Family-Friendly Events in Singapore, 14–20 September 2026
Lanterns at the Bay and by the lake, the last weekend of the river festival, three ways to pay less with kids in tow, and the one question every new parent asks about the Baby Bonus.
Things to do with kids this weekend
Lights by the Lake at Jurong Lake Gardens
The west side's Mid-Autumn light-up: a lantern trail around the lake and along the bridge, best after dark. Free land activities run 26–27 Sep, 3–6pm, if you would rather go next weekend.
Mid-Autumn Festival at Gardens by the Bay
The lantern sets are free to walk through and the Craft Corner runs both days this weekend — fees apply for some activities, and attraction ticket holders get 1-for-1 on crafts. Go after 7pm when it's cooler and lit.
Singapore River Festival
Last two days of the river festival. Worth it for the walk along the quays with the lights on more than for any single programme.
Deadlines in September
All good — no nationwide deadlines for September. Still worth a look at the Coparent app for the personal ones tied to your child's date of birth.
On the horizon
One thing, explained
When does the Baby Bonus Cash Gift actually get paid?
It's a cash gift paid in instalments from birth until your child is six and a half, into a bank account you nominate. It is not the CDA and it is not matched. For a first or second child it is S$11,000; for a third or later child, S$13,000. The child has to be a Singapore Citizen and the parents lawfully married.
Most of it lands in the first 18 months. After that it is S$400 every six months until the child turns six and a half. Once you're enrolled every tranche is automatic — there is nothing further to claim.
There is no enrolment before birth. You apply at LifeSG after the birth, in the same application as birth registration. One parent signs in with Singpass, and that parent becomes the CDA trustee. The first payment arrives 7 to 10 working days after enrolment and the account opening — it is keyed to enrolment, not to the birth date.
Two dates to know. This version covers children born from 14 February 2023 and closes on 31 March 2027; from 1 April 2027 the SG Child Support Package takes over, which is announced but not yet legislated. And the outer deadline to enrol is 31 December of the year your child turns 12.
Source: MSF, 2026-08-24 · official page
Family deals this week
Flower Dome free for children 12 and under
Kids aged 12 and below enter the Flower Dome free from 5 to 27 Sep. Singapore residents only — bring ID. Adults pay the usual admission.
Kids dine free with two mains at Paris Baguette
Buy two mains and a child aged 12 and below eats free. Five outlets only; the offer page gives no end date, so check it still stands before you go.
Kids dine free on weekdays at Vineyard, HortPark
A complimentary kids' meal for a child under 10 with every main course, Monday to Thursday all day, dine-in only, through 30 September. A garden-side lunch that pairs with the HortPark playground.
Coparent is a personal assistant for parents in Singapore. Give it one date and it lays out every benefit, deadline and decision from pregnancy to the end of primary school — dated and sourced. It never touches your money, your accounts or your signature.
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