SINGAPORE — The March school holidays are over. While it might be too soon to depart for another vacation, staying right here in Singapore can be the perfect play-cation, with cool hideouts and new discoveries to be made if you know where to look.

Take Sentosa, for example. It’s a convenient drive or train ride away (via the Sentosa Express from VivoCity), or if you like, you can take the cable car too.

Even though the name means “peace and tranquillity” in Malay (taken from the Sanskrit word, santosha), there is a lot one can do within the island’s 5 sq km setting. The obvious thing would be to have a staycation there, but if you prefer a day-only experience, you can still make the most out of your trip.

The island contains more than enough activities for everyone — from energetic munchkins who need to be amused, like, right now; to those who want to do more than just hang with pals over at Tanjong Beach.

With that in mind, here are three personalised trails for you to go forth and conquer the island for a day.

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Sentosa is a godsend for parents. We know this because parents swear going to Sentosa is what helps them keeps their sanity when the weekends s-t-r-e-t-c-h by and the tykes are feeling antsy at home. Don’t simply let the little ones loose at the popular Port Of Lost Wonder for the whole day — that would mean missing out on loads of other highlights. Follow this trail to maximise your day out.

1. MORNING MISCHIEF

Yes, morning is the best time to hit Port Of Lost Wonder (POLW). It’s when the kids are feeling bright and bouncy, it’s not too hot and if you go at 10am when it opens, you can practically have the place to yourself. This beach club, just a three-minute walk from Beach Station, is designed for children below 12 (but we’ve seen parents partaking in the activities too).

Kids can go wild pretending they’re Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth Swann as they board the Pirate Ship. Playing with the water guns, ducking the water buckets and whooshing down the water slides always work for the kiddies, while the sun beds parked in The Deck, along with the mats in the shaded Hatch Patch might be a better choice for parents who wish to lounge around or have a picnic.

You also have free lockers to keep your things — you don’t really want to lug all your stuff around, do you? — and the Baby Care Area comes with a changing table and nursing table, so mums and their wee tots are looked after. And you don’t have to leave POLW to have some fun in the sand: There is a sand pit for kids, so don’t forget to bring the beach toys. The Bubble Party is another happy place for kids to cool off. And if the children are tired of the play areas, there is a host of programmes — from learning more about plants to handicraft sessions — which they can use their Curio Coins to purchase. By the way, admission charges are for kids only — parents can enter free “with a hug from the child”.

BRUNCH BREAK. After all that running around, the kids would need to replenish their tummies. Again, you don’t have to pop out of POLW — just head to Port Belly. Kids can tuck into their fave food like tacos, fish and chips and pizzas; parents can get lattes and even wines, if that’s your pleasure. And talk about table service: The staff will bring the food to wherever you’re sitting — if you’re already comfortably settled on the mat.

2. JUST LUGING AROUND

With brunch settled, you can pick up the pace a little. Yes, we’re talking about luging. No, it’s not quite like what you see in the Olympics, where you lie down on what’s essentially a skateboard as you zip down a hill. Over at Skyline Luge Sentosa, you don safety helmets and sit in what looks like a mini buggy. After a brief safety demonstration, you release the brakes and you’re off. Daredevil kids can zoom off on their own (if they meet the height requirement); otherwise, they can join Mum or Dad down the 650m track. And because it’s a Skyline Luge, there’s always a great view on the way up, as you ride the chair-lift back to the top. Take a family selfie (if you’ve got steady enough hands) while dangling prettily on the Skyride. Interestingly, Skyline Luge Sentosa is listed as No 7 in the Amusement Parks category in Asia on TripAdvisor, and that’s sayin’ something.

3. SHOOT `EM UP

With the afternoon sun blazing, it’s time to escape to air-conditioned comfort at 4D Adventureland. It’s ride like no other. Remind the kids to hold on tight as the ride tumbles, tosses and takes you right into the action. Previous 4D movies included Pirates and Happy Feet Mumble’s Wild Ride. At the moment, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is being screened. If that’s not enough, jump into the Extreme Log Ride, a 4D roller coaster where the kids can scream their hearts out as they nose-dive down waterfalls and fly over cliffs. Or you can check out the 4D interactive shoot-out game, Desperados, where you get to blast the baddies with motion-sensor pistols while on a moving seat. Here’s the best part: You get unlimited rides with your admission.

FEEDING TIME. After all that excitement, you might want to dial it down a notch. Take Bus 1 from Imbiah Lookout to Underwater World, just a two-minute ride away. Those feeling peckish can grab a quick bite — either tuck into a full meal or just cool off with drinks and ice-cream — at the various restaurants and cafes near Underwater World, before diving into the deep.

4. UNDER THE SEA

Don’t just rush into the 83m-long underwater tunnel when you get to Underwater World, encourage your kids to get touchy-feely with the animals right at the Touch Pool near the entrance, where they can get a feel of bamboo sharks, star fishes and even porcupine fish. You can also feed the baby sharks, stingrays and other marine life in the Mystical Anti-Gravity Interactive Concept Tank (MAGIC-T), that has openings that allow you to put your hand through.

Once inside, be sure to stop by the Masters Of Disguise tank and see the Mimic Octopus (thus named because it can mimic the colour, texture and behaviour of other sea creatures) in action; or gaze at the chambered nautilus, which has been around since pre-historic times, existing even way before the dinosaurs roamed the earth. The Jelly World is another spot to linger in, because of the colourful, glowing jelly fish swimming around in the background. Yes mums, great photo ops here. Since your admission ticket includes entry into the Dolphin Lagoon, stay for the dolphin and fur seal shows.

DINNER BELL. By this time, the kids ought to be happily bushed so the leisurely bus ride (Bus 1) to Beach Station would be a good chance to rest. Back at the Beach Station, the kids can tuck into fast food or Asian delicacies at the restaurants nearby for dinner.

5. BABY, YOU’RE A FIREWORK

After dinner, settle in to watch Songs Of The Sea, the live waterworks show that tells the adventures of Li and his friends, and how he rescues a princess. With a live cast, a laser show and some cool pyrotechnics, the song-and-dance spectacle lasts 25 minutes, and is the perfect way to finish the family day on a high.

Part 2: For the heritage hipster

Part 3: For the thrill-seeker