can discover preserved memories at the Children Little Museum, which houses vintage paraphernalia such as gramophones, an old F&N drink cart and wind-up robots. Admission is $2.
4pm: Have fun at pay-as-you-play cafés
Cost: $8 for first hour, subsequently $1 per 10min (Coffeemin); $2-$2.50 per hour (The Mind Cafe)
At a pay-as-you-play café, you can stay as long as you can afford to, and play, eat and drink while you’re there.
Coffeemin lets you have coffee, tea, booze and snacks while you play on a console, have a pool match, read a book, hold a brainstorming session or study. You can even bring your own food.
If you prefer to have fun the old-school way with board and card games, head over to The Mind Cafe. Get embroiled in a mysterious game of Cluedo — even in Harry Potter style — or conquer the galaxy with Risk: Star Wars edition.
coffeemin.sg & www.themindcafe.com.sg
7pm: Watch a free movie outdoors or soothe your soul through meditation
Cost: Free
Every third Friday and Saturday of the month, movies are shown on a giant screen by Marina Bay, fronted by an open space where you can sprawl on a mat with your friends and catch a show under the stars.
Rent an awesome bean bag and bring your own food and drinks. Turn up early to secure a nice spot. Screenings begin at 7.30pm.
For a more calm experience to unwind your mind and body, join a free Sahaja Yoga Meditation class. You don’t have to worry about yoga postures, physical exercises or yoga mats — simply register and turn up!
dbsmoviesbythebay.com & singaporemeditation.org
10pm: Supper time
Cost: About $5
No day is complete without unwinding over a nice supper.
Head over to Outram’s Prata Paradise (open from 11am to 4am) for their plain prata ($1.10 each, minimum two pieces per order) and its popular kaya prata for $2.80.
Alternatively, fulfill your your bak chor mee (minced meat noodles) cravings for just $3.50 per bowl at the 24-hour Ming Fa Fish Ball Noodles.
Now you’re all filled up and ready to launch into another day of frugal fun!
Prata Paradise, 251 Outram Road & mingfafishball.com
By Pamela Chow
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