What’s New In May: NEW Artground Playground, A Train Hotel, Mario Kart @ Jewel & More!

This month, race over to Jewel Changi Airport for the Mario Kart and Nintendo pop-ups, explore a brand new innovation hub in the West, and discover an exciting new indoor playspace for the little ones!

New month, new finds! This month, Jewel Changi Airport welcomes Mario Kart and Nintendo pop-ups, and there’s an exciting new innovation hub in the West that’ll have you planning your visit ASAP! Plus, we explored a refreshed indoor playspace at The Artground, packed with hands-on fun that the kids will love.

Click here for past What’s New Mama finds!

Disclaimer: These are external events not owned or managed by Sassy Mama. Always check with the organiser for changes or cancellations.

Train Pod: New train hotel using upcycled MRTs

If you’re a fan of trains, the new Train Pod at one-north is your next must-visit staycation spot. Opening in the second half of 2025, this new co-living hotel has eight tiny pods, each converted from a decommissioned MRT carriage and designed to sleep up to two guests. Look forward to MRT elements inside, including LCD panels in the driver’s compartment that play real footage of the train’s previous tunnel journeys. Guests can also enjoy a 24/7 vending machine café, an outdoor dining area, and public benches repurposed from actual MRT seats! Read all about the Train Pod @ one-north here!

Deets: Train Pod @ one-north, 69 Ayer Rajah Crescent, Singapore 139961, www.tinypod.com

Lotte Mart Express: First store in SG opens at VivoCity

If you’ve ever visited South Korea, you’ve probably set foot in their popular hypermarket chain Lotte Mart. We’ve got good news–they have just opened its first store in FairPrice Xtra VivoCity, so you can satisfy your cravings for tasty Korean snacks, instant noodles and treats. From choco pie to soju highballs, corn chips and fried chicken, Lotte Mart Express has everything you need to put a smile on your face.

Deets: Lotte Mart Express, FairPrice Extra VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #01-23 & #B2-23, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #B2-23 VivoCity, Singapore 098585, www.vivocity.com.sg

Geneo @ Singapore Science Park: New integrated Work-Live-Play hub

Westies, there’s a new hangout spot to add to your list! Geneo @ Singapore Science Park is a new live-work-play hub that comprises offices, labs, serviced apartments and retail spaces. Here, you’ll find familiar F&B favourites like Luckin Coffee, Swensen’s, and BreadTalk. While you’re there, be sure to check out Singapore’s first-ever distributed cooling system, which is powered by rooftop solar panels (over 1,800 of them!)

Deets: Kinokuniya, opening August 2025, Raffles City, Level 3, www.kinokuniya.com.sg

Civic District Children’s Season: Little Explorer’s Trail, hands-on workshops & performances

Children’s Season in the Civic District is back with exciting activities that promise fun for the whole family! Step into a world of wonder and discover the world through the eyes of little ones through thrilling performances, hands-on workshops and interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and imagination. Drop by The Arts House at the Old Parliament, Asian Civilisations Museum, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, National Gallery Singapore and Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall for family-friendly activities.

For the first time, Children’s Season will introduce the Little Explorer’s Trail, where kids can embark on an adventure trail in the Civic District. Drop by any of the three (out of the five) arts venues to collect three stamps on the trail map to redeem a free sticker sheet. This family-friendly activity allows families to explore Singapore and discover cultural gems in the heart of the city. Plus, don’t miss various arts programmes happening within the precinct such as the ‘Look At The World’ concert by the Singapore Symphony Youth & Children’s Choir at the Victoria Concert Hall and The Arts House Story Tour (part of Monstrous Fun! at The Arts House).

Deets: Children’s Season, May to June 2025 (The Little Explorer’s Trail is from 30 May – 29 June 2025), various locations in the Civic District, www.artshouselimited.sg

Kinokuniya: New store at Raffles City this August!

Kinokuniya is opening a brand-new outlet at Raffles City Shopping Centre this August! Spanning 3,433 sqft on the third floor, this cosy new space promises quiet moments of discovery with Kinokuniya’s signature blue shelves and a dedicated Blue Room, a serene nook for immersive reads and literary escapes. The announcement follows news that the brand’s iconic 38,000 sqft flagship store at Ngee Ann City will be downsized. Additionally, the brand has also closed its other outlets in recent years, reflecting the challenges of the shrinking book retail scene. Still, we know that this new store is a dose of good news for book lovers, and we’re all for it!

Deets: Kinokuniya, opening August 2025, Raffles City, Level 3, www.kinokuniya.com.sg

Yamaha Music School: New primary course for ages 3 to 5.5

Got a little musician at home? Yamaha Music School, AKA one of Singapore’s most popular music schools, has just launched a brand-new Yamaha Primary Course for kiddos as young as 3! Designed for ages 3 to 5, this refreshed programme is packed with catchy new tunes, updated content, and new digital learning tools. Kids will benefit from Yamaha’s distinctive teaching method: “Listening,” “Singing,” “Playing,” and “Reading.” With instruments like the Piano or Electone in hand, they’ll build a solid musical foundation while learning to express themselves with confidence.

The Yamaha Primary Course also helps little ones build social skills, teamwork, and other lifelong skills. Lessons are led by certified Yamaha teachers who possess extensive musical knowledge and excellent communication skills, ensuring high-quality instruction. Yamaha Music School is hosting an Exclusive Primary Experience Corner at Plaza Singapura branch from April to June, which includes hands-on activities and more. More information here.

Deets: Yamaha Music School, www.app.yamaha.sg

The Cathay: Revamped mall after 2-year renovation

Everyone’s go-to hangout spot in Dhoby Ghaut has just reopened following a 2-year renovation! The revamped 16-storey Cathay Building features a shopping mall from Levels 1 to 6, and from Levels 7 to 16, The Cathay Residence. While the iconic cinema is no longer there, there’s still plenty to do. From a 24-hour gym to burn off those snacks to delicious F&B spots to satisfy every craving. One of the main highlights is the new three-story, 360-degree multimedia screen featuring dynamic visuals in HD! Check out our full guide of The Cathay at Dhoby Ghaut here.

Deets: The Cathay, 2 Handy Road, Singapore 229233, www.thecathay.com.sg

PropNex Family Zone: Free outdoor playground @ Gardens by The Bay

Heading to the iconic Gardens by the Bay soon? Good news because there’s a brand-new outdoor playground, and it’s inspired by the Supertrees themselves! This sizeable play space features towering wooden structures that mimic the look of the Supertrees, and yes, they even light up at night! Older kids will love the climbing structures and tall slide, while little ones will enjoy the giant sandpit that glows after dark. There’s even a mini marketplace that is perfect for pretend play. Check out our full review of the Propnex Family Zone at Gardens by The Bay here and watch our Reel here.

Deets: Propnex Family Zone, Gardens by The Bay Active Garden, www.gardensbythebay.com.sg

The Artground @ GAC: New “Lost Islands” indoor playspace

The Artground has just unveiled its newest playspace, and we guarantee you’d want to check this one out! This play space presents three different interactive exhibitions for kids throughout the year, and its latest exhibition – Lost Islands – invites little adventurers to journey across the islands of Singapore and Indonesia, where myths, folklore, and legends come to life. Just opened in April, this new indoor playground features climbing elements and a sensory path set along the back of a majestic mythical sea dragon! Watch our reel here.

Deets: The Artground @ GAC, Goodman Arts Centre, www.theartground.com.sg

Revamped Museum of Ice Cream: New installations including a Banana Maze

Possibly one of the most colourful, kid-friendly museums in Singapore, the Museum of Ice Cream has just reopened after a sweet revamp, complete with new interactive installations that’ll have you chasing your next sugar rush. New highlights to look forward to include the adorable Animal Cookie Ride, a brand-new bouncy castle, the Infinity Mirror Party Zone as well as Singapore’s first-ever Banana Maze! The carnival area also has nostalgic games for a dose of childhood fun. Plus, you can now indulge in up to 19 ice cream flavours and 8 toppings during your visit! Check out our full review of Museum of Ice Cream and watch our Reel here.

Deets: Museum of Ice Cream Singapore, 100 Loewen Road, Dempsey, Singapore 248837, www.museumoficecream.com

Nintendo Pop-Up store @ Jewel Changi Airport: New and exclusive merchandise

The popular Nintendo pop-up is making a comeback at Jewel Changi Airport, and this year, it’s bigger than ever! Expect 150 new and exclusive merchandise items from fan-favourite games like Super Mario, Animal Crossing, The Legend of Zelda, Splatoon, Pikmin and more. Think stationery, figurines, apparel, and plenty of collectables! Plus, be sure to spot Mario-themed installations located around Jewel, including a massive Rainbow Road centrepiece!

Deets: Nintendo pop-up store, Jewel Changi Airport, www.jewelchangiairport.com