Fun With Kids: Minion Land opens, Science Centre’s one-for-one deal, Apple’s Swift Student Challenge

SINGAPORE – Make family time all the more special with these ideas and activities.

Illumination’s Minion Land opens

The much-anticipated Minion Land will open at Universal Studios Singapore on Feb 14.

Fans of Illumination’s Despicable Me and Minions animated films (2010 to present) will relish the chance to step into Gru’s Neighbourhood.

This is more than where the former supervillain lives with his wife Lucy and their foster daughters Margo, Edith and Agnes. The site is also where you can take an immersive motion simulator ride, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

Brace yourself for a snaking queue at this star attraction. While waiting in line, you can take pictures in Gru’s home before getting your turn to board a vehicle and going on a topsy-turvy journey from a Minion’s viewpoint.

Those who have experienced the ride in other Universal Studios theme parks, such as in Japan, will attest to its popularity.

But exclusive to Singapore is Buggie Boogie, a Minion dance party-themed carousel, in Super Silly Fun Land.

Redeem a gift at Minion Marketplace when you book your tickets with Mastercard. Admission fees start at $76 an adult and $59 a child aged four to 12.

Stay updated at rwsentosa.com/minion-land

One-for-one tickets to Science Centre Singapore

Pick up fun facts about carnivorous plants at the Savage Garden exhibition. PHOTO: SCIENCE CENTRE SINGAPORE

Until March 14, get two tickets for the price of one at Science Centre Singapore, where usual admission fees for Singaporeans and permanent residents on peak days cost $6 an adult and $4 a child aged three to 12.

Peak days refer to weekends, and school and public holidays. There is an ongoing offer of free admission for locals on off-peak days.

Seize the chance to visit the centre’s new permanent exhibitions, including Savage Garden, which debuted in December and spotlights carnivorous plants.

Learn fascinating facts about species such as the Venus flytrap and pitcher plant, and observe them up close.

Make time to explore another permanent exhibition, Some Call It Science. You will find interactive stations designed to spark curiosity and hone critical thinking skills.

Through hands-on activities, discover the properties of light and learn about magnetic poles, for instance.

Under the one-for-one ticket deal, you can choose to include a movie experience at Omni-Theatre, which prides itself as South-east Asia’s first 8K 3D digital dome theatre. The usual price for admission to both the centre and theatre is $19.90 an adult and $17.90 a child.

It is currently showing two titles: animated film Kitz The Cat’s Supermoon Adventure (2021, 30 minutes), about three astronaut felines; and Star Dreaming (2021, 44 minutes), a documentary filmed in Western Australia.

Find out more at str.sg/qNH3

Apple’s Swift Student Challenge

Singapore student Jiang Tongyu, one of the distinguished winners from Swift Student Challenge 2024, with Apple CEO Tim Cook in April 2024 when he visited Singapore.PHOTO: APPLE

If your children enjoy developing apps and are at least 16 years old, encourage them to join Apple’s Swift Student Challenge by Feb 23.

The annual international competition, launched in 2020, is calling for students and recent graduates to build apps using Swift Playground or the Xcode tool. The submission should demonstrate innovation, creativity, social impact or inclusivity.

From a pool of 350 winners worldwide, the top 50 will be named distinguished winners and invited to visit Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, for three days – flight and accommodation included.

The 2024 competition saw five winners from Singapore. They included Jiang Tongyu, 18, who was named a distinguished winner for her music game app Tambourine Story.

A screenshot of music game app Tambourine Story developed by Singapore student Jiang TongyuPHOTO: APPLE

The Raffles Institution alumnus also won in the 2023 challenge with her app City Night, which put the focus on mental health.

“For many, starting to code may seem daunting and we’re all too familiar with the feeling of being intimidated and then procrastinating. But I feel that if someone wants to start coding, don’t hesitate,” she says. “Go look for a video tutorial or a webpage of how-tos.”

Beginners can attend free workshops under the Today at Apple programmes at Apple stores.

Get details about the 2025 challenge at str.sg/um5c

Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter  for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more

[ad_1]

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}

[ad_2]