Sensory-friendly Family Day (31 January)

Science-inspired family fun at the Science Oxford Centre

Visit the Science Oxford Centre for our Sensory-Friendly Family Day, designed to better accommodate and support families who experience autism and/or have other additional needs.

Explore, discover and play in the Exploration Zone, where children and grown-ups alike have fun experimenting with interactive exhibits; create and test flying designs at the Air Table, build a giant magnetic ball run, and make fun animations. Pick up an Explorer Backpack and see what wildlife you can spot on our outdoor nature trails.

Live Lab – pop up activities in the Exploration Zone
Palaeo Puzzle: Dig into palaeontology! Unearth fossils on loan from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History (OUMNH) with fun, hands-on family activities to learn about Oxfordshire fossils.

Pop-up Planetarium show in our inflatable science dome (strictly limited places available, Family Ticket and pre-booking essential – information below; over 3s only).

Suitable for ages 3+ (all ages welcome). Under 3s free; a full price Single Ticket is required to complete your order.

Pre-booking essential. All visitors to the Centre require a ticket.

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Sensory Friendly

What we do to support you during your visit:

• A reduced number of tickets gives everyone more space.
• Loud exhibits are signposted.
• Hand-dryers are switched off and replaced with hand towels.
• Ear defenders are available on request.
• Lighting is switched to a dimmer setting.
• A display will show clearly how much time is remaining in your session.

During your visit, we please ask that everyone respects the space and needs of others, so that everyone can enjoy their time at the Science Oxford Centre in a way that is comfortable for them. If you require use of a quiet space during your visit, please ask a member of staff for assistance.

Before your visit, we recommend viewing or downloading our Family Day Visit – Visual Story, to help familiarise you and your family with the site ahead of your arrival.

You can also find our virtual 360 tour and other accessible resources here.

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What is included in your ticket:

• Two-hour timeslot in the Exploration Zone
• Access to the woodland and outdoor areas from 10am–5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
• Parking (limited availability on a first come first serve basis. See visiting and travel information here)

What is NOT included

• Entry to Club

Event information

Exploration Zone Sessions

10am-12pm

12.30pm-2.30pm

3pm – 5pm

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Planetarium show in our inflatable science dome (New monthly pop-up feature! Strictly limited places available – pre-booking essential).

Discover the scale of the universe in an out-of-this-world planetarium show that will transport you to space! Explore planets, stars, our galaxy, and beyond in this immersive experience inside our inflatable planetarium.

Admission to the planetarium show requires both a Family Day Ticket and a £3 Planetarium Ticket for each person.

Each 30-minute session includes the show, a brief Q&A, and time to enter and exit the planetarium.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. No entry for under 3s.

Show times:

Please queue 10 minutes before your planetarium show time.

11:45AM – 12:15PM

13:00PM – 13:30PM

14:00PM – 14:30PM

The same show is repeated in all sessions.

You can choose any planetarium show time that fits your plans — before, during, or after your visit to the woodland and other Family Day activities.

Due to the nature of the inflatable planetarium, capacity is limited to 25 people per show for safety and comfort. Booking early is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Please note: seating is on the floor with a cushion/mat. Please contact us with any accessibility enquiries: events@scienceoxford.com.

Planetarium Visual Guide here.

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The Science Oxford Centre Visitor Café

Emira’s KitchenOpen from 10am – 4pm with hot and cold drinks, light lunches, snacks and cakes. Families are also welcome to bring their own food and refreshments to eat at our lunch tables.

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Additional Support

If you’re a visitor with a disability and you need a carer, personal assistant, or essential companion, free carer tickets are available to book to help you with access during the visit.

You may be asked to provide ID when you arrive for the list of these ID documents and how to book your ticket see our accessibility information.

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Prices, terms of booking/refunds policy

£8.50 per person (includes Eventbrite booking fee). Free tickets available for Under 3s and Carers. (see FAQs Carer Tickets on scienceoxford.com for criteria details.

Maximum size of a Family Day order is 10x tickets. For orders above 10, please contact us at events@scienceoxford.com to enquire about a Group Booking.

Science Oxford Centre visiting information and FAQs please visit here.

For information on our refund policy and event terms and conditions visit here.

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Important notice: Centre works & parking

Due to the ongoing site improvement works, you may notice some changes to the area immediately outside the centre and access to the woodland and trails. There are temporary diversions in place directing parking (please use all available bays). There is also unrestricted free parking on Quarry Road. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete these necessary improvements.

If you have any queries, please contact us via events@scienceoxford.com or 01865 810000.