What to Do During This March Holiday

School's out! The 1-week March holiday for most students started yesterday. While some parents took leave to bring their children overseas, not all have the luxury of time and money. If you do not like being stuck in long car rides or the hassle of rushing for flights and ferries, why not consider a staycation in Singapore? Fret not over forgetting to pack your toddlers' favourite toys and what-nots because you are not too far from home. Many hotels offer family rooms with comfortable space for two adults and two children under 12 years old. One of them is Furama RiverFront whose colourful family room comes with complete children-friendly amenities (upon request) to keep your kids entertained during your stay. You can check in from 2pm and as part of the FuramaKids bundle, children will receive surprise goodie bag and a packet of milk before bedtime. Children under 12 years old also dine for free when ordering from The Square @ Furama's special ala carte kid's menu.

Family Room, photo courtesy of Furama RiverFront

Too excited to nap? Hit the fitness centre, jacuzzi and outdoor swimming pool (these are opened from 6am to 10pm). In a separate section for families, children can look forward to hours of fun-filled water play with selected pool toys and on a shallow inflatable waterslide. Then, it is time to wash up and fill the stomachs. The FuramaKids bundle includes complimentary buffet dinner with free flow of drinks at The Square @ Furama or Kintamani Indonesian Restaurant. Both serve a wide variety at their buffet spread as well as on their ala carte menu. Indulge in international cuisine including succulent half lobsters at the former or halal Indonesian cuisine such as Nasi Uduk – an Indonesia Betawi-styled dish comprising steamed rice cooked in coconut milk with a display of delicious side dishes, at the latter. The little ones can also be kept busy at Tykes @ The Square, a dedicated kid's play area with popular cartoon video screenings, interesting activity sheets and fun free-play toys.

Tykes @ The Square, photo courtesy of Furama RiverFront

When the kids are asleep, relax at the Waterfall Lounge with "live" band and soulful jazz entertainers. Other than Happy Hour and Pay-by-The-Hour Beer O’Clock prices from 5pm, there are also Irish-inspired cocktails like Dublin Handshake, Irish Eye and Nutty Irishman Shooter since St. Patrick's Day takes place in March. After a good night's sleep and complimentary breakfast (6am – 10.30am), 5-11 year-old can play with LEGO blocks and draw on black or white boards at PAWS. The children's playroom on the 1st floor also screens cartoons. Check-out is by 12 noon but you can extend your staycation, sort of. Unwind at the Waterfall Lounge with afternoon tea against a backdrop of 20-feet waterfall set amidst a natural forest reserve. Even if you are not a hotel guest, you can still enjoy the coffee or tea with sweet and savoury bites like Oreo Cheese Bite and Lemon Grass Jelly with Aloe Vera as well as dine at its restaurants – The Square @ Furama and Kintamani Indonesian Restaurant.