Life Science Centre

We’re not like a museum where you’ll only find stuff in cases and be expected to look and not touch. At Life Science Centre, you’re encouraged to get stuck in: explore, create and have fun – whatever your age. Our friendly Science Explainers are always on-hand to answer questions – just look out for people wearing the Life-branded blue polo shirts.

Your science centre ticket gives you access to ALL of the daytime activities inside Life Science Centre (see below). There are no extra fees for blockbuster exhibitions or for entry to the planetarium, live theatre shows and the 4D Motion Ride. You won’t find any hidden charges here!

Explore Life's interactive Zones - experience neurological tests in the Brain Zone and let little ones discover the Young Explorers’ Zone.

Everything below is included in your Science Centre ticket

Alien Invasion

Is there life elsewhere in the Universe? What would life on other worlds look like? Will humans ever travel beyond our Solar System? Science doesn’t have the answers to these questions – yet! – but thanks to the imaginations of sci-fi television and movie makers, you can almost believe that we’re already there.

The planetarium

This is an immersive experience – once the lights are dimmed, the doors are shut and you’re sitting on one of the comfiest seats in the region, it’s easy to forget you’re still on planet Earth. We have shows that are tailored for different ages.

Live theatre shows

A changing programme of live theatre shows developed and performed in-house by our Science Explainers to explore a science topic with storytelling, demos and a bit of audience participation (not compulsory if you’re a wallflower).

4D Motion Ride

Watch a short 3D film with seats that move with the on-screen action – plus a variety of other special effects to add to the experience, including smells and fake snow. You have to be at least 1.2 metres in height to use the ride (for safety reasons).

Young Explorers’ Zone

This is a hands-on area designed to let children explore and create. There’s a little indoor garden with a tree house, a shop, a cafe, a kitchen – and even a recycling centre to teach children some good habits at an early age.

Brain Zone

Play memory games, step inside an optical illusion and (attempt to) interact with exhibits that require some mind over matter. Developed with the curriculum in mind, it's a fantastic resource for science students – particularly those on psychology courses.

Curiosity Zone

There are no right or wrong answers, no instructions, no rule book. Just follow your instincts as you experiment with a range of exhibits, including spinning turntables and sound-based games. This permanent exhibition will encourage visitors of all ages to think like a scientist.

Experiment Zone

Don a lab coat and try out some real science experiments. We provide the chemicals*, pipettes and conical flasks – you just need to bring your ‘A’ game for precise measurements and keen observations. (*Yes, real chemicals! Hence you must be 7+ to enter the lab.)

What's On

Exhibitions

Exhibitions Zones Planetarium 4D Motion Ride Science Theatre Special Events

Alien Invasion

22 December 2018 - 28 April 2019 Is there life elsewhere in the Universe? What would life on other worlds look like? Will humans ever travel beyond our Solar System? Science doesn’t have the answers to these questions – yet! – but thanks to the imaginations of sci-fi television and movie makers, you can almost believe that we’re already there.In our exhibition Alien Invasion, come and see 39 original and replica props from film and TV showcasing the best in sci-fi.

Perfect for All ages Included in your science centre admission

Museum of the Moon

2 February 2019 - 6 May 2019 Museum of the Moon displays the lunar surface in incredible detail on a seven-metre-wide sphere that is suspended in the air. It is massive, magnificent and mesmerising.Museum of the Moon is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram being presented worldwide at a number of arts and cultural venues over the coming years. The artwork is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones.Museum of the Moon has recently been presented at the Commonwealth Games in Australia, toured five cities of India with the British ...

Perfect for All ages Included in your science centre admission

Brain Zone

Explore what makes you 'you'. Find out how your brain works and how it controls so many of your body's functions – often without you even realising it. Play memory games, step into an optical illusion and (attempt to) interact with exhibits that require some mind over matter. Developed with the national curriculum in mind, the Brain Zone has much to offer psychology students, but it also offers broader science insights, such as how scientists carry out experiments when data is hard to capture. Don't miss: Sip of conflict – A drinking fountain disguised as ...

Perfect for all ages Included in your science centre admission

Curiosity Zone

There are no right or wrong answers, no instructions, no rule book. Just follow your instincts as you experiment with a range of exhibits, including spinning turntables, sound-based games and a ‘Bernoulli Blower’ that floats a beachball in mid-air – always popular with younger children! Ask yourself the kind of questions that a scientist would: “what happens if?”, “what can I see here?” and “why is that happening?”. All of the exhibits in Curiosity Zone can be used in a variety of different ways, so you choose what you want to explore. When you come back next time, ...

Perfect for all ages Included in your science centre admission

Experiment Zone

In the Experiment Zone YOU are the scientist! Ever wondered what it's like to be a real scientist? Find out in the Experiment Zone. Carry out practical experiments using real tools and materials. Work on your own, in a team, or enlist the help of a friendly Science Explainer. Meet real-life working scientists. See them at work and ask questions. Help in actual research projects taking place in the region's universities. Experiment Zone opening times Monday - Friday: 11.00am - 4.00pm (last entry 3.30pm) Saturday: 10.00am - 6.00pm (last entry 5.30pm) Sunday: 11.00am - 6.00pm (last entry 5.30pm) ...

Perfect for ages 7+ Included in your science centre admission

Making Space

Drop into the Making Space to design, play, weave, construct or create something special!All Making Space events are included in your Science Centre admission. Activities change regularly.The Making Space is open most weekends and during school holidays.

Perfect for All ages Included in your science centre admission

Prehistoric Autopsy Hominins

Get up close to our collection of skeletons and full body recreations of Neanderthal, Australopithicus and Homo erectus.These six models were created for the BBC TV series Prehistoric Autopsy, presented by Alice Roberts in 2012. They are highly accurate recreations of what the creatures would probably have been like. They are relatives of modern humans, but apart from Homo erectus they are not our direct ancestors. Find them on the ramp between the ground and upper floor.

Perfect for all ages Included in your science centre admission

Young Explorers' Zone

Children learn through play – it’s how they make sense of the world. Our Young Explorers’ Zone for under-7s is designed to encourage open-ended play and to help children build their imagination and other key skills, whilst having fun! Activities include:Big blocks, which are just waiting to be crafted into something wonderful. Will your child design a rocket, a unicorn or something totally new?A sensory den, where smaller tots and babies can explore light, colours, shapes and sounds – tucked safely away from some of the more energetic play from older toddlers! A fresh take on soft play, with linkable pieces ...

Perfect for under 7s Included in your science centre admission

Moonstruck

2 February 2019 - 24 May 2019 Discover some of the scientific secrets of the Moon. Narrated by BBC Radio 4’s science comedian Helen Keen, the planetarium show Moonstruck explores the brightest object in our night sky.

Perfect for 7+ Included in your science centre admission

Planetarium

Life Science Centre is home to the North’s biggest and best planetarium. Here, the skies are darker, the stars are brighter, the planets are so clearly defined, it looks like you could reach out and touch them. Thanks to the most sophisticated digital technology available, you can: Experience the most immersive, absorbing journeys through space and the solar system. See stunning space films and visuals that you won’t see anywhere else in the region. Experience real-time Live Skies shows where you can find out what’s happening in space right now. Zoom through space and land on ...

Perfect for All Ages Included in your science centre admission

Space Robots

2 February 2019 - 24 May 2019 We all love to explore gardens, playgrounds and secret hideaways, but when exploring space is too dark and dangerous for human explorers, we send robots who act as our eyes and ears, sensing around them and sending us messages to tell us about it.A lot of what we know about our Solar System comes from the space robots that scientists have sent to other planets. Listen in to Mission Control as the messages roll in.

Perfect for Under 7s Included in your science centre admission

4D Motion Ride

You can expect to be blasted with wind and smoke, and you'll even be able to smell the action! For safety reasons you have to be at least 1.2 metres in height to use the Motion Ride. There are plenty of other things to enjoy if you’re smaller - just ask a member of staff. Shows are on at various times throughout the day, daily show times are available on arrival.

Perfect for anyone over 1.2m in height Included in your science centre admission

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island – Chase over Atlantis

Hitch a ride on this incredible voyage that has Sean and his friends searching for his long lost grandfather, which leads them to the elusive “Mysterious Island”.This immersive experience – that includes riding on the backs of giant bees, soaring over the jungle and through the treetops, and dodging the beaks of hungry birds – is a one-of-a-kind ride you won’t want to miss!For safety reasons, you must be at least 1.2 metres in height to use the 4D Motion Ride.

Perfect for anyone over 1.2m in height Included in your science centre admission

Rusty

2 February 2019 - 31 March 2019 Meet Rusty, an extra-terrestrial robot who will catapult you on an exciting journey, flying across our planet’s surface and down a ravine – before continuing your adventure in space, thanks to one of his many engineering gadgets! For safety reasons, you must be at least 1.2 metres in height to use the 4D Motion Ride. This show will be on at various times throughout the day, daily show times are available on arrival.

Perfect for anyone over 1.2m in height Included in your science centre admission

Kitchen Science

2 February 2019 - 12 May 2019 Science to amuse and amaze you in your very own kitchen. We often see science done in big laboratories, but there are plenty of weird and wonderful things you can do at home. Join our science explainers as they try some of them. What will you do in your kitchen? Want to try some science at home? Download our handy toolkit for making the perfect slime with items found in your kitchen cupboards!

Perfect for 5+ Included in your science centre admission

Science Theatre

Awesome experiments and audience participation help to unravel science fact from science fiction in our fun, family-friendly shows. Shows change regularly and cover all sorts of science themes like dinosaurs, the weather, aerodynamics (with fake flying pigs as test pilots), reactions, chain reactions... the list goes on! The Science Theatre is equipped with an analogue induction loop. Shows are on at various times throughout the day, daily show times are available on arrival.

Perfect for all ages Included in your science centre admission

Dark Side of Museum of the Moon

12 April 2019 - 26 April 2019 A night where astronomy meets art. Experience Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon album like never before in our planetarium – with visuals displayed on the dome to accompany the music – and take in the awe-inspiring view of a seven-metre-wide illuminated Moon, suspended above the ground. Museum of the Moon, created by UK artist Luke Jerram, displays the Moon’s surface in stunning detail with digital imagery captured by a NASA satellite. Grab a drink at the bar* and take a seat to slowly take in the spectacular art installation. Please note: there will be two ...

Perfect for 14+ recommendation Separate prices apply

February half-term: Moons and Aliens!

16 February 2019 - 24 February 2019 This half-term, we’re bringing the Moon to the Toon, checking out some alien life and bringing you a cardboard carnival!Explore the lunar surface on a seven-metre-wide sphere that is suspended in the air with Museum of the Moon.The Moon isn’t the only supersized spectacle this half-term, with stilt walkers entertaining visitors!Sci-fi geekery galore with the Alien Invasion exhibition, which features 39 original and replica props from film and TV shows.In the Making Space, a guest Maker will create a cardboard carnival and visitors can add their own creations to the build or take their crafts home.Our Science Explainers will be ...

Perfect for All ages Included in your science centre admission

Museum of the Moon (Late admission)

2 February 2019 - 6 May 2019 Museum of the Moon displays the lunar surface in incredible detail on a seven-metre-wide sphere that is suspended in the air. It is massive, magnificent and mesmerising.Just want to see Museum of the Moon? Buy a 'Museum of the Moon only' ticket at a discounted price, available for the following times:Weekends: 4.00pm onwards.Weekdays: 2.00pm onwards.Thursdays late night until 7.00pm.*Please note: 'Museum of the Moon only' tickets are not available 16 - 24 February. Other activities in the centre will close at the usual time.*Excludes 21 February and 21 March 2019.

Perfect for All ages Separate prices apply

Pre-school Days

Next Date: Tuesday 5 March 2019, 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM These regular events, led by Life's friendly Science Explainers, provide a delightful opportunity for young children to enjoy and explore the Science Centre.Each session offers a mix of classic activities, such as Piccolo Music workshops, mini-beast handling and a toddler bubble disco alongside new activities, so that every event is different. Access to our hands-on Young Explorers' Zone and special planetarium shows for little ones are also available.Pre-school days are drop in events so you can arrive and leave when it's convenient for you, but please be aware that spaces in Piccolo Music Workshops are limited and do tend to ...

Perfect for Ages 4 and under (and accompanying adults) Separate prices apply

Salutation to the Moon

28 April 2019 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Enjoy a vinyasa flow yoga workshop while taking in the awe-inspiring view of our art installation, Museum of the Moon. Created by UK artist Luke Jerram, Museum of the Moon is a seven-metre-wide illuminated sphere that is covered in digital imagery of the lunar surface and suspended above the ground. The artwork is captivating and calming, providing an atmospheric backdrop for the yoga class. Vinyasa flow yoga is the most popular yoga style practiced around the world and is concerned with synchronising movement with breath. Please bring along your own yoga mat if you have one ...

Perfect for 16+ Separate prices apply

Science Sessions: Light, Energy and Living Things

Next Date: Sunday 28 April 2019, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Are you aged between 13 and 18? Want to explore what you can really do with science? Life’s hands-on sessions for teenagers include a ‘no boring stuff’ guarantee! Whether you take part alone or with friends, you’re guaranteed to meet like-minded people, learn something new and have fun. Light, Energy and Living Things Come and see photosynthesis in action! Watch our stunt stick insects using oxygen before your very eyes and find out what peas get up to when they get wet. Lots of experiments which get to the heart of how living things work and provide an ...

Perfect for ages 13 - 18 Separate prices apply

Science Sessions: The World's Smallest Electric Railway

Next Date: Sunday 10 March 2019, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Science Sessions are hands-on activities organised for young people aged 13+ who like hands-on science. These are individual events which you can choose to attend as you like, perhaps alone or perhaps with your friends.The World's Smallest Electric RailwayExplore the effects of electromagnetic induction to create a range of kinetic toys. Exercise your engineering and tinkering skills to construct one of the world's smallest working train sets. Tickets are available to book online. Booking will close at midnight on the Wednesday before each session.On the day, please head to the main Science Centre reception with your ticket and a member ...

Perfect for ages 13 - 18 Separate prices apply

Supermoon Supper - SOLD OUT

In 2019, the first day of spring will be marked by a Supermoon in the night sky. We’re marking this astronomical coincidence with a sumptuous two-course candlelit dinner beside our Museum of the Moon artwork.Museum of the Moon, created by UK artist Luke Jerram, is a seven-metre-wide illuminated sphere that is covered in digital imagery of the lunar surface and suspended in the air.Swing singer Paul Skerritt will add to the romantic atmosphere with Moon-inspired music for an evening to remember.Set MenuGlass of fizz on arrivalStarterWild garlic and parmesan tart with pea purée (V)(GF)MainChicken supreme with stilton and spring onion ...

Perfect for Adults (18+ only) Separate prices apply

"Exceptional service from Sharon in the café. Nothing too much trouble! We'll be back again."

Visitor feedback

June 2016

Opening times

Science Centre Times



Valid from 16 - 24 February 2019

Monday - Friday	9.00am - 6.00pm
Saturday	10.00am - 6.00pm
Sunday	11.00am - 6.00pm


Valid from 25 February - 24 May 2019

Monday - Saturday	10.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday	11.00am - 5.00pm

Ice rink opening times
View the opening times for the ice rink

More info

Latest from Life

Life is bringing the Moon to the Toon!

It has created a sensation across the world and now Museum of the Moon will shine at the Life Science Centre in Newcastle from 2 February until 31 March 2019.