New Scientist Live 2026 - save 15%
ExCeL London
Get curious, get hands-on and discover a world of science!
10-11th October 2026
Suitable for 6-100 years
Get ready for a brilliant family day out where science comes off the page and comes to life! New Scientist Live brings together world-leading scientists, astronauts, engineers and some of your favourite science presenters across four live stages, plus a huge show floor packed with hands-on experiences. You can also save 15% on tickets with LittleBird with code Save 15% on tickets - use code 15NSL at checkout.
Meet science stars on the brand-new Family Stage
New for 2026, the Family Stage is packed with fascinating talks and live shows designed to get young minds thinking. See CBeebies favourite Maddie Moate in a fizz-whizzing live science show, hear wildlife conservation expert Cam Whitnall share how documentaries can inspire real-life conservation, and discover the future of space travel with pioneering astronaut Helen Sharman and ESA reserve astronaut Meganne Christian. On Sunday, Chris Packham and the van Tulleken brothers take to the stage to explore some of today’s biggest questions.
Take science into your own hands
The show floor is where things get really interactive. Pilot a spacecraft in the ISS Docking Simulator, explore the cosmos in immersive VR, meet humanoid robots, investigate a mock crime scene using real forensic techniques, climb aboard an RAF Chinook helicopter and walk through a giant inflatable gut!
Explore, experiment and discover
With more than 100 hands-on activities, experiments, demonstrations and challenges, there’s plenty to keep curious kids (and grown-ups!) entertained. From space and robotics to dinosaurs, marine biology, AI, medicine and wildlife, there’s something to spark every imagination.
See your favourite TV presenters, scientists, astronauts, engineers and science communicators across four live stages, including the new Family Stage.
- Pilot a spacecraft in the ISS Docking Simulator and discover what it takes to dock with the International Space Station.
- Explore space even further through Euclid's immersive VR journey into the dark universe.
- Meet humanoid robots and compete in the robotics challenge arena.
- Investigate a mock crime scene using real forensic techniques with Metropolitan Police experts.
- Climb aboard an RAF Chinook helicopter and take on engineering challenges.
- Walk through a giant inflatable gut and get up close to the science of the human body.
The best part? Children won't just hear about science from our experts on stage, they'll be encouraged to question, explore, experiment and discover it for themselves throughout the show floor.
LittleBird Top Tip
Pick a few must-see experiences or talks before you arrive, then leave plenty of time to explore the show floor. Some of the most popular experiences are likely to get busy!
📅 10–11 October 2026
📍 ExCeL London
New Scientist Live takes place over two days, giving families plenty of opportunities to discover the science, technology and ideas shaping our world.
Save 15% on tickets when you book with LittleBird and use code 15NSL at checkout.
Ticket prices and availability may vary, so please check the booking page for the latest information
📍 Where: ExCeL London
📅 When: 10–11 October 2026
👨👩👧👦 Who: Perfect for curious kids, families and science-loving grown-ups
🔬 What to expect: Four live stages plus a huge interactive show floor
🚀 Highlights: ISS Docking Simulator, immersive VR, robotics, forensic investigations, RAF Chinook, Giant Gut and much more
Practical tips to help parents plan their visit :
*Arrive early if there's a must-see experience. Popular attractions such as flight simulators, robot challenges, VR experiences and spacecraft simulators are likely to be busiest in the middle of the day.
*Mix talks with hands-on activities. The hall layout makes it easy to alternate between sitting down for a talk and then heading back into the exhibition area for something interactive.
*Allow plenty of time for the show floor. Many exhibits involve challenges, demonstrations or conversations with scientists, so children will often spend longer than expected at their favourite stands.
*Let children follow their interests. Whether they're fascinated by space, medicine, robotics, wildlife or forensic science, there are dedicated experiences that bring those subjects to life beyond the classroom.
*Plan for a full day. With four live stages and dozens of interactive exhibitors all under one roof, there is more than enough content to keep families engaged from morning until close.
Click Buy Now Button to be taken to New Scientist Live official event website
Choose your preferred date and tickets.
Enter the exclusive LittleBird discount code 15NSL at checkout.
Enjoy 15% off your tickets and get ready for a day packed with science, discovery and hands-on fun!
Offer subject to ticket availability and booking terms.
What makes ExCeL London family friendly
Toilets
Baby Changing
Parking
Address and Contact Info
ExCeL London
One Western Gateway
Royal Victoria Dock
London
E16 1XL
Nearest Station: Custom House
Nearest Park: Cundy Park
