Hands-on exhibit space at Aberdeen Science Centre. — Photo: Aberdeen Science Centre · View original

Aberdeen · Museum

Aberdeen Science Centre with kids

Aberdeen Science Centre gives families a hands-on indoor visit, with six zones to build, test and explore, a dedicated Under 6s area and public science shows or workshops included with admission when they run. Primary-age children are likely to make the most of the wider exhibits; with toddlers, start in the younger children’s zone and keep the visit flexible.

Best ages: Preschool and primary ages
Entry: Paid · under-3s free
Weather: Indoor science centre
Allow: Around 2–3 hours

Our family take

Choose it when your children like trying things for themselves and you can give them a couple of hours to roam. The ticket covers more than the exhibit floor when a public show or workshop is on, which makes the paid visit easier to justify. If you only need a quick stop, this may be more of a commitment than you want.

If noise is hard. The centre can be lively, especially when school groups visit. Look at the visual story and SenSory Space before you go.

Plan your visit View on map

The practical details

Plan your visit

Opening times: Usually daily 10am–4.30pm, with date-specific changes. Check the official page before travelling.
Entry: Paid; under-3s free. Check the current booking conditions if one adult is bringing more than one under-3. Standard entry includes the exhibition floor and public shows or workshops when on. Some special events may cost extra.
Booking: Pre-book if your date matters. An online date may be closed or full; STEM Passport holders do not need to book online.
Allow: Around 2–3 hours, or a shorter toddler-led visit.
Address: 179 Constitution Street, Aberdeen AB24 5TU.
Parking: Free on-site ANPR parking; register your number plate at reception. Spaces can fill on busy days.
Access and care: Wheelchair access, accessible and Changing Places toilets, baby changing and buggy storage. Free carer tickets with proof are issued at reception.

ParkingCafé or restaurantAccessible toiletsToiletsBaby changingBuggy storage

Checked 26 September 2026

Visit official website

A little more detail

Make it work for your family

What children will find

Start in the Under 6s zone if you have toddlers or preschoolers. There are puzzles, coloured shadows, mirrors and places to make things, so little ones can enjoy a visit without trailing older siblings around every exhibit.

Older children can range across the six zones, from space and energy to making, testing and construction. RoboThespian and the OPITO Theatre of Energy add variety beyond the exhibit tables.

Public shows and workshops are included with ordinary admission when they run, but the programme changes. Check What’s On for your day before promising a particular activity to the children; some special events can have separate charges.

Official visitor information · Checked 2026-09-26

Tickets and timing

Allow around 2–3 hours if your family is likely to try several zones and a public show. That is a planning guide rather than a timed ticket: a toddler-led visit could be much shorter, while a slower wander and food break may stretch it.

The centre offers admission-only and Gift Aid donation prices, a family ticket for two adults and two children, and free entry for under-3s. Compare live ticket prices and current offers for your group before buying, especially if you only have time for a short visit. Check the current booking conditions if one adult is bringing more than one under-3.

Pre-booking is advised if your day is fixed. A greyed-out online date could mean closure or full online capacity; if the centre is open, phone before travelling to ask about reception tickets. STEM Passport holders do not need to book online.

Official visitor information · Checked 2026-09-26

Parking, travel and breaks

The free on-site car park has ANPR. Register your number plate at reception when you arrive. The centre says there are around 35 spaces; if full, it points to nearby parking at Beach Esplanade and Queens Links.

The number 13 bus stops nearby on Links Road, and Aberdeen railway station is about a 20-minute walk away. Grub café can be used without an exhibition ticket. Baby changing, buggy storage and lockers are available, and a private room can be arranged on request for feeding.

Official visitor information · Checked 2026-09-26

Accessibility and sensory support

Wheelchair access runs throughout the centre via ramps. There are accessible toilets and a Changing Places toilet by reception; bring your own sling if your family needs it. Free carer tickets are issued at reception with proof of eligibility, not online.

If your child needs a break from noise, there is a SenSory Space and a sensory box with ear defenders to borrow from reception. The visual story helps you plan ahead. Term-time weekdays can include school groups; the centre suggests coming after 2pm for a quieter visit, though it is not a guaranteed calm slot.

Official visitor information · Checked 2026-09-26