Visit the Science Oxford Centre for our Sensory-Friendly Family Day, designed to better accommodate and support families who experience autism and/or have other additional needs.
Explore, discover, and play in the Exploration Zone, where children and grown-ups alike have fun experimenting with interactive exhibits; create and test flying designs at the Air Table, build a giant magnetic ball run, and see what’s hot and what’s not with the Curious Camera.
Pick up an Explorer Backpack and see what wildlife you can spot on our outdoor nature trails.
Suitable for ages 3+ (all ages welcome). Under-3s free. If you require more free under-3 tickets and the timed session’s under-3 ticket capacity is full, please contact events@scienceoxford.com. Thank you!
Sensory Friendly
What we do to support you during your visit:
- A reduced number of tickets gives everyone more space.
- Loud exhibits are signposted.
- Hand-dryers are switched off and replaced with hand towels.
- Ear defenders are available on request.
- Lighting is switched to a dimmer setting.
- A display will show clearly how much time is remaining in your session.
During your visit, we please ask that everyone respects the space and needs of others, so that everyone can enjoy their time at the Science Oxford Centre in a way that is comfortable for them. If you require use of a quiet space during your visit, please ask a member of staff for assistance.
Additional Support:
Our skilled staff ensure that every child can access the activities and differentiate to engage all children. If your child has specific additional needs, please get in touch via events@scienceoxford.com to discuss how they can be best supported.
Before your visit, we recommend viewing or downloading our Family Day Visit – Visual Story, to help familiarise you and your family with the site ahead of your arrival.
You can also find our virtual 360 tour and other accessible resources here.
If you’re a visitor with a disability and need a carer, personal assistant, or essential companion, free tickets are available to book, to help you with access during the visit. This ticketholder may be asked to provide ID on arrival. For the list of relevant ID documents and how to book these tickets, see our accessibility information.
What is included in your ticket:
- Two-hour timeslot in the Exploration Zone.
- Access to the outdoor areas, including woodland from 10am – 5pm (last entry 4:30pm).
- Access to the outdoor Water Lab March – October only (bring a change of clothes)
- Parking (limited availability).
What is NOT included
Event information
Exploration Zone Sessions
10:00AM-12:00PM
12:30PM-2:30PM
3.00PM – 5.00PM
Emira’s Café at the Science Oxford Centre is open 10am-4pm for Sensory-friendly Family Day visitors. Families are welcome to bring picnics and snacks to eat at our lunch tables.
Prices, terms of booking/refunds policy
£8 per person (includes Eventbrite booking fee). Free tickets available for Under 3s and Carers.
See our booking terms and conditions here.
Contact events@scienceoxford.com or call 01865 810000
