Life Science Centre

Life Science Centre in Newcastle is an award-winning visitor attraction a short walk from Newcastle Central Station. Families, science enthusiasts and visitors who are looking for things to do in Newcastle will be able to spend a packed day exploring the must-see attraction - where one ticket gets you everything! Life Science Centre has new zones and activities to help you invent, create, explore and play.

Space adventures with Lightyear at Life Science Centre: From 19 May, seven days a week

Life Science Centre has teamed up with Disney and Pixar to celebrate the science that inspired the new movie Lightyear. Explore the science behind one of our favourite astronauts and enjoy a range of NEW space-themed activities* that are out-of-this-world...

• Moon buggy building in the Making Studios – get hands-on building your own moon buggy. Before you take it home, take it for a test drive on our mock-up of the moon’s bumpy surface.
• Families can embark on an epic hunt for alien life in the 360° digital planetarium show We are Aliens, narrated by Rupert Grint which takes visitors on a journey through the Solar System.
• Space Zone adventures – be the boss in Mission Control and check out how astronauts poo in space. Walk inside our replica of part of the International Space Station and enjoy stunning shows in the north’s biggest planetarium! All highlights of Space Zone.
• Live science show: 3...2...1... Blast Off! - Join our Explainers as they journey through space - can you help them return the spaceship safely back to Earth?
• Rocket science in Experiment Zone – launch your own rocket by mixing real chemicals together. Investigate materials to discover which would work best for an astronaut’s visor. (Ages 7+)
• Gaia, our planet Earth – be amazed by the 7-metre wide, glowing replica of our shared home, created by British artist Luke Jerram. On the upper level of the science centre, grab an easel and create your own Earth-inspired artwork.

Life Science Centre was awarded the Gold Standard by The North East Autism Society (NEAS) in 2021, making it the first visitor attraction to ever receive the award. The attraction has an ongoing dedication to autism acceptance and accessibility which is evident in its exhibitions, events and operational approach to how it welcome visitors.

Life Science Centre inspires visitors to explore and enjoy science, and discover its relevance to your own life. Highlights include:

• Hello Word- Enjoy an astronaut’s view from the upper level at Life and be awed by our stunning 7-metre Earth installation Gaia (planet Earth). Then, take an easel and create your own Earth art masterpiece and display it on the ‘share and care’ picture wall; write a postcard to the future and launch your ideas for a greener planet; get creative with colour on our giant wildlife maps or escape to our cosy reading nook and become a nature book-worm.

• Space Zone – be inspired by the wonders of the Universe and explore how space technology impacts our everyday lives. Step inside a mock-up of the International Space Station, take a seat in NASA mission control and enjoy stunning shows in the North East’s biggest planetarium.
  • Highlights include: Launch your own rocket. Climb inside a mock-up model of part of the International Space Station. Watch shows on the Sphere, a digital globe displaying Earth, Moon and planetary satellite imagery. See and touch a genuine Moon rock. Plus, check out the biggest planetarium in the north of England that currently features two brilliant shows, Little Bear and Ice Worlds.
• Creativity Zone and Making Studios – enjoy interactive exhibits and hands-on, making activities.
  
• Experiment Zone – in Experiment Zone YOU are the scientist! Carry out practical experiments using real tools and materials.
• Brain Zone – play memory games, step into an optical illusion and find out what makes you, YOU!
  
• Under-7s fun including Play Zone, discovery backpacks and hands-on, pop-up play stations!

Each winter at Life Science Centre, take to the ice on their outdoor ice rink in Times Square and celebrate Christmas in style.

A full breakdown of event details, including age restrictions and recommendations, please visit the official Life Science Centre website life.org.uk.

All the above events are included in the price of your science centre ticket. Visits will last about 2-3 hours and pre-booking a timed slot online is recommended.