11 Spectacular Science Days Out In The UK
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The classrooms may be closed, but that doesn't mean your budding scientists can't keep learning and discovering!
As the UK begins to open up again after lockdown, we're all keen to get out and about. From the newly re-opened science museums, to space centres and botanical gardens, there are a whole host of scientific days out for the kids.
We've rounded up some of the most exciting educational experiences which are ready and raring to welcome you and the kids.
Social distancing and extra hygiene measures are being put in place, and booking in advance is absolutely essential to help attractions manage visitor numbers safely. Please make sure you check directly with any venue to get the most up-to-date information about what to expect on your day out with the children.
Science Museum, London
Image © Science Museum
Discover the details of our universe, learn in the Launch Pad and fly the skies on the flight simulation to space! One of the most fascinating museums in London, the Science Museum showcases every area of science, from space to technology.
The re-opening of this museum has been much-anticipated and it's finally time for blast off as the museum reopened on 19 August. This museum is a mini scientist's dream come true, filled with hands-on, interactive activities.
Where Is It? Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD.
How Much To Budget For: Tickets are free (but you must pre-book!).
Nearest Tube/Railway Station: South Kensington.
Is It Buggy Friendly? Yes.
Kidadlers Say: Laura says: "We loved it and the kids really enjoyed it!"
Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, Macclesfield
Image © Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre Facebook
If you are struggling to answer inquisitive kids' questions such as, "Mummy, Daddy, how did the universe begin? ", this is the place for you.
The search is over for a place with all the answers. Home to the Lovell Telescope, this is a fun day out for all the family where you can discover all the wonders of the universe.
There is a range of interactive exhibits in the Space Pavilion, and there are even worksheets for the children to test what they've learned. Who said you can only learn in the classroom?
Where Is It? Macclesfield, SK11 9DW.
How Much To Budget For: Prices start from £6.50 for children and £8.50 for adults. Under 4s go free.
Nearest Tube/Railway Station: Macclesfield. Jodrell Bank is a short 20-minute taxi ride from the station.
Is It Buggy Friendly? Yes.
Kidadlers Say: Sharon says: "Really interesting and very interactive."
Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes
Discover the secret lives of codebreakers in WWII on a day out with the kids. Learn all about the secret missions that shaped our lives as we know them at the place where they took place.
Younger kids will love seeing the displays of period toys whilst older children can learn about secret languages and decoding passwords. The whole family can also get stuck in and have a go at the code trail themselves.
Where Is It? The Mansion, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 6EB.
How Much To Budget For: Under 12s go free. Admission is £21 for adults and starts from £12.50 for children. Tickets allow unlimited returns for a year so if you love it (which we think you will), you don't have to go just the one time, you can go back and get your fill!
Nearest Tube/Railway Station: Bletchley.
Is It Buggy Friendly? Yes.
Kidadlers Say: Gina says: "Both the boys really enjoyed the modern computer bit and making their own codes."
Kielder Observatory, Northumberland
Image © Kielder Observatory Facebook
Discover the stars and dark skies at Kielder Observatory. Away from the busy city lights, surrounded by enchanting forests, you're all set for a magical experienceexploring the depths of space. Book onto an Astronomy Event to experience stargazing as a fun and interactive learning experience for kids.
Where Is It? Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland, NE48 1ER.
How Much To Budget For: Prices from £8 for kids and £15 for adults.
Nearest Tube/Railway Station: Haltwhistle and then drive to the Observatory. Best accessed by car.
Is It Buggy Friendly? Yes.
Kidadlers Say: Ellasays:"Wow. The kids were amazed! Worth the journey".
National Space Centre, Leicester
Home to the UK's largest planetarium and real upright space rockets, the National Space Centre is a kids day out to remember. Check out the Weather Pod, uncover unusual objects in the Space Oddities Gallery and get an immersive tour through our solar system in the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium. Here's a learning experience that's out of this world.
Where Is It? Exploration Dr, Leicester LE4 5NS.
How Much To Budget For: Admission is £12.50 for children (Under 5s go free) and £15.50 for adults.
Nearest Tube/Railway Station: Leicester.
Is It Buggy friendly? Yes.
Kidadlers Say: April says: "I thought it was brilliant there, and my kids loved it too. I would go again just for myself!"
Science and Industry Museum, Manchester
Image © Science and Industry Museum Facebook
Set in Liverpool Street Station, this inspiring museum brings science and history to life. The Science and Industry Museum is putting safety first, so while some areas will remain closed after the reopening, there are still more than enough hands-on activities to entertain the kids.
Head to Experiment, a great collection of interactive exhibits, to see whether you could lift a Mini and watch your own skeleton ride a bike!
Where Is It? Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4FP.
How Much To Budget For: Free. You have to pre-book a timed slot to enable the museum to remain COVID-safe.
Nearest Tube/Railway station: Deansgate.
Is It Buggy Friendly? Yes and there's a buggy park.
Kidadlers Say: Kelly says: "Simply a great experience whether you are 2, like my grandson, or 92, like my dad!"
Kew Gardens, Richmond
Kew Gardens is back from lockdown in full bloom.
Kew is a great day out with kids, with over 50,000 living plants to see, the Mediterranean Garden and Arboretum (to name a few) there are so many attractions to discover - it's safe to say they won't be asking when it's home time! Pack a picnic and prepare for a day of exploring the natural world.
To enjoy these gorgeous gardens under new COVID-19 regulations, you must book a time slot, but once you're in, you're free to enjoy for as long as you like.
Where Is It? Kew Gardens, Richmond.
How Much To Budget For: Prices start from £5.50 for children (Under 5s go free) and from £17.50 for adults.
Nearest Tube/Railway Station: Kew Gardens station.
Is It Buggy Friendly? Yes, there's even a buggy-friendly walking map you can download on your mobile.
Kidadlers Say: Gal says: "We had a really great day out because there is something to suit every age there."
Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham
Image © Magna Science Adventure Centre Facebook
Magna is an exciting interactive experience suitable for both young and old. This science centre is in an old steelworks and offers over 100 hands-on exhibits in four pavilions themed around air, earth, fire and water - the four 'elements' needed to make steel.
It's a coats-on experience, so come prepared for outside temperatures and lots of fun. Following new COVID-19 regulations, you can only book online so be sure to check their website for more information.
Where Is It? Magna, Sheffield Road, Templeborough, Rotherham, S60 1DX.
How Much To Budget For: Prices start from £4.95 for 2-3-year-olds and £10.95 for 4-15-year-olds. Adults cost £12.95.
Nearest Tube/Railway Station: Rotherham Central.
Is It Buggy Friendly? Access inside is fine with a buggy.
Kidadlers Say: Phillip says: "Who knew education could also be so fun?"
The Observatory Science Centre, Hailsham
Image © The Observatory Science Centre Herstmonceux Facebook
The Observatory Science Centre is a great place for little science fans (and even adults!) to learn some really cool new facts.
The centre is very hands-on and the best science learning happens while the kids play and search for answers. The outdoor 'science playground' is designed to explore concepts like force and movement. There is also a range of activities available including telescope tours for no added cost, so you can really get the most out of this experience.
Where Is It? Herstmonceux, Hailsham, BN27 1RN.
How Much To Budget For: Admissions starts at £6.75 for children and £8.75 for adults.
Nearest Tube/Railway Station: Polegate.
Is It Buggy Friendly? Yes.
Kidadlers Say: Florent says: "Really great place to play and learn for any age".
Fishers Farm Park, West Sussex
Image © Fishers Farm Park Facebook
You can visit all your favourite adorable animals again at Fishers Farm Park, where the team has gone to great effort to make your visit safe. From bumper cars to pony rides and farm shows, they've got it all covered to make this one of the most fun science days out!
Kids will love the brand new socially-distanced Tractor & Trailer ride which will take you on a tour of all the farm inhabitants.
Where Is It? Newpound Lane, Wisborough Green, West Sussex, RH14 0EG.
How Much To Budget For: Tickets are £12.75 for all ages. Under 2s go free.
Nearest Tube/Railway Station: Billingshurst. Taxis are available from here (they recommend 'Jake's cars').
Is It Buggy Friendly? Yes.
Kidadlers Say: Gill says: "The little ones loved it! Great to be back playing outside."
Oceanarium: The Bournemouth Aquarium, Bournemouth
Image © Oceanarium, Bournemouth Facebook
Go on an underwater adventure and travel the seas whilst meeting hundreds of new and amazing creatures along the way. There's an adventure quiz trail for the whole family to follow here as you navigate your way through the waters.
Make flippered friends at Penguin Beach Encounter and see what it's really like to swim in the deep at the virtual sharks experience. The Oceanarium is an enjoyable and educational experience for the whole family and with reduced capacity and other safety measures, it's an ideal day out.
Where Is It? Oceanarium Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA.
How Much To Budget For: Admission starts from £8.50 for children and £11.50 for adults (Under 3s are free). Save when you book online.
Nearest Tube/Railway Station: Bournemouth train station.
Is It Buggy Friendly? Yes, and there is a pushchair park.
Kidadlers Say: Amanda says: "It was great!"
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Bachelor of Arts Hons specializing in Modern Languages (French and Spanish)
Monisha KochharBachelor of Arts Hons specializing in Modern Languages (French and Spanish)
A Modern Languages graduate from the University College London, Monisha with a passion for travel and exploring different cultures. She is fluent in French and Spanish and is currently learning Hindi. Monisha enjoys discovering new foods and is an avid sports fan, following soccer and Formula 1. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis and watching TV shows.
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2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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