The kids' first Halloween celebration - Safari Boo at River Safari

Last Saturday, I arranged for another play date for the kids with their favourite cousing and BFF. It was their first Halloween celebration and it took place at River Safari.

The theme was A Merry-not-scary kids event Safari Boo. Kids can enter for free at 6pm till 9pm with paying adults at $15 each.

The kids getting ready

Too big for him but he insisted on wearing it from home till destination

Refused to take the mask off even in the car

Little batman, lil witch and Princess Anna at River Safari

We decided to feed the little ones before going in. To our surprise, they have expanded the cafe at the common area before entry to zoo or river safari. Finally more seats and more choices of food. But it was really very stuffy as the place is not well-ventilated.

While waiting for food, Queen Elsa and Princess Anna posing with the witch's hat and broom

All ready for the adventure after getting their tummies filled

They were busy running about and getting their photos taken before we could pull them to the entrance

See what I meant. They can pose anywhere anytime

When we entered, we saw staff giving out empty trick or treat bags to children and went forward only to realise that all  the bags have been given out. Hmmm... don't they anticipate that there will be many children coming for the event?

As the skies turn dark, it became challenging to walk in the dark too as the passageway were not well-lit at most places. Perhaps they wanted to create the pitch dark atmosphere that will theme well with Halloween but it is definitely not ideal for families with young kids. They should really look into adequate lighting for the premises for the future night events.

There were puzzles along the way for kids to engage the kids and adults. Spot one on the top right hand.

The kids were whining that they want to see Jia jia and Kai kai along the journey and we told them that they were getting closer to the Panda Forest. Who would have known?!! The Giant Panda enclosure was closed!!!! There was no announcement that the Panda Forest will be closed for the event. Not on the website. Not at the entrance. It just came as a shocking surprise to everyone who were full of anticipation to see the panda. The kids were really disappointed especially my girl. She said "Mummy, I had fun today but a little bit not fun cos we didn't get to see Jia Jia and Kai Kai."

 

We came across a funfair outside the Mama Panda Kitchen. And the kids participated in some of the activities like brushing the sand to discover the fossil and guess which creature did they belong to. See how focused the girls were.

Oh! And you will be rewarded with a lollipop when you guessed correctly (with lots of hints from the friendly staff). Erm, well it was supposed to be a fun night out for the kids so they get to savour the lollipop

The happy kids with their lollipop candies

Along the way, we get to meet mystical mascots like Unicorn, Mermaids and Fairies who will give candies and little gifts like clips and badges to all little kids as Tricks or Treats. The little ones enjoyed it and will head towards them when they spotted them from a distance.

There were also owls and iguana for photo opportunity.

It's a gigantic iguana!! Gosh! I refused to go near it. Told my girl not to touch it and she still did. Eeks! But I admired her courage.

The kids were amazed by Amazon Flooded Forest as they watched on at the aquarium

We gotten a pumpkin bucket for her to bring to her school for Halloween celebration. See how thrilled she is!

 Overall, the kids were happy and contented as they get to take home candies and gifts with great company of their cousin and BFF. But we felt that it was not that worth it as the most anticipated attraction was closed and we felt that we were walking in darkness most of the times. Nonetheless, as long as the kids had fun (but 'a little bit not fun' like what my girl said), we are happy too.

Happy Halloween!