Singapore Oceanarium is inviting families to dive into a marine adventure with its first-ever Ocean Kids Festival, running from 13 March to 12 April 2026. Designed for ocean enthusiasts of all ages, the festival combines hands-on learning, interactive experiences, and family-friendly entertainment, making it the perfect destination for the March school holidays and beyond.
Discover the Ocean Together
The festival offers a rich lineup of activities that bring the wonders of the sea to life. Visitors can explore marine habitats, uncover fascinating ocean facts, and participate in Little Ocean Expert sign-up sessions, Animal Spotlight programmes, craft workshops, music, and storytelling. On select days, the Research and Learning Centre will host themed crafts and story sessions, encouraging curiosity and imagination in young explorers.
Anchored in Singapore Oceanarium’s commitment to marine education and conservation, Ocean Kids Festival aims to spark a love for the ocean through real-world encounters and interactive learning.
Little Ocean Expert Series: Meet the Marine Specialists
A highlight of the festival is the Little Ocean Expert Series, a 45-minute, hands-on experience for children aged 7–12. Priced at $15 per session, participants receive a complimentary Axolotl Mini Plush Keychain.
Children will meet marine specialists such as Divers, Marine Veterinarians, Conservationists, Researchers, and Habitat Presenters. They will learn about the roles and tools involved in animal care and conservation, finishing the session with a dress-up and photo opportunity in child-sized uniforms, lab coats, or dive suits. Sessions are limited to 20 participants, with pre-registration required, and each child must be accompanied by an adult at no extra charge.
Other hands-on activities include the Badge-Making Activity (14–22 March), where children design marine-themed badges with colourful Pentel materials, creating keepsakes to take home.
Music, Storytelling, and Reading Experiences
Families can enjoy live classical music performances in the Open Ocean zone by the Singapore Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, led by youth conductor Luo Wei, on 14, 21, and 28 March.
Storytelling sessions feature Singapore Oceanarium’s published books, including Barry’s Ocean Friends, Manja’s Adventure with Sharks, and The Adventures of Bini the Horseshoe Crab, in partnership with Republic Polytechnic.
From 16–19 March, the National Library Board’s Molly the Mobile Library will host a 4-day pop-up at the oceanarium, allowing young readers to browse and borrow books. Children can also join the Create Your Own Coral Reef activity, shaping air-dry clay corals while learning about reef ecosystems.
Retail and Culinary Experiences
The festival extends beyond education with curated retail and food offerings. Guests can explore Axolotl-themed merchandise, including plush toys, keychains, apparel, educational kits, and collectibles. F&B offerings include themed items such as animal-shaped nuggets, gourmet pizzas, cotton candy, popcorn, and gelato, along with a mobile food cart serving festive treats throughout the festival.
Visitors also get a chance to win plush toys at the claw machines in the Oceanarium Store with a minimum spend of $38 on retail products.
Add-On Immersive Programmes
For families seeking deeper experiences, the festival offers:
- Fossilist Workshop: A 2-hour hands-on session for children aged 7+, where they excavate fossils and learn about ancient marine life. Priced at $88 per participant (excluding admission), it runs daily at 2pm.
- Animal Spotlight: Seahorses: A 45-minute interactive session exploring seahorse biology and conservation, limited to 8 participants per session and priced at $28 (excluding admission). Other Animal Spotlight sessions focus on species such as Sea Jellies.
A Meaningful Holiday Experience
Ocean Kids Festival transforms the March school holidays into a marine adventure that blends education, conservation, and family fun. Through expert-led sessions, interactive storytelling, and engaging activities, Singapore Oceanarium encourages young visitors to develop a lifelong appreciation for the ocean.
Tickets and pre-registration for select programmes are available online.
