More than just a fun children’s festival, Esplanade’s vibrant March On event provides every child a safe space to explore, learn, and play – no matter their interests and needs.
Families are spoilt for choice when it comes to looking for fun activities to do with the kids during the school holidays. This upcoming March holiday is no exception, especially with the return of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s annual children’s festival, March On, from 6 to 17 March 2024!
What makes this children’s festival stand out – apart from its immersive performances and enchanting installations – is that it really has something for every family. Not only are there experiences that cater for every age group, performances and installations are accessible to kids of diverse needs. These go hand in hand with the overall theme of this year’s March On festival, which focuses on topics like sense of belonging and self-discovery.
Read on to see what’s in store for families at March On 2024!
For the music lovers
Installation: The Plants
Would you believe us if we told you that you can use plants to make music? Check out The Plants, an interactive installation featuring musical instruments created from live plants and digital sensors! Kids can create their own songs with just a gentle touch. Plus, you’ll get to catch daily performances by live musicians who’ll be playing their own instruments to these musical plants’ melodies.
When: 7-10 and 14-17 March 2024; 5-7:30pm (installation), 7:30-8pm (performance)
Where: Esplanade Lawn (outside Singtel Waterfront Theatre)
Price: Free
Suitable for: All ages
Workshop: Musical Plants
Enjoyed The Plants? The kids will love Musical Plants too, a workshop facilitated by the creators of the installation. Kids and parents will learn how to create their own unique melodies using the same plants they saw at the installation. Aside from music, you’ll also get to learn more about visual art, science, and digital technology, specifically touch technology. No prior musical experience is necessary!
When: 14 March (10am), 15, and 16 March (10am and 2pm)
Where: Esplanade Rehearsal Studio
Price: $20, purchase here. This is a parent-accompanied workshop, each child and parent or caregiver must purchase their own tickets.
Suitable for: Kids aged five to 12 years old
Performance: Shining in Space
What does an intergalactic adventure look like? Get the kids to join Shining and her best friend Star on their adventure and experience this for themselves! Shining in Space is an endearing story told through orchestral music and multimedia. The kiddos will solve space mysteries and even meet new friends, with music performed by musicians from the prestigious Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music and Singapore Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. It’s gonna be a fun experience for all!
When: 9 March 2024; 2.30pm
Where: Esplanade Concert Hall
Price: $25, purchase here
Suitable for: Kids aged two to eight years old
For those looking for adventure
Performance: Jungle Book reimagined
In this retelling of The Jungle Book, Mowgli is a climate refugee who escaped the city and found friends among wild animals. Jungle Book reimagined is a widely acclaimed dance-theatre production that talks about the importance of belonging and respecting nature. Follow Mowgli’s adventure into an uncertain world of this dance-theatre production, performed by 10 international dancers to state-of-the-art animation and visuals.
When: 8 March (7:30pm) and 9 March 2024 (3pm)
Where: Esplanade Theatre
Price: From $32, purchase here
Suitable for: Kids aged six years old and above
Performance: Caliban’s Island
In Caliban’s Island, you and the kids are part of the story! Kids are the heroes in this interactive play, as they seek out the ingredients to brew a potion that will reverse the effects of a terrible curse plaguing the adults (you!). Guided by Prospero, you’ll embark on a self-discovery journey as you complete quests all around Esplanade. Definitely something all adventurous families will love!
When: 8-10 and 13-17 March 2024; 11am and 4pm
Where: Starts at Esplanade Basement 2 car park foyer
Price: $30, purchase here
Suitable for: Kids aged five years old and above
Experience: Aki’s Playground
Step into the magical realm of Aki’s Playground, where you’ll traverse forests, oceans and even galaxis. This multi-sensory and interactive experience will delight kids with its beautiful landscapes. If you’re worried about the intensity of the lights and sound display, rest assured that this is a soothing show that’s suitable for all ages.
When: 14-17 March 2024; 11am-2pm and 3-6pm
Where: Esplanade Annexe Studio
Price: $15, purchase here
Suitable for: All ages
For explorers looking for a safe haven
Performance: Home
As its title suggests, Home is a visual theatre performance that talks about what it means to ‘feel at home’. It’s especially relevant to most families today, as our world changes at a rapid pace and people are constantly on the move. This poignant performance invites families to think about what ‘home’ means to them, and how it can mean more than just a physical space.
When: 7 and 8 March (11am and 4pm), 9 and 10 March 2024 (11am, 2pm, and 4pm)
Where: Esplanade Annexe Studio
Price: $30, purchase here
Suitable for: All ages
Workshop: Home
Families who would like to further explore the concept of ‘home’ and participate in the workshop that’s based on the visual theatre performance. Kids get to unleash their creativity and express what ‘home’ means to them by building their own unique houses. The workshop will also feature live music and songs to inspire and soothe the little ones as they work on their creations.
When: 11 and 12 March 2024; 10am and 2pm
Where: Esplanade Bay Room
Price: $20, purchase here. This is a parent-accompanied workshop, each child and parent or caregiver must purchase their own tickets.
Suitable for: Kids aged two to six years old
Workshop: Come Under My Umbrella
Here’s a fun and engaging workshop that teaches families about a super important topic – body safety. Come Under My Umbrella uses games, reflections, and body movement to talk to kids about potential threats and what they need to feel safe, all within a safe haven. Not only will kids learn about personal boundaries, parents and caregivers will benefit greatly by learning how to create an environment that can truly empower their children.
When: 9 March 2024; 4pm
Where: Esplanade Rehearsal Studio
Price: $20, purchase here. This is a parent-accompanied workshop, each child and parent or caregiver must purchase their own tickets.
Suitable for: Kids aged six to 10 years old
Psst… you’ll get exclusive discounts as a PIP’s Club member!
That’s right! PIP’s Club members will enjoy savings of 10% or more on standard tickets. If you’re not a member, you can sign up now before booking your tickets to snag these discounts. Your membership also allows your family to access PIP’s PLAYbox, a cosy space with books and an arts and crafts area just for kids! Plus, membership is free and is automatically renewed every year.
There’s something for every family at Esplanade’s March On
With so many programmes that are suitable for kids of all ages, as well as accessibility features available, you should definitely put March On in your school holiday must-visit list. Whether you have a music-loving baby, or an adventurous kid who’s looking to explore faraway worlds, there’s bound to be something for them at this children’s festival.
Book your tickets now before they run out!
This post is in partnership with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
