Our time in Singapore was short but filled with creativity, learning, and play. Across six days we delivered one full-day workshop and four pop-up play sessions. Three events were hosted in partnership with Playeum and one with South Central Community Centre, all arranged skillfully by our Singaporean friend Sirene with support from Days of Play‘s Louise.
Play with Playeum in Gillman Barracks
Playeum is a children’s museum in the converted Gillman Barracks, a quiet area with trees and art galleries. Inside, children explore art exhibits, build in a maker space, and send Lego vehicles racing down ramps. We set up outside with loose parts for school groups, and the younger crowd quickly embraced play in their own way.
Suzanna welcomed each group, kneeling down to tell children they were free to play, and firmly reminding adults to step back. Our cardboard boxes and fabric forts were ignored (as often happens), but the children created their own fun—blowing air down hosepipes, rolling tires, and discovering the joys of a rattling red plastic chain and a makeshift water play area.
Moments of water play
The water play became the highlight on that hot, sticky day. Children dipped buckets, splashed their hands and invented games. One child asked if an empty coffee pod was a “tiny bucket.” Soon, two girls had a miniature water fight, pouring teaspoons of water onto each other’s pigtails while adults stood in a semi-circle, watching and laughing.
A workshop for educators
During the full-day workshop we met passionate educators eager to learn more about play. Importantly, they had the chance to play themselves. Some wrapped in fabric, role-playing predictions, while others slid down cardboard slopes or chased runaway tires. For some, it was their first chance to experience play as adults, and the feedback was moving: “It felt beautiful. It felt free.”
Pop-up play at South Central community centre
Our final session was at South Central Community Centre, where some workshop participants welcomed us to their own facilities. We brought fabric swings as a gift, and the same red chain proved a hit again—this time with teenagers testing their high jumps. The pride staff felt in showcasing their site was inspiring.
Reflections on play in Singapore
These pop-up play sessions in Singapore revealed a country eager to embrace play but also facing challenges – academic pressure and limited outdoor space. Still, the enthusiasm of educators and families gave us hope. One participant captured the moment perfectly: “Thank you for bringing joy to our community.”
For us, Singapore showed how pop-up play can spark creativity, community and joy wherever it happens.
To read more from Morgan, please visit her personal blog. To follow our journey around the world, connect with us on Facebook or follow #PopUpsWorldTour2015.
By Morgan
