Science-inspired family fun at the Science Oxford Centre

Visit the Science Oxford Centre for our Sensory-Friendly Family Day, designed to better accommodate and support families who experience autism and/or have other additional needs.

Explore, discover and play in the Exploration Zone, where children and grown-ups alike have fun experimenting with interactive exhibits; create and test flying designs at the Air Table, build a giant magnetic ball run, and make fun animations.

Pick up an Explorer Backpack and see what wildlife you can spot on our outdoor nature trails.

Make a splash at the outdoor Water Lab – experiment with floating and sinking, water flow and have fun with interchangeable accessories.

Pop-up Planetarium show in our inflatable science dome (strictly limited places available, Family Day Ticket and Planetarium Ticket pre-booking essential - information below; over 3s only).

Suitable for ages 3+ (all ages welcome). Under 3s free; a full price Single Ticket is required to complete your order.

Pre-booking essential. All visitors to the Centre require a ticket.

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Sensory Friendly

What we do to support you during your visit:

A reduced number of tickets gives everyone more space.

Loud exhibits are signposted.

Hand-dryers are switched off and replaced with hand towels.

Ear defenders are available on request.

Lighting is switched to a dimmer setting.

A display will show clearly how much time is remaining in your session.

During your visit, we please ask that everyone respects the space and needs of others, so that everyone can enjoy their time at the Science Oxford Centre in a way that is comfortable for them. If you require use of a quiet space during your visit, please ask a member of staff for assistance.

Before your visit, we recommend viewing or downloading our Family Day Visit – Visual Story, to help familiarise you and your family with the site ahead of your arrival.

You can also find our virtual 360 tour and other accessible resources here.

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What is included in your ticket:

Two-hour timeslot in the Exploration Zone

Access to the woodland and outdoor areas from 10am–5pm (last entry 4.30pm)

Make a splash at the outdoor Water Lab – experiment with floating and sinking, water flow and have fun with interchangeable accessories.

Parking (limited availability on a first come first serve basis. See visiting and travel information here)

What is NOT included

Entry to Club

Planetarium show ticket

Event information

Exploration Zone Sessions

10am-12pm

12.30pm-2.30pm

3pm - 5pm

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Planetarium show 'Life Elsewhere' in our inflatable science dome (Monthly pop-up feature! Strictly limited places available – pre-booking essential).

Journey from the icy moons of our own Solar System to distant worlds orbiting other stars. Explore the thousands of exoplanets already discovered in our galaxy, and consider what it would mean if we found life beyond Earth. Along the way, we’ll travel across the Milky Way, zoom out to the vastness of the cosmos, and reflect on our own fragile world. An inspiring exploration of science, scale and one of humanity’s biggest questions: could there be life elsewhere?

Admission to the planetarium show requires both a Family Day Ticket and a £3 Planetarium Ticket for each person.

Each 30-minute session includes the show, a brief Q&A, and time to enter and exit the planetarium.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. No entry for under 3s.

Show times:

Please queue 10 minutes before your planetarium show time.

11:00AM - 11:30PM

12:00PM - 12:30PM

13:30PM - 14:00PM

14:30PM - 15:00PM

The same show is repeated in all sessions.

You can choose any planetarium show time that fits your plans — before, during, or after your visit to the woodland and other Family Day activities.

Due to the nature of the inflatable planetarium, capacity is limited to 25 people per show for safety and comfort. Booking early is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Please note: Seating is on the floor with a cushion. We can accomodate a limited number of wheelchairs or chairs if required. Please contact us with any accessibility enquiries: events@scienceoxford.com.

Planetarium Visual Guide here.

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The Science Oxford Centre Visitor Café

Emira's Kitchen Open from 10am - 4pm with hot and cold drinks, light lunches, snacks and cakes. Families are also welcome to bring their own food and refreshments to eat at our lunch tables.

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Additional Support

If you're a visitor with a disability and you need a carer, personal assistant, or essential comp

Description supplied by the event organiser.