All-Age Family Fun! Top 12 Things to Do at Singapore Discovery Centre
Singapore Discovery Centre isn’t your typical attraction. It started as a hub for educating visitors about Singapore’s journey, values, and future. Over the years, it’s evolved into an exciting blend of history, technology, and fun.
I remember learning that it opened in 1996 as an educational space but has since become so much more. Now, it’s a hotspot for interactive exhibits and unique experiences, offering something fresh every time you visit!
Things to Know
Address: Floor 2 SAFTI Military Institute, 510 Upper Jurong Rd
Contact: [email protected]
Hours:
Monday to Friday, noon–6 PM
Saturday to Sunday, 11 AM–7 PM
Fees: Admission to the Permanent Exhibits Gallery is free for Singaporeans and PRs. Non-Singaporeans pay S$10 for adults and S$8 for children. For specific attractions, buy tickets here.
Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller accessible, PWD-friendly ramps, elevators, restrooms
Amenities: Restrooms, baby changing stations, lockers, gift shop, cafe
Pet-friendly? No
Rules and restrictions:
✔ Photography allowed but no flash
✔ Handle interactive displays with care
✔ Supervise children
✖ No outside food and drinks
✖ No smoking
✖ No littering
How to Get There
Closest MRT: Take the East-West Line to Joo Koon MRT Station (EW29). From there, it’s a short 10-minute walk directly to the Centre.
Closest bus station: Alight at the SAFTI Military Institute bus stop (Bus Stop No. 25191) served by buses 182 and 193. It’s a brief walk to the Centre’s entrance.
By car: There are ample lots available near the main entrance. For drop-offs, there’s a designated area close to the entrance for convenient access.
What to See and Do
Explore the permanent exhibits
– Media from poomhomhual
Location: Main floor
It felt like stepping into a time machine when I viewed the Singapore Discovery Centre’s permanent exhibits. In particular, Through the Lens of Time brought Singapore’s milestones to life with immersive storytelling and interactive displays.
I was amazed at how engaging it was. Touchscreens, augmented reality, and hands-on exhibits kept me hooked!
Pro-tip: Visit during off-peak hours (weekdays between noon to 3 PM) for a quieter experience and more time to enjoy the interactive exhibits at your own pace.
Battle it out at the laser tag arena
– Media from singaporediscoverycentre
Location: Main floor near the activity zones
Hours:
Weekdays, 1.30 to 6 PM
Weekends and PH, 11 AM to 8 PM
If you’re up for some heart-pounding action, the Black Lake Laser Battlefield at Singapore Discovery Centre is a must-try. It’s Singapore’s first projection-mapped laser tag arena, and the dynamic visuals and immersive environment make every game feel like a scene from a sci-fi movie!
I gave it a shot with friends, and the adrenaline rush was unreal—dodging beams, strategising, and scoring hits in the fast-paced arena. It’s perfect for both first-timers and seasoned players looking for an unforgettable laser tag experience.
Pro-tip: Wear dark, comfortable clothing and sneakers for better mobility and to stay less visible in the arena!
Join the Living Tree Eco Tour
– Media from sunnycitykids
Location: Urban Garden and around Discovery Lake
Hours: Sundays, 10.30 AM and 4.30 PM (around 60 minutes each)
The Living Green Eco Tour at the Singapore Discovery Centre is a refreshing way to explore sustainable living. From urban gardening to the impressive floating solar panels on Discovery Lake, it’s an eye-opening experience that blends nature and technology beautifully.
I joined one of the tours and loved how interactive it was. You even get to smell and touch herbs while learning about eco-friendly practices!
Pro-tip: Participants with allergies should exercise caution during herb handling and tea tasting.
Go pedal boating on Discovery Lake
– Media from daveaha
Location: 11 AM to 6 PM (around 15 minutes per ride)
Hours: Saturdays, Sundays, PH
Pedal boating on Discovery Lake is a relaxing and fun activity perfect for families. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors while taking in the peaceful scenery and unique floating solar panels around the lake.
I tried it with my little nephews, and they loved being “captains” of the boat while we pedalled together. It’s a simple yet memorable experience that combines bonding time with a bit of exercise—highly recommended for a family day out!
Pro-tip: The minimum height requirement for participants is 1.2 metres.
Have a 4D experience at XD Theatre
– Media from singaporediscoverycentre
Location: Near the entrance
The XD Theatre at Singapore Discovery Centre is a thrilling 4D experience that brings action-packed adventures to life. With dynamic motion seats and immersive visuals, it’s like being in the middle of your favourite action movie!
I tried it with my kid cousins, and their excitement was contagious. They couldn’t stop laughing and screaming with joy!
Pro-tip: Please note that the last admission is typically 30 minutes before closing.
Visit the immersive galleries
– Media from hungrypiggyy
Location: Main floor near the permanent galleries
Exploring the immersive galleries at the Singapore Discovery Centre is a fascinating dive into future-oriented themes. The exhibits on sustainability and defence use interactive technology to highlight how innovation is shaping Singapore’s future.
It’s a must-visit for anyone curious about where Singapore is headed and the challenges it’s tackling head-on!
Pro-tip: Interact with the displays, try the AR features, and don’t hesitate to ask staff for insights to enhance your experience.
Test your mettle at the escape rooms
– Media from singaporediscoverycentre
Location: Main building (2 storeys)
Hours:
Weekdays, 1.30 to 6 PM
Weekends and PH, 11 AM to 8 PM
The Black Lake Facility at Singapore Discovery Centre takes escape rooms to a whole new level—literally! Spanning two stories with multiple narratives, each room pulls you into a thrilling storyline where every clue and puzzle feels like a race against time.
I gave it a shot with friends, and the mix of challenging tasks and immersive settings had us hooked.
Pro-tip: Communicate with your team, divide tasks, and don’t overthink. Sometimes the simplest solution is the key!
Learn about plants at the Urban Garden
– Media from singaporediscoverycentre
Location: Outdoor space near the main building classrooms
The Urban Garden at Singapore Discovery Centre is a peaceful spot to dive into the world of urban gardening. You’ll get to see a variety of herbs and greens up close while learning about sustainable gardening practices.
I enjoyed smelling the fresh herbs and discovering how these plants contribute to eco-friendly living. It’s a simple yet enlightening activity that’s perfect for nature lovers or anyone curious about sustainable living.
Pro-tip: One great way to remember the names of herbs is to snap a photo of their labels in the displays.
Join interactive games at Sandbox
– Media from shaunwee.js
Location: Main floor, within the permanent exhibits
The Sandbox at Singapore Discovery Centre is a playground for the mind, offering interactive games that both kids and adults will enjoy. From solving puzzles to exploring future-oriented challenges, it’s an engaging way to spark creativity and curiosity.
I tried it with my family, and we were hooked on the hands-on activities that made learning feel like playtime.
Pro-tip: Don’t miss the sustainability simulation game at Sandbox. It lets you make decisions on resource management and see their impact in real time!
Sign up for arts and crafts workshops
– Media from singaporediscoverycentre
Location: In the classrooms near the Urban Garden
The arts and crafts workshops at the Singapore Discovery Centre are a fun way to get creative with the family. During one session, we made personalised tote bags, and it was such a joy watching the kids unleash their artistic side with paints and stencils!
I joined in, and honestly, it felt just as relaxing for me as it was exciting for them. These workshops are perfect for family bonding, and you’ll walk away with a unique keepsake to remember the day.
Pro-tip: These workshops are often scheduled during special events or festive seasons, such as the Blast From The Past event, where activities like Santa’s Workshop for crafting ornaments and snow globes are available on specific dates.
Have a meal at Bottle Tree Cafe
– Media from thefoodaffidavit
Location: Ground floor
Hours:
Monday to Friday, 9.30 AM to 6 PM
Saturday to Sunday, 10 AM to 8 PM
Having a meal at Bottle Tree Café at the Singapore Discovery Centre is a treat for both your taste buds and your eyes. The scenic lake views make it a perfect spot to relax after exploring, and the menu offers affordable local dishes packed with flavour.
I couldn’t resist the buttercream chicken rice. It was rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Pro-tip: Check for weekday lunch specials or bundle deals on its Facebook page for extra savings.
Buy a souvenir at the gift shop
– Media from ilovegarykatiemegan
Location: Ground floor near the main entrance
The gift shop at Singapore Discovery Centre is a treasure trove of unique keepsakes and educational toys. From colourful tote bags featuring Singapore icons to fun puzzle sets for kids, there’s something for everyone to remember the visit by.
I picked up a beautifully designed notebook and a quirky Singapore-themed magnet for my fridge. It’s a great spot to grab a little something for yourself or a thoughtful gift for loved ones back home.
Pro-tip: The shop offers gift-wrapping services for purchases. It’s a convenient option if you’re buying souvenirs or gifts for someone special!