Name: Life Science Centre
Rating: 5.0

Life Science Centre

Life Science Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

The Life Science Centre is a world-class science village in the heart of Newcastle. It is consistently rated as one of the best things to do with kids in Newcastle because it is a hands-on science centre activity category that makes complex ideas accessible through play and discovery. From the biggest planetarium in the North to a dedicated making space, it is designed to inspire the next generation of scientists.

Prices for a family day out are straightforward, tickets starting from £13.60. Children aged 2 and under can enter for free, making it an affordable option for families with toddlers. You can also find various family bundles that offer better value for larger groups.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines fun with a high-quality educational day out, this is the top choice in the region. The centre changes its exhibits regularly, so there is always something new to experiment with. It is a fantastic indoor option that keeps everyone engaged regardless of the North East weather.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Exhibits: The centre is packed with interactive exhibits where kids can pull levers, conduct experiments, and see science in action.
Planetarium: Experience immersive shows in the largest planetarium in the North of England, featuring high-definition journeys through space.
Sensory Play: Younger children have a dedicated "Play Zone" designed for sensory play and early-years exploration.
Live Science Demos: Professional presenters run daily shows in the Science Theatre that often involve fire, ice, or surprising chemical reactions.

Top 5 Highlights

The Planetarium: This is a "must-do." You lean back and watch the ceiling turn into a gateway to the stars, which is brilliant for kids who are starting to ask big questions about the universe.
The Making Space: Unlike most museums where you just look, here you actually build. A peer-led team helps kids use real tools and materials to solve engineering challenges or create something to take home.
The Science Theatre: These are live shows that feel more like a performance than a lesson. Expect loud bangs and plenty of "wow" moments that keep even the most restless kids glued to their seats.
Experiment Zone: For older kids (7+), this area lets them use real lab equipment. They can put on a lab coat and carry out actual experiments, which makes them feel like a real scientist for the day.
WOW Zone: A bright, high-energy area filled with physics-based challenges. It is great for burning off energy while learning about things like reflection, air pressure, and light.

Facilities

Toilets: Available on every floor, including large accessible cubicles and baby changing rooms.
Buggy Parking: There is a dedicated area for prams near the entrance, and the whole centre is lift-accessible.
Food & Drink: The Life Café serves hot meals, sandwiches, and "kids' lunch bags." There is also a dedicated indoor picnic area if you want to bring your own food.
Lockers: Available near the entrance for a small, non-refundable fee.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Check the Schedule: As soon as you arrive, take a photo of the Science Theatre and Planetarium showtimes. They fill up fast, so plan your route around these.
Avoid the School Rush: If you visit on a weekday during term time, try to arrive after 1:30 pm when school groups usually start to head back to their buses.
Train is Best: The centre is right next to the station. Avoid the hassle of city centre parking and take the Metro or train.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, it is definitely worth it. The Play Zone is specifically designed for under-7s, meaning toddlers can explore safely away from the older kids. They also usually find the lights and sounds of the WOW zone and the Planetarium very exciting.
How long does a visit take? A full visit usually takes about 3 to 4 hours. This allows enough time to see at least one Planetarium show, one Science Theatre performance, and spend some time in the interactive zones and the Making Space.
Where is the best place to park? The Times Square Car Park is the most convenient option as it is literally next door. It is a multi-storey car park with plenty of spaces. Make sure to validate your parking at the Life reception desk for a reduced rate.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Newcastle? While Life has an entry fee, it is one of the best value indoor activities in Newcastle because the ticket includes all shows and exhibitions. For a completely free option, the Discovery Museum is just around the corner.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The variety of activities means there is something for a toddler and a teenager in the same building.
The staff are incredibly engaging and are happy to explain the science behind the exhibits to the kids.
The "all-in" ticket price covers the planetarium and theatre shows, making it good value compared to other city attractions.

What Visitors Don't Like

It can get very noisy on rainy Saturdays when the centre is at its busiest.
The Experiment Zone sometimes has a queue during peak times as the number of "lab" spots is limited.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The Space Zone: A permanent area featuring a mock-up of part of the International Space Station.
Play Zone: A creative, safe space restricted to children aged 7 and under.
The Sphere: A large-scale digital globe that shows real-time data about the Earth's weather and climate.
Life Lab: A dedicated biology space where visitors can use professional-grade microscopes.
The Great North LEGO® Exhibition: A popular rotating display featuring landmarks made entirely of bricks.
Brain Exhibits: Interactive stations that explain how our senses can be fooled by illusions.
Evolution Displays: A walk-through section explaining the history of life on Earth.
Digital Gaming Station: An area exploring the science behind coding and video games.
The Outdoor Ice Rink: A seasonal highlight that returns every winter (November to February).
Human Body Gallery: Specific models and skeletons that show how our internal systems function.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Discovery Museum: A short 5-minute walk away, focusing on Newcastle’s local history and maritime heritage.
Newcastle Castle: Explore the medieval fortifications of the city, located within walking distance.
Grainger Market: A historic indoor market nearby, perfect for grabbing a cheap and delicious local lunch.
Centre for Life Square: Often hosts outdoor events, markets, and the annual Christmas ice rink.
The Common Room: A beautiful historic building next door that often has free engineering-themed exhibitions.

New for 2026

2026 Sustainability Hub: A brand-new permanent gallery focusing on green energy and climate solutions, featuring wind turbine challenges and solar power simulators.
Augmented Reality Space Walk: Launching in 2026, this new addition to the Space Zone uses AR headsets to let families "walk" on the moon.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult (Age 18 or over):
- £15.00 with donation
- £13.60 without donation
Child (Age 3 or over):
- £15.00 with donation
- £13.60 without donation

Pricing URL: https://www.life.org.uk/visit/ticket-prices/?_gl=1*174lodw*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTQ3NjEzMDUwNy4xNzc4NDc1MzE1*_ga_F70P4ZMFZG*czE3Nzg0NzUzMTQkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzg0NzUzMTQkajYwJGwwJGg3MDM0MTc1NQ..

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Kids birthday parties: Looking for kids parties in Newcastle that are easy to organise and packed with things to do? Celebrate at Life and enjoy a birthday experience filled with hands-on activities, live science, and time to explore the science centre together.From creative making sessions to Planetarium shows and interactive exhibits, your group will have a full itinerary planned by our team – with plenty of flexibility to make the day your own. Plus from 28 March, birthday parties will include full access to The Great Dinosaur Escape – a prehistoric experience perfect for dino-obsessed kids.

What's included

Welcome and check-in with a dedicated host
A planned itinerary of shows and activities, plus free time to explore the science centre
A make-and-take activity in the Making Studios, led by the Life team
A meal for each child (please share any dietary requirements at the time of booking)
You’re welcome to bring your own birthday cake
Optional party bags available to pre-order from £5 per bag
Pre-order drinks and snacks for grown-ups, including sandwiches, muffins and hot drinks
Your party also includes science centre admission for the day, so guests can stay and explore even after the main celebration ends.

Our birthday packages just got dino-mite

From 28 March – 27 September 2026, birthday parties include full access to The Great Dinosaur Escape – the North’s biggest collection of moving dinosaurs. Meet a three-tonne T-Rex, spot a baby Stegosaurus and explore 25 animatronic dinosaurs across the centre.
Follow the trail to become a Dino Ranger, catch The Dino Show and discover how fossils and asteroid impacts reveal life in prehistoric times.

Key information

Location: Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne
Ages 5–11
Minimum 12 children
Recommended duration: 3 hours (including time for food). Guests are welcome to stay longer and continue exploring.
£20.00 per child (One adult can attend free per child. Additional adults pay normal admission).

For more information please visit here.

Monday – Friday: 10:00am – 3:00pm (recommended last entry: 1:00pm)
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm (recommended last entry: 3:00pm)

May bank holiday: Monday 4 May: 10:00am – 5:00pm (recommended last entry: 3:00pm)

May half-term (Saturday 23 May – Sunday 31 May): Monday – Sunday: 9:30am – 6:00pm (recommended last entry: 4:00pm)

Address: Life Science Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Post Code: NE1 4EP

Council: Newcastle City

County: Tyne and Wear

By Train/Metro: Head to Newcastle Central Station. Exit the station, turn right, and the centre is less than 200 yards away.
By Bus: Most city centre buses stop at Central Station or Grainger Street nearby.
By Car: Use postcode NE1 4EP. The nearest car park is the Times Square Car Park, which is right next to the centre and offers a discount for Life visitors.