Glasgow Science Centre
BEST FOR
Ages 3+
ENTRY
from £12
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Glasgow
What it’s like
Three floors of hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium and an IMAX screen, with the Tower currently shut.
This is the sort of place where you lose your eight-year-old to a lever-and-pulley contraption for twenty minutes and then have to prise them off it. Three floors of interactive exhibits are the main event, and they're built for poking, pressing and generally testing out how things work rather than looking at through glass. Under-3s go free, which is a nice touch if you've got a toddler in tow who'll mostly just enjoy running between the big shiny things.
Beyond the exhibits there's a planetarium, an IMAX screen showing 3D documentaries, and a Science Show Theatre, all of which cost extra on top of general entry. A Science Passport bundles the lot in if you want to do a full day of it, and at £24 for a child that's a fair chunk more than the £12 basic ticket, so it's worth deciding in advance whether you actually want the planetarium and IMAX or just the exhibits. One thing to flag: Glasgow Tower is currently closed, so don't build your day around going up it.
Autism Friendly Sundays run every week from 10 to 1, with the lighting and volume turned down on exhibits and shows adapted to warn of sensory changes, and one accompanying adult carer goes free. Picnics are allowed, which helps if you're trying to keep costs down on what's already not a cheap day out for a family of four. It's a popular spot for school trips too, so a weekday morning in term time might be busier than you'd expect.
Under-16s need an adult over 18 with them, which is standard enough but worth knowing if you were planning to send an older cousin in charge of the little ones. Pre-booking is advised and walk-ins might not get in during busy periods.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 3 to 12, with older kids getting stuck into the exhibits longest
- Booking
- Pre-booking advised. Walk-ins may not be accepted during busy periods
- Worth knowing
- Under 3s go free
- Glasgow Tower is closed at the moment, so it's not part of the day
- The Science Passport is pricier than basic entry but bundles planetarium and IMAX in
- It's a big draw for school trips, so weekday mornings in term time can be busy
- Under-16s must have an adult over 18 with them
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£12 for a child, £15.50 for an adult, £13.80 concession. The Science Passport adds the planetarium and IMAX in for £24 child, £31 adult.
Do we need to book?
Pre-booking is advised and walk-ins might not get in when it's busy. If you're early or late for a time slot, staff will still let you in and advise on arrival.
Is it suitable for a toddler?
The minimum age listed is 3, and under-3s go in free. Autism Friendly Sundays have reduced lighting and volume if that helps.
Can we bring our own food?
Yes, there are picnic areas so you can bring food rather than buying it there.
Is Glasgow Tower open?
It's currently closed, so don't plan your visit around going up it.
What are Autism Friendly Sundays?
They run every Sunday from 10 to 1, with reduced lighting and volume on exhibits and shows adapted to give warning of sensory changes. One accompanying adult carer goes free.
Can my teenager bring younger siblings without a parent?
Under-16s need to be with an adult over 18.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, and there's a WelcoMe app you can use beforehand to check where lifts and accessible toilets are.
Do carers get in free?
Paying visitors who need special assistance get free admission for their carer, either pre-booked by phone or added on arrival with proof of carer status.
When is it open?
In autumn and winter it's 10 to 3 on weekdays, and 10 to 5 at weekends and during school holidays.
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