Things To Do

Science Oxford Centre

Douglas Downes Close, Quarry Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 8SB, GB

Rating: 4.8 ★ (158 ratings)

Details

Located in Headington, the Science Oxford Centre offers a unique indoor-outdoor science experience for primary-aged children and their families. Inside the Exploration Zone, young minds can get hands-on with over twenty interactive exhibits, from creating and testing flying designs at the Air Table to building giant magnetic ball runs and investigating with a thermal imaging camera. Many displays are designed to encourage experimentation and problem-solving, like the scarf-shooter that delights all ages or the challenges of building electric circuits. The centre is open for pre-booked family days every Saturday, which include a two-hour slot in the Exploration Zone and all-day access to the surrounding woodland.

Beyond the indoor discoveries, fifteen acres of woodland, ponds, and meadows await exploration. Families can pick up an Explorer Backpack and trail map to spot wildlife or simply enjoy the well-marked paths. From March to October, the outdoor Water Lab provides a chance for splashy fun and investigation, so a change of clothes is recommended. The centre also features a visitor café, Emira's Kitchen, open on Saturdays, serving drinks and snacks, though visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics to enjoy at designated tables. With a focus on experiential learning, the Science Oxford Centre aims to spark curiosity and make science accessible and engaging for everyone.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed; Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday: Closed; Thursday: Closed; Friday: Closed; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday: Closed

Contact

+44 1865 810000

Comments

Alexandra-Gabriela Comandasu
7 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
Very interesting and interactive. A lot of children activities and so accessible. Highly recommend.
Dina Sikorska
7 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
Our family visit to the Oxford Science Centre was an absolute blast! This place is a treasure trove of hands-on learning and excitement for all ages. The interactive exhibits, engaging demonstrations, and diverse range of scientific experiments made learning incredibly fun and accessible. Our daughter was enthralled by the various activities and interactive displays, sparking her curiosity and love for science. The staff's enthusiasm and knowledge added another layer of enjoyment, making the experience both educational and entertaining. Whether it was exploring the wonders of physics, chemistry, or biology, there was something captivating for everyone. A fantastic place for families to bond, learn, and have a blast together!
Adam S
24 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
Kids had a blast, staff are lovely, interactive exhibits enthralled a 4 and 5 year old for two hours. Woodland area is stunning. Look forward to returning.
Lucy Whitehead
6 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
We had a wonderful day here last Saturday. It’s advised to buy tickets if you want to enter the exploration zone but there is also a lot to do for free. There is space inside and outside to eat your own food (always grateful for this!). The centre itself is very welcoming, clean and very child friendly. Would thoroughly recommend for ages three upwards.
Rimini
5 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
Really enjoyed the family day, lots to keep little ones (and bigger ones!) entertained. Good food selection at the cafe, you can't bring food & drink inside the experiment zone. There's lockers to store your things safely. Lovely ending walking around the woodlands. We spent 3hrs here with 2 toddlers.

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