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

Robots - then and now

This family-friendly exhibition, created by the Science Museum in London, celebrates the 500-year work-in-progress story of building automated machines.

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 - 31 March 2019 Created by UK artist Luke Jerram, 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. The exhibit uses imagery captured by the NASA spacecraft Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and, at an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimetre of the sphere represents five kilometres of the Moon’s surface.

Perfect for All ages Included in your science centre admission

Robots – then and now

26 May 2018 - 2 December 2018 This family-friendly exhibition, created by the Science Museum in London, celebrates the 500-year work-in-progress story of building automated machines. Children go FREE at Life Science Centre this October half term!* Get one free child admission to Life Science Centre with each full paying adult, from Saturday 20 October – Sunday 4 November 2018. Use code KIDSFREE online, or buy your tickets on arrival at reception. *Terms and conditions apply. Excludes concessions. Start your journey with the humble beginnings of 16th century mechanical automatons before marching forward through the rich history of robotics to the latest humanoids. The exhibits – ...

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 - term timeMonday - Friday: 11.00am - 4.00pm (last entry 3.30pm) Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm (last entry 4.30pm) Sunday: 11.00am - 5.00pm (last entry 4.30pm)The Experiment Zone may be ...

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

Alien Worlds

22 September 2018 - 7 January 2019 Our Earth is a welcoming place for us humans, but what might it be like on different, alien, worlds?Humans love exploring – and we’re not stopping at our own planet! Although we can’t travel to most other worlds (yet!), in the immersive environment of our planetarium we can experience what it might be like.Dive through Saturn’s rings, fly above the Martian surface and find out what it’s like to walk on moons.

Perfect for Ages 5+ Included in your science centre admission

Live Skies

Take a tour of the night sky in Live Skies. Our planetarium presenters take you on a tour of the night sky and describe current space missions to collect samples from asteroids. Asteroids have had a bad press – we often think of the death of the dinosaurs – but they are a source of unparalleled information about the early history of our Solar System. Current space missions to collect samples from these distant space rocks and return them to Earth are both technically ambitious and intellectually exciting. They are a step on our journey to answer ...

Perfect for Suitable for all ages 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

19 May 2018 - 19 April 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

Frankenstein: Escape the Monster

1 October 2018 - 9 November 2018 Hurtle down an abandoned mine railroad to escape the clutches of Dr Frankenstein’s monster! With seats that move with the on-screen action, you’ll feel like you’re really hurtling down an abandoned mine railroad to escape the clutches of Dr Frankenstein’s monster! At the end of the line you’ll tumble into a spooky graveyard for a final showdown with the monster. Please note: some children may find some scenes in the film scary. We recommend parents and guardians watch the film in advance to make their own judgement on whether this is suitable for the child in their ...

Perfect for 8+ recommendation Included in your science centre admission

The Polar Express Journey to the North Pole

10 November 2018 - 7 January 2019 When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. The Polar Express Journey to the North Pole is a six minute film based on the inspiring and beloved Caldecott Medal winning children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. 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

How to be an Evil Genius

2 October 2018 - 7 January 2019 An evil genius has a dastardly plan to take over the world by stealing the keys to a magnificent Moon rocket. As you can imagine, stealing a Moon rocket isn’t easy, so the evil genius is recruiting a team of minions to help. On-the-job training is provided for wannabe minions, so step inside our theatre to uncover the science needed to complete the mission.

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

1950s Rock 'n' Roll with The Bluebirds

16 November 2018 7:30 PM - 12:00 AM It's back to the 50s for a party that celebrates great music, fashion, dancing and food! The fabulous trio The Bluebirds are back to deliver top notch entertainment and live renditions of 1950s classics - rock 'n' roll, rockabilly, jive - we have it covered. All that dancing can work up an appetite so dig into some American diner classics of burgers, chilli dogs and fries. And satisfy any sweet tooth cravings at the candy tuck shop. Dress code: blue suede shoes, swing dresses, polka dots, quiffs and pony tails are the order of the day (but not ...

Perfect for Adults Separate prices apply

Auld Lang Science

Next Date: Friday 25 January 2019, 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM Join us as we celebrate Scotland’s national poet in a Burns Supper like no other. We might not be north of the border, but you’re sure to have a night to remember as we blend traditional Burns Night revelry with a few science twists. Start off your evening with the sound of bagpipes and a wee dram of whisky, followed by a scrumptious dinner that would do Rabbie Burns proud. Then dance the rest of the night away in true Scottish style to the sounds of top North East ceilidh band Angels of the North. We want ...

Perfect for Adults (18+ only) Separate prices apply

Halloween Late: Bewitching Bots

26 October 2018 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM This Halloween, we're opening our doors for a night of frightening frivolity. Have a pint pulled by a robot, enjoy some chilling tunes and be part of a Halloween experience like no other. See our Robots - then and now exhibition in a new (eerie) light, explore the North's biggest planetarium and hop aboard the 4D Ride for some gruesome fun. Channel your inner scientist in the Experiment Zone, decorate a Day of the Dead sugar skull, navigate the laser maze and be cyborged in the special effects make up area. Dressing up encouraged - and you could win ...

Perfect for Adults Separate prices apply

Museum of the Moon (Admission from 4pm)

Perfect for All ages Separate prices apply

October Half-Term

20 October 2018 - 4 November 2018 Concocting potions, fiendish plotting and exploring weird worlds are some of our highlights for the October half-term holidays. Children go FREE at Life Science Centre this October half term!* Get one free child admission to Life Science Centre with each full paying adult, from Saturday 20 October – Sunday 4 November 2018. Use code KIDSFREE online, or buy your tickets on arrival at reception. *Terms and conditions apply. Excludes concessions. Not enrolled in a boarding school for wizards? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our Potions workshops!* Then again, if you are one of the minions ...

Perfect for All ages Included in your science centre admission

Potions Workshop

20 October 2018 - 4 November 2018 Add ingredients, mix and watch closely. What will your potion do?Children who don’t go to witch or wizard school can still get in on the fun of potion making this half-term.Apprentices will learn how to mix their own concoctions and watch things rise from the depths of a cauldron before they try to make their own potions. Chanting spells is optional!(Fancy dress is not provided.)

Perfect for 5+ Included in your science centre admission

Pre-school Days

Next Date: Tuesday 27 November 2018, 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 show, Little Bear, is 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 ...

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

Robots: hopes and fears

Next Date: Thursday 1 November 2018, 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM Will robots ultimately change our lives for better or for worse?There are many ways in which robots could improve healthcare and wellbeing: robotic surgeons are already being used in highly intricate operations, including to treat patients with pancreatic and kidney cancer; in our aging society, robots could help to care for the elderly with humanoid carers; while the many people who are unable to drive for health reasons could find greater independence thanks to driverless cars.In all of these examples, however, there are concerns that tasks once performed by a human could be taken over by a robot. Should ...

Perfect for 16+ Separate prices apply

Santa Claus at Life

17 November 2018 - 23 December 2018 Our favourite fella in the red suit will be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit Times Square. Visit Santa Claus in his grotto in Times Square this Christmas. He’ll be here every weekend between 17 November and 23 December. Price: £5.00 per child (includes a gift). Pre-booking online is recommended to avoid disappointment. Slots are available between 1.00pm and 5.00pm. Simply select your preferred half hour slot and your child will see Santa within that period for approximately five minutes.

Perfect for All ages Separate prices apply

Science Sessions: Remember, remember the fourth of November

Next Date: Sunday 4 November 2018, 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. Remember, remember, the fourth of November. Would you like to explore the whizzes, whooshes and colours of fireworks and the science behind how these are made and displayed safely? Join us on a hands-on historical journey from the discovery of the red dragon in Ancient China to modern pyrotechnics. All there in glorious ...

Perfect for ages 13-18 Separate prices apply

Science Sessions: T-shirt Hacking

Next Date: Sunday 2 December 2018, 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. T-Shirt Hacking Forget the corny Christmas jumper, we are going to make hyper cool-science T-shirts which will be just the thing to assert you inner geek on Christmas Day. Learn how to stencil, selectively bleach and other ways to hack your garment. Come with your own design or use one of ...

Perfect for ages 13-18 Separate prices apply

"The staff are a credit to the Science Centre, all very professional but approachable."

Visitor feedback

May 2018

Opening times

Science Centre Times

Valid from 20 October - 4 November 2018


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

School holiday information
We anticipate the science centre will be busy over the half-term, so we’ve put together some useful info for visitors.

More info

Latest from Life

Half-term treats (without the tricks) at Life Science Centre

Children can visit Life Science Centre for FREE* this half-term (20 October – 4 November) so all little monsters can enjoy the frightfully good events on offer!