As a family travel enthusiast, I’ve always believed that the UK has so much to offer for year-round adventures.

While the UK’s unpredictable weather might sometimes keep us indoors, there are plenty of indoor attractions that can keep the little ones entertained and stimulated.

One of our family favourites is visiting aquariums and science centres—two great ways to blend fun and learning under one roof.

Whether you’re looking to discover the deep blue or unlock the mysteries of the universe, here’s my guide to the best aquariums and science centres in the UK that your family will love!

Why Visit Aquariums and Science Centres with Kids?

Kid looking through magnifying glass system

Before I dive into the list of our favourite places, you might wonder why aquariums and science centres are such a big hit with families.

These spots aren’t just a rainy-day escape (although they are perfect for that too!).

They offer interactive exhibits that keep children engaged, curious, and often inspire learning without them even realising it.

Plus, many venues offer family-friendly activities, cafés, and hands-on experiences that are tailored to children of all ages.

From personal experience, I’ve seen the way these attractions light up my children’s faces.

My daughter Indie is always fascinated by marine life, while Brook loves getting involved in science experiments.

It’s wonderful to see their imaginations sparked in such a creative way.

Best UK Aquariums for Families

1. The Deep, Hull

KINGSTON UPON HULL, UK - JUNE 2, 2022: The Deep Aquarium Oceanarium in a sunny day in Hull, Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, UK

Located on the banks of the Humber Estuary, The Deep is one of the UK’s most spectacular aquariums.

It’s home to over 5,000 sea creatures, including sharks, rays, and even a colony of penguins.

When we visited The Deep, we were blown away by the sheer size and variety of exhibits.

Indie was particularly drawn to the giant tank where she spent ages watching the sharks gracefully swim by.

Meanwhile, the interactive stations, such as the touch pools and the digital displays, had her completely engrossed.

For families, The Deep offers great value as it combines education with fun.

We found the staff to be incredibly knowledgeable, and they went out of their way to engage with the children.

2. SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Situated on the iconic South Bank, SEA LIFE London is an easy choice for families visiting the capital.

With its massive tanks filled with colourful marine life, including sharks, turtles, and even jellyfish, SEA LIFE London never disappoints.

During our visit, Indie was mesmerised by the glass tunnels, where sea creatures swim all around you—it truly feels like you’ve stepped into another world!

We also appreciated that SEA LIFE London has educational talks and feeding sessions throughout the day, which add to the learning experience.

And, of course, the nearby attractions like the London Eye make this a great stop on a family day out in the city.

sea life centre london

3. Blue Planet Aquarium, Cheshire

A bit further north in Cheshire, the Blue Planet Aquarium offers a different but equally enjoyable experience.

It boasts one of the largest collections of sharks in Europe and an impressive underwater tunnel, giving you the chance to walk through and see marine life from all angles.

What I loved about Blue Planet was how well they cater to families.

They offer hands-on experiences for the kids, and the presentations by the divers kept Indie entertained for hours.

If you’re heading to the nearby Chester Zoo, this aquarium makes for a great double feature in one day!

Best UK Science Centres for Families

1. Science Museum, London

Science Museum, London, UK

No list of UK science centres would be complete without mentioning the Science Museum in London.

It’s an absolute gem for families, with something for kids of all ages.

The museum’s exhibits range from space exploration and ancient technology to the future of medicine, so there’s plenty to discover.

We spent an entire day here, and honestly, it wasn’t enough to cover everything.

The kids loved the interactive galleries, especially the Wonderlab, where Indie got hands-on with experiments involving electricity, forces, and even lightning!

What’s great is that entry is free (although some exhibitions and Wonderlab require tickets), making it a fantastic budget-friendly day out for families.

2. Glasgow Science Centre

Heading up to Scotland, the Glasgow Science Centre is another must-visit.

The three floors of interactive exhibits mean you could easily spend an entire day here exploring space, physics, and biology.

During our trip, the planetarium was the highlight for Brook, who’s recently developed an interest in space.

It’s a fully immersive experience that had her staring in awe at the stars.

I also appreciated how accessible everything was, and there were plenty of café options for families who want to take a break and recharge.

glasgow science centre

3. Techniquest, Cardiff

In Wales, Techniquest is a firm favourite for both locals and tourists.

The centre offers a wide variety of hands-on exhibits and live science demonstrations that are designed to engage children in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths).

Indie’s highlight was the water play area, where she got to experiment with different water flow patterns.

The centre is well laid out, and there’s even an outdoor space for when the weather’s nice.

Techniquest is ideal for younger children too, with a dedicated area just for toddlers and preschoolers.

Conclusion

Whether you’re exploring the depths of the ocean or unlocking the wonders of science, the UK offers a fantastic range of aquariums and science centres that are perfect for families.

From my experience, these indoor venues not only provide hours of entertainment, but they also offer opportunities for learning and family bonding.

When the weather isn’t on your side or you’re just looking for something different to do, an aquarium or science centre can be the perfect choice.

So grab the kids and get ready for an unforgettable adventure indoors!

FAQs

What is the best aquarium for young children in the UK?

SEA LIFE London is great for young children, thanks to its central location, glass tunnels, and educational talks that are tailored to younger audiences.

Are science centres in the UK free to visit?

Some science centres, like the Science Museum in London, offer free entry with optional paid exhibits. Others, like Glasgow Science Centre and Techniquest, charge admission but often offer family packages and discounts.

How long should we plan to spend at an aquarium or science centre?

You can easily spend 2-4 hours at most aquariums and science centres, depending on how many exhibits you explore and whether you attend any talks or demonstrations.

Which UK aquarium has the best shark exhibit?

The Blue Planet Aquarium in Cheshire is renowned for its large shark collection and its incredible underwater tunnel that allows visitors to see sharks up close.

What should we bring for a family day out at an aquarium or science centre?

Pack light but bring essentials like snacks, water, and possibly a change of clothes for younger children. Many science centres have cafés, but having snacks on hand can be helpful.

Photo Credit: Depositphotos


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