Planning something for the National Day long weekend? Science Centre Singapore is offering free general admission to eligible local visitors from 8 to 10 August 2026.
Expect plenty more than the usual museum visit. From solving a mysterious shipwreck and watching fiery science demonstrations to joining water battles and exploring interactive exhibits, there’s enough to keep both children and adults entertained for hours. Selected premium attractions and experiences, however, still require separate tickets.
Solve the mystery of a shipwreck
Shipwrecked: Uncover the Mystery is a self guided adventure that takes visitors across various galleries inside Science Centre Singapore. Along the way, participants must piece together clues, solve puzzles and unravel the secret behind the sinking of a mysterious ship.
The immersive experience will remain available until 13 September 2026. However, those who complete the trail during the free admission weekend from 8 to 10 August will also receive a limited edition SG Science Fest enamel pin while stocks last.
Watch a robot challenge a local hawker
Robot’s Bytes to Bites is a live 15 minute science show where Wok E the robot goes head to head with local hawker Ah Bee in a battle of brains and cooking know how. Through spectacular fire demonstrations, liquid nitrogen experiments and other science tricks, the pair will discover whether precise calculations or years of experience make the secret ingredient.
The show takes place at The Annexe Hall 1, with performances at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Admission is included with the general Science Centre ticket, although capacity is limited. Visitors must reserve their seats at the booking stations located inside the galleries, so it is worth doing so soon after arriving.
Image adapted from Science Centre Singapore
Get ready to make a splash
If you don’t mind getting soaked, head outdoors for Splash Battle, a fast paced 10 versus 10 water fight where teams race to drench their opponents while defending their own base. Over at the Eco Garden, What Time Is It, Mr Shark? puts a splashy twist on the classic playground game, with a water themed version inspired by the popular “Red Light, Green Light” challenge from Squid Game.
Both activities run every 15 minutes from 10.15am to 4.30pm, with tickets available through the booking stations located inside the galleries. As participants are likely to get wet, it is a good idea to bring a change of clothes, a small towel and a waterproof pouch for your phone and other valuables.
Try hands-on marine science experiments
In addition, activity stations will introduce visitors to coral restoration, corrosion and buoyancy through practical experiments. Instead of simply reading about each topic, children can test ideas and observe the results for themselves.
The stations will also explore marine ecosystems and environmental protection. As a result, families can use the activities to start simple conversations about protecting the ocean and its wildlife.
Explore Science Centre Singapore’s permanent exhibitions
Your free general admission also gives you access to many of Science Centre Singapore’s permanent galleries. Popular exhibits include Some Call It Science, where visitors test myths and misconceptions through interactive experiments, the cheeky but educational Know Your Poo exhibition, the hands on Future Makers gallery that celebrates engineering and innovation, and Energy Story, which explores how electricity powers everyday life in Singapore.
With dozens of interactive exhibits spread across the centre, families can easily spend half a day or more exploring at their own pace. Whether it is your first visit or you’re returning for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, the National Day long weekend is a great excuse to rediscover one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions.
Images from Science Centre Singapore
Top up for even more experiences
If you’re looking to make the most of your visit, several attractions are available for an additional fee. Younger children can head to KidsSTOP, an interactive edutainment centre designed for kids aged eight and below (SG Science Fest Junior bundle: S$5 per adult, S$10 per child). Movie lovers can catch an immersive film at the Omni Theatre (ticket prices vary), while the premium exhibition ONE Ocean: Every Action Ripples (S$9) combines 360 degree projections, spatial audio and interactive displays to showcase marine ecosystems and ocean conservation.
Visitors can also top up for Secrets of the Blue, a virtual reality experience that takes guests on an underwater adventure (additional charges apply). As premium experiences have limited capacity, it is best to book your preferred sessions early.
Images from Science Centre Singapore
The Science Centre will eventually shut down..
Since opening in 1977, Science Centre Singapore has welcomed generations of primary and secondary school students, turning science lessons into hands on experiments, interactive exhibits and unforgettable school excursions. For many Singaporeans, memories of giant bubbles, lightning demonstrations and the Omni Theatre are all part of growing up.
With the new Science Centre currently under construction beside Chinese Garden MRT station and targeted to open around the end of 2027, it feels like the curtain may soon fall on this much loved heritage building. Although no official closing date has been announced, the current Science Centre will continue operating until its replacement is ready.
SG Science Fest 2026 details
