Summer 2023 at the Science Museum

Summer is finally here, and as we gear up for the start of the school holidays the Science Museum Groups museums are jam-packed with opportunities to keep the family entertained, offering exhibitions and experiences that will suit just about everyone!

For those visiting the UK capital, the Science Museum in London has the permanent return of the hands-on gaming experience Power Up and the opening of the major new Engineers gallery, alongside popular family favourites, from Exploring Space to Wonderlab and the IMAX.

For the youngest visitors, The Garden provides an exciting and free interactive space for children aged 3-6 to play with water, light and sound. Under 8s can explore the free multi-sensory interactive gallery Pattern Pod and children aged 3-13 can join the free Character Creator workshops during weekends and school holidays to create their own science fiction characters. 

Families can also explore Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery (ticketed), the museum's popular interactive gallery aimed at ages 7-14, be amazed by live science shows, enjoy demonstrations led by a talented team of Explainers and play with the gallery’s hands-on exhibits.  

Young people can step into Shuri’s Lab, a film set recreated from Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, to recreate scenes from the blockbuster film or practice their precision welding skills in Technicians: The David Sainsbury Gallery, a free interactive gallery for 11–16-year-olds which celebrates the role of technicians and explores these fascinating careers.

Until the 3^rd of September the National Railway Museum in York is celebrating 100 years of the world’s most famous steam locomotive with a stunning new Virtual Reality immersive experience. The Flying Scotsman VR takes you on a journey back in time and around the world letting you enjoy the most famous moments of the locomotive’s past. This multisensory experience uses cutting-edge technology to bring the Flying Scotsman’s stories to life right in front of you.

Opening on the 21^st July until June 2024, Operation Ouch! Food, Poo and You (ticketed) will bring the BBC children’s TV series to life within the Manchester based Science and Industry Museum. The blockbuster exhibition sees Dr Chris, Dr Xand and Dr Ronx set off on a special mission to discover where our food goes when we eat. Prepare to be shrunk, swallowed, squeezed through and spat out of Dr Xand's digestive system with this lively adventure to better understand our brilliant bodies.

The Science Museum Group, which has received £4,275,000 in funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, awarded by Postcode Culture Trust, uses this flexible funding to bring exciting and new exhibitions to the Museums, allowing them to inspire and educate visitors, young and old, about the role of science in our daily lives.

Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said:

“The school holidays can be a very challenging time for families unable to pay for various entertainment options advertised for children, so I’m thrilled to see such a high number of free exhibitions on offer at the Museum throughout the holidays. I’m delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are able to support so many of the exhibitions across the Science Museum Group and I’m sure a number of them will be visiting this summer!”