We had a blast with U-Camp Holiday Workshops at KINEX Mall!
As a parent, I’ve come to realise that the school holidays are a bit of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, I cherish the extra time with my four-year-old daughter, Divisha. On the other, I find myself constantly searching for new ways to keep her engaged, learning and most importantly—having fun. So, when we were invited to experience the U-Camp Holiday Workshops at KINEX Mall, it felt like the perfect opportunity to shake up our usual routine.
And it didn’t disappoint.
KINEX is conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from Paya Lebar MRT station (Exit E), making it an accessible destination for families commuting by public transport. But what makes it truly special this June holiday season is its transformation into a hub of imaginative learning and play through its first-ever U-Camp Holiday Workshops.
Running from 30 May to 6 July 2025, this initiative features a curated mix of hands-on, child-friendly programmes spread across KINEX and its sister malls—United Square and Velocity@Novena Square.
From outer space to fairy tale kitchens: A morning at wan to play
Our U-Camp adventure began with a visit to Wan To Play, KINEX’s space-themed indoor playground designed for children aged 2 to 11. The moment we stepped inside, Divisha’s eyes lit up like stars. The vibrant and multi-sensory space had so much to offer—pretend play zones including a fully stocked kitchen, a police station, and a dress-up corner filled with princess costumes that made her feel like royalty.
There were construction and creativity stations too, with magnetic tiles, LEGO, blocks, a sand pit, and a sand clay table—perfect for little builders and artists. The ball pit and slide added that touch of excitement toddlers crave, and the interactive video game stations kept older children engaged too. It truly felt like everything a child could ask for under one roof.
Parent tip: Don’t forget to bring socks—for both your child and yourself. The play area requires them for hygiene reasons, and it’s no fun being turned away from a ball pit adventure due to a missing pair!
Culinary confidence at Little Cook
From space to the stove—our next stop was Little Cook, where Divisha got to channel her inner chef. I wasn’t sure what to expect, given her age, but the experience exceeded all my expectations. Thoughtfully designed for children as young as two, the session guided little chefs through every step of creating a simple dish—in our case, pasta.
Divisha was invited to choose her pasta, chop her own ingredients (sausages, tomatoes, and other fresh bits), stir her sauce, and finally plate her dish. The instructors were wonderfully patient, giving her the freedom to try each step herself while gently offering support when needed. The result? A bowl of pasta she was immensely proud of—and yes, we did eat it for lunch. It was delicious and such a joy to see her beam with pride over her creation.
There’s something special about watching your child take on a grown-up task and truly own it. Little Cook gave Divisha a space to be independent, creative and hands-on in a safe, encouraging environment.
More than just play: U-Camp Holiday Workshops are for every age and interest
While our visit focused on Wan To Play and Little Cook, KINEX offers a wide variety of workshops catering to children of all ages and interests. These include:
- Sneaker Painting with MurcyArt Gallery (for kids 7+)
- Introduction to Game Design by The Lab, where kids can design their own Super Mario-style platformer games
- K-Pop and Hip-Hop dance classes by DCA
- Canvas painting, music classes, and even Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by Evolve MMA
Each programme is thoughtfully tailored to a specific age group and is led by experienced instructors who understand how to engage kids in fun, creative ways.
Across the city: United Square and Velocity@Novena Square join the fun
The U-Camp initiative isn’t limited to KINEX alone. United Square and Velocity@Novena Square are also hosting a robust line-up of school holiday activities.
At United Square, little ones can explore:
- Tree Art holiday painting programmes
- Chess and coding workshops
- Young journalist classes and science mastery sessions
- Even skincare classes for tweens with a parent-child format
Meanwhile, Velocity@Novena Square offers exciting activities like:
- Pickleball for beginners
- Drum and guitar workshops
- Rock climbing at Climb Central
- Muay Thai and self-defence classes
All of these are designed to not just entertain, but also build confidence, coordination and life skills.
Why we’ll be back for more with U-Camp Holiday Workshops
Our day at KINEX was packed with joy, learning and connection. From the thrill of dressing up as a princess and zipping down a slide to the satisfaction of cooking a meal from scratch, every moment felt meaningful. As a mum, what I appreciated most was how these workshops encouraged independence while offering the right amount of support—whether through structured activities or open-ended play.
If you’re looking for ways to keep your children engaged this school holiday, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring the U-Camp Holiday Workshops across KINEX, United Square, and Velocity. Each mall offers something unique, but they all share the same commitment to creativity, discovery and fun.
✨ Workshops are running until 6 July 2025—so check with the malls’ customer service counters or visit their websites for full schedules and registration details. Some slots fill up fast, so don’t wait too long!
Whether your child is a budding artist, a curious coder, or a little chef in the making, there’s a workshop that’s just right for them.
👉 Head over to www.upopp.com.sg or respective malls’ websites (KINEX / United Square / Velocity@Novena Square) to view the full schedule and redeem your workshop passes. Slots are limited, so act fast!
