Enjoy a great day out at Newcastle’s Life Science Centre
Family fun this May
It’s our 25th birthday month, so there’s plenty to enjoy and explore.
Planning a day out over the May bank holiday or half term? Life is packed with hands-on exhibits, activities and shows for all ages.
From Saturday 25 May, Lightbox opens with an amazing collection of interactive exhibits where light, colour and sound come to life – just in time for the school holidays.
May highlights
- Over the May bank holiday weekend (Saturday 3 – Monday 5 May), Wilde Farm in Ponteland is bringing goats, chicks and lambs to Life.
- From Saturday 10 May, visitors can make and take home a celebration Jack-in-the-box in our Making Studios, using a mix of materials from Life to create a pop-up surprise.
- Back in the Planetarium for May, Earth Defenders! is an 80s-style animated show featuring a team of satellites working together to protect the planet. It returns to celebrate the launch of the new BIOMASS satellite.
- In Experiment Zone (from Saturday 13 May), visitors become scientists. With goggles and lab coats on, they explore five sealed boxes, using their senses, magnets and comparisons to figure out what might be inside.
- Feel what it’s like to be an astronaut in Space Zone – complete with a mock-up of the International Space Station.
- There’s also the chance to race pulley chairs, explore sound through hands-on exhibits, and step into a model of the International Space Station in Space Zone.
- Little ones can explore, build and play in our Play Zone, designed especially for under-7s.
- To make your visit even more special, Discovery Backpacks are available to borrow at the entrance. They include tools and toys to help you spot a rainbow indoors, explore the Earth and discover sound in new ways. A £10 refundable deposit is required.
Take a look around
Life is home to the North's largest planetarium, which hosts a range of exciting shows.
Get crafty in the Making Studios, with a changing programme of hands-on activities.
In Brain Zone, step into an optical illusion and interact with exhibits that challenge the mind!
In the Experiment Zone, carry our practical experiments using real tools and materials.
Let your little ones explore a fascinating world designed just for them in Play Zone.
Find out how local scientists are taking inspiration from nature with hands-on exhibits.
Included in your ticket
On now
Little Bear: 360° immersive dome show
Included in science centre ticket
Especially for under-7s
Set aside about 10 minutes
On now
Brain Zone
Included in science centre ticket
Age 7+ recommendation
Set aside about 30 minutes
On now
Experiment Zone
Included in science centre ticket
Age 7+ only
Set aside about 30 minutes
On now
Hello World
Included in science centre ticket
Perfect for everyone
Set aside about 30 minutes
On now
Play Zone
Included in science centre ticket
Especially for under-7s
Set aside about 30 minutes
On now
Our Planet Earth – Gaia
Included in science centre ticket
Perfect for everyone
Set aside about 10 minutes
On now
Creativity Zone
Included in science centre ticket
Perfect for everyone
Set aside about 30 minutes
On now
Space Zone
Included in science centre ticket
Perfect for everyone
Set aside about 1 hour
On now
Pop-up Play Stations and Discovery Backpacks
Included in science centre ticket
Especially for under-7s
Set aside about 30 minutes
On now
Wow Zone
Included in science centre ticket
Age 7+ recommendation
Set aside about 45 minutes
On now
The Making Studios
Included in science centre ticket
Age 5+ recommendation
Set aside about 30 minutes
On now
Science Now! Hub: Growing our Future
Included in science centre ticket
Age 7+ recommendation
Set aside about 20 minutes
On now
Top 10 Live Science Show
Included in science centre ticket
Age 5+ recommendation
Set aside about 20 minutes
On now
Constellation Close Up: Planetarium Show
Included in science centre ticket
Age 7+ recommendation
Set aside about 20 minutes
On now
‘Every Can Counts’ Infinity Room
Included in science centre ticket
Perfect for everyone
Until 31 October 2025
On now
Earth Defenders! 360° immersive dome show
Included in science centre ticket
Age 7+ recommendation
Set aside about 25 minutes
Coming soon
Springtime at the Farm
Included in science centre ticket
Suitable for everyone
Saturday 3 May – Monday 5 May only
Café and gift shop
Catering for hungry bellies
Food and drink can be purchased from Times Square Café Bar. Alternatively, you are more than welcome to bring your own packed lunch.
Take home a memento of your vist
A visit to Life wouldn’t be complete without exploring our selection of science kits, toys, books, souvenirs and gifts to suit all ages and budgets
Getting here
Life is located in Times Square, just a two minute walk form Newcastle Central train and Metro station.
Science centre map
View our science centre map to get a feel for what to expect.
Group visits
Life is a great place for groups of all sizes to spend a day and take part in some fun science activities! If you’re bringing 20 people or more, it’s best to book in advance.
Accessibility
We welcome all our visitors and work hard to make sure our facilities are accessible to everyone.
Contact us
Have a question about the science centre? Our team would be happy to help.
