The Look Out Discovery Centre
ENTRY
from £8.20
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Crowthorne
What it’s like
Over 90 hands-on science activities plus an outdoor adventure play area, booked in timed three-hour sessions.
This is a science centre where you actually do things rather than stand and read a label. The site lists over 90 hands-on activities, and there's an adventure play area outside too, so a wet-weather plan this is not. You'll want to check the forecast before you book, since the outdoor bit is clearly part of the day.
Sessions run for three hours and you have to book ahead. That's a bit of a faff if you're the sort who decides on a whim on a sunny Tuesday, but it also means the place isn't rammed when you arrive. Term time weekdays have a run of morning slots plus an after-school one Tuesday to Thursday, and weekends and holidays add an afternoon session too.
It isn't cheap for a family day out. Adults are £11.10 and kids are £8.20, though the saver ticket at £30.40 covers two adults and two children (or one adult and three kids), which is the one to go for if you qualify. Parking is extra on top at £4 for four hours or £7.90 for the whole day, so factor that into what you're actually spending.
Food-wise, the café is takeaway only with no indoor seating, open daily 9am to 5pm, so a picnic rug in the bag is no bad idea if the weather's kind. The site says there's extensive access work done for wheelchair users, with an AccessAble guide for the finer detail, and there's a gift shop if the kids want a souvenir on the way out.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- £4 for 4 hours or £7.90 for all day, open daily 7am-8:30pm
- Food
- Takeaway café open daily 9am-5pm
- Wheelchairs
- Extensive facilities for improved access
- Tickets are pre-booked only, so turning up on spec won't work
- Café is takeaway only with no indoor seating
- Parking is separate from admission, £4 for four hours or £7.90 all day
- The saver ticket works out cheaper if you've got two adults and two kids or one adult and three kids
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£11.10 for adults and £8.20 for children aged 3 to 16, students, over 65s and disabled visitors. The saver ticket is £30.40 for two adults and two children, or one adult and three children.
Do we need to book?
Yes, and tickets aren't available on the door. You book into one of the timed sessions.
How long do we get?
Each session runs for three hours.
What are the opening times?
Term time weekdays have morning sessions plus an after-school slot Tuesday to Thursday. Weekends and school holidays run sessions from 9:30am through to 4:30pm.
Is there parking?
Yes, £4 for four hours or £7.90 for the whole day. It's open daily from 7am to 8:30pm.
Can we get food there?
There's a takeaway café open daily 9am to 5pm, but no indoor seating, so bring something to sit on if you want a proper break.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs?
The site says there are extensive facilities for improved access, with an AccessAble guide covering the details.
Is it indoors or outdoors?
Both. There are hands-on activities inside and an adventure play area outside.
Do they do birthday parties?
Birthday parties are listed among the things they offer, alongside group and school bookings.
Featured in 2 Huddlepin lists
See all Science & Discovery Centres in Reading · Things to do in Reading
MAKE A DAY OF IT
