Very happy child with a space shuttle toy at Small Space day
National Space Centre

Small Space - May

Join the discovery team for a day of exploration for our littlest visitors.

  • 16th May 2025
  • Designed for Little Explorers
  • No Big School Groups
  • Fun & Educational Activities
  • Toddler-Friendly Planetarium Show
  • Free Drop-In Sessions
  • Stories, Crafts & Play

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Beth Mcfarland (7)

Big Adventures for Little Explorers!

Looking for a fun, engaging day out that’s perfect for your curious little one? Our Small Space Days are specially designed for toddlers and pre-schoolers, offering a magical introduction to space through hands-on play and learning.

Created in collaboration with Early Years Development specialists and our expert Education Team, this is a unique opportunity for your child to explore, imagine, and discover—at their own pace.

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Mother and two children in the Tinytarium
National Space Centre

No big school groups—just little adventurers! With no school or large group bookings on these special days, your toddler can roam, play, and explore with confidence in a calm, welcoming environment.

A world of wonder awaits! Join us for free drop-in sessions featuring:
> Space-themed crafts
> Music, dance, and movement
> Interactive storytelling
> Play-based exploration

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Activities

  1. Bubbles and lights as part of sensory play in LIVE Space
    National Space Centre

    Sing-a-long

    • 11:30, 12:30, and 13:30

    Join the team for our Sing-A-Long Sensory Party - Time to dance and play with light and dark. Lights and music all turn this into an out of this world sensory experience.

  2. Education team member reads a story at Small Space day
    National Space Centre

    Storytime

    • 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 and 14:00

    Gather around for a cozy storytime session! Toddlers and their families can take a seat on comfy cushions and enjoy a selection of enchanting space-themed stories. It's a delightful way to spark imaginations, foster a love for reading, and embark on exciting interstellar adventures together.

  3. Young girl in the Columbus Module at Small Space Day
    National Space Centre

    Astronaut George Trail

    Astronaut George is travelling around our Solar System looking for samples that they can bring home… Can you help Astronaut George find all the missing aliens?

  4. Adam Smith (2)

    Tinytarium

    A tiny planetarium has been created, where Sunshine can explain all about Night and Day to our smallest visitors.

2.0 characters in the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium
National Space Centre

Planetarium Show

All day tickets include a fulldome planetarium show on your first visit. For Small Space Day we have three shows to choose from, including a very special show, created for toddlers to enjoy.

One show is included in your first visit. If you would like to add a second show, you can purchase additional tickets for £3 per person from the ticket desk.

  1. Astronaut George Show
    NSC Creative

    Astronaut George Show

    • 10.45, 11.10, 11.35, 12.00, 13.10, and 13.35

    Which is the best planet to live on? What dangers will he find? But most importantly – will he find any alien friends to play with? Find out in this interplanetary adventure!

  2. The Great Solar System Adventure
    NSC Creative

    The Great Solar System Adventure

    • 12:30 and 15:10

    Join showman extraordinaire "The Great Schiaparelli" as he takes the audience on a death-defying space-time adventure within his wondrous Observatorium. From the sun-scorched surface of Mercury to the icy expanses of Pluto and beyond, prepare to be subjected to the myriad dangers and wonders of our Solar System, on a breath-taking tour that reveals just how precious our home planet really is. Be warned though, the Observatorium isn’t just for show. It will transport the audience right to the heart of some of the deadliest locations in our slice of the heavens. It’s going to take some fancy flying to get everyone back in one piece!

FAQs

This is a toddler event, so it is suitable for children aged 2-5. However, children younger than this may enjoy the sensory elements and children older than this will also enjoy visiting the Centre and the exhibition.

No. As the day is planned around small children and parents, we do not encourage or take group bookings. Please see our EDUCATION pages to see other programmes that will be more suitable for you.

The National Space Centre hosts four Small Space Days each year, three of which are included in the Annual Pass offer, so one ticket will gain you entry into all of them (don't forget to book your return visit online in advance). Our Small Space Mrs Santa Special is a Premium Event, so is one of the five days a year that are exempt from the Annual Pass offer (however, if you buy a ticket for this event you can enjoy the other three for FREE!) 

Yes. The event is aimed at providing a safe and educational space for all those looking to develop skills through play. We include many opportunities throughout the day, where children and parents can drop in and drop out at their leisure. We do not take large school or group bookings, so this is a special day for smaller children, or those who need a quieter and gentler pace to enjoy the Centre. You should also look out for our Accessible Afternoons and SEN/SEND Home Education Days.

No. The Centre is hosting this event for small children and their families. The galleries will be busy with children’s activities, and you will not get the best experience. Please do look at our Space Lates events, or consider visiting on a sunny weekend date, when we tend to be a lot quieter (sunny summer holiday midweek dates are also good).

No. All activities are open for children to participate in, but they must be supervised by a parent, grandparent or guardian at all times.