Scienceworks Melbourne
Calling all curious minds, especially young ones! Scienceworks in Melbourne is your one-stop destination for a thrilling adventure into the world of science. Open daily from 10am to 4.30pm (except Good Friday and Christmas Day), Scienceworks offers a vibrant mix of interactive exhibitions, captivating shows, and historical landmarks, guaranteed to spark curiosity and ignite a love for learning in visitors of all ages, with a special focus on keeping kids engaged and entertained.
Museum for Kids
Step into a world where science comes alive, designed specifically to capture the imagination of young minds! Scienceworks boasts a vast collection of interactive exhibits that are not just educational, but downright fun. At Ground Up: Building Big Ideas, Together, little learners can design and build flying contraptions, create glowing patterns on a giant light-up wall, and experiment with colourful three-dimensional puzzles.
Melbourne Planetarium
Enjoy the marvels of the universe at the Melbourne Planetarium, featuring a captivating 16-metre dome that transports you on a journey across the night sky. Planetarium shows are specifically designed to be engaging and informative for the whole family, with captivating visuals and exciting narration that piques children’s curiosity about the wonders of space. They can learn about constellations, planets, and even explore the possibility of life on other worlds.
Think Ahead Exhibit
Step into the future at the Think Ahead exhibit, where innovation meets imagination. Discover historic life-saving technologies that have shaped our world, and explore groundbreaking ideas for what might be possible in the years to come. This interactive exhibit encourages visitors of all ages to think critically about how technology can address humanity’s challenges.
Lightning Room
Prepare to be amazed by the electrifying demonstrations in the Lightning Room. This high-energy experience showcases high-voltage equipment in action, bringing the science of electricity to life. Witness the power of lightning up close in a thrilling and educational display that’s as entertaining as it is illuminating.
Beyond Perception: Seeing the Unseen
Inspire curiosity and critical thinking in Beyond Perception: Seeing the Unseen, a permanent exhibition designed specifically for teenagers. This unconventional space delves into the hidden forces and phenomena that shape our world, encouraging young problem-solvers to explore cutting-edge science and technology in new and creative ways.
Beyond the Exhibits
Scienceworks isn’t just about exhibits! They offer a plethora of educational resources and programs designed to keep the learning flame burning even after your visit. Take a virtual tour of their exhibitions using Google Maps, perfect for a pre-visit primer or a post-visit recap. Explore curriculum-aligned resources that are perfect for school students, or participate in exciting workshops led by museum experts. These workshops cater specifically to children, with topics like building robots, exploring the world of dinosaurs, and conducting fun science experiments at home.
The museum is also situated on the grounds of the Spotswood Pumping Station, a heritage-listed landmark that played a crucial role in supplying Melbourne with clean water for over a century. Go on a guided tour with the family and learn about the Pumping Station’s history and engineering marvels. Imagine the giant steam engines that once powered the pumps, and marvel at the ingenuity of Melbourne’s past.
Additional Comfort for the Family
Scienceworks understands the importance of keeping families entertained throughout the day. In addition to the exhibits, there’s a dedicated playground where kids can burn off some energy, while parents relax on nearby benches. The Scienceworks Cafe offers a variety of delicious and family-friendly options, perfect for refuelling after a morning of exploration.
Museums Victoria Membership
Museums Victoria Membership offers unlimited free general entry to Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks, and Immigration Museum, along with exclusive benefits like member-only events, pre-sale opportunities, and the Discover publication. Members enjoy discounts, including 10% off at museum shops and cafés, reduced parking rates ($14 all-day, $5 after 4pm), and savings on IMAX, the Lightning Room, Melbourne Planetarium, and Royal Exhibition Building tours, as well as touring exhibitions. Gift memberships are available, providing year-round access to all three museums—perfect for loved ones. Your membership also supports the preservation of Victoria’s State Collection for future generations. Join now: museumsvictoria.com.au.
