Family Days at the Gallery: September 2026
Looking for fun things to do with the kids in Singapore? Discover hands-on art, workshops, and sensory experiences designed for families and kids at National Gallery Singapore this September, including ideas for the school holidays.
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Summary
- National Gallery Singapore hosts three ticketed family programmes over the September school holidays: GalleryToddlers! (5 Sep, ages 2–3), Gallery StoryMakers! (12 Sep, ages 4–8) and Gallery Sketch Chapter: Collective (5 Sep, free drop-in sketching), all at City Hall Wing.
- Art on Wheels, the Gallery's roving art studio, makes four stops across Singapore neighbourhoods this September – a good option for the school break if a trip to the Gallery itself isn't on the cards.
- Keppel Centre for Art Education (free admission) and When Art Meets Nature (free, runs through till 1 Nov) remain open for hands-on, nature-themed play – both easy additions to a school holiday itinerary.
- Family-friendly dining nearby includes Bakery Brera, Kopi 1930 and Twenty Eight Cafe.
Whether the school holidays have you looking for a full day out or just an hour to fill between other plans, National Gallery Singapore has art coming alive through interactive workshops, storytelling sessions and sketching time throughout September.
Here's what's happening in September 2026 – plus a few ongoing family-friendly favourites you won't want to miss during the school holiday break.
GalleryToddlers!
When: 5 Sep 2026, 10.30–11.10am & 11.30am – 12.10pm
Where: City Hall Wing, Level 2, Singapore Courtyard
Ticket Information: $15 per adult–child pair
Want to introduce your little one to the world of art but aren't sure where to start? GalleryToddlers! is designed for children aged 2–3 years, sparking creativity through sensory play and hands-on activities inspired by a different artwork each month.
This September’s sessions are inspired by Longhouse by Shui Tit Sing, and is a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to bond while exploring art together.
Gallery StoryMakers!
When: 12 Sep 2026, 11am – 12pm
Where: City Hall Wing, Level 2, Singapore Courtyard
Ticket Information: $15 per participant
Join Gallery StoryMakers! for an interactive family programme where children aged 4–8 uncover the stories behind artworks through dramatic storytelling, imaginative play and curious discovery. Held on the second Saturday of every month, each hour-long session gives families a playful new way to connect with art together.
Do note that each ticket admits one person, all attending children must be accompanied by at least one adult who will also require their own ticket.
Gallery Sketch Chapter: Collective
When: 5 Sep 2026, 4–7pm
Where: City Hall Wing, Level 1, Tours & Programmes Counter at Coleman Entrance
Ticket Information: Free, registration required
Bring the older kids – or anyone with an interest in drawing – down for some sketching time. Gallery Sketch Chapter: Collective is a drop-in urban sketching session set within the Gallery's architecture and artworks, encouraging participants to slow down and draw what they see around them. Pick up a pencil for the first time or return to sketching at your own pace, dropping in and out across the three-hour window.
Art on Wheels
When: 5, 12, 19–20, 26–27 Sep 2026
Where: Various locations across Singapore
Art on Wheels is National Gallery Singapore's roving art studio, hitting the road with reproductions of iconic artworks from the National Collection. Dive into interactive art activities, discover the stories behind the artworks, and spark creativity – all in your own neighbourhood.
There are four separate stops happening across September, so check out the Art on Wheels page for details on its next stop – it might be closer than you think.
Experience When Art Meets Nature
When: 30 Apr – 1 Nov 2026
Where: City Hall Wing, Level 1, City Hall Alcove and Keppel Centre for Art Education
Ticket Information: Free admission
Located at City Hall Wing (Level 1), across the City Hall Alcove and Keppel Centre for Art Education, the exhibition unfolds as a hands-on, sensorial journey. Expect immersive installations where children can observe, listen, and engage with artworks inspired by forests, rivers, and the environment.
Kids are encouraged to interact, explore, and even create – making it an ideal stop for curious young minds. The experience is playful, introducing ideas around nature, sustainability, and how we relate to the world around us in ways that feel intuitive and fun.
Running until 1 November 2026, and completely free to enter, it's an easy (and worthwhile) addition to your day at the Gallery, especially if you're looking for something engaging to do with kids in Singapore.
Inside Keppel Centre for Art Education: An Interactive Experience for Kids in Singapore
The Keppel Centre for Art Education is a must-visit spot this July. Designed for children aged 4 to 12, this award-winning museum for kids in Singapore offers distinct creative zones where families can experience art through play and creative activities:
- Peace Forest: Inspired by Singaporean artist Soh Ee Shaun's nature walks, this zone invites kids to discover the beauty of the natural world.
- Colour Play Corridor: An exploration of how colours interact, creating bold contrasts and gentle harmonies that shape the way we see art.
- A Brush with Forest Fire: An immersive, forest-inspired installation drawing on Raden Saleh's Boschbrand (Forest Fire), where kids learn the elements of art as they wander through with a brush.
- Illuminate!: An experiment in colour, shape, light, and shadow, inspired by the Gallery's own collection.
- Makers Studio: A hands-on space for 2D and 3D creation, from wooden blocks to 3D doodling pens.
- Book Nook: A cosy corner to bond over books and recharge between activities.
- Expression Workshop: Daily drop-in sessions in art-making, from paintbrushes to clay.
- Calm Pod: A quiet space for children to rest and regulate if they feel overstimulated.
Admission is free, though do head down on a weekday to beat the crowds – the Centre is popular on weekends, with wait times of around 30 minutes during peak periods.
Where to Eat
If you're planning to spend a few hours at the Gallery, there are plenty of family-friendly dining options to keep everyone fuelled. Bakery Brera's Cafe serves up buttery croissants, tartlets, mille-feuille, fresh sourdough sandwiches and more – perfect for a mid-morning treat or a quick bite between activities.
For something heartier, Kopi 1930 brings Singapore's beloved kopi culture to life with laksa, mee siam, kaya butter toast and their signature UFO buns. If you prefer a modern brunch, Twenty Eight Café offers a cosy spot for fluffy pancakes, shakshouka and hearty sandwiches that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Plan Your Trip
Sign up as a Gallery Insider to enjoy exclusive dining discounts, priority updates on workshops and programmes, and special parking rates – a great option if you plan to return throughout September and beyond.
Ready to celebrate art and imagination together? Bring the whole family down for a day of creativity, play and wonder at National Gallery Singapore!
