Life Science Centre

What is the Life Science Centre? 

Just a stone’s throw from Newcastle Central Station, the Life Science Centre is the ideal destination for a family day out. 

Here, science and space nuts can have their fill! Whether you’re an actual kid or a big adult kid – fun at Life knows no age limit. 

What can I do at the Life Science Centre?

Your ticket goes very far at The Life Science Centre. That’s why it’s perfect for families. There are so many activities included in the price of just one ticket! It’s hours of endless, sciencey fun for little ones. Not only does it keep the kids busy, you’ll probably end up having tons of fun yourself. 

Let’s have a look at what you can do for the price of your ticket(s): 

Gaze at Gaia like the astronauts do!

You and your little ones can gaze at Gaia (a.k.a Planet Earth) as though you were an astronaut. The Life Science Centre’s awesome 7-metre installation can be viewed from their Upper Level. 

From here, kids and adults alike can get artsy. Easels are ready waiting for you to get creative and create your own earth art! 

Kids can also create postcards to the future, colour giant wildlife maps or get cosy in the reading nook. 

Journey through space, hunt for aliens and see stunning image from the James Webb Space Telescope

If there’s one thing Life Science Centre is famous for, it’s their planetarium. In fact, the technology that it uses makes it the world’s most advanced planetarium system. 

You and your kids can hunt for aliens, marvel at the oceans of Jupiter’s moon, Europa, and explore the entire solar system. There’s even the ability to taste life aboard the International Space Station. 

Life Science Centre’s planetarium even has something for the youngest of visitors. Little Bear offers an adorable and awesome stargazing show for Under 7’s. Your little ones can help Little Bear find dot-to-dot animals in the starry night sky!

Did you know!?: Life is the only place in the north-east where you can view incredible images from the James Webb Space Telescope. 

Light Play, Soft Play and Making Rockets!

Life’s Play Zone is chocked full of activities for under 7’s. 

In this area, they can run their own imaginary cafe, invent and fun themselves silly in soft play. For the eco-friendly minded parent, your little ones can learn to recycle in their new kiddy-cafe. They’re never too young to learn how to take care of our planet! 

Here, there’s also the chance for little explorers to build rockets and create a giant marble run! As well as being able to listen to some noisy toys with Life Science Centre’s discovery backpacks!

Note: If you want a discovery backpack for your child, you can collect them from Life’s reception. However, availability for backpacks is limited. 

Launch rockets and present the weather in the Space Zone

This is the area where your kids (and maybe yourself) have an “a-ha!” moment. In the Space Zone, you and your family can find out how we’re using space technology in our everyday lives! 

And you can discover how the North-East is playing an important role in the future of space travel!

Here are some of the awesome activities available to you and your family in this area of Life: 

• Launch your own rocket.
• Climb aboard a model of the International Space Station. 
• Become a weather presenter in the Life Science Centre studio. 
• Watch satellite imagery shows on the Sphere. 

Go to infinity and beyond with Lightyear activities at the Life Science Centre 

This summer, Life has set up a range of activities to celebrate everyone’s favourite astronaut. No not Tim Peake or Neil Armstrong – Buzz Lightyear, of course! With the release of the new Lightyear film, this addition to the Life Science Centre is bound to get the kids excited! 

Family fun Lightyear activities range from creating an air-powered rocket and checking out how astronauts poo in space. Because, you know – that’s the question we all want the answer to. 

Kids can also mix real chemicals in the Experiment Zone. As well as helping Life’s explainers return their spaceship safely back to earth. 

You can see all Lightyear activities on offer here.

Accessibility

Eric Knows that Life is awesome for disabled access. In fact, it was awarded Gold Standard by the North East Autism Society in 2021. Life Science Centre prides itself on being autism friendly and accessible. 

Here are some of the ways in which the venue makes itself accessible: 

• Life Science Centre holds Relaxed Sunday Sessions for autistic visitors and those with sensory needs. Here, light and sound levels are altered where possible. E.g. hand dryers are turned off in the toilet for those with hypersensitivity to sound.
• The venue offers ear defenders for both adults and children. These are available to hire from reception for a £10 deposit. 
• Alternatively, sensory bags are also available to hire. These bags include ear defenders, as well as sunglasses, fidgets, and a visual story. These items, again, require a refundable deposit. This time it’s £20. 
• Before you visit, you can view a copy of Life’s visual story and sensory map. Or, you can ask for these resources at reception when you visit. 
• If you’re a carer, you can visit the Life Science Centre for FREE. Simply add a free carer ticket to your basket. Oh, and remember to bring proof of carer status to show to reception when you arrive. 

Looking for more fun filled family days out in Newcastle? Check out The Discovery Museum and Great North Museum: Hancock. They’re both in the city centre and most importantly, FREE and fun!