We are now in August, which highlights an important event: National Day!
It is quickly approaching on the 31st of August, so what can you do to commemorate and cherish the occasion with your kids?
Perhaps you could do something to help your children understand what the day is all about.
History can be dull for some kids, but not if you engage yours in fun activities that they will enjoy and remember.
Believe it or not, children remember better when they are having fun. So, go ahead and make National Day enjoyable.
Don’t worry if you haven’t thought of anything yet; it’s still not too late to make a National Day plan for your entire family.
Just scroll down to find out which options are best for you and your kids!
Attend the National Day Parade
Attending the annual Merdeka Parade at Dataran Merdeka is one of the best ways to honour the historical event.
However, make sure to better prepare for the long event and unpredictable weather.
Organise a National Day Trivia Session
If you want to see how well your kids know our country’s history, look no further than a National Day Trivia!
There are numerous questions you can ask, such as:
- What is the actual date of Malaysia’s National Day?
- How long has Malaysia been independent as of 2023?
- Who is the Father of Independence (or Bapa Kemerdekaan)?
- What is the theme for this year’s National Day?
- What are the total colours on Malaysia’s Jalur Gemilang?
- Who is the singer of “Tanggal 31”, the most popular Merdeka song? (Hint: He also sings the famous “Balik Kampung” song!)
Also, why not make it fun by ‘punishing’ them creatively if they get it wrong, such as having them drink a sour beverage or eat a sour candy?
Simultaneously, prepare some small gifts for every correct answer.
The kids will also enjoy it if you get them to prepare their own questions to ask.
Visit Historical Places
There is no better way to teach your children about history than to take them to Malaysia’s historical sites.
Each attraction has its own meaningful story that you can share with your children.
Apart from the Dataran Merdeka, here are some other places in Kuala Lumpur that would be ideal to visit for Merdeka Day.
- National Monument
- Sultan Abdul Samad Building
- Istana Negara
- Masjid Jamek
- Thean Hou Temple
- Central Market
- Stesen Keretapi Lama Kuala Lumpur (Old Railway Station)
Cook a Malaysian Feast
Ever heard of “Food brings the family together on many different levels”?
Surely, nothing beats a good time with good food, especially when the entire family spends time together cooking it.
Malaysian feasts are simply one too many, given the country’s diverse race and culture.
If you live in a multi-racial community, arranging a potluck where everyone can bring their cultural dishes will be a good experience for the young minds.
At the same time, you can all hang out together and tell the kids what National Day means to each of you.
Play Traditional Games
Do you remember when you used to play traditional games like congkak, batu seremban, gasing, guli (marbles), tutup botol (bottle caps), and many more?
Nowadays, many young children are not exposed to them and instead focus on digital games.
Bring back those old fun memories and have a game night on National Day. Teach your children how to play them and have a family competition.
Want to make it more knowledgeable? Look up some game history to tell your kids when introducing them to the games.
You might be learning something new as well.
Go on a National Day Vacation
You still have time to plan a family road trip on National Day! If not on that day, perhaps on the following weekend.
It will be interesting to visit some of the country’s most historic sites (besides the ones shared above), including:
- The A’Famosa Fortress, Malacca
- Malacca Sultanate Palace, Malacca
- Kampung Kling Mosque, Malacca
- Chinese Hill (Bukit Cina), Malacca
- Hang Tuah’s Well, Malacca
- Christ Church Melaka, Malacca
- Hang Jebat and Hang Kasturi’s Mausoleum, Malacca
- Kuan Yin Temple, Kuala Lumpur
- Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur
- George Church, Penang
- Snake Temple, Penang
- Fort Cornwallis, Penang
- Bukit Kepong, Johor
- Sultan Ibrahim Building, Johor
- Pasir Salak Historical Complex, Perak
There are of course many more across the country, and the history that each one holds will astound you.
If you can’t get to all of these places right away, that’s fine; this can serve as a checklist for you and your kids to complete in the coming months or years.
Find Family-Friendly National Day Event
National Day events are being planned all over the country by various organisers. If you search online, you might find one near you.
That being said, you can bring your children to enjoy a variety of activities that may be held in a mall, park, or elsewhere.
When you’ve found the one that’s right for your kids, don’t forget to mark your calendar and plan your day accordingly.
While they are having fun with the activities, they may be learning about the National Day celebration.
Watch Malaysian Patriotic Movies
This is a great activity if you just want to unwind at home with your kids and aren’t feeling particularly crafty.
You can watch some patriotic films with your children about Malaysian history or National Day.
There is no need to leave the house; simply choose one or two movies and prepare some snacks and beverages.
Convert your living room into a mini-theatre and enjoy the session with your children.
Put up Flags for National Day Decoration
Putting up our Malaysian flag, the Jalur Gemilang, and National Day decorations throughout the house would be a wonderful way to celebrate the historical event.
You can let your children choose the decorations and where they will go.
While you’re at it, get your Malaysia flags in various sizes to display outside and inside your home. Perhaps designate a specific area as a ‘Merdeka Corner’.
You can also put the flags on your vehicle and drive around with the National Day spirit.
Just make sure to adhere to the rules regarding flag placement.
Share Some Merdeka-Themed Bakes
If you and your children are available for some baking time. Head over to the kitchen and make some Merdeka-themed cakes, cookies, cupcakes, or biscuits.
To decorate the baked goods with Malaysian flair, print out some decorations, purchase sprinkles in the nation’s colours, or make some out of fondant.
Once the sugary treats are prepared, place them in a gift bag and distribute them to your neighbours and friends.
They will undoubtedly be awed by the vibrant and enthusiastic way of celebrating our National Day.
Make National Day Arts and Crafts
Almost every child would enjoy doing this activity, especially those with a creative streak.
To begin, gather all of the necessary art supplies, such as paints, papers, glitters, and so on.
The design possibilities are endless. You and your children can create National Day cards, ornaments for decorations, pinwheels, shaped cards, and much more.
If you’re stuck for ideas, go to Pinterest or Google and you’ll find a plethora of creative ways to get started.
Fun Reading Time
Reading to your children can be exciting now that there are National Day books designed specifically for children.
It is much easier and simpler for them to comprehend the significance of Independence Day.
So, you don’t have to read your kids long, boring history books. Instead, the Merdeka books are more colourful and illustrated to appeal to children.
You can also make the session more entertaining by performing a puppet show or ‘wayang kulit‘ to teach them about Malaysian history.
Just remember that whatever books you’re reading to your kids, it is important to make sure they’re relevant to them.
Drawing and Colouring Activity
Who doesn’t enjoy colouring, right?
For this activity, you can print out National Day drawings from the Internet for your kids to colour.
Alternatively, you and your children can draw or colour anything related to our country.
After that, put everything in a scrapbook, hang it on the wall, or frame the art pieces to remember the historical day.
Here’s a great colouring template for your kids to use for this creative project:
Join a National Day Contest
For National Day, there are numerous contests available; many of which are now online.
So, you don’t necessarily have to bring your kids out to join them.
Find a contest that is appropriate for your children, such as scavenger hunt, colouring, writing, photography, costume, doodling, and many others, and encourage them to participate.
National Day Out in Traditional Attire
Wear traditional attire for whatever plans you have with the kids that day. This is an amazing way to embrace our culture and demonstrate our pride in it.
Put on that traditional attire whether you’re going to watch the National Day Parade, hang out at the mall, walk in the park, or visit any historical sites.
It’s also a great way for you and your family to show your patriotism on our monumental National Day.
Hopefully, this list will inspire you to make the historic National Day memorable for you and your family.
Motherhood wishes all our Malaysian readers a Happy National Day! Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka!
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