Parents, November is here and that means, your kids will be wrapping up their final semester at school. But that also means they are probably at home more than usual and you have to keep them entertained and occupied.
So, if you are racking your brain and trying to come up with fun things to do, we have curated a list of fun and engaging family-friendly weekend activities, holiday programmes and parent and children workshops for this November!
24 Family-Friendly Activities in November 2019
1. Christmas Wonderland 2019
Experience the joy of Christmas at Singapore’s very own Christmas Wonderland. Back for its sixth edition at Gardens By The Bay, families can look forward to many new exciting activities that will transport your family into a winter paradise.
Some of this year’s highlights include the brand-new Christmas parade with festive characters on three different floats and four acclaimed theatrical productions from all over the world.
Date: 29 November – 26 December 2019
Price: $6 – $10
Location: Gardens By the Bay
2. The Christmas Atelier Market
Source: The Atelier & Co
Parents, indulge in some retail therapy this Christmas at The Atelier & Co’s Christmas Atelier Market, uniting local brands during this jubilant occasion!
Share the magic of Christmas with your family and, friends as you uncover the craft behind Singapore’s top artisanal brands such as The Floral Atelier, Bynd Artisan, Janice Wong, Skin Inc., Sunday Folks and other well-curated brands with inspirational lifestyle products spanning from beauty, fine wines, delectable festive desserts and many more.
Date: 30 November 2019, 1:00pm to 9:00pm / 1 December 2019; 11:00am to 5:00pm
Location: 2 Alexandra Rd, Level 8 Delta House, Singapore, 159919
3. Neon Lights
Source: Neon Lights
Arts and music festival Neon Lights is back again! This year with the return of Neon Kids, families can look forward to new activities such as Silent Disco Kids Edition, Aliens of Manila Sci-Fi Helmet Workshop and the evergreen Slideshow Garden Games!
Parents who want to jam to some good ‘ol hits do check out Neon Light’s headline acts such as Clean Bandits, Mumford & Sons and Halsley.
Date: 23 & 24 November 2019
Location: Fort Canning Green
4. Let’s play at IKEA!
Source: IKEA
Unleash your children’s creativity at IKEA stores and participate in activities like the annual soft toy drawing competition where winning designs will be turned into next year’s SAGOSKATT plush toys collection and a fun treasure competition where children will have to spot all of the BLÅHAJ soft toys hidden in the stores this weekend
Apart from that, IKEA’s popular Kids Eat Free event will also be making a comeback from 18 – 22 November!
What’s more, their iconic restaurant will be introducing the school holiday special – Breaded Chicken Cutlet with Salted Egg Sauce at $8.90 that will be available from 18 – 30 November.
Date: 15 – 17 November 2019
Price: Free
Location: IKEA
5. Island Lights at Sentosa Cove
Source: Sentosa
Unwind at Sentosa and enjoy some beautiful evening lights at Sentosa’s signature Island Lights event that will transform and illuminate Sentosa Cove Village with photo-worthy light art, alongside festive programming set to the backdrop of the marina!
Taking centrestage among various highlights this year is a 135m-long space where families will be able to explore and immerse themselves in the landscape of unique light art installations created around the theme of “Celebration”.
Apart from the interactive light art installations, Island Lights will also kick off with the Christmas Boat Light Parade and Sentosa Cove Holiday Market on 16 and 17 November.
Families can watch the spectacular Boat Light Parade where berthed vessels will be decked out in colourful LED lights and decorations. Plus, bask in a merry atmosphere at the Sentosa Cove Holiday Market featuring 15 stalls selling festive treats and gifts.
Date: 16 November – 31 December
Price: Free (does not include Island Admission)
Location: Sentosa Cove
6. We Bare Bears at City Square Mall
Source: City Square Mall
Date: until 29 December 2019
Location: City Square Mall
7. Doraemon and Friends
Source: M Malls
Doremon fans – say Konnichiwa to the animated TV series from Japan that narrates about a yellow cat type robot who is also famously known for his magic pocket.
Families can expect a never-ending time of magical experiences and surprises as Doraemon and Friends drum up the yuletide celebrations with dance shows and meet-and-greet sessions!
There will also be a thematic art workshop and a photo session with the four-metre tall Doraemon inflatable for everyone to participate.
Date: until 26 December 2019
Location: Ang Mo Kio Hub & Jurong Point
8. Roo-In-The-Garden Bento Lunch Boxes for After-School
Source: Deliveroo
Want to make your child’s lunchbox more interesting?
Check out food delivery service Deliveroo‘s limited edition Roo-In-A-Garden bento boxes that are perfect for busy parents looking for fun and simple lunch ideas their children will love.
Each bento box features a Roo fishcake on a bed of nutritious brown rice. Within the sleek, glass bento box is a serving of tender honey roast chicken, a medley of enoki mushrooms and two delicate egg rolls wrapped in Japanese crab sticks to provide a sweet yet savoury complement to the fragrant rice.
No healthy lunch is complete without a selection of fresh, crunchy vegetables – perfect for your child’s daily fibre intake.
The vegetables are dusted with furikake and garnished with flower-shaped carrot slices and corn kernels styled to resemble little bees, for an added pop of colour.
Saving the best for last, a light yet refreshing fruit punch flavoured Konnyaku jelly is added for a delightful finish to the meal.
Each delectable bento box will be redeemable with every $12 spent in a single order* on 21 and 22 November, from Deliveroo Food Market at ALICE@Mediapolis.
Date: 21 & 22 November 2019
Price: $12
Location: Deliveroo Food Market, Alice@Mediapolis
9. OCBC Singapore Regatta Waterfest
Source: OCBC
Cool yourself down this holidays by heading to Singapore Sports Hub for the Regatta Waterfest .
Parents can look forward to myriad of water-themed activities such as Bubble Run, Water Obstacles, Water Explorer, Stand Up Paddling, Splash & Dash and a Toddlers’ Friendly Zone.
Plus, the families can also redeem an exclusive Splash Pack (5L Waterproof Dry Bag, Ice Popsicle and more) when they check-in at the Event Information booth on 16 & 17 Nov.
Other activities happening around this festival include the Learn to Paddle program for Kayaking and Dragon boating, and the families can also witness local and foreign artistic swimmers compete for top placings at the 14th Singapore National Open Artistic Swimming Championships.
Date: 15 November – 17 November 2019
Location: Singapore Sports Hub
10. Children’s Biennale 2019
Source: National Gallery Singapore
Spend a fun afternoon at the Children’s Biennale and embrace a fantastic, magical world through imaginative artwork installations. Families can also look forward to composing your own tunes, braiding giant tresses, wandering beneath massive lanterns, potting into domes and more!
Date: until 29 December 2019
Price: Free
Location: National Gallery Singapore
11. Sentosa Late Cash Drop
Is your family a bunch of night owls? Head to Sentosa for a little treasure seeking with their late-night cash drop. Families will have to find glow-in-the-dark tokens that will be dropped at a random location on Sentosa island every hour between 7pm to 11pm.
If your family is the first to pick up the token, you can win $1,000 instant cash!
To take part in this event, players have to visit a brand new augmented reality game on their mobile phone’s web browser, turn on the location service on their mobile phones, and watch as Sentosa’s real-world environment transforms into a treasure hunting ground right on your screens.
Date: 2 November 2o19
Location: Sentosa
12. Free Vegan Ice Cream With Kat Von D Beauty Product
Source: Kat Von D
Mummies, if you are craving for some retail therapy, head down to Sephora at ION orchard to purchase some amazing makeup from leading brand Kat Von D. With every purchase of the product, you and your little one will get a vegan peanut butter chocolate banana soft-serve FREE!
Date: 1 November 2019 (only available on this day)
Price: Kat Von D Beauty product
Location: Haji Lane & Wheelock Place
13. Mozart 36 ~ Concerts for Children by TTK Homegrown Series
Source: Esplanade
Music lovers – do not miss the Mozart 36 Children’s concert which follows the musical maestro’s journey as a young composer from age 8 to becoming one of the finest keyboard player and a hugely successful composer.
Parents after the concert you can also send your little off to learn more about classical music with animateur Sharon Sum, and a representative line-up of professional musicians in training from NUS Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.
Date: 1 November 2019
Price: $24 – $28
Location: Esplanade
14. Singapore Writer’s Festival – Storytelling Session
Source: Singapore Writer’s Festival
The Singapore Writer’s Festival is back for its 22nd edition this year and with that parents can enjoy a variety of storytelling sessions by local and international writers as well as engaging workshops.
On 10 November, local writer Leon Qiu will lead a storytelling session about his new book “Be More Like Ice Cub” which will teach kids more about resilience and appreciating challenges.
Date: 10 November 2019
Price: Free
Location: The Arts House, Gallery II
15. 2219: Futures Imagined
Source: ArtScience Museum
Wonder how Singapore will be like in 100 years? Step into this immersive and experiential exhibition is a journey into imaginary future worlds, featuring over two dozen artists, architects, filmmakers, writers and theatre companies from Singapore and around the world.
Unfolding over five Acts, the exhibition places families in scenarios that explore how our future lives may be impacted by climate change and loss of the planet’s biodiversity.
Date: 23 November 2019 – 5 April 2020
Price: Please check the website for more information closer to the date
Location: ArtScience Museum
16. Flamenco Kids Play!
Source: Spanish Dance Singapore
Get your child’s dance groove on with Spanish Dance Singapore’s Flamenco class for kids. Kids will get to not only learn the beautiful dance form but also tap on their creativity, imagine movements and express their story! Parents, do ensure your little one wears comfortable clothes and shoes for easy movement.
Date: 17 November 2019
Age group: 7 to 12 years old
Price: $20
Location: Sonata Community Studio, #02-25 Funan Mall
17. Sky High Circus
Source: Ce La Vie
Enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning brunch with the kids at Singapore’s iconic Restaurant CÉ LA VI’s Sky High Circus, a whimsical themed brunch where families can enjoy themed performances and games while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Singapore Strait and Bay coupled with exceptional cuisine and drinks.
For this edition of Sky High Circus, kids can bring their inner superstar to life with a popstar themed party
As for the curated menu, families can enjoy a vast brunch spread showcasing Group Executive Chef Joey Sergentakis’s flair for innovative cuisine that appeals to both parents and kids. For instance, parents can look forward to the Calamari Schnitzel with lemon and coriander, and Duck Leg Betutu served with acar, eggplant, and flavourful sambal matah.
Finally, draw the meal to a close with the Japanese Citrus Tart complete with pistachio sponge and Thai basil ice cream.
Parents, do note, reservations are recommended and can be made at +65 6508 2188 or via email at reservation-sg@celavi.com
Date: 10 November
Price:
$98++ for adults
$30++ for kids
Location: Ce La Vi, Marina Bay Sands
For more information, check out their Facebook page.
18. The Bubble Tea Factory (TBTF) X Gong Cha
You can’t help but unleash your inner child within the premises of The Bubble Tea Factory that’s located at SCAPE from now until 18 Jan 2020. A whole new adventure awaits you and your family as you are greeted with larger than life boba goodness!
Take a walkthrough of the enchanted forest, pose with the BBT IV drip against a bubble gum coloured backdrop, take a spin on the Taro-bly Wreck (wrecking ball ‘pearl’), find out your ‘Pearlsonality’ and many more. And of course, you can’t miss the highlight—the pearl pit—where you dive into a giant ‘pot’ filled with balls, resembling taro-bly cute pearls!
While you’re there, don’t forget to collect your mini research samples you can munch on. And you can most definitely look forward towards customising your free tea-licious Gongcha bubble tea drink, with the option to add in a yummilicious scoop of Häagen-Dazs ice cream (or more)!
Due to popular demand, The Bubble Tea Factory will be extending this experience from now till 18 Jan 2020. How terrific!
Tickets cost $24 (weekday) and $28 (weekend), which you can purchase from The Bubble Tea Factory’s website, here.
*Each ticket includes a one-time entry into The Bubble Tea Factory, a cup of bubble tea and bubble tea inspired treats, plus an exclusive Boba Booster Pack.
Venue: The Bubble Tea Factory
Address: 2 Orchard Link, *SCAPE, Singapore 237978
Parent & Child Bonding
1. Build The Change @ National Design Centre
A very meaningful event that celebrates children and creativity—Build The Change—is one event that you’ll have to take your kids to this November holidays, happening from now till 28 November 2019 at the National Design Centre.
By now, parents you would know how important play is to children, not only to feed their enjoyment but also benefit them in many areas of development such as cognitive, emotional and social development.
Through Build The Change, with the simple use of LEGO bricks, it inspires children to use their imagination and creativity to come up with their own unique solutions to tackle real world challenges such as climate change. It allows them to hone their problem-solving skills, which happens to be one of the top 3 skills for the 21st century!
Most importantly, it lends children a voice, while fostering social interaction among other children. Think play dates, but on a more focused and less stressful environment for the kids to just explore and not worry about failing.
Kids can look forward to different building themes such as:
- Green City of the Future (Children will have to think of ways to redesign their transport, streets and houses to reduce pollution and build their own green city, so everyone can enjoy a clean and green living environment.)
- Happy City (To design a place, or a street that instills happiness into the city and people.)
- A Healthy City for All (To build a city which promotes healthy living among people.)
Admission is free, open to kids between the ages of 6 – 12 years old. Kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to sign-up for the session*. No pre-registration required.
*Parents/guardians must be present to register for the session. The actual event will be for kids only.
2. Basic Indian Dance Workshop
Source: Esplanade
Discover the rich heritage of Indian dance with your child! This introductory workshop will teach you the ancient Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam through animal postures as well as hand gestures that represent different elements of nature.
Participants also learn how to create a simple dance sequence and get to play a game of dance charade with other participants.
Date: 24 November 2019
Price: $24
Location: Esplanade
3. Sound Makers by Little Creatures
Source: National Gallery Singapore
For parents with younger kids, head down to Little Creature’s sound maker parent-child workshop which will teach you to create rhythms and beats using everyday objects like pots and trays.
Date: 9 November
Timings:
2–2.30pm | 3–6 years
3.30–4pm | 18–36 months
4.30–5pm | 0–18 months
Price: Free (registration required)
Location: City Hall Wing, Level 1, outside Keppel Centre for Art Education
Holiday Programme
1. Curious Cubs: Explore the Wonders of Tech
Source: Saturday Kids
If your child often asks you questions like “What are computer images made of?” or “How do robots move from one place to another?”, he or she is probably a future techie!
To further their interest, enroll them in Saturday Kid’s Curious Cubs programme which will explore a series of 4 immersive experiences geared at inspiring and engaging kids, developing their curiosity about tech, and building an understanding of basic computer science and electronics concepts through creative and fun projects!
Date: 18 November – 22 November
Time: 9.30am – 12.45pm
Price: $590
Location: East Coast
2. PLAY STAGE – The Gingerbread Man
Source: Singapore Repertory Theatre
If your child has a flair for the arts, consider sending them to Singapore Repertory Theatre’s annual children play workshop.
This year kids between the ages of 4 to 6 will take part in the Gingerbread Man play.
Through this theatre workshop, your child will learn and demonstrate various drama and storytelling skills, Make new friends whilst developing confidence and improving communication and grow in their self-esteem.
Date: 18 November – 22 November
Time: 9.30am – 11.30am
Price: $330
Location: The Loft, #04-03 Havelock II 2 Havelock Road, Singapore 059763
Source: Uyii
If your child loves anything hands on and DIY, check out Uyii’s beginner sewing class that offers structured and well-paced lessons, providing the perfect environment for kids to pick up basic sewing skills.
In this basic sewing class that is specially catered for children, participants will exercise their creativity while exploring fabric as a medium for design and creative expression.
Kids will experiment with shapes and colours, be equipped with machine sewing skills, and apply basic mathematical skills relevant to design including spatial reasoning, measuring and numerical calculation.
Date: 2 November 2019 – 21 December 2019
Pricing:
$220 for 3 sessions (Apron, Drawstring Pouch/Backpack, Monster Zip Pouch)
$350 for 5 sessions (Apron, Drawstring Pouch/Backpack, Monster Zip Pouch, and Sling Bag)
$480 for 7 sessions (All projects listed)
Location: 24 Sin Ming Lane, Midview City #08-108, Singapore 573970