Finding a school holiday activity that children genuinely look forward to can sometimes be harder than expected. Parents may want something more meaningful than simply another indoor activity, while children naturally want something exciting, different and fun. This September school holiday, FINS Swim School at SAFRA Toa Payoh is offering a rather unusual option for children aged 6 to 11: a chance to learn the basics of mermaid swimming.

The FINS September Holiday Mermaid Swimming Programme is designed as an introduction to mermaid-style swimming, combining swimming skills, water confidence, coordination and safety with the fun idea of moving through the water like a mermaid. It is not simply about putting on a tail and taking photographs. Children will be guided through proper techniques and coached activities so they can become more comfortable and controlled in the water.

For families looking for something different during the September school holidays, this could be a refreshing alternative to the usual shopping trips, movies and indoor play areas.

The programme is held at SAFRA Toa Payoh, making it a convenient option for families who live around Toa Payoh and nearby neighbourhoods. More importantly, the programme has been structured for young swimmers, so children can gradually develop their skills instead of being thrown straight into something they may find too challenging.

A Mermaid Experience for Young Swimmers

The programme begins with Try Mermaid Junior, which is aimed at children aged 6 to 11 who are experiencing mermaid swimming for the first time.

The lesson lasts for one hour and is suitable for children who are comfortable in the water and can already swim at least 12 metres. During the session, participants are introduced to the safe use and care of a monofin, as well as basic body-wave and dolphin-kick movements.

They will also learn about safe entry and exit from the water, surface movement, balance and controlling their bodies while swimming. Towards the end, children get the opportunity to put what they have learnt together during a short coached mermaid swim.

One thing parents should take note of is that the programme includes the use of a monofin for the coached practice, but a mermaid tail is not included. This is worth knowing before signing up, particularly if children are expecting a full mermaid costume experience.

The introductory lesson costs $130 for the public, while SAFRA members can enjoy the lower rate of $110.

Ready for More? Try Mermaid Explorer Junior

For children who enjoy the introductory session and want to take their skills further, Mermaid Explorer Junior provides a more comprehensive learning experience.

This programme consists of four 60-minute lessons. Children must either be able to swim 12 metres without swimming aids or have completed Try Mermaid Junior before progressing.

Across the four sessions, participants can work on better streamlining, body-wave rhythm and monofin control. They will also be introduced to safe surface and shallow-water movement, turns and buddy skills, along with other techniques associated with the mermaid programme.

This longer format may appeal particularly to parents who would rather their children learn progressively instead of attending a one-off holiday activity. Four sessions also give young swimmers more time to become familiar with the equipment, movements and water environment.

The standard price for Mermaid Explorer Junior is $420 for the public and $357 for SAFRA members.

There is also a more attractive option for families planning to complete both stages.

Save More with the Junior Explorer Journey Bundle

FINS Swim School is offering a promotion on the Junior Explorer Journey, which combines Try Mermaid Junior and Mermaid Explorer Junior in one bundle.

The promotional price is $500 for the public and $425 for SAFRA members. According to the promotion, this represents savings of up to 10% on the Junior Mermaid Explorer Journey Programme.

For families already considering both programmes, the bundle could be worth looking at before booking the introductory lesson separately. Instead of treating the first session as an isolated activity, children can start with the introductory experience and continue into the Explorer programme as they develop their confidence and skills.

The bundle also makes sense for children who are enthusiastic about swimming and enjoy learning new techniques. Rather than simply trying something once during the school holidays, they have an opportunity to build on what they have learnt.

Why Should Families Enjoy This Deal?

The biggest attraction is arguably the combination of fun and useful learning.

Children are naturally drawn to imaginative activities, and the mermaid theme gives them an exciting reason to get into the pool. At the same time, the programme focuses on practical swimming movements, coordination, balance and water safety.

That combination can make a difference. Instead of an activity where children simply spend an hour being entertained, they can come away having learnt something new.

Water confidence is another important benefit. Children develop at different speeds, and some may be comfortable swimming normally but become less confident when asked to use unfamiliar equipment or movements. A guided programme gives them an opportunity to explore these skills with coaching.

The programme also introduces concepts such as buddy skills and safe movement in the water. These lessons can be useful beyond the mermaid experience itself, particularly as children become more independent swimmers.

For parents, the September school holiday is also a good opportunity to let children try something they may not normally encounter during regular school weeks. Mermaid swimming is certainly more memorable than another ordinary swimming lesson.

A Good Option for Children Who Love Swimming

Not every child will be ready for the programme, and the entry requirements should be taken seriously. Participants in Try Mermaid Junior need to be comfortable in water and able to swim 12 metres. For Mermaid Explorer Junior, they need to swim 12 metres without aids or have completed the introductory programme.

These requirements are there for a reason. Mermaid swimming involves different body movements and equipment, so children should already have a reasonable level of swimming confidence before participating.

Parents should also remember that places are limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. A minimum of four participants is required for a class to commence, while individual sessions remain subject to availability.

Advance booking and payment are required, and no-shows will not be replaced. The promotion cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts, vouchers or offers.

Interested families can register through the official FINS Swim School registration page: FINS Swim School Register Your Interest

Plan the School Holiday Around a Different Kind of Adventure

The September school holiday does not have to be filled entirely with the same familiar activities. For children aged 6 to 11 who already enjoy swimming, the FINS Mermaid Junior Swimming Programme offers a chance to learn something unusual while staying active.

The introductory Try Mermaid Junior lesson provides a relatively easy way to see whether a child enjoys the experience. For those who become hooked on the idea, the four-session Mermaid Explorer Junior programme gives them more time to improve their technique and confidence.

The Junior Explorer Journey bundle is particularly worth considering for families who already know that their child will want to continue. With the promotional bundle priced at $500 for the public or $425 for SAFRA members, it provides a more complete route from the introductory lesson to the Explorer programme.

Ultimately, this promotion is less about becoming a fantasy mermaid and more about giving children an enjoyable reason to learn. They can practise coordination, discover new swimming movements, become more confident in the water and enjoy a school holiday activity that feels genuinely different.

For parents searching for an engaging September school holiday experience, FINS Swim School’s Mermaid Junior Programme at SAFRA Toa Payoh is certainly one to consider. With limited places and registration on a first-come, first-served basis, families interested in the programme may want to check availability and register early.

Promotional/Event Details

Date: September School Holiday 2026; programme dates and class schedules are subject to availability
Time: 1 × 60-minute lesson for Try Mermaid Junior; 4 × 60-minute lessons for Mermaid Explorer Junior
Venue: SAFRA Toa Payoh, 293 Toa Payoh Lor 6, Singapore 319387
Programme: FINS September Holiday Mermaid Swimming Programme
Age: 6 to 11 years old
Try Mermaid Junior: $130 Public / $110 SAFRA Member
Mermaid Explorer Junior: $420 Public / $357 SAFRA Member
Junior Explorer Journey Bundle: $500 Public / $425 SAFRA Member
Promotion: Up to 10% off Junior Mermaid Explorer Journey Programme
Registration: Register with FINS Swim School
Contact: 6355 457 / lsephia@safra.sg

Terms and conditions: The bundle promotion is valid for FINS Swim School at SAFRA Toa Payoh and cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts, vouchers or offers. Registration is subject to availability and on a first-come, first-served basis. A minimum of four participants is required for a class to commence. Credits cannot be exchanged for cash or used to offset other promotions or packages. Booking and payment must be made in advance, and no-shows will not be replaced. Limited slots are available. FINS Swim School and management reserve the right to amend the terms and conditions without prior notice.