While there is a wealth of travel options during the June holidays, sometimes it’s not a bad thing to stay in Singapore during that period. There are all kinds of activities lined up for children and big stars make it a point to stop over. We’re talking mega-big stars that children will love, mind you, such as Peppa Pig (who is practically the Beyonce for the three-year-old set), and the much-beloved Papa Smurf (still iconic to those who grew up with Smurfs in the ’80s).

It will be the first time both cartoon celebrities will be making live appearances in Singapore. Peppa is arriving straight from her home in the United Kingdom with her family and friends for Peppa Pig Live! Treasure Hunt from May 30 to June 1, while Papa Smurf is leading the Smurfs contingent for Smurfs Live On Stage from June 12 to 14 after their stint in Dubai and, more recently, in Hong Kong over the Easter weekend. Both shows will be staged at Resorts World Sentosa.

“It’s a very good feeling to see the Smurfs come to life, to see your favourite characters in front of you. It’s a difference experience for fans,” said Veronique Culliford, daughter of Smurfs’ creator Peyo, on why she approved of a live show for the characters. “Everyone can recognise themselves in a Smurf.”

Bekki Adams, the puppeteer and voice behind Peppa, loves the fact that the character is such a rock star with children. “Kids get really excited to see her when we perform, they want to go up to touch her and talk to her,” she said with a laugh. “There was once we had to stop a show as a little boy kept yelling to warn Peppa that a shark was coming to bite her!”

With such appeal, we had to speak to the characters themselves to hear their thoughts on their popularity and dig into their travel habits.

> A PEPPA-PACKED PIG:

Q: Hi Peppa, you’ll be coming all the way from the UK. What do you do to get through such a long flight?

A: I’ve never taken a flight this long before. I’d play games with George (her younger brother), but he’s very small so he will probably go to sleep after a while. If he sleeps, I’d play games with Daddy Pig. We like to play Snap! We make sure we pack our game cards. I’m also very good at reading, so I’d bring books to read.

Q: What do you tell little children like George if they don’t like flying or are scared of turbulence?

A: I’d tell them not to be scared. I am scared sometimes too, but we have to be brave. When you put on a brave face, you will feel better and braver. And you can hold your mummy or daddy’s hand.

Q: How do you feel about meeting your Singapore fans?

A: I’m very excited to meet them. I can’t wait! I hope I get to see many friends.

Q: Do you know anything about Sentosa?

A: Yes, I’ve heard of it and Universal Studios. I hear it’s lots of fun there all the time and that I can take the roller coaster. I also want to go to the beach to make sand castles. It’s warm in Singapore all the time, right? That’s so nice because cold weather makes me so sleepy.

Q: We have just one more question. What do you do when another kid is very annoying on the plane?

A: I know it’s very hard sometimes not to be mean. But Mummy Pig said if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all. George can sometimes be annoying, but he’s my little brother. I’d just wait for him to be fun again and we can play together.

> PAPA KNOWS BEST:

Q: So tell us Papa Smurf, what’s the best thing about being a Smurf?

A: We start each and every day singing A Happy Song. Everyone’s day runs much better when you are in a good mood, that is why we Smurfs like to go: “La la la la la la, sing a happy song.”

Q: What was it like performing in different cities such as Dubai and Hong Kong?

A: We love having many adventures. Dubai was the beginning of our three-year world tour and every country is interesting. We spread Smurf-y fun around the world and, along the way, we learn about teamwork, the new places we may go to and the environment (around us).

Q: How do you keep your energy up when you travel?

A: We love visiting lots of new places and keep our energy by being at one with nature. It is also important to keep a secret supply of Smurfberries! We will also be headed back to the studio soon to prepare for the Smurfs 3 movie.

Q: What do you think children in Singapore will be like?

A: The audiences really loved our musical story in Dubai and Hong Kong — they were singing, dancing and cheering. They even (participated) to find the ingredients to takeback for spring. We hope the audience in Singapore will love the show as much.

Q: As a Papa with so much experience, how would you advise parents to bond with their children when they travel?

A: Create new experiences and share the children’s excitement and wonder. And for little Smurfs, never forget your toothbrush, your map and your sense of adventure!