In a vibrant celebration of family and friendship, Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay has launched its 11th annual Children’s Festival, running from May 24 to June 15. This year, the event takes on a special theme inspired by Disney’s beloved Lilo & Stitch, marking the first Stitch-themed outdoor festival in the Asia-Pacific region. With a host of free play activities set against the iconic Supertree Grove, the festival promises a unique blend of fun and meaningful lessons for children and families alike.
A Playful Tribute to ‘Ohana
Timed to coincide with the release of the live-action reimagining of Lilo & Stitch in Singapore cinemas on May 22, the festival transforms the Supertree Grove into a playground of imagination. The area, often described by visitors as an otherworldly landscape with its towering, futuristic tree-like structures, feels like a fitting home for Stitch, the blue extraterrestrial who famously helps a lonely Hawaiian girl mend her broken family in the 2002 animated classic. 
Among the festival’s highlights is the Great ‘Ohana Wave slide, a 28-meter-long structure that spirals down from nearly 7 meters high around one of the Supertrees. Designed for children aged six to 12, the slide offers a gentle descent, with safety measures including helmets and round floats. An exclusive preview for local media on May 21 showcased the excitement this feature is expected to bring to young visitors.
Interactive Play Spaces for All Ages
Beyond the slide, the festival offers three additional play areas open to children of all ages, each reflecting elements of Stitch’s story. Space Adventure, a nod to the character’s extraterrestrial origins, invites kids to embark on a cosmic mission, navigating swing cars and competing to strike light beams in an interactive game. Forest of Belonging, a forest-themed inflatable, encourages children to uncover hidden messages about the concept of ‘ohana, a Hawaiian term for family that Stitch defines in the film as “family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten” said the character in the original story.
For a more tactile experience, Stitch’s Mischief Makers provides a beach-themed zone with kinetic sand, a special type of play sand that holds its shape when molded, fostering creativity and sensory development. Children can also pick up a free activity booklet to complement the installations, and upon completion, redeem a sticker sheet at the festival counter while stocks last. On June 7 and 8, families will have the chance to meet Stitch in person and capture a memorable photo with the character.
Evening Shows and Educational Sessions
While the play spaces close at 7pm daily, the festivities continue into the evening with a special edition of Gardens by the Bay’s Garden Rhapsody light show, titled The Way To ‘Ohana. Held at 7:45pm and 8:45pm, the 15-minute display synchronizes the Supertrees’ lights with music from the Lilo & Stitch soundtrack, creating a magical experience for visitors of all ages.
Adding an educational dimension to the event, the festival includes Plants On The Move! sessions on May 31 and June 14. Led by Dr. Janelle Jung, a Hawaii-born plant researcher at Gardens by the Bay, these free 35-minute programs use storytelling to teach children about plants brought by early settlers from Southeast Asia to the central Pacific Islands, reflecting the film’s Pacific setting.
Celebrating Family and Identity
The festival’s thoughtfully curated installations aim to do more than entertain. “Through play at the thoughtfully curated installations, we hope that kids will receive a deeper appreciation of the true value of friendship and family, and the confidence to be who they truly are – just like in the story of Lilo & Stitch” said Ms. May Yeo, assistant chief executive at Gardens by the Bay. This emphasis on ‘ohana resonates with the event’s broader goal of fostering connection and self-expression among young visitors.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Supertree Grove at 18 Marina Gardens Drive, the Children’s Festival offers free admission to its core activities from 10am to 9pm daily, though separate charges apply for carnival games and selected workshops. For families in Singapore and tourists alike, it’s a chance to create lasting memories while exploring themes of belonging and togetherness.
As the festival unfolds over the coming weeks, it stands as a colorful reminder of the power of family – both biological and chosen – in shaping who we are. Whether sliding down a Supertree or building sandcastles with Stitch, children and parents are sure to leave with a renewed sense of connection and joy.
