This Mid-Autumn coincides with the September holidays! Here are 7 easy ideas and activities to explore Mid-Autumn Festival with your little ones. 

1. Shape easy homemade playdough into mooncakes
2. Do a round of free moooncake tasting!
3. DIY edible tang yuans with this simple hack
4. Dine out under the stars (full moon)
5. Watch a read aloud on the legends of the Mid-Autumn Festival
6. Make a really simple lantern together
7. Simply go for a walk in the neighbourhood 
   

1. Shape easy homemade playdough into mooncakes

Up for some tactile play? Not only are homemade playdough free from processed chemicals, your child can also learn about measurement, fractions and ingredients along the way.  At the same time, introduce Mandarin terms while you are at it, such as 

• 月饼 (mooncakes)
• 陷 (filling)
• 冰皮 (snowskin)
• 颜料 (colouring)

Just be sure to watch your young toddlers as the finished products look so much like the real snowskin mooncakes!

2. Do a round of free moooncake tasting!

Feeling hungry already? Mooncake fairs are back! Shop for (and sample) mooncakes together! 

From now till 10 Sep (Sat), here are some locations you can head to:

• Takashimaya Square, B2 and Food Hall, B2
• TANGS at VivoCity, Level 1 Atrium
• TANGS at Tang Plaza, Basement
• NEX, Level 1 Atrium

3. DIY edible tang yuans with this simple hack

Want to make something edible but find mooncakes too complex? Put on your apron and make tang yuans (汤圆) with your child. Take the opportunity to share about how Mid-Autumn is when the moon is the roundest, and the Mandarin term yuan also symbolises gathering and reunion. 

4. Dine out under the stars (full moon)

Taking a break from cooking meals? Head over to Grub under the night sky in the outdoor seating area to admire the full moon. To keep boredom at bay, check out our voice interactive activity with your child. 

5. Watch a read aloud on the legends of the Mid-Autumn Festival

After filling your stomachs, snuggle together to read about the legendary story linked to the Mid-Autumn Festival - The story of Hou Yi and Chang’E. Try getting your hands on a copy of The Shadow in the Moon by Christina Matula, or simply watch the above read aloud together. 

6. Make a really simple lantern together

Here is a really simple one. All you need is paper, scissors and stapler. Feeling more crafty? Try out this really cute bunny lantern. 

7. Simply go for a walk in the neighbourhood 

When the clouds clear, head downstairs with your lanterns to connect with your neighbours and look out for the moon! Oh, those days when we lit candles in rows on the lids of mooncake tins. You can also prepare sparklers and glow sticks for some extra fun in the dark.

Here’s a very happy Mid-Autumn Festival from all of us at BrookieKids! Enjoy the activities and have fun with your family!

References

Choi, B. (2018, September 13). Playdough Mooncakes – Mid-Autumn Festival Activity With Recipe! Chalk Academy. Retrieved from https://chalkacademy.com/playdough-mooncakes-recipe/

Tan, M. (2021, February 22). How To Make Tangyuan: Glutinous Rice Dumplings In Ginger Syrup. Little Day Out. Retrieved from https://www.littledayout.com/how-to-make-tangyuan-glutinous-rice-dumplings-in-ginger-syrup/

Fernando, N. (n.d.). 5 great reasons to cook with your kids. HealthyChildren.org. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Cooking-With-Your-Children.aspx