Home Educator Day - Planetarium Experience

Spend a full morning exploring science through hands-on activities designed especially for home educating families. Our Home Educator Days combine interactive STEM workshops, access to our Exploration Zone, and themed drop-in activities in a welcoming environment where children can investigate, create and discover at their own pace. Each event has a different theme, giving families the opportunity to return throughout the year for new experiences and challenges. Sessions are designed primarily for children aged 5–11yrs old, and are not suitable for those outside of this age range. 2026–27 Home Educator Day Themes 🔹 Monday 5 October 2026 – An Introduction to Micro:bits Discover the world of coding and technology through an introduction to Micro:bits, with additional hands-on circuit activities to explore. 🔹 Wednesday 17 February 2027 – Planetarium Experience Journey through space in our inflatable planetarium and enjoy additional space-themed activities. 🔹 Monday 26 April 2027 – Pond-Dipping Adventure Explore the fascinating wildlife living in our ponds and discover more about the natural world through outdoor investigations. We will provide one facilitated Activity Session, which will be repeated twice across the morning. You can choose either Activity Session when booking, but if you are attending with family members or friends and would like to take part together, please ensure everyone books the same timed session. You may arrive and depart any time between 10am-12:30pm, to suit your own schedule and travel requirements. Access to the Exploration Zone and other hands-on activities will be available throughout your visit, between 10am-12:30pm. Tickets Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, including in the Activity Session. • £12.50 per child (one accompanying adult included free with each child ticket) • Additional adults: £5 each • Younger siblings (4 and under): Free • Each attendee requires their own ticket Younger siblings may attend Home Educator Days but activities are pitched primarily for children aged 5–11. The Activity Sessions are not suitable for younger siblings to participate in. Both Activity Session participants and accompanying siblings need to be supervised throughout the event. Younger siblings will require a 'Younger sibling' add-on ticket. Planetarium information Children must be accompanied by an adult. Only one adult per child due to capacity restrictions. No entry for under 3s. The same show is repeated in both sessions. Due to the nature of the inflatable planetarium, capacity is limited to 30 people per show for safety and comfort. Please note: Seating is on the floor with a cushion. We can accomodate a limited number of wheelchairs or chairs if required. Please contact us with any accessibility enquiries: [email protected]. Planetarium Visual Guide here. What's Included? • One facilitated Activity Session (choose your time slot when booking) • Guided Exploration Zone access (10am-12:30pm) • Additional hands-on themed STEM activities (10am-12:30pm) What's not Included? • Woodland access (unless otherwise stated) • Water Lab access (unless otherwise stated) • Public parking is not available at the Science Oxford Centre on weekdays – we recommend using the Park and Ride, JustPark app, public transport, or cycling. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements. There are free 2-hour and 3-hour street parking bays available on the roads surrounding the centre (Old Road, Quarry Road) or paid spaces at St Leonard's Car Park, approximately 20 minutes walk away. • The Science Oxford Centre café 'Emira’s Kitchen' is not available on weekdays – please bring your own packed lunch and we will provide a self-service station for hot and cold drinks. We have a designated lunch area available. Event Schedule 10:00am – Arrival and check-in opens 10:30am–11:15am – Activity Session 1 11:15am-11:30am – Break 11:30am–12:15pm – Activity Session 2 12:30pm – Depart and site closes Important Information • Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the event. • Younger siblings may attend Home Educator Days but activities are pitched primarily for children aged 5–11. The Activity Sessions are not suitable for younger siblings to participate in. Both Activity Session participants and accompanying siblings need to be supervised throughout the event. Younger siblings will require a 'Younger sibling' add-on ticket. • Places are limited to ensure a high-quality, hands-on experience. • Please arrive promptly to allow sessions to begin on time. • Entry to the building will not be permitted before 9:45am and visitors must depart from the site by 12:45pm. Getting the most from your visit At Science Oxford, we encourage adults to take part alongside children by asking questions, exploring ideas together and supporting investigations. Our activities are designed to develop curiosity, creativity and confidence, so we ask adults to allow children space to make their own observations, test their own ideas and contribute their own answers. During facilitated activities, please follow the guidance of our activity leaders, who will support everyone to participate and learn in an inclusive and enjoyable environment. Visiting the Science Oxford Centre Here are links to our accessible resources to help prepare for your visit, including our virtual tour and centre floorplan map. Science Oxford Centre visiting information and FAQs please visit here. For information on our refund policy and event terms and conditions visit here. Contact Contact [email protected] or call 01865 810000 Important notice: Centre works Due to the ongoing site improvement works, you may notice some changes to the area immediately outside the centre. There may be temporary diversions in place directing access to the woodland and trails. If you have any queries, please contact us via [email protected] or 01865 810000. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete these necessary improvements.