Spend a full morning exploring science through hands-on activities designed especially for home educating families.

Our Home Educator Days combine interactive STEM workshops, access to our Exploration Zone, and themed drop-in activities in a welcoming environment where children can investigate, create and discover at their own pace.

Each event has a different theme, giving families the opportunity to return throughout the year for new experiences and challenges. Sessions are designed primarily for children aged 5–11yrs old, and are not suitable for those outside of this age range.

2026–27 Home Educator Day Themes

🔹 Monday 5 October 2026 – An Introduction to Micro:bits

Discover the world of coding and technology through an introduction to Micro:bits, with additional hands-on circuit activities to explore.

🔹 Wednesday 17 February 2027 – Planetarium Experience

Journey through space in our inflatable planetarium and enjoy additional space-themed activities.

🔹 Monday 26 April 2027 – Pond-Dipping Adventure

Explore the fascinating wildlife living in our ponds and discover more about the natural world through outdoor investigations.

We will provide one facilitated Activity Session, which will be repeated twice across the morning. You can choose either Activity Session when booking, but if you are attending with family members or friends and would like to take part together, please ensure everyone books the same timed session.

You may arrive and depart any time between 10am-12:30pm, to suit your own schedule and travel requirements. Access to the Exploration Zone and other hands-on activities will be available throughout your visit, between 10am-12:30pm.

Tickets

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, including in the Activity Session.

£12.50 per child (one accompanying adult included free with each child ticket)

Additional adults: £5 each

Younger siblings (4 and under): Free

Each attendee requires their own ticket

Younger siblings may attend Home Educator Days but activities are pitched primarily for children aged 5–11. The Activity Sessions are not suitable for younger siblings to participate in. Both Activity Session participants and accompanying siblings need to be supervised throughout the event. Younger siblings will require a 'Younger sibling' add-on ticket.

Pond Dipping Information

All equipment will be provided. The Activity Session involves pond dipping off the edge of an unfenced platform. Please ensure you have an adequate adult to child ratio to suitably supervise all children at all times.

We suggest a 1:1 adult to child ratio for under 7s. You may wish to leave younger siblings with an additional adult in the Exploration Zone or keep them in a carrier or buggy.

What's Included?

One facilitated Activity Session (choose your time slot when booking)

Guided Exploration Zone access (10am-12:30pm)

Additional hands-on themed STEM activities (10am-12:30pm)

What's not Included?

Woodland access (unless otherwise stated)

Water Lab access (unless otherwise stated)

Public parking is not available at the Science Oxford Centre on weekdays – we recommend using the Park and Ride, JustPark app, public transport, or cycling. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements. There are free 2-hour and 3-hour street parking bays available on the roads surrounding the centre (Old Road, Quarry Road) or paid spaces at St Leonard's Car Park, approximately 20 minutes walk away.

The Science Oxford Centre café 'Emira’s Kitchen' is not available on weekdays – please bring your own packed lunch and we will provide a self-service station for hot and cold drinks. We have a designated lunch area available.

Event Schedule

10:00am – Arrival and check-in opens

10:30am–11:15am – Activity Session 1

11:15am-11:30am – Break

11:30am–12:15pm – Activity Session 2

12:30pm – Depart and site closes

Important Information

Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the event.

Younger siblings may attend Home Educator Days but activities are pitched primarily for children aged 5–11. The Activity Sessions are not suitable for younger siblings to participate in. Both Activity Session participants and accompanying siblings need to be supervised throughout the event. Younger siblings will require a 'Younger sibling' add-on ticket.

Places are limited to ensure a high-quality, hands-on experience.

Please arrive promptly to allow sessions to begin on time.

Entry to the building will not be permitted before 9:45am and visitors must depart from the site by 12:45pm.

Getting the most from your visit

At Science Oxford, we encourage adults to take part alongside children by asking questions, exploring ideas together and supporting investigations. Our activities are designed to develop curiosity, creativity and confidence, so we ask adults to allow children space to make their own observations, test their own ideas and contribute their own answers. During facilitated activities, please follow the guidance of our activity

Description supplied by the event organiser.