Summer Adventures with Science Oxford: Exploring, Creating, and Discovering
Thursday 25th September 2025
This summer, Science Oxford’s team went outdoors and inspired families and young people about the natural world in libraries, parks and wild spaces, thanks to empowering community partnerships.
We teamed up with Oxfordshire Libraries in July to take young explorers on a journey of curiosity and creativity across the county. As part of the Summer Reading Challenge and this year’s The Story Garden theme, we visited libraries and their wild spaces in Bicester, Blackbird Leys, Carterton, Headington, Littlemore, Wallingford and Woodstock. In eight hands-on workshops, we invited families with children age 7-11 to become ‘Observologists’— inspired by Giselle Clarkson’s fantastic book, Observologists: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions.
Our wildlife adventurers were encouraged to look closely at the miniature wonders of nature. From observing minibeasts to designing their own imaginary creatures, each session was a chance to slow down, look low, and leave no trace. Over four days, we engaged with almost 200 ‘Observologists’, equipping them with the tools and mindset to explore their local environments with fresh eyes.
Our team took bubbles and outdoor activities along to Headington Festival; and, braved summer downpours in the park at Blackbird Leys Play Day, hosted by the Oxfordshire Play Association. There, families zoomed in on the fascinating world of seeds – examining their shapes, wondering how they travel, and using biomimicry to design their own flying seed creations. It was a joyful celebration of science, nature, and play!
In August, our Holiday STEM Clubs welcomed 60 children aged 9-11 over six days to our unique indoor-outdoor Science Oxford Centre, with 15 acres of woodland, meadows and ponds to explore. Blending environmental exploration with hands-on science, children designed their own investigations and used technology to deepen their understanding of the natural world and climates.
Thanks to support from The Oxford Trust, we were able to offer discounted places to local families in East Oxford, strengthening our connections with schools in the region and making science accessible to more young minds. The holiday club culminated in a joyful showcase, where children shared their discoveries and experiments with pride, including Solar K’nex creations and investigations, ice lolly protector designs and BBC micro:bit coding demos.
My son loved it here. He said that the staff were wonderful, the lunch 'epic'. Overall, 'best camp ever'!
Sian Stratton, Engagement Manager, Science Oxford says: “From libraries to woodlands, and rainy parks to science classrooms, this summer has been a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and community. We’re so grateful to all our partners and participants for making it such a memorable summer of discovery.”
Families who attended the holiday clubs said: “My child was very excited to come and then talk to us about what he’d done each day. Thank you!” and “An amazing opportunity which enthused our child to explore science and develop interpersonal skills with new faces. She was able to discuss what she had learnt but also how she had found out.”
Science Oxford – inspiring families and young people about science in our Science Oxford Centre, local schools and communities. Find out more about our programmes on our website.
Science Oxford’s The Story Garden Library Tour in partnership with Oxfordshire Libraries, Oxfordshire County Council and The Reading Agency.
