As acclaimed childrens’ book and poetry author Elizabeth Coatsworth once wrote: “November comes and November goes, with the last red berries and the first white snows”. Although Singapore's tropical climate won't be delivering any snowy winters anytime soon, it's still nonetheless the perfect time to gather the family for some arts and culture fun.
7 fun things to do with the kids and family during Singapore's year-end school holidays
05 November 2024
By Larissa Santhana Nair
1
/
1
If you’re looking for ways to keep the family entertained with the year-end school holidays just round the corner, Catch has got you sorted. Here are seven exciting activities this November that will bring joy and adventure to quality family time.
1. ENJOY A TOPSY-TURVY EXPERIENCE AT “WONDERLAND UPSIDE DOWN” (ONGOING)
In celebration of their 10th anniversary, ANDSOFORTH is taking all guests through the looking glass with “Wonderland Upside Down”, a new immersive dining and theatrical experience inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Be prepared to don your finest Victorian Punk attire and embark on a surreal adventure filled with beloved characters and hands-on surprises in every room.
You’ll be treated to a 5-course meal and drinks inspired by the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, and Queen of Hearts. Each room offers enchanting decor, whimsical workshops, and chances to take home exclusive Wonderland merchandise. And parents, bring your kids on a Sunday for special family fun!
2. PONDER AND BE MOVED WHILE YOU ARE ON THE GO WITH “POEMS ON THE MRT” (FROM 1 NOV TO 2025)
Families, couples or singles – this one is for everyone. Produced by Sing Lit Station’s poet and writer network, the National Arts Council, SMRT trains and Stellar Ace will be bringing your commute to the next level. In selected trains, encounter Singaporean poetry in English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil as you go about your day.
Want to experience more poetry in Singapore? Dhoby Ghaut station will be hosting a pop-up library on 1 Nov with a curated selection of Sing Lit titles for all to enjoy. It could even be the perfect midday pick-me-up during your lunch break.
3. SEE THE WORLD AS CHILDREN DO AT “WORLDS AROUND YOU: A THINK! CONTEMPORARY PRIMARY SCHOOL EXHIBITION (2 NOV - 1 JAN, 2025)
Singapore Art Museum’s "Worlds Around You: A Think! Contemporary Primary School Exhibition" showcases an impressive range of 19 student artworks, offering a fresh perspective to children and adults alike on how young Singaporeans interpret modern themes—like self-identity, community, and digitalisation.
These creative responses come from students of six primary schools: CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace, Geylang Methodist School (Primary), Haig Girls’ School, Mayflower Primary School, St. Anthony’s Primary School and Xinghua Primary School. And the schooling doesn’t stop during the holidays as the exhibit brings together subjects such as Art, Science, and Social Studies for a rounded educational experience.
4. INCULCATE CHINESE CULTURE AND LANGUAGE AT “PROJECT LITUP” (EVERY SATURDAY BETWEEN 2 - 30 NOV)
Parents, if you’re looking for an alternative, accessible and engaging way to introduce your kids to the Chinese language and culture, the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre has teamed up with local youth groups to offer classes this November!
With engaging lessons on topics like Journey to the West, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Chinese chess, and musical instruments, kids aged 7–12 will have a unique opportunity to learn Mandarin through hands-on activities. Best part of all? It is completely free but on a first come first serve basis! So don’t hesitate and sign your child up for any of the activities.
5. WALK THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD OF YISHUN AT “THE WIZARD OF OZ” (14 NOV - 21 DEC)
Who said that Dorothy could only manifest in Kansas? In this bold reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz” by WILD RICE, Dorothy finds herself yanked from Yishun by a cyclone, only to land in a magical, quirky Oz that mirrors Singapore’s east-meets-west quirks.
Think Munchkins for Pasir Ris and Bedok living it up and Winkies from Boon Lay toiling under the Wicked Witch’s iron fist (disclaimer: Catch does not have a preference between the East or West side. We think all sides are great as long as it gives a space to the arts and culture).
A tale for all ages, playwright Alfian Sa’at teams up with Ivan Heng’s iconic direction to add a dash of local flavour. This musical is packed with iconic humour, relatable Singaporean twists, and toe-tapping tunes by Elaine Chan that will have you singing along from start to finish.
6. DISCOVER THE MAGIC AT OBJECTIFS CENTRE INAUGURAL JUNIOR FESTIVAL “IF YOU FIND…” (16 - 24 NOV)
This November, get ready for a brand-new Children’s Festival co-organised by Objectifs - Centre for Photography & Film and SMU’s Arts and Culture Management Programme! Held from 16 to 24 November, this interactive, art-filled festival is designed for children of all ages and abilities, making it perfect for family-friendly fun during the year-end school holidays.
Follow Lumie, the festival’s spirited mascot, on an adventure to return a lost leaf to its tree – and the young ones might also discover their passion for an art form with all the immersion that they get to do.
Families can enjoy free drop-in activities and workshops that blend fun with visual storytelling, perfect for igniting creativity and a love for the natural world. And if you don’t have children of your own, it could be the great niece or nephew bonding activity to be cool uncle or aunt in their lives.
7. MOVE AND GROOVE TO THE BEAT OF CLASSICAL HITS AT “A MAGICAL MUSICAL MEANDER” (16 - 17 NOV)
No, you can’t physically dance to the beat but you will be a part of an imaginative experience, where a young maestro’s journey through music is brought to life with orchestral fantasy and the spellbinding tricks of popular Hong Kong magician Harry Wong, or colloquially known as Uncle Harry. As Uncle Harry performs dazzling magic tricks set to classical music, children will get to join the fun onstage and help rekindle the young maestro’s love for his art.
This whimsical performance promises a lively mix of music and magic, making it a fantastic outing for families with young kids. But parents with infants, you’d have to skip out on this one until they are a little older.
Image credits: WILD RICE, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Objectifs - Centre for Photography & Film, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, Singapore Art Museum, National Arts Council, ANDSOFORTH.
Loading your next catch.
Loading your next catch.