Day Out Review : Glasgow Science Centre, Scotland *

If you’re in Glasgow either visiting family (like us) or just spending a few days relaxing and sightseeing, then don’t miss the opportunity to head to the Glasgow Science Centre to tour the place as there is just so much to see and do there with 3 floors packed with hundreds of interactive exhibits and experiences for the whole family to enjoy.  We stayed at Travelodge Glasgow Govan which was just a 10-minute drive away and we would recommend you to spend a whole day at the centre to get your money’s worth as there is so much happening there from live shows, workshops to shows at the planetarium. Read on to find out why we totally fell in love with the place.

Did you know that the Glasgow Science Centre isn’t just a fun, social place to visit; it’s an educational resource, which provides curriculum aligned learning experiences to more than 100,000 Scottish school children every year.  We would totally recommend you heading there especially if you have young kids and are visiting Glasgow as there is a wealth of information there.

We would suggest checking the timings of the live shows happening on the day of your visit. There are different shows depending on when you go but it is worth going for it as their live shows are entertaining and full of flashes, bangs, flames, crashes and explosions.  We had the opportunity to watch Water Water Everywhere.  We watched a demonstration where we followed the journey of water from rainfall to our taps.  Our kids got to learn about where the water came from, where it goes and why it is vital for supporting life. The best part? They loved the liquid nitrogen demo which they could not get enough off and the water spray which got them slightly wet (spoiler alert!).  The show lasted for about 30 minutes and seats are available on a first come, first served basis. Do head there at least 10 minutes earlier to get a good seat

Here’s a short video of our trip to Glasgow Science Centre in Scotland. Hope you enjoy watching it.

I personally enjoyed The Space Zone as it forms an immersive walkway through the solar system towards the entrance of the Planetarium.  We had the chance to observe the planets under the different light and learn fascinating facts about our cosmic neighbourhood.  We also had the opportunity to discover how to spot some of the most recognisable stars and patterns in the night sky without the need for binoculars or a telescope.

Now we would totally recommend booking a session at the Planetarium as it was truly an experience watching the digital projection system on the state-of-the-art fulldome.  Soon as we got in, our live presenter who was so bubbly took us on a journey through the solar system, into the Milky Way Galaxy and beyond… it’s a truly out of this world experience.  Our kids got to spot the planets and even had to guess some of the constellations of Ursa Major which they enjoyed very much. My son only complained that it was too short as he wanted more. The whole session took slightly more than 20 minutes …it truly was a journey of a lifetime.

The Glasgow Science Centre is fabulous for kids as it is so interactive and teaches kids about their body, science, nature and physics all through play and demonstrations. Our kids stopped at every opportunity to try to see how things worked and it also gave them the chance to ask questions about things as well. One of their favourite things which they kept doing over and over was pressing through the soft needles to make shapes using their body. That I must say was totally fun!

Do find out what workshops are being held when you get there as there are different ones on different days.  When we visited the Centre, they had a workshop on how the lungs work, we did not get a chance to participate in that but watched most of it as it was on the top floor.   These workshops are led by the centre’s own expert Science Communicators.   I would totally recommend it as it gives kids and adults a chance to try the experiments. These sessions are free to participate in with your admission ticket though are run on a first come, first served basis as drop-in or sign-up on the day of your visit.

We would totally recommend having your lunch or snack at Taste Cafe. After walking and doing so much we needed to stop, hydrate and fuel our body before we continued again and the choices offered at Taste Cafe was immense. Some of the food options on offer included hot meals, light bites, vegetarian/vegan options, sharing plates, sandwiches and kids meals and if you are craving for some sweet treats, there are plenty. All homemade by their very own chefs, that’ll make your mouth water!

Since we were starving, our kids had fish and chips and sausage and mash while we adults ordered pizza and soup.  We were told that most of their food is prepared by their chef on-site and they are happy to accommodate any specific dietary requirements you may have. They also told us that they support local Scottish suppliers and over 60% of the food on the Taste Café menu is locally sourced.

Now if you prefer to bring along a picnic instead, don’t worry. Just look out for the table/chairs allocated at designated spaces to eat your picnics.

Where is the Glasgow Science Centre?

50 Pacific Quay
Glasgow
G51 1EA
Tel. 0141 420 5000
Email: contact.us@gsc.org.uk

From the M8 (east or west), take Junction 24 and follow the brown tourist signs.For those more familiar with Glasgow and travelling East along the M8, it’s possible to leave at Junction 19, travel down the Broomielaw, cross at the Clyde Arc (‘Squinty Bridge’) and travel along Govan Road and into Pacific Quay.

From the M77, stay in the left hand lane (marked Tradeston/Kinning Park) as the motorway merges with the M8. Take the next exit (Junction 21) and follow the brown tourist signs.

From the Clydeside Expressway, take SECC (E) exit and then follow the brown tourist signs.

Parking – There is a GSC customer car park available, which visitors can use for £3.

What are their opening hours?
Summer Opening Hours are as follows:
Mon to Sunday (10am until 5pm everyday)

How much are their ticket prices?
Age 3 to 15 – £9.50
Age 16 to 59 – £11.50
(Under 3 and 60 and over go for free)
There are add on tickets costing from £2.50 onwards for Planetarium Shows, Glasgow Tower, IMAX Documentary

Things to note:

• Speak to the reception desk when you get your tickets to find out what shows are on, so you can plan your lunch and the shows around your visit (so you don’t miss anything)
• The cafe some great food but if you prefer to bring a picnic, picnic chairs/tables are allocated at designated spaces as well
• Wheelchairs are available from the Ticket Desk. Please ask a member of GSC staff if you require a manual wheelchair for the duration of your visit to the Centre. Please note this is available on a first come first serve basis.
• Fully accessible toilets and baby changing areas are available within all areas, they also have a first aid room on the ground floor and kits available in all areas of the Centre.
• Visitors with autism do not have to queue during busy periods. Please speak to a member of staff on arrival and they will be happy to assist you.
• Shopping at Glasgow Science Centre is a real treat, so go on — treat yourself to some great goodies and gizmos from the GSC Shop. From fun pocket money toys to unique and wonderful gifts, there’s something for everyone to take home and enjoy! It’s located in the link building area, between the main Science Mall and the IMAX cinema.
• Assistance dogs are welcomed to Glasgow Science Centre
• Ten individual hearing loops are available in the Planetarium. Please speak to a member of staff if this would help you enjoy your experience.

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* We were provided with free entry passes to the Science Centre in return for a review. All opinions are our own.