National Day activities for kids in Singapore are better this year than they have been in a long time, and the 3-day weekend gives families a rare chance to do all of them properly.
Why this weekend is different
National Day falls on Sunday 9 August, with Monday 10 August as the public holiday, making it a three-day long weekend to celebrate SG61. That extra day changes everything. Instead of rushing from one event to the next, families can pace themselves. This year’s theme, “Majulah Singapura, Go Beyond!”, also marks the 60th anniversary of the National Pledge, and the National Day Parade is making its comeback to the National Stadium at Kallang after a decade away. That shift in venue reshapes the whole weekend, including where children will have the best time.
Plan your 3 days around energy levels. Save the late nights for Sunday, and use Saturday for the hands-on activities that exhaust children in the very best way.
Morning: art, science, and hands-on workshops
1. SG Science Fest at Science Centre Singapore
Science Centre Singapore is opening its doors free of charge from 8 to 10 August for SG Science Fest 2026, packed with ocean-themed adventures, interactive mystery quests, and live science shows that keep both toddlers and older kids thoroughly entertained. Arrive at 10am before the queues build. At the heart of SG Science Fest 2026 is Shipwrecked: Uncover the Mystery, a self-guided mystery quest that challenges guests to piece together clues, decode evidence, and uncover the truth behind a mysterious shipwreck. Armed with an investigation journal, participants navigate the Centre and work through a series of puzzles inspired by real-world scientific inquiry.
Families can crack clues in the shipwreck mystery quest, catch a live science show featuring fire and liquid nitrogen experiments, cool off with outdoor water games, and explore dedicated ocean-themed zones at KidsSTOP. Entry is completely free for Singapore Citizens and PRs, with standard admission applicable to other visitors.
2. National Day art workshops
Start the long weekend with something hands-on. Art Journey runs themed workshops around National Day where children can paint a red-and-white canvas, create a Singapore-themed mosaic coaster, make patriotic sand art, or paint a figurine in national colours. Sessions suit ages 3 and above, so even the smallest children stay engaged. Book in advance because slots for the long weekend move fast.
3. Little Architects at Temasek Shophouse
Children can take an interactive theatrical journey back in time with Timekeepers of Temasek Shophouse, where historical characters bring the building’s rich history to life through storytelling and performances. Budding young builders can also join the Little Architects workshop, where children aged 5 and above design and craft their own 3D shophouse model to take home. This historic venue comes alive with immersive family-friendly activities, hands-on workshops, and evening light shows from 7 to 9 August, and admission is free.
Afternoon: sport, play, and community celebrations
4. ActiveSG Celebrates at Sport Centres
ActiveSG Celebrates takes place across 5 ActiveSG Sport Centres in Singapore, with activities happening throughout the day for families, friends, and individuals. Families can enjoy football, basketball, Wushu, Flying Disc, and many other sports designed for children and parents to take part in together. This is the activity that tires children out in a way no screen ever could. Some activities require advance registration, while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
5. Lau Pa Sat Hawker Wars
From 7 to 15 August 2026, Lau Pa Sat transforms into a real-life Hawker Wars game zone, featuring interactive experiences including The Hawker Wars Market, a photo experience, a Catch-a-Satay arcade challenge, Hawker Wars mascot walkabouts, and a vote for your favourite local dish with the winning dish available for 61 cents on 31 August. Children learn about local food culture while playing games. Feed them here before the evening begins.
Expert perspective on keeping children engaged over a public holiday weekend
Taking children to a mix of free institutional events and paid creative workshops over a long weekend is genuinely more effective than one big outing. Children process new stimuli in short bursts. Rotating between active, sensory, and creative experiences across 3 days means attention levels stay high and meltdowns stay low. The National Day weekend in Singapore is ideal for this because the city offers a full range of free civic activities alongside ticketed workshops. Families who plan a loose morning, afternoon, and evening structure each day consistently report that children are more settled, more curious, and more willing to engage with cultural content than those who attempt one long event per day.
Family activities and early childhood education professionals, Singapore
Evening: fireworks, light shows, and the parade itself
6. Kallang precinct and fireworks
With the NDP moving to the National Stadium, the main parade fireworks are launched from the Kallang area for the first time. The Presidential Gun Salute is also moving from Marina Bay to Kallang Basin. The Kallang Basin waterfront and Stadium Riverside Walk are the spots to aim for this year. Bring a mat, arrive early, and let children watch the sky light up from one of the best free vantage points in the city.
7. National Museum of Singapore family day
The National Museum of Singapore runs family-friendly activities from 1 to 12 August 2026, with free admission to the museum and galleries on 9 August. From immersive sensory storytelling sessions and a giant heritage hunt to live outdoor concerts and drop-in craft stations, there are plenty of ways to keep children entertained. Young adventurers can look forward to interactive colour-in competitions, hands-on puppet making, and a stunning evening projection mapping show across the museum’s historic facade. The projection show alone is worth staying out past bedtime for.
8. Changi Airport and Jewel festivities
Families can head to Changi Airport and Jewel for a packed line-up of festive activities, from massive character meet-and-greets to unique cultural workshops. The main highlight for young ones takes place at ST3PS in Terminal 3, which transforms into a lively festival hub over the long weekend. Children can look forward to free goodie bags, stage games with prizes, and appearances by the Minions on Saturday 8 August, followed by My Little Pony characters on Sunday 9 August. This option works especially well for families with toddlers who need air conditioning and short walking distances.
Make the most of National Day activities this weekend
National Day activities in Singapore this year reward families who plan ahead. The theme “Majulah Singapura, Go Beyond!” captures both the Singapore spirit and an aspiration to keep moving forward. That spirit applies to families too. Book the workshops early, arrive at outdoor venues before 6pm, and keep the fireworks viewing as the evening reward. National Day activities spread across 3 full days give children a genuine sense of occasion rather than a single rushed hour. Pick your favourites from this list, build a loose schedule, and let Singapore do the rest. Visit ndp.gov.sg for official parade information.
Discover more about National Day activities
- NDP 2026 official information and show guide
- SG Science Fest 2026 at Science Centre Singapore
- Family-friendly National Day events and activities guide, Honey Kids Asia
