Dundee Science Centre

Dundee Science Centre, 14 Greenmarket, Dundee DD1 4QB, UK
1-99 Years
Paid

Description

Dundee Science Centre is one of the best things to do with kids in Dundee for families seeking a fun, educational day out. Located in the heart of the city, this interactive science museum encourages curiosity through hands-on learning, making it a perfect spot to explore everything from medicine to the wonders of the natural world.

Price starts from £8.00 for Adults(16–59 years), £6.50 for Children(3–15 years) and £5.75 for Infants(1–2 years). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, Dundee Science Centre offers an engaging, indoor environment where children can learn through play. With over 60 interactive exhibits and dedicated zones for different age groups, it is a reliable choice for a rainy day or an educational outing.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

  • Interactive Exhibits: Engage with over 60 hands-on displays designed to ignite curiosity and demonstrate complex scientific principles in a simple way.
  • Sensory Exploration: The centre includes dedicated sensory zones that cater to all visitors, ensuring an inclusive experience for children of all abilities.
  • Immersive Learning: Move beyond classroom lessons with displays that cover topics like space, engineering, and the human body.
  • Educational Environment: Benefit from a centre that functions as an educational charity, focusing on sparking lifelong interest in STEM subjects.
  • Inclusive Play: Designed to be accessible and pushchair-friendly, making it easy for families with younger siblings to navigate the galleries.

Detailed "What to See"

  • Medical Marvels: Try your hand at surgery in this high-tech, augmented reality operating room. It is a fascinating way for older children to understand how modern medicine works.
  • Midnight Garden: This dedicated treehouse play area is a favourite for younger visitors, featuring a slide and plenty of space to climb and explore.
  • Waterworks Station: A popular interactive zone where children can manipulate water flow and learn about hydraulics through play.
  • Air Table: Use the power of air to experiment with flight and buoyancy, letting children see their own creations take to the sky.
  • We Are Inventing: A creative zone where kids can challenge their design and problem-solving skills to build their own inventions.

Facilities

  • Café Create: Open daily for hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own picnics.
  • Toilets: The centre provides standard and accessible toilets, along with dedicated baby-changing facilities.
  • Wi-Fi: Free guest Wi-Fi is available throughout the building to help you plan your day or share your photos.
  • Buggy Access: The venue is fully pushchair-friendly, with elevators available to ensure all galleries are easily reached.
  • Parking: Two street-level car parks are situated onsite, operated by the local council.

Pro-Tips

  • Visit Timing: Last entry is recommended by 1:30 PM to ensure you have enough time to explore all the exhibits before closing.
  • Parking: The onsite car parks follow standard city centre rates; check the council's website beforehand if you have specific parking requirements.
  • Picnics: If you prefer to save on dining, feel free to bring your own packed lunch to enjoy in the designated seating areas.
  • Accessibility: Most of the centre is on ground level, and the facility is fully wheelchair-friendly with accessible features throughout.

Targeted FAQ

  • Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, the centre is well-suited for toddlers, offering a dedicated treehouse play area, water-play stations, and sensory zones that provide a safe and engaging environment for younger children.
  • How long does a visit take? Most families find that 2 to 3 hours is the perfect amount of time to fully explore the interactive galleries, enjoy the science demonstrations, and take a break in the café.
  • Where is the best place to park? There are two street-level car parks located directly onsite, which are operated by the local council and offer the most convenient access to the main entrance.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love:

  • The interactive nature of the exhibits keeps children entertained for hours without the need for constant supervision.
  • The inclusion of the treehouse and water areas is frequently cited as the highlight for toddlers and primary-aged children.
  • Staff are often described as helpful and engaging, specifically in how they explain scientific concepts to younger visitors.

What Visitors Don't Like:

  • Some visitors find the onsite parking charges can add up, though it is standard for the city centre location.
  • The centre can get very busy during school holidays, making some of the more popular interactive stations have short wait times.
  • While educational, some older teens may find the exhibits slightly too simple compared to more advanced technical museums.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

  • Augmented Reality Surgical Simulator: High-tech equipment for virtual operations in the Medical Marvels gallery.
  • Hydraulic Water Channels: A large, multi-station water play area for engineering basics.
  • Interactive Air Tables: Specialized tables for testing aerodynamic designs.
  • Treehouse Play Structure: A custom-built wooden climbing area with a built-in slide.
  • Sensory Light Columns: Tactile and visual stimulation equipment for younger visitors.
  • Geological Rock Samples: Interactive display boards showing various mineral structures found in Scotland.
  • Engineering Building Blocks: Oversized construction sets for testing structural integrity.
  • Weather Simulation Displays: Kid-friendly meteorology stations that mimic wind and precipitation patterns.

Beyond the Main Attraction

  • Discovery Point: Located just a short walk away, this museum houses the famous RRS Discovery ship and explores Antarctic history.
  • V&A Dundee: Scotland’s design museum is nearby and offers excellent waterfront views and creative family workshops.
  • The McManus Art Gallery & Museum: Explore Dundee’s rich Victorian history and diverse art collections in the city centre.
  • The Law: A short trip to this extinct volcano provides the best panoramic views of the city and the River Tay.
  • Dundee City Quay: Perfect for a relaxing stroll along the waterfront after your museum visit.

New for 2026

  • 25th Anniversary Festival: Celebrating a quarter-century of the centre, the 2026 "Beyond Wonder" festival features expanded in-centre experiences and community events.
  • Beyond Wonder Exhibitions: New temporary galleries launched this year focus on future technologies and sustainable living, building on the centre's 25-year milestone.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Without Gift Aid

  • Adults (16–59): £8.
  • Children (3–15): £6.50 (Must be accompanied by a paying adult).
  • Infants (1–2): £5.20 (Must be accompanied by a paying adult).
  • Babies (0–1): FREE (Must be accompanied by a paying adult).
  • Seniors (60+): £7.
  • Students (Full-time UK higher education): £7.

With Gift Aid 

  • Adults (16–59): £8.80.
  • Children (3–15): £7.05 (Must be accompanied by a paying adult).
  • Infants (1–2): £5.75 (Must be accompanied by a paying adult).
  • Babies (0–1): FREE (Must be accompanied by a paying adult).
  • Seniors (60+): £7.70.
  • Students (Full-time UK higher education): £7.70.

Pricing URL: https://www.dundeesciencecentre.org.uk/tickets/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Birthday Parties: Choose Dundee Science Centre as the venue to host your truly unique birthday party experience! With a great choice of themes, there’s something for everyone to make that special day even more memorable. Our parties include time to explore our hands-on exhibition, a 30-minute themed workshop, and a selection of party foods.

What does a birthday party include? 

  • A birthday party at Dundee Science Centre is 1.5 hours. It consists of a 30-minute workshop; approximately 30 minutes to explore our exhibition with one of our Science Communicators; and approximately 30 minutes for party food.
  • We will supply party food – see below for further information.
  • You can book this for 10 am, 12:30 pm, or 3:00 pm. 
  • Our birthday party workshop themes are: Epic Eruptions, Soapy Science, Dino Discoveries, and Space Crafts. 

For more information please visit: https://www.dundeesciencecentre.org.uk/discover/birthday-parties/

Monday – Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm.

Address: Dundee Science Centre, 14 Greenmarket, Dundee DD1 4QB, UK

Post Code: DD1 4QB

Council: Dundee

County: Dundee and Angus

  • By Bus: Most buses from Fife stop at Greenmarket. If you are coming from Forfar, Dundee Science Centre is a short walk buy from the High Street. All buses from Perth, Blairgowrie and Coupar Angus stop outside the Overgate shopping centre.  Dundee Science Centre is just minutes away from any city centre bus stop.
  • By Rail: Dundee is on the East Coast mainline and Dundee Science Centre is a few minutes’ walk away from the railway station.
  • By Car: Greenmarket is between Riverside Drive and Nethergate. Follow the brown and white tourism signs. There is both long and short-term pay-and-display parking adjacent to the site. Heading east along Riverside Drive, pass Tesco on your left, continue past the railway station and take the first exit left . Take the slip road on your left to arrive at Greenmarket. Heading west along Dock Street, keep in lane for Coupar Angus, and then take the sliproad to the left immediately after the railway station.
  • Parking: There is both long and short-term pay-and-display parking adjacent to the site.

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