Aberdeen Science Centre is encouraging visitors to embrace their wild side as it hosts a packed programme of animal, nature and ecosystem-themed activities for all ages throughout May.
The centre’s Amazing Animals theme, which launched in April and is sponsored by Ashgrove Vets, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and Cùmath Pet Surgeons, features a range of interactive science sessions exploring conservation science, veterinary medicine and Scottish wildlife.
Running on weekends throughout May, Aberdeen Science Centre’s Amazing Animals Game Show will see participants put their wildlife knowledge to the test as teams go head-to-head to discover fascinating facts about extreme animal adaptations, habitats and the scientific names of creatures from around the world.
The theme also includes an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience, allowing visitors to come face-to-face with polar bears in the frozen north, soar through North American treetops and brave the open ocean while exploring animals’ natural habitats.
Visitors can also enjoy a host of hands-on wildlife activities, including Wildlife on the Spot science sessions featuring live demonstrations and experiments on topics such as pollination, camouflage and ecosystems.
Cùmath Pet Surgeons will also visit the centre on Friday, May 15 and Monday, May 18 to host interactive play-vet activities, giving children the chance to step into the shoes of a real-life animal expert.
Alongside the animal-themed activities, Aberdeen Science Centre will also host a series of Wee Wonderers sessions throughout May, designed especially for children aged 2-5.
The fun-filled structured programme introduces young learners to a new theme each week, bringing science to life through hands-on exploration, play and discovery in a supportive and engaging environment.
The three two-hour sessions across May include time exploring the centre’s interactive exhibition floor, alongside themed workshops, activities and story time designed to inspire curiosity and creativity in early years learners.
The Wee Wonderers series will run from 10am-12pm on Mondays throughout May until Monday, June 1. Parents must book to attend the full series of three sessions. Spaces are limited and early booking is encouraged.
Later in the month, Aberdeen Science Centre will also host a special Little Explorers Day: Shaky Science event, offering a day of themed activities for younger children and families on Thursday, May 28.
Designed to spark curiosity through hands-on play and discovery, the event will feature erupting volcano workshops where children can explore volcanic rocks and create their own mini eruptions, alongside challenging young visitors to build houses strong enough to survive an earthquake.
Families can also enjoy volcano-themed crafts, take part in an interactive scavenger hunt and get involved with a range of colouring, floor-based games and activities featured in the centre’s Shaky Science activity book. Visitors are encouraged to stay and play as long as they like on the day.
The Amazing Animals and Shaky Science activities are included as part of the standard admission price to Aberdeen Science Centre. Visitors are encouraged to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Calli Buchanan, Visitor Experience Manager at Aberdeen Science Centre, said:
“This is an exciting month at Aberdeen Science Centre, with a variety of fun and family-friendly activities taking place. Through interactives games and science demonstrations, alongside immersive VR experiences, we want to bring science to life for our visitors, who will be able to explore animal behaviour, habitats and adaptations without leaving the centre.”
Universal Credit recipients can also benefit from reduced admission rates, making a visit to Aberdeen Science Centre a fun and accessible day out for families across the North-east.
Through the centre’s Science for All initiative, eligible visitors booking online or purchasing tickets in person can access discounted entry prices of £5.50 for adults and £3.50 for children.
Visitors to Aberdeen Science Centre using the Science for All discount will need to provide proof of payment on the Universal Credit Portal from within the last month, along with a form for valid ID. All admissions under the initiative will be handled confidentially by staff.
Calli continued:
“At Aberdeen Science Centre, we want science and discovery to be accessible to everyone, which is why initiatives such as Science for All are so important to us. We’re proud to offer affordable opportunities for families across the North-east to enjoy fun, hands-on learning experiences together, regardless of their circumstances.
“We have a packed programme of activities planned over the coming months and are looking forward to announcing even more exciting events and experiences for the summer holidays very soon.”
To find out more and book a visit to Aberdeen Science Centre, visit https://aberdeensciencecentre.org/