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Where Is The Glasgow Science Centre?
The Glasgow Science Centre is in the West of Glasgow on the River Clyde at the old Govan docks. It’s accessible by car and public transport. For public transport it’s easiest to catch a train from Glasgow Central on the Argyle line, getting off at the Exhibition Centre train station. From here follow signs to the SEC and then cross the river on the bridge and round to the science centre. It’s a 12-15 minute walk.
Alternatively you can use the bus. The sightseeing bus stops at the Exhibition centre (stop 11) and then you can cross the river from there. Or use local buses:
- Stagecoach X19 (Govan Road / Pacific Quay)
- First Bus No 90 (Paisley Road West)
- McGill’s Bus 23 and 26 (Pacific Drive)
Is There Free Parking at Glasgow Science Centre
There is a large pay car park at the science centre. However, you can get your ticket validated and pay only £3 for a days parking when you arrive at the science centre reception.
So it’s not free, but it’s cheaper than non-science centre visitors pay at the car park.
How Long Should You Spend At The Glasgow Science Centre?
It’s hard to say how long you should spend, but for an idea of what there is to do read on below. We normally spend a full day at the Glasgow Science Centre until everyone is exhausted! There is a lot to do, plus science shows and the planetarium. So it’s easy to spend anything from 3-7 hours at the science centre.
Facilities Available At The Glasgow Science Centre
Cafe
The Glasgow Science Centre cafe has a great range of food from light bites and snacks to hot meals, kids meals and cakes. There’s limited seating, so go early or late for lunch!
Another small coffee shop is available at the IMAX theatre, it sells snacks, sandwiches and drinks.
Picnic Area
There are a small number of seats available for picnics. The science centre staff suggest that you take food outside to eat if possible, where there is more room.
Toilets
You can find toilets on the ground floor, 2nd and 3rd floors of the science centre. These include fully accessible toilets and baby change.
Science Centre Shop
There is a fantastic science shop at the entrance to the Glasgow Science Centre. You can find everything from Glasgow Science Centre branded items, to science kits, toys, electrical and more. You can easily spend money on everyone here!
IMAX Theatre
The IMAX theatre is in the same building as the science centre, but a different entrance opposite the shop. You can book tickets to see anything from major film to astronomy or wildlife based documentaries in 2D and 3D. Tickets can be booked online.
Glasgow Tower
The Glasgow Tower is access via the science centre and you can book tickets at the science centre reception. It can be closed on windy days, so do check in advance if it’s likely to be open. It is also only open during the summer season.
Are There Good Events At Glasgow Science Centre?
Yes! Glasgow Science Centre run lots of fantastic events! Check their event section here for more information. You can find Science Lates for adults only, family Halloween parties and more. Just keep an eye out before you visit and book in advance.
What Is There To Do At Glasgow Science Centre?
Science Theatre
The Science show theatre is always a hit with they kids. The shows vary from week to week, but they are included in your day ticket price. Just check what times they are when you check-in at reception and get there a little early to get good seats.
It’s great to see science experiments in action and if you’re lucky you might even get picked to help demonstrate!
Interactive Activities
The main area of the science centre is split over 3 different levels, with lots of interactive activities on each floor. On Floor 1 you will find ‘Explore!’ Which has lots of awesome interactive activities, alongside the ‘Space Zone’ and ‘A Question of Perception’. There’s also a younger child area (under 7’s) which is called the ‘Big Explorer’ and has some fab hands-on activities.
Floor 2 is where you find ‘Powering the Future’, where it’s all about energy efficiency and alternative energy sources. You can also find ‘Idea No59’ in this area, all about bringing ideas to life.
Finally it’s floor 3 where you can find out about the body in ‘Bodyworks’. Everything from DNA to reproduction and cardiovascular activity can be found here. As the kids have grown older this is fast becoming the favourite zone!
Planetarium
You can add a planetarium visit on to your day ticket for a small fee. There are various shows from looking at the stars and planets, to shows such as ‘We Are Aliens’, all are fantastic and it just depends on what mood you are in when you visit!
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