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 see what’s hot and what’s not with the Curious Camera. Pick up an Explorer Backpack and see what wildlife you can spot on our outdoor nature trails around the meadows, woodland and ponds.
Make a splash at the outdoor Water Lab, open seasonally from March – October
Suitable for ages 3+ (all ages welcome). Under-3s free
Session Times:
10.00am – 12.00pm
12.30pm – 2.30pm
3.00pm – 5.00pm
Suitable for ages 3+ (all welcome)
£8 (includes Eventbrite booking fee)
Free tickets available for Under 3s and Carers. If you require more free under-3 tickets and the timed session’s under-3 ticket capacity is full, please contact [email protected]. Thank you!
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.
Food and drink: Emira’s Kitchen café at the Science Oxford Centre is open on Saturdays from 10am-4pm, serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and rolls. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own refreshments and picnics to eat at our indoor or outdoor lunch tables. Everyone must have a ticket.
Bike Parking: This is available on site
Car Parking: Parking only available at weekends on a first come first serve basis*.
Limited spaces, please see here for information on alternative parking and how to get here.
Contact us on [email protected] if you require parking for accessibility reasons.
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.
Carer ticket
Our skilled staff ensure that every child can access the activities and differentiate to engage all children. If your child has specific additional needs, please get in touch via [email protected] to discuss how they can be best supported. See our Accessible Resources.
One carer is permitted free entry when accompanying your cared for person. These are applicable for our family days and we may ask to see one of the following documents on arrival:
A Gateway Card, Max Card or Access Card
A Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance award letter
Personal Independence Payment letter
A letter from your GP or consultant confirming the need for a carer, personal assistant, or essential companion
Your Blue Badge or a photocopy or scan of your Blue Badge
A Carer’s Allowance Letter of Award
Carer ID letter or card from your local authority
To book your free career ticket, enter the promo code ‘carer-admission’ when prompted at check out and click apply. Select one ticket per cared for person that is attending. You will need to complete this transaction before completing a separate transaction to book the full price tickets for any additional attendees.
Visitors and staff may choose to wear face coverings inside the Centre
The Science Oxford Centre is well ventilated, with windows and doors open (where appropriate)
Hand sanitiser is available throughout the Centre
If you are showing symptoms of Covid-19 or are in a vulnerable group, please stay at home – you can transfer your ticket to another day (you can do this yourself via Eventbrite or contact us if you have any issues)
Contact
Visiting information: Science Oxford Centre visiting information and FAQs here.
Email [email protected] for all event booking and visiting queries. Please allow 24-48 hours for a response, possibly longer over a weekend.
If you have an urgent query or require immediate assistance, please speak to a member of the team on 01865 810000 Monday – Saturday during office hours.
Ticket booking: For information on our refund policy and event terms and conditions visit here. If you cannot attend, you can request a refund or transferyour ticket to another day via Eventbrite.
