Toddler heaven: Glasgow Science Centre for toddlers

As the balloon popped, the explosive finale to the gas-themed string of experiments at the Glasgow Science Centre, the whole auditorium burst into applause. Except Minnie, who burst into tears.

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Out of six hours spent at the science centre, it was the only moment she didn’t seem to be enjoying herself hugely – so much so that for the rest of our visit, she could only be persuaded to have the shortest nap and smallest breaks to eat.

And the painful acquisition of knowledge evidently made an impression on her, with ‘balloon go bang’ added to her stock of phrases. Otherwise? Glasgow Science Centre + toddlers is a hit.

I don’t think I’ve been to a science museum of any description since I was several decades younger*. I definitely don’t remember them being as fun as this.

It’s not that adults aren’t welcome, or won’t be as entertained and intrigued as the younger visitors, but it’s so fabulously well designed for kids that even toddlers with minute attention spans are enthralled for hours, let alone slightly older children.

I’d met up with friends and their two daughters, the eldest of whom had just turned five and could get even more involved than her younger sister or Minnie. But there’s still plenty to do at the Glasgow Science Centre with toddlers.

Set over three floors, we spent most of our time in The Big Explorer, designed for age seven and under – somewhere between soft play, a toy shop and a half-built experiment made of Lego, this is learning about the world while having huge amounts of fun.

But that’s just the start, most of it interactive. BodyWorks for plenty of hands-on ways to discover more about how your body works – including a timed running exercise which just begs to let small children burn off energy.

And who knew that during your lifetime, you’ll produce enough saliva to fill 170 baths? Well, I do now…

Then there’s the Creative zone, the Lab, areas to get building, special activities and workshops throughout the day, free if you sign up, all aimed at particular ages.

For more ideas of things to do in Glasgow with kids, check out my top picks

We tried Seed Survival, which involved plenty of crayons and glue, along with the information about just how plants do grow.

And that’s before you check out the shows. The Planetarium has a wonderful Sky Safari for under sevens, as well as alternatives for older visitors, with a cartoon rat to help guide you through the constellations – and the emphasis is definitely on accessible rather than dumbed down, so they don’t shy away from words like ‘constellation’ either.

Next door is the IMAX for various 3D showings, plus there’s live demos and performances at the Science Show Theatre… including It’s A Gas and those memorably popping balloons.

For more things to do in Glasgow with toddlers, check out my top picks

Glasgow Science Centre with toddlers: Need to know

The Science Centre is open from 10am-5pm daily during summer, with some later opening during school holidays, and from Wednesday to Sunday during winter (10-3pm on weekdays) – see the complete list of opening hours here. There’s a cafe and child-friendly facilities on site.

Adult tickets cost £14.75, child tickets are £11.50 and under threes get free entry. You can also get a Science Passport giving 12 months’ entry for £44.25/£34.50. Screenings at the Planetarium and IMAX have a separate fee.

The Science Centre is set on Pacific Quay so if you’re coming from Glasgow’s city centre, I recommend heading down to Broomielaw and walk along the river path by the Clyde. It took us just under 45 minutes at a gentle amble from Glasgow Central Station, crossing over the Millennium bridge.

There’s also parking, plus several buses run there, including the City Sightseeing tour hop-on hop-off bus, which stops just over the river. You get 20% off entry with your ticket too.

[*Edit: My husband pointed out we went to the Science Museum of Minnesota last year. Can I still blame pregnancy brain?]

Disclosure: My visit to Glasgow was courtesy of Visit Scotland. Entry to the Glasgow Science Centre was also courtesy of Visit Scotland and the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions. All opinions, as ever, are my own.

Images copyright MummyTravels

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