British Science Week is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths from 8-17 March. We have collated ten of our favourite (mostly free) child friendly activities to get your curiosity flowing and in the mood for exploring and learning.
For more ideas of things to do with the kids in London visit our events and activities area which provides details of cheap and free events, fun cafes, classes, exhibitions, libraries, special offers and lots more.
Royal Holloway Science Festival
The hugely popular Royal Holloway Science Festival returns on Saturday 9 March from 10am. With a host of science inspired talks, shows, hands-on activities and displays this promises to be a great day out for the whole family. All events are free and no booking is required. Special guests are lined up from The Royal Institution, Sphere Science, Eton Museum, model railway steam, Wiggly Wildshow, Birds of Prey and more for an exciting day of science discovery with activities right across the Royal Holloway campus. Great for families with children of primary school age and above. Full programme here.
Families Find Out – Inventions
Intrigue, inspire, investigate… invent at the Museum of London on Saturday 9 March from 11am. How have inventions shaped the London of today? What would you invent to change the future? Get curious with scientists from Imperial College London and be inspired by science and technology in this extravaganza of invention-themed activities in our museum galleries. Don’t be surprised if you bump into Little Miss Inventor from the Mr Men & Little Miss books! She’ll be around to share some of her ideas and encourage the next generation of inventors. Great for kids of all ages and free.
Marvellous Measures – Journeys
To celebrate British Science Week Pancras Square Library will be exploring ‘Journeys’ through maps and distances on Saturday 9 March from 2pm. How does your journey to school compare to a journey into space?! Lots of us walk to journey from place to place, but how do our footsteps compare to each others? How long is your foot? We’ll be using ancient measuring techniques to estimate our footprint. Aimed at children aged 5-12 and their grown-ups – this session has a maths focus. It is Free and no need to book.
Zoom In: A Closer Look at Science
The British Museum‘s scientists come out from behind the scenes on Saturday 16 March from 10am for an event that offers you the chance to take a closer look at science in the Museum and discover how science unlocks the secrets behind the Museum’s collections. Learn about the techniques that are used to monitor and preserve these collections. Handle different kinds of raw materials and see the latest behind-the-scenes technology in action. This is a free event suitable for families.
Brainiac Live at New Wimbledon Theatre
Strap on your safety goggles boys and girls, Science’s greatest and most volatile live show is returning with a vengeance. Based on the multi-award winning TV show, Brainiac Live! is back in London on Sunday 10th March at 2pm. More mischievous than ever before Brainiac Live! will take you on a breathless ride through the wild world of the weird and wonderful. Tickets from £13 available here.
Dear John: The Kin Selection Controversy at the British Library
Who first proposed the evolutionary theory of kin selection? In this special performance on Friday 15 March from 7pm The British Library brings the 1964 dispute between William D Hamilton and John Maynard Smith to life through performance and discussion. PhD candidate Helen Piel will explain the science and origins of the dispute, while actor Neal Craig will perform dramatic readings of the correspondence of Hamilton, Maynard Smith and their colleague George Price. Tickets £6 and £4 for under 18s. Suitable for kids of post primary age.
Get Into Science with OKIDO & OjO
Each GET INTO SCIENCE event explores a different theme with experts, artists and scientists, encouraging learning-through-play in the most fun and creative way. This time, it is all about JOURNEYS. Sunday 10th March from 1pm at Station Hall London, Herne Hill. Tickets £6-£8 book here.
Science Museum party
It’s 150 years since the first periodic table. We are having a party – and you’re invited! Discover the wonderful world of Chemistry in this explosive show. With experiments including everything from party balloons to cake, they promise you’ll have a blast! This activity is part of ChemFest 2019, which celebrates 150 years of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements. Ages 6 Plus every Saturday and Sunday until 31st March.
Deep Sea 3D IMAX At the Science Museum
Swim alongside some of the most exotic creatures on the planet, from the bizarre Rainbow Nudibranch to the Giant Pacific Octopus. Narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, Deep Sea 3D transports you below the ocean surface on a unique underwater adventure. Through the magic of IMAX 3D technology, you will swim with some of the planet’s most unique, dangerous and colorful creatures, and understand this inspiring underworld.
Investigate for families at the Natural History Museum
Get a feel for how scientists work by having a go yourself. Explore hundreds of real nature specimens that form the evidence Museum scientists use in their work. Science Educators are on hand to help you look closely at real objects using the many tools provided. Bring your own questions, or use some of ours in this hands-on science space. This is a drop-in activity throughout March taking place throughout the week and weekends too.