Top Things to Do with 0-5 Year Olds at Scienceworks

If you’ve got little ones with big curiosity, Scienceworks in Melbourne is a treasure trove of hands-on fun for kids aged 0–5. 

From colourful, sensory play spaces to pint-sized science adventures, this firm Melbourne favourite blends education with excitement in a way that keeps tiny hands and minds busy. Scienceworks is packed with activities designed to spark a lifelong love of discovery. 

Top Things to Do with 0-5 Year Olds at Scienceworks

1. The Glow Show

 

Lights, camera, glow sticks! Be part of this spellbinding 30‑minute live science demonstration in the Lightning Theatre, showcasing the fascinating science behind glow.

The Glow Show brings to life the natural glows found on planet Earth, including fluorescence, bioluminescence in animals, plus the luminous effects created using various materials. The finale features a giant Tesla coil generating lightning bolts with over 2 million volts of electricity. This can be a little on the scary side, due to sparks and loud noises from the coil, so make sure you prepare your youngsters.

2. Ground Up

 

Ground Up: Building Big Ideas, Together is a vibrant, hands‑on exhibit designed specifically for young explorers aged 0-5 years old. This sensory safe space encourages little minds to tinker and build through a variety of immersive, open‑ended activities.

Highlights include flying contraptions launched into wind tubes; a huge light‑up switch wall for patterns and creative play; colourful 3D puzzles encouraging construction and problem solving; and an interactive giant car wash. For the super small ones, check out Baby Landscape, where light displays and mirrors will dazzle and spark young imaginations. 

3. Museum of the Moon

 

Show them it’s not made of cheese! The Museum of the Moon is an out-of-this-world installation featuring a 4-metre glowing lunar sphere, richly detailed with imagery of the Moon's surface.

You’ll find it in the Planetarium Foyer at Scienceworks.

4. FlushBack

 

The FlushBack AR adventure immerses participants in a playful, yet informative, journey set in 1942, guiding them through real engineering challenges to prevent Melbourne from reverting to “Smellbourne”.

Some of the tasks include shovelling coal, stoking the boiler, and even helping a forgetful gentleman search for his missing false teeth! Grown-ups or older siblings are recommended to take the reins of the iPad, but little ones can still get involved. 

5. Tycho Goes to Mars

 

Join the museum’s cheeky dog Tycho on an adventure to learn all about Mars. Tycho Goes to Mars is a charming 30-minute animation about a curious dog who unintentionally blasts off to Mars in a steam-powered kennel.

Tycho is looking for water to fly his steam-powered space kennel back home. But how will he find water on Mars, when it looks so cold, dusty and dry?

This is an immersive 4K full-dome animation suitable for children aged 3 to 8 years.

6. Little Kids Day In

 

Don’t miss this themed, STEM-focused playdate event tailored for children aged 5 and under. The Little Kids Day In is held on various dates throughout the year, running from 10 am to 2 pm, so keep an eye on the website for more details.

Each session centres around a unique, playful theme - past events include: Caring for Country, Roll Up! and Astro Adventures, all offering movement-rich and themed sensory experiences.

Where:  Scienceworks, 2 Booker Street, Spotswood, Melbourne
When:   Daily 10 am - 4.30 pm
Cost:     Museum Entry -  Adults $25, Children $10
              Under 3s FREE

Find out more and book now at Scienceworks.

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