‘What do we do with the kids?’
‘How will they be properly engaged?’
‘How do we find time for each another?’

Being parents of two lively young kids, we often lament that come weekends and school holidays, we need to find ways to occupy the kids as well as find time for ourselves. While it is easy to chuck them in front of the TV or put a smart device in their hands, we all know that it’s not the best way to meaningfully engage them. Fortunately, this March school holidays, Gillman Barracks (yes, THE Gillman Barracks) has some really innovative programmes for families!

Tough? No.  Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Go to the website of Playeum, Children’s Center for Creativity . (http://www.playeum.com/whats-on).

There they have a whole host of quality activities and courses to engage kids of all ages. Enrol your kids in their unique blend of programs that seeks to cultivate a creative and open mind towards learning. In fact, the entire place is filled with artefacts and furniture that encourage creative play. We experienced a short story-telling session where kids learnt about the concept of time. There were stories and games about the idea of ‘Time’. Although the kids were strangers at first, they immediately became fast friends through the interactive games.  

For this March holidays, Playeum’s program entitled ‘A World Full of Stories’ seeks to expose and encourage kids to learn creatively through films, pretend-play, art and craft and games. They are bound to appeal to inquisitive kids who may, like ours, find it hard to leave even after the program has ended!

Step 2: Dress comfortably with good walking shoes and remember to bring a camera!

Next, children and parents were led on a foot trail to explore ‘Lock Route’ – a series of interesting outdoor art installations by world-renowned and emerging artists both from Singapore and abroad. These life sized works are spread across the main areas in Gillman Barracks for members of the public to get up-close and personal. During the route, you can discover how they assimilate with their surroundings to tell a story.

We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The installation works featured are interesting and reading their descriptions made it more engaging. Kudos to the artists! Alternatively, while the kids are participating in the course at Playeum, parents can spend some couple time appreciating these art works together. Feel free to take as many photos as you want. Great way for the family to bond over art!

For more info: https://www.gillmanbarracks.com/others/public-art/1356

  

Step 3: End the evening at Timbre’s Super Social BBQ – where kids play and parents dine…in peace.

For every weekend in March, Timbre at Gillman’s superb Social BBQ will feature bouncy castles, bubbles and crafts for kids while Mommies and Daddies can enjoy a meal knowing that their kids are happily entertained just few steps away!

Happening at the Super Social BBQ in March is a chance to meet one of Disney’s Princesses or better still, dress up as a prince or a princess to take an instant polaroid photo. How memorable! Kids can also engage in some ed art and craft or get their face painted. There’s so much to do….my kids didn’t want to go home! We were very pleased with the food at Timbre@Gillman. The Ribeye Steak and Lamb Chop were perfectly grilled – luscious and delicious. The Truffle Fries were such indulgence. Our friend’s Pizza and Fried Chicken on Waffles looked absolutely delicious too (and apparently they were!). I have to say not many places offer a good menu for kids but Timbre’s kids meals are very substantial, yummy and value for money.

Check out the details here: http://timbregroup.asia/super-social-bbq/

More than just food, Timbre @ Gillman’s has an electric atmosphere. Filled with live music from an acoustic band that plays covers of contemporary tunes, the entire place is just filled with so much positive vibe – laughter, love, celebration….you name it.

Art Day Out! – A Gillman Barracks Saturday Open House

This Saturday, 11 March 2017, Gillman Barracks is organizing an Art Day Out from 11am to 8pm. Visitors now have more time to explore the galleries’ new shows and special programmes, and find out more about the Barracks’ other tenants and partners.

[GALLERIES]
-New shows and special programmes at our 11 galleries!
-Sundaram Tagore Gallery’s ‘Summer School: Fine Art 101’ series continues with a casual 20 minute talk on “Art as a Diversified Investment”. Gain tips for converting a passion for art into an investment portfolio (2pm, Blk 5)
-Book sale and art sale at ARNDT – artist publications, limited edition artist merchandise and small art works under USD5,000 (Blk 9)

[SPECIAL PROGRAMMES]
-Art Stage Singapore presents Catharsis, a participatory performance art piece by Indonesian artist Syagini Ratna Wulan (Blk 47)
-Launch of the 50 Years of Singapore Art Archives exhibition by local art archivist Mr Koh Nguan How (Blk 47)
-Art & History Tour by our Friends of the Museums docents (4pm, meet at Blk 9, pls sign up here -> http://www.gillmanbarracks.com/tours)
-Incoming tenant Playeum who will launch its ‘Children’s Centre for Creativity’ in September will host the first session of its artist conversation series with leaders in the participatory arts and creative practice for children (10 to 1pm, Blk 5, pls sign up here -> https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/artist-conversation-creating-for-children-by-playeum-tickets-17776188057)

[RETAIL]
-Mini local design fair (Blk 7) featuring Supermama’s new Souvenirs From Singapore series, Little Drom Store, Hypergrand, Allscript, Onlewo, ceramics by LizBakesClay and more. Bring more cash!
-Book sale @ the Barracks by Page One at Platform Projects (Blk 22). Up to 90% off!

[F&B + MUSIC]
-F&B pop-ups (Blk 9). Highlights on the menu this time round: The Refinery’s kong ba pau sliders, gyudon, salted egg onion rings; The Naked Finn’s chilled beehoon with sakura ebi, grilled chicken winglets, grilled pork “bak kwa” and penang fruit rojak; cakes, tarts and cold brew coffee by Red Baron
-Complimentary traditional ice cream by Uncle Jimmy to help you beat the heat…while stocks last! (outside Blk 7)
-Timbre @ Gillman’s family friendly Saturday Social BBQ…BBQ and beer for the parents, bouncy castle and lotsa art activities for the little ones! (Blk 9A)
-Red Baron’s Pasar Malan – festival craft market, gourmet burgers and craft beers. Darker than Wax takes over sundowner DJ duties from 4pm till late! (Blk 45, at the junction of Malan Road

For more information, please visit this website.