Imagine lying back in a reclining seat as the lights dim, the ceiling opens up into a vast dome, and suddenly you’re hurtling through the solar system at warp speed. Stars streak overhead, planets loom impossibly large, and your kids are completely and utterly speechless. That’s the magic of a planetarium immersive experience, and the good news is you don’t need to travel to NASA to find one!
The UK is home to some genuinely world-class planetariums, from the largest fulldome theatre in the country to a one-of-a-kind 3D space experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether your little ones are obsessed with rockets, curious about black holes, or just up for something totally different, a planetarium visit is one of those rare days out that feels exciting AND educational at the same time.
TL;DR: The UK’s best family planetariums include the National Space Centre in Leicester (UK’s largest planetarium), We The Curious in Bristol (UK’s only 3D Planetarium), and the brand-new Astronomers Take Over planetarium experience at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Most shows suit ages 5+, with special sessions for younger children and toddlers too. Book ahead, especially during school holidays!
Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
What Makes a Planetarium Experience So Special?
A planetarium isn’t just a cinema with a curved ceiling. It’s a full 360-degree immersive environment where the entire dome above you becomes the universe. Modern fulldome projection systems can simulate the night sky with pinpoint accuracy, recreate the surface of Mars, zoom through the rings of Saturn, or take you back 13.8 billion years to the Big Bang.
For families, that means something genuinely different from a museum gallery or a theme park ride. It’s calm enough for younger children, mind-blowing enough for teenagers, and the kind of shared experience that sparks real conversations on the drive home.
Why kids love them:
- The “lying back and looking up” feeling is unlike anything else
- Shows are narrated by real astronomers or famous voices (we’re talking David Tennant and Rupert Grint!)
- Topics range from baby-friendly constellation stories to full-on rocket science
- Many venues include live, interactive elements where the presenter responds to the audience
Why parents love them:
- Genuinely educational without feeling like school
- Suitable for a wide range of ages under one roof
- Usually 30-45 minutes, so perfectly pitched for shorter attention spans
- Often included in general admission, making them brilliant value
The UK’s planetarium scene has had a real boost in recent years too. The National Space Centre in Leicester continues to lead the way with its award-winning shows, while Greenwich has just launched an exciting new planetarium experience as part of a major transformation project. There has never been a better time to explore the cosmos as a family!
The Best Planetariums for Families in the UK
Ready to find your nearest cosmic adventure? Here are the standout planetarium experiences across the UK, with everything you need to plan your visit.
National Space Centre, Leicester
The UK’s largest planetarium and honestly, one of the best family days out in the country full stop. The Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium is a proper fulldome theatre with a show included in every first visit, so you’re not paying extra on top of your ticket.
The show lineup is seriously impressive. Current options include:
| Show | Age | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| One Step Beyond | 5+ | Rockets, Mars missions and the future of human space exploration (launching July 2025) |
| The Great Solar System Adventure | 5+ | A theatrical tour of the solar system with showman “The Great Schiaparelli” |
| We Are Aliens | 5+ | Narrated by Rupert Grint, exploring the search for extraterrestrial life |
| We Are Astronomers | 5+ | Narrated by David Tennant, revealing the global teamwork behind modern astronomy |
| Tour of the Night Sky | 8+ | Live, presenter-led tour of the current night sky |
| CAPCOM GO! | 5+ | The story of the first Moon landing, told to inspire the next generation |
Ticket prices (2026):
- Adult (16+): £22 online / £23 on the door
- Child (5-16): £20 online / £21 on the door
- Planetarium show (Annual Pass holders): £5 on the day (subject to availability)
- Parking: £4
Bear in mind: each show has an advisory age limit based on educational content. Younger children are welcome but may find some scenes intense (especially One Step Beyond, which features loud rocket launches!).
The National Space Centre is also packed with interactive galleries, a Rocket Tower, Tetrastar Spaceport, and a café and shop. You could easily spend a full day here. Find out more about things to do in Leicester while you’re in the area.
Royal Museums Greenwich: Astronomers Take Over, London
Here’s something new and exciting! The iconic Peter Harrison Planetarium at the Royal Observatory Greenwich is currently closed for a major transformation project. But don’t worry, Greenwich hasn’t gone dark! In its place, Royal Museums Greenwich has launched Astronomers Take Over at the National Maritime Museum, a multi-zone, family-friendly space experience that includes its own intimate planetarium shows.
There are three shows running as part of the experience:
- The Night Sky (ages 7+): A live, presenter-led guide to the night sky as it appears on the day of your visit. Because it’s live, every show is slightly different!
- Solar System Sightseeing (ages 5+): An interactive tour of the solar system where the audience helps the astronomer choose what to explore.
- Animals in Space! (under 5s): A gorgeous, toddler-friendly show about animals’ role in space history, featuring constellations, the ISS, and the Observatory’s beloved bear mascot Ted.
How to book: Combined Astronomers Take Over and planetarium show tickets are available via the Royal Museums Greenwich booking site. Members get 25% off.
The National Maritime Museum is easy to reach by DLR, rail, bus, or river boat. And while you’re in Greenwich, the Royal Observatory itself is just a short walk away! Check out our guide to things to do in London for more ideas nearby.
We The Curious, Bristol
Bristol’s brilliant science centre is home to something genuinely unique: the UK’s only 3D Planetarium. That’s not a marketing claim we’re making up either; We The Curious is the only venue in the country where you can experience a fully three-dimensional fulldome show, complete with 3D glasses for an extra layer of immersion.
The Planetarium sits inside the science centre alongside 200+ hands-on exhibits, and you can add a planetarium show to your day ticket. Shows are presenter-led and available for all ages, with family-friendly options running throughout the year.
What’s on in 2026:
- Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon: An official planetarium show featuring all 10 tracks from the iconic album set to cosmic 360-degree visuals. Yes, really. A brilliant one for older kids and parents alike!
- Passport to the Stars: A daytime activity where families contribute to real astronomical research in the Open City Lab.
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm during term time. Open every day, 10am-5pm during Bristol school holidays and bank holidays.
Top tip: School holidays book up fast at We The Curious. They recommend booking ahead even if you’re a member, so don’t leave it until the last minute!
We The Curious is located in Millennium Square in central Bristol, which is a great base for a full day out. Book tickets and find out more on the We The Curious website.
Other Planetarium Experiences Worth Knowing About
The three venues above are the UK’s heavyweights, but they’re not the only places to catch a stellar show! Here are a few more worth adding to your radar:
Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire
The Jodrell Bank Observatory is home to the iconic Lovell Telescope, one of the world’s largest steerable radio telescopes, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it doesn’t have a traditional fulldome planetarium, the visitor centre features an immersive space theatre and regular live astronomy talks. It’s a fantastic option for families in the North West.
Winchester Science Centre, Hampshire
The Winchester Science Centre has a digital planetarium that runs a range of shows for families, from early years sessions to shows for older children and adults. It’s a great option if you’re visiting Hampshire, and the science centre itself is packed with hands-on exhibits. Check opening times and show schedules before you visit.
Glasgow Science Centre, Scotland
Glasgow Science Centre features a digital planetarium alongside its IMAX theatre and interactive science galleries. It’s one of Scotland’s most popular family attractions and a brilliant rainy-day option for families visiting Glasgow or the wider central belt.
Aberdeen Science Centre, Scotland
The newly refreshed Aberdeen Science Centre has a digital planetarium as part of its offer, making it a great choice for families in the north of Scotland. Find out more about things to do in Aberdeen on your visit.
Keep an eye out: Many universities and astronomy societies across the UK run public planetarium evenings and open nights. These can be fantastic, low-cost options for families with older children who want a more in-depth experience. Search for your nearest astronomical society via the Federation of Astronomical Societies.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Planetarium Visit
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to making the most of your planetarium immersive experience. Here’s what we’d suggest:
Book ahead (seriously!)
School holidays are busy at every venue on this list. The National Space Centre, We The Curious, and the Greenwich experience all recommend booking in advance to guarantee entry and your preferred show time. Some shows sell out days or even weeks ahead during summer and Easter.
Pick the right show for your age group
Most venues offer multiple shows at different levels. A quick look at the age guidance before you go means you won’t end up in a show that’s too advanced for your toddler or too simple for your teenager. Most venues are brilliant at catering to mixed-age families though, so don’t stress too much!
Arrive early and explore the wider venue
Every planetarium on this list sits inside a larger attraction. The National Space Centre alone could fill a full day. Build in time to explore the galleries, interactive exhibits, and cafés before or after your show.
What to expect inside the dome
- Shows usually run 30-45 minutes
- Seating is typically reclining chairs angled upwards
- The dome goes fully dark, so let younger children know what to expect
- Some shows include loud sound effects (check the show notes if your child is sensitive to noise)
Great questions to ask your kids before you go
Getting children excited before the visit makes the whole experience land better. Try asking them:
- “How many planets do you think are in our solar system?”
- “Do you think there’s life on other planets?”
- “What would you take to the Moon if you could go?”
You’ll be amazed at the conversations a planetarium visit sparks, both during the show and long after you’ve left!
Which Planetarium Is Right for Your Family?
Not sure which venue to head to? Here’s a quick at-a-glance guide to help you choose:
| If you want… | Head to… |
|---|---|
| The UK’s biggest and best fulldome experience | National Space Centre, Leicester |
| A London day out with a space twist | Astronomers Take Over, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich |
| Something truly unique (the UK’s only 3D Planetarium!) | We The Curious, Bristol |
| A great day out in Scotland | Glasgow Science Centre or Aberdeen Science Centre |
| A North West adventure with serious astronomy cred | Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire |
| A budget-friendly local option | Check your nearest university or astronomical society |
Our pick for first-timers: The National Space Centre in Leicester. It’s the most complete package, with the UK’s largest planetarium, a brilliant range of shows for all ages, and a full day’s worth of space-themed attractions around it. If you can only do one, make it this one!
Ready to Reach for the Stars?
A planetarium immersive experience is one of those days out that stays with kids long after you’ve headed home. There’s something about being surrounded by the universe on all sides that sparks a sense of wonder you just can’t replicate on a screen at home.
Whether you’re heading to Leicester for the full National Space Centre experience, catching the brand-new Astronomers Take Over in Greenwich, or exploring the UK’s only 3D Planetarium in Bristol, you’re in for an unforgettable family adventure.
Ready to plan your visit? Explore more amazing science and space attractions for families across the UK right here on Day Out With The Kids.