A day at Glasgow Science Centre

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When we were in Scotland over February half term we planned some days out for bad weather days – as everyone knows that weather in Scotland in February is not the best. One of those days out was Glasgow Science Centre, which we visited on our first full day in Scotland.

Where is Glasgow Science Centre?

The Glasgow Science Centre is in the Clyde Waterfront Regeneration area on the south bank of the River Clyde in Glasgow. It’s easily accessible from central Glasgow and the local area or for those coming from further afield. We found it easily using sat nav and there’s a big car park right outside the attraction. It was about a 40 minute drive from where we were staying in Mauchline, Ayrshire.

What is Glasgow Science Centre?

Glasgow Science Centre is one of Scotland’s most popular paid-for visitor attractions, presenting concepts of science and technology in unique and inspiring ways. It literally showcases everything you can think of to do with science – including a planetarium!

The Glasgow Science Centre planetarium

When we arrived at the centre our first stop was the planetarium. We had booked tickets in advance – although you can also book when you arrive at Glasgow Science Centre and there are a whole host of planetarium shows to choose from with options for even the youngest of visitors. Some of the shows available are The Great Solar System Adventure, Space Explorers or, the show that we saw, Spring Skies.

The planetarium at Glasgow Science Centre is a state-of-the-art facility where you are taken on fantastic journeys through the solar system. We loved the experience and it was a great way to kick start our day.

Things to do at Glasgow Science Centre

As soon as we walked out of the planetarium we were in the thick of the science centre, surrounded by hands on exhibits, bringing science to life right in front of us. The children got stuck in right away.

The science centre is split into different exhibitions, which all flow nicely so you can move easily from area to area, learning and exploring as you go.

Space Zone

Whilst we were waiting for our planetarium slot, we got to enjoy The Space Zone – an immersive walkway through the solar system. Space is one of our favourite things as a family so it was great to learn more about the planets, see them in different lights and enjoy little facts about them too.

Explore!

The Explore! area featured 50 different interactive experiences where you could make a splash with sound, avoid detection by a thermal camera and strike a pose with colourful shadows. It was great fun – and educational too!

A Question of Perception

One of the children’s favourite areas was the perception area – and we could have spent all day here. It lets you explore a world where nothing is quite as it seems with intriguing illusions and strange experiences.

Across the exhibition there were opportunities to grow and shrink, stand on the walls and look into infinity. It features visual illusions, physical challenges and mind-bending puzzles that LP and Little Man really enjoyed.

Powering the Future

Another part of Glasgow Science Centre that the children really enjoyed was Powering the Future. This exhibition helped the children to explore energy options – from how we can produce electricity and fuels to how we can be smarter with our use of energy.

Quantum Technologies

The children spent ages in the Quantum Technologies area where they got hands-on with exciting physics and engineering behind interactive exhibits.

BodyWorks

The last part of the science centre we explored was all about the human body. During our time there we got to learn more about the snot barrier, perform a virtual autopsy and bust some moves at the DNA disco.

There was also the Science Show Theatre that we just didn’t have time to enjoy on our visit, and The Big Explorer play area which, sadly, our children were too big for – but it did look incredible! We also didn’t get around to Idea No59

As it was raining really heavily all day we didn’t get a chance to explore the Outer Space outdoor exhibition at Glasgow Science Centre and the Glasgow Tower was closed during our visit. Just more reasons to visit again in the future!

Food and drink at Glasgow Science Centre

Amongst enjoying all the science centre had to offer, we popped to the cafe for hot drinks and to eat our picnic. The cafe sells a variety of sandwiches and hot food as well as cakes and pastries but it does get incredibly busy. They had also run out of chocolate for the hot drinks machines so couldn’t make the hot chocolate or mocha I had ordered – and didn’t seem too bothered either. It’s great that there’s a cafe but I’d definitely stick to bringing a packed lunch in future.

Our day at Glasgow Science Centre

We had such a nice day at Glasgow Science Centre and it was the perfect way to spend a very wet day in Scotland. I know really we only scratched the surface and with special events throughout the year and regularly updating exhibitions, there will be loads more to see and do on a future visit to the Glasgow Science Centre.

You can find out more about Glasgow Science Centre over on their website and for reference the address is: 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1EA