‘Inside Out 2’ Brings Magic Of Emotions To Children’s Festival At Gardens by the Bay

This June, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore transforms into a vibrant playground for its 10th annual Children’s Festival, celebrating with a special theme from Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2. From 25 May to 22 June, families are invited to explore a unique outdoor carnival that delves into the colourful world of emotions, coinciding with the release of Inside Out 2 on 13 June in Singapore.

The festival, held at Supertree Grove, is set to be Southeast Asia’s only Inside Out 2-themed carnival, featuring large-scale installations that allow children to interact with concepts of feelings through play. Attendees can expect to navigate through various zones each inspired by Inside Out 2 characters — Joy, Anger, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and newly introduced Emotions such as Anxiety and Envy.

The Kaleidoscope of Memories installation is the centerpiece of the festival, inspired by the Long Term Memory storage from Inside Out. It features illuminated Memory Orbs that visitors can interact with. By scanning a QR code, visitors can create their own Memory Orb by selecting a character that matches their current emotion, posing for a photo, and then uploading it. These orbs are then projected onto an animated wall, blending personal memories with a collective experience.

Themed around the Emotion Joy, the Mood Swings installation includes swings designed to uplift spirits and provide a light, fun activity for visitors of all ages. It’s a simple yet effective way to engage with the theme of happiness.

The Expression Doodles installation allows children to explore complex emotions like Sadness and Embarrassment through interactive art. Using water brushes, they can paint on special surfaces that reveal colourful doodles, offering a creative outlet to express and manage feelings.

Designed to challenge and engage, the Emotion Mirrors installation features a mirror maze and gigantic buzz-wire games themed around the Emotions Fear and Anxiety. It tests visitors’ nerves as they navigate through the tricky setup, reflecting the internal battles one might face with these emotions.

Inspired by the Emotion Ennui, the relaxed Fort Pillowtown installation offers a place for rest and imaginative play. Children can build and play within cosy pillow forts, providing a calm space to unwind and reflect.

The Memory Orb Mountain is a playful area that features large inflatable balls representing the variety of emotions experienced throughout the festival. It’s a space for physical engagement and reflection, encouraging visitors to embrace and balance their emotions. The balls glow in the evening, adding a magical element to the experience.

The festival not only aims to educate and entertain but also strengthens family bonds, as emphasised by Felix Loh, CEO of Gardens by the Bay, “Kids can learn about stress and emotions in a fun way through relatable characters and heartwarming stories such as those from Disney and Pixar. More importantly, the event will allow families to bond and spend meaningful time together.” Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, the event is also part of the broader National Family Festival, promoting family time across the community.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of free activities, including outdoor screenings of Disney and Pixar films like Coco and The Incredibles 2. The festival will also feature fringe performances, carnival games, and craft workshops where families can create their own Memory Orbs and more, although some activities may require a fee.

A nightly Garden Rhapsody light and sound show titled The Medley of Emotions will enhance the atmosphere, syncing the lights of the Supertrees with the Inside Out 2 soundtrack to deepen the immersive experience.

A special retail pop-up in the form of an arcade will offer Inside Out 2-themed merchandise, providing fans with early access to a range of products inspired by the film. Promotions during the festival include a best-dressed contest and chances to win movie tickets to Inside Out 2 by participating in social media challenges.

The Gardens by the Bay’s Children’s Festival promises a memorable adventure for families looking to explore the emotional landscapes of Inside Out 2 while enjoying interactive, educational fun in one of Singapore’s most iconic locations. The event will run from 25 May to 22 June, and more details can be found on the official website.