New Scientist Live 2026: get 15% off the ultimate day out for science-mad kids

Taking place at ExCeL London on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October, New Scientist Live is a chance to step away from the classroom and get stuck into science together. 

With 50 talks, more than 80 scientific organisations and hundreds of hands-on activities spread across four stages, there's plenty for curious minds to see, try and get involved with. Plus, Mumsnet users can get 15% off tickets with the exclusive discount code NSL15. 

This year's line-up includes BAFTA-winning presenter Maddie Moate, wildlife presenter Chris Packham and doctors and TV presenters Chris and Xand van Tulleken, alongside astronauts, scientists, conservationists and researchers from across the world of science.

For Mumsnet user BandedSnail, who visited last year, it was a day worth doing again: "[New Scientist Live] was an amazing show and we'll be going again in 2026."

How to plan your family day out at New Scientist Live

• When: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2026, 10am-5pm

• Where: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL

• Children: Child tickets are for ages 6-17. Children aged five and under can enter free. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.

• What's included: Day and weekend tickets include all talks on your chosen day or days, as well as access to the interactive exhibits on the show floor.

1. Decide where to head first

If you're wondering where to start, head to the interactive exhibition, where kids can get hands-on with science, technology, health, nature and more. From there, you can follow your child's interests and dip into the talks that catch their eye.

There are four stages to choose from, including the Family Stage, which is designed for fascinating and fun talks for all ages.

If your child loves space

Head to: The Future of Space Travel

Who: Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, and Meganne Christian, an ESA reserve astronaut

This is one to put on the list if your child dreams of becoming an astronaut. Helen Sharman will explore where space exploration and science are heading, from lunar bases to Mars missions, while Meganne Christian will share her experience of astronaut training and what it takes to prepare for future missions.

Why they'll love it: It's a chance to hear about space travel from people with first-hand experience, while getting a glimpse of what future missions could look like.

If your child is fascinated by robots

Head to: Science Bites: Why are robots bad storytellers?

Who: Computer scientists Carl Strathearn and Emilia Sobolewska

Look out for: Humanoid AIs Euclid and Moira

Can robots tell stories? This session explores what happens when humanoid AIs talk, share ideas and drift into fantasy worlds, while Carl and Emilia look at what these interactions can teach us about how machines think.

Why they'll love it: There's a robot in the room, a big question to ponder and plenty to spark a conversation afterwards.

If your child loves animals and wildlife

Head to: The Power of Wildlife Storytelling

Who: Cam Whitnall and Wendy Darke

Conservationist, author and wildlife presenter Cam Whitnall joins award-winning producer Wendy Darke to explore the power of telling stories about the natural world - and how those stories can inspire people to care about wildlife and take action to protect it.

They'll look at how wildlife is brought to life through different forms of storytelling, and why the way we tell those stories can make such a difference.

Why they'll love it: It takes a love of animals beyond simply spotting and naming wildlife, showing how the stories we tell about the natural world can help people understand it, care about it and protect it.

If they're interested in the ocean

Head to: Heavy-Metal Marine Biology

Who: Marine biologist and presenter Tom "The Blowfish" Hird

This lively family talk takes a tour through some of the ocean's most fascinating creatures, from the slimiest to the stealthiest and the toothiest, with plenty of weird and wonderful marine life along the way.

Why they'll love it: Expect a colourful introduction to marine biology that should appeal whether your child already knows their sharks from their squid or is simply fascinated by what's beneath the waves.

If they want to know what happens inside the body

Head to: Hospital of the Future

Look out for: A giant inflatable gut, medical technology and the future of healthcare

What could a visit to the doctor look like in 50 years' time? At the Hospital of the Future, children can explore some of the technology that could shape the next generation of healthcare.

They can discover how light and sound-based technologies could help doctors see inside the body, how artificial intelligence could support medical diagnosis and how digital health technologies are changing the patient experience.

Why they'll love it: There's a chance to explore ideas they might normally only encounter in a book - including walking through a giant inflatable gut and discovering what happens from the first bite.

If your child loves animals and technology

Head to: Agri-Tech in Action

Look out for: Tractor simulators, drones, animal welfare and AI

Farming might not be the first thing you associate with cutting-edge technology, but this experience shows just how much science goes into modern agriculture.

Your child can:

• Drive a tractor simulator

• Perform a cattle examination

• Explore how drones are used on farms

• Find out how wearable technology supports animal welfare

• Discover AI-powered tools helping to develop future crop varieties

Why they'll love it: It's science in a setting they may not expect, showing how technology can be used to grow food and care for animals.

If they're curious about insects

Head to: The Royal Entomological Society stand

Look out for: Live insects, microscopes and hands-on exhibits

Children can learn how insects are monitored and identified, examine specimens using optical and digital microscopes and meet live insects.

Why they'll love it: If your child is the one who stops to inspect every beetle, butterfly or spider on a walk, this is an opportunity to take that curiosity a step further and discover the science behind the creatures they're already fascinated by.

If they like learning through hands-on experiences

Head to: The Middlesex University stand

Look out for: A 3D roller-coaster experience, CPR skills, robots and chemical models

The Middlesex University stand brings STEM subjects to life with experiences including a 3D roller-coaster ride, CPR skills, a robot family and the chance to create chemical models. Children can also help build a giant mathematical sculpture.

Why they'll love it: There's plenty to try rather than simply watch, making this a good stop for children who learn best when they can get involved.

If they're a budding mathematician

Head to: The ultimate maths battle: Sport, history and video games

Who: Bobby Seagull and Tom Crawford

TV personality Bobby Seagull and mathematician Tom Crawford turn maths into a battle for your vote, exploring topics including penalty kicks, Pokémon, marathons and the metaverse.

Why they'll love it: It shows how maths crops up in things children already enjoy, from sport and gaming to the world around them.

2. Don't miss the Family Stage

If you want to build part of your day around talks, the Family Stage is a natural place to start. It's specifically designed for captivating talks for all ages, covering subjects from nature and wildlife to technology.

Alongside the sessions above, look out for a live science show with BAFTA-winning TV presenter and YouTuber Maddie Moate, as well as Dinosaurs are alive!, a family-friendly talk from palaeontologist Steve Brusatte exploring how dinosaurs thrived and how one group evolved feathers and wings and took to the skies.

And if your child enjoys a bit of comedy with their science, Science Bites: The science joke lab uses comedy to explore the stories behind the periodic table.

3. Leave some room for discovery

You don't have to plan every minute of your visit. Once you've picked out the talks or experiences your child is particularly keen to see, leave some time to explore the show floor.

There are interactive experiments, live demonstrations and exhibits from universities, research organisations, environmental charities and technology innovators. The event also has a Science Hunt, giving children a quiz sheet to follow around the show floor as they search for answers and discover science facts along the way.

4. See where their curiosity takes them

The joy of taking a science-loving child to an event like New Scientist Live is that you never quite know what will spark their imagination.

You might arrive because they're fascinated by space and leave with them asking questions about farming. They could head straight for the robots, only to become absorbed by insects, or discover that a walk through a giant gut opens up a whole new conversation about what's happening inside their own body.

That's the magic of taking science beyond the classroom. Children can see ideas brought to life, ask questions of the people who study them and, perhaps most importantly, follow their own interests wherever they lead.

Simple tips for making the most of your day at New Scientist Live

• Choose a few highlights before you go. If your child has a particular passion, check the programme and pick out the talks and experiences most likely to appeal.

• Don't forget the show floor. Some of the best opportunities to get hands-on are away from the stages, so leave time to explore.

• Arrive early for talks you really want to see. Seats can't be reserved in advance, so aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start if there's a particular session you don't want to miss.

• Bring a packed lunch if you'd like to. ExCeL has a number of food and drink outlets, but you're also welcome to bring your own lunch.

• Cloakrooms: Cloakrooms are available during event hours and are free of charge, subject to availability. They're located on level 0, including between the N4 and S4 hall entrances and at the east end of the venue.

• Take a break when you need one. A snack, drink and a little downtime can help keep the day enjoyable for everyone.

How to get to New Scientist Live

For many families, public transport will be the easiest option.

• By train and DLR: Custom House is the nearest station and is served by both the Elizabeth line and DLR. Prince Regent is also served by the DLR.

• Best entrance: Head for the Western Terrace/West Entrance, which is closest to Custom House.

• By bus: ExCeL is served by routes including 147, 325, 678, 241, 300 and 473.

Accessibility at New Scientist Live

ExCeL's public entrances have low-gradient ramps and automatic doors, while most floors inside the venue are level.

Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire is available, subject to availability, and the venue provides accessible facilities for visitors with additional mobility needs.

If you're bringing a carer, assistant or guide, New Scientist Live allows eligible carers to attend free of charge. You'll need to have at least one full-price ticket and provide the required documentation when requesting a carer ticket.

Tickets: what's included and how to get 15% off

Get 15% off with Mumsnet

Mumsnet users can get 15% off New Scientist Live tickets with the exclusive discount code NSL15.

To claim your discount:

1. Click the Book tickets button below to visit the official New Scientist Live ticket website.

2. Choose your preferred date and tickets.

3. Enter the exclusive Mumsnet discount code NSL15 at checkout.

4. Your 15% discount will be applied to your booking.

Then all that’s left to do is get ready for a day packed with science, discovery and hands-on fun. 

Day or weekend tickets

Your ticket includes:

• All talks on your chosen day or days

• Full access to the interactive exhibits on the show floor

Online pass

Can't make it to London? The online pass gives you access to the live stream and on-demand recordings of all 40 talks from the weekend, with recordings available for six months.

Optional extras

• Online upgrade: If you're attending in person, you can add access to the recordings for 12 months after the live show.

• Silent seminar headphones: These can be reserved during checkout or hired on site for clearer, more focused listening during talks.

• Transaction fee: Bookings are subject to a £2 transaction fee per order.

New Scientist Live takes place at ExCeL London on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2026, 10am-5pm.