DON’T miss Planetarium Lates As part of Edinburgh Science Festival 2026, enjoy an adults-only science night out with classic films inspired by the creatures that roamed the Earth over 65 million years ago in the Planetarium at Dynamic Earth.
Jurassic World (2015) Saturday 11th April 2026 | 8pm
Godzilla (2014) Sunday 12th April 2026 | 8pm
Discover more showings for ages 18+ including ‘Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon’, and stargazing with our in-house astronomers.
Book your ticket with Edinburgh Science Festival, or visit our website:
This April, immerse yourself amongst the stars with our adults-only Stargazing Late & Live show!
Our resident astronomers will guide you across the cosmos, delving into their favourite sights to see along the way. You’ll gaze up at Edinburgh’s night sky, visit distant worlds and view space through the lenses of state-of-the-art telescopes.
Don’t miss out-of-this-world insights and stunning imagery in Edinburgh’s only Planetarium as part of Edinburgh Science Festival.
Discover our line-up of adults-only Planetarium Lates this April:
Dynamic Earth has announced its most immersive Edinburgh Science Festival programme to date, with a month-long celebration of discovery running from 3 April to 3 May 2026.
As a programming partner of Edinburgh Science Festival 2026, Dynamic Earth will host hands-on workshops, live storytelling, outdoor geological adventures, immersive Planetarium screenings and the chance to meet real scientists working at the forefront of research today.
From dinosaur encounters to astronaut training, this year’s programme invites families, curious adults and science fans of all ages to dive into discovery.
Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 at Dynamic Earth is designed to move science beyond the page and into real experiences. Young explorers will be able to:
Take part in Astronaut Training (6–10 April) and prepare for lift-off!
Join Jurassic Juniors Storytelling (6–10 April) and Journey Into Space Storytelling (13–17 April) designed especially for early years
Step back into the 1700s with Hutton in Edinburgh (7–9 April), an immersive walking theatre experience
Explore Holyrood Park’s dramatic landscape during Rocks Uncovered: A Geological Walk with Vojta Hybl (10 April)
Across the festival, visitors can also meet researchers tackling some of today’s biggest scientific questions, including:
University of Edinburgh – 7 Days, 100 Scientists (7–13 April)
British Geological Survey – Planet Power (15 April)
Heriot-Watt University & Edinburgh Napier University – Meet the Scientists (17 April)
Scottish Association for Marine Science – Meet the Marine Scientists (16–17 April)
These free drop-in sessions give visitors the rare opportunity to speak directly with experts and discover how science is shaping our world.
Dynamic Earth’s 360° Planetarium will become a festival stage in its own right, hosting an exciting programme of family favourites and special late-night screenings.
Families can enjoy dino-themed adventures including The Land Before Time, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, The Good Dinosaur and Dinosaur.
For adults, Planetarium Lates offer a completely different atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a Cretaceous cocktail before settling in for prehistoric blockbusters including Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Jurassic World and Godzilla.
Festival evenings also include an immersive 360° experience of The Dark Side of the Moon, alongside Stargazing Late and Live – presenter-led journeys across the cosmos with Dynamic Earth’s in-house astronomers.
Throughout the festival, families visiting Dynamic Earth can also take part in an Egg Hunt Across the Ages, included free with admission from 3 April to 3 May. The trail encourages children to explore the galleries while uncovering clues linked to Earth’s extraordinary history.
Speaking about the programme, Dynamic Earth Director Conor Ellis, Director for Science Learning and Engagement said: “Edinburgh Science Festival is a highlight of the year for us.
“It’s a chance to fill our galleries and Planetarium with even more energy, curiosity and hands-on discovery. Whether you’re training to be an astronaut, meeting real scientists or enjoying a blockbuster under the dome, there is something here to inspire every curious mind.”
Located at the foot of iconic Arthur’s Seat, Dynamic Earth offers visitors a full day out, combining immersive galleries, live science engagement and one of the UK’s most striking Planetariums.
Events run from 3 April to 3 May 2026 and can be booked via Dynamic Earth’s website:
This Christmas, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, will once again be bringing festive sparkle to the heart of Edinburgh with a programme of events that combines seasonal magic with science and storytelling.
From Santa’s Polar Grotto to festive family films, late-night Planetarium screenings, seasonal science clubs and the return of the Aurora Borealis show, the centre will be brimming with activities for all ages between 29 November and 23 December.
At the heart of the celebrations is Santa’s Polar Grotto, Edinburgh’s only grotto set beneath the Northern Lights. Families will be guided by Head Elf Polaris to the festive Arctic grotto, where they can meet Santa and his Polar Protectors, the arctic fox, polar bear, snowy owl and arctic hare. Alongside enchanting tales, each child will receive a token to exchange for a cuddly gift to take home, ensuring a magical keepsake from their visit.
Film fans are also in for a treat, with festive favourites returning to the big screen at Dynamic Earth selected weekend mornings at 10am. The line-up includes The Polar Express, The Grinch, Home Alone and Elf, with additional screenings running in the days leading up to Christmas.
Dynamic Earth’s younger visitors can join the popular Dynamites (0–4) and Dynamos (4–6) science clubs, which take on a seasonal flavour with “Reindeer Games” on 5, 12 and 19 December. C
hildren will discover how reindeer are specially adapted to survive the polar environment, handle real antlers, and get creative with themed crafts, all while enjoying access to the centre’s soft play area.
Adding to the atmosphere, the winter Planetarium show will once again showcase the wonder of the Aurora Borealis, immersing audiences in the science and spectacle of one of nature’s most dazzling phenomena.
Anastasia Rocke, Interim CEO at Dynamic Earth, said: “Christmas at Dynamic Earth is all about creating magical moments that also inspire curiosity about our planet.
“From meeting Santa set against the backdrop of the Northern Lights to learning about the amazing wildlife of the Arctic, we’re thrilled to offer families and visitors a truly unique festive experience in Edinburgh.”
Visitors to last year’s grotto agreed, with one parent commenting: “Wonderful experience! Very professionally done, great value for money, a real sense that everyone wanted to be there.
“Loved the fact that my daughter didn’t have to sit on Santa’s knee but could sit on a polar bear as well!”
Tickets for Santa’s Polar Grotto, films, Planetarium Lates and seasonal science sessions are available now at dynamicearth.org.uk.
Advance booking is strongly advised as places are limited.
Dynamic Earth has launched its 2025 Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign, inviting families, supporters and science enthusiasts across the UK to Double the Discovery and help give thousands of young people the chance to fall in love with STEM.
For one week only (2–9 December), every donation made to Dynamic Earth will be doubled through The Big Give, the UK’s largest online match-funding campaign.
With more than 30,000 children visiting Dynamic Earth’s Learning Bases each year, many from communities who face barriers to accessing high-quality science learning, the charity is calling on the public to help create classrooms where curiosity can truly come alive.
Upgrading the spaces where science starts
Funds raised through The Big Give will support essential upgrades to Dynamic Earth’s Learning Bases: hands-on, immersive classrooms where Scotland’s young explorers learn about volcanoes, space, climate, coding, engineering and the wonders of the planet.
Matched donations will go directly towards equipment that teachers, parents and community groups say makes the biggest difference:
£20 – new early years floor mats to support sensory storytelling for budding young scientists
£50 – flexible furniture to better support diverse needs, including young wheelchair users
£100 – tablets to build tech confidence for tomorrow’s coders and engineers
These improvements will help Dynamic Earth continue delivering more than 250,000 science learning experiences every year, ensuring every child, regardless of background, can experience the joy and excitement of discovery.
Dynamic Earth’s programmes have a powerful track record of removing barriers to STEM engagement.
Dynamic Earth’s impact is best reflected in the voices of the schools, teachers, parents and young people who experience its programmes first-hand.
Their feedback highlights how transformative, accessible, hands-on science learning can be, sparking curiosity, boosting confidence and opening doors to opportunities many learners would not otherwise have.
Teacher feedback:
“The workshops were excellent and engaged the pupils with plenty of interactive activities. Information was aimed at the right level and the course leaders were engaging and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend.”
“The workshop we attended was brilliant in the way the activities were so active and engaging. I feel that I gained a lot of information in different ways, and it gave me ideas of how to use active learning in my classroom.”
“The majority of pupils who came on the trip had never even been to Edinburgh let alone Dynamic Earth. This real life experience of leaving the classroom to visit an educational experience really does make the difference to our pupils and many refer to it as being the best day of S2.”
Parent feedback:
“It is an amazing club. The kids love it, learn from it and the staff are amazing. So lucky to have this club!!”
“Is enhancing my daughter’s interest in science and gives her an opportunity to meet like minded peers”
A call to support the next generation
Speaking about the campaign, Dynamic Earth Director of Fundraising and Marketing Helen Chomczuk said: “This is about giving every child the chance to feel that spark; the moment science suddenly makes sense, becomes exciting, becomes theirs.
“With matched funding in place, every pound goes twice as far, helping us build better spaces for learning and ensuring that more young people can experience the wonder of our planet. We’re asking the public to stand with us in giving the gift of discovery this Christmas and inspire tomorrow’s scientists.”
How to take part
The Big Give Christmas Challenge runs from 2–9 December 2025, with all donations doubled while match funds last.
THIS week, join us for special Seasonal Sessions of DynaMites and Dynamos – Dynamic Earth’s Sensory Sessions for under 6s where little ones and their grown-ups can discover and explore the natural world together!
Explore some of the real creatures that helped inspire some of our favourite fantasy beasts! Which real animals are poisonous, have terrible teeth, and fearsome claws? In a session that mixes storytelling, crafting and sensory play, you can sort fact from fiction.
DynaMites (Under 4s): ‘There’s No Such Thing As A….’
24th & 31st October | 10am
Dynamos (Ages 4-6): ‘There’s No Such Thing As A….’
THIS October, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, Dynamic Earth invites visitors of all ages to step into the shadows and uncover the science behind the spookiest stories ever told.
From myth-busting monster hunts to late-night planetarium thrills, Dynamic Earth promises a Halloween season filled with discovery, imagination, and just the right amount of fright!
At the heart of the celebrations is the brand-new Monsters and Myths Trail – a Halloween adventure curated and illustrated by Dynamic Earth’s own talented team. Visitors are invited to journey through immersive galleries and track down legendary creatures, both real and imagined. From Halloween favourites such as zombies, vampires and Frankenstein’s Monster to icons of Scottish folklore including selkies and the Loch Ness Monster, this self-guided trail reveals the fascinating science behind the stories.
On the trail, interim CEO Anastasia Rocke said ‘October is one of our favourite times of year at Dynamic Earth. Our new Monsters and Myths Trail brings together creativity, science and storytelling in a way that captures the wonder of Halloween while staying true to our mission – helping people of all ages understand the incredible world around them. We’re especially proud of our incredible staff whose passion and talent made this programme possible. Whether you’re coming with kids, friends, or flying solo, there’s something here to make your October unforgettable.’
Dynamic Earth’s Learning and Engagement team is delivering brand-new spooky science sessions to celebrate the season. For families with younger children, under 6, the Dynamos and Dynamites sessions will combine gentle Halloween-themed fun with hands-on discovery, helping children explore some of the world’s spookiest creatures.
Dynamic Earth’s October programme runs throughout the month, with highlights including:
Monsters and Myths Trail
Daily from 3rd October – 2nd November | £4.50 add-on to Science Centre & Planetarium
Embark on a thrilling journey through Dynamic Earth’s immersive galleries and uncover the real-life science behind legendary creatures. Upon purchase, visitors receive a Trail Passport to guide their adventure, collecting stamps and tackling interactive science challenges along the way.
Budding explorers will uncover both myths and monsters whilst discovering the real creatures that shaped the stories we know and love today. Uncover different legends: from the shadowy waters of Loch Ness and its famous monster to Halloween favourites like vampires and zombies. Complete the trail and claim a fossil detective set to take home – perfect for budding explorers.
A special spooky edition of Dynamic Earth’s sensory sessions for under-4s. With storytelling, crafting, and play, explore some of the real creatures that helped inspire some of our favourite fantasy beasts! Which real animals are poisonous, have terrible teeth, and fearsome claws? In a session that mixes storytelling, crafting and sensory play, you can sort fact from fiction. Includes free entry to Ocean Commotion Soft Play (on the day of your science session for under 6s).
A special spooky edition of Dynamic Earth’s sensory sessions for 4 – 6 year olds. With storytelling, crafting, and play, explore some of the real creatures that helped inspire some of our favourite fantasy beasts! Which real animals are poisonous, have terrible teeth, and fearsome claws? In a session that mixes storytelling, crafting and sensory play, you can sort fact from fiction. Includes free entry to Ocean Commotion Soft Play (on the day of your science session for under 6s).
Dino’s: Monstrous Myths
Saturday 1st November, sessions throughout the day | Book here
Dynamic Earth’s Dino’s Saturday Science Club invites 6–12 year olds to get hands-on with spooky science this Halloween. Through fun activities and a take-home craft, children will explore the real creatures that inspired famous myths and monsters
This October, children aged 7–12 can join Dynamic Earth’s Holiday Club for four days of discovery and adventure. Each day brings new scientific challenges – from outdoor investigations in Holyrood Park and wildlife spotting, to creative crafts, games, and experiments. And, with flexible booking, families can choose the days that best suit their holiday plans. Led by Dynamic Earth’s Learning & Engagement team, the club offers the perfect mix of fun and hands-on science, inspiring the next generation of planet protectors.
Step into the role of a space detective in What’s Up – Dark Matter Detectives, the latest presenter-led Planetarium show from Dynamic Earth’s in-house astronomers. The Universe is full of mysteries, from dark energy to the elusive dark matter that shapes the cosmos. Join Dynamic Earth’s team of astral agents to discover the hidden clues the Universe leaves behind and explore one of science’s biggest unanswered questions: what is dark matter?
Planetarium Lates
16th – 18th October | 18+ | Various concession prices available | £20 per ticket | Book here
Adults can enjoy an atmospheric evening under the stars with cult classics like Rocky Horror Picture Show and Aliens, or lose themselves in The Dark Side of the Moon dome shows. Cocktails and a spine-tingling atmosphere guarantee a Halloween night to remember.
Family Film Screenings
13th – 19th October daily | £6 per ticket | Book here
Every Saturday and Sunday between 4th October and 2nd November | £6 per ticket
Family favourites including Monsters Inc., Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Brave, and Scooby Doo: Frankencreep light up the dome every morning from 10:00 am.
October Membership Offer:
This October, there’s more than just Halloween fun in store at Dynamic Earth! Visitors can upgrade their Annual Pass from £25 and receive a 12-month membership at Dynamic Earth.
A Dynamic Earth Annual Membership Includes:
Exclusive invites to Members Only events
Free tickets to selected seasonal events
Welcome £5 voucher for the Cafe or Gift Shop
10% discount in the Cafe and Gift Shop every time you visit
20% discount on parking at Dynamic Earth every time you visit
£2 per child entry to Ocean Commotion Soft Play
Priority access to skip queues
Regular updates via Dynamic Earth’s Members e-newsletter
Priority notification on special events
T&C apply.
Visit Dynamic Earth and Transform Your Halloween! Celebrate Halloween at Dynamic Earth with a mix of science, storytelling, and spooky fun. From uncovering legends on the Monsters & Myths Trail to family-friendly Planetarium shows and late-night screenings for adults, October at Dynamic Earth offers unforgettable adventures for all ages.
Blind mentalist stuns with unforgettable Fringe stunt beneath the rainforest canopy
Dynamic Earth provided the backdrop yesterday (23 July) for an unforgettable twist on the classic game of Hide and Seek delivered by visually impaired Albino mentalist Fraser Penman.
Fraser, described as “Scotland’s answer to Derren Brown”, used an astonishing feat of mind reading and psychological skill to locate a personal item hidden deep within the centre’s tropical rainforest by Still Game actors ‘Isa’ and ‘Tam’.
The Fringe performer – known as PENMAN: The Imaginator – used the rare art of Hellstromism (or muscle-reading) to perform the jaw-dropping stunt. Without sight, but with heightened senses, Fraser placed his hand lightly on Isa’s shoulder and guided her through Dynamic Earths immersive galleries.
He then homed in on the hidden item – H.G. Wells novel ‘The Invisible Man’ – using subtle psychological techniques. Fraser made a final connection with the popular TV actors before pinpointing the exact hiding place of the novel, secretly hidden beneath the rainforest canopy.
In a dramatic finale, Fraser unveiled an envelope with a note inside correctly predicting the name of the book, leaving those who witnessed the moment in awe.
Blending ancient play – Hide and Seek was first documented by Greek writer Julius Pollux in the 2nd century – with cutting-edge mentalism, the stunt offered a glimpse of what audiences can expect from Fraser’s debut Edinburgh Festival Fringe show, PENMAN: The Imaginator – YOU, at the Gilded Balloon.
Penman, 30, from East Kilbride, lives with the most extreme form of Oculocutaneous Albinism, meaning he is visually impaired. His Fringe act fuses mind reading, hypnosis, and comedy, inspired by his journey to transform a childhood coping mechanism into a remarkable skill.
Photo – Garry F McHarg / FOCAL Scotland.
Fraser Penman, who describes himself as a “Psychological influencer”, said: “I grew up just like other children across the country playing Hide and Seek, But I played it differently, as I was born with a severe visual impairment, which meant I had to learn to sense things another way.
“And that’s what today’s stunt at Dynamic Earth was all about, learning to sense differently. To imagine differently and be able to influence people’s thoughts.
“Using a little-known technique called Hellstromism, also known as muscle reading, I didn’t just read where Tam and Isa went to in Dynamic Earth, I also gently influenced where they would go, before they even knew.
“By simply touching both their shoulders again and using the same psychological methods, I was able to go deeper into their mind to find the exact spot in the rainforest area where they had hidden the book.
“With so many different attractions, Dynamic Earth was the ideal venue for a fun game of Hide and Seek with a twist. Today’s stunt was a taste of YOU, my live theatre show premiering at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
“A show about breaking beliefs, finding inner superpowers and discovering just how extraordinary your own mind can be.”
Jane McCarry (Isa) chose the novel, The Invisible Man, as the ‘hidden item’ as it is very personal to her, having been given to her mum in 1941.
Jane said: “I thought choosing the book, ‘The Invisible Man’, was very appropriate for the stunt with Fraser. I have always had a fascination with magic and I want to believe it’s real, so it was amazing to be up close and see Fraser in action.
“I can’t imagine for a second how he knew where the item was and then guessed that it was the book I had brought with me.”
Mark Cox (Tam) said:“The whole stunt was mind-boggling and baffling, Fraser blew me away with his performance. I have no idea how he managed to find the item and predict in advance what the personal item was. I’m still scratching me head how he did it.”
Suzie Holligan, Visitor Experience and Events Director at Dynamic Earth, said: “It was a real pleasure to host Fraser for this one-of-a-kind experience. Dynamic Earth is all about inspiring curiosity and encouraging people to see the world differently, and Fraser’s incredible skills brought that to life in such a unique way.
“We’re proud to be an official Edinburgh Festival Fringe venue, providing a spectacular setting where science meets storytelling. We’re thrilled to have been part of this special event and wish him all the best for a fantastic Fringe debut.”
Fraser has previously hypnotised Pop Star Callum Beattie, some of Scotland’s top TikTok social media influencers and renowned Scottish comedian Gary Faulds.
With more than 2.5 million views on TikTok, he is determined to change the perception of those with Albinism and hopes his Fringe stage show will act as an inspiration for people with the condition.
Fraser added: “When I was training to be a primary teacher in my 20’s I was inspired by Derren Brown’s storytelling and showmanship, I must have watched a DVD about hypnosis a thousand times.
“Once I read a few books and looked into the neuroscience behind it I realised that I had the ability to hypnotise someone almost instantly. It was like having a superpower, I was blown away.
“I had a difficult childhood growing up with Albinism, so having this gift has allowed me to turn around my life and chase my dreams of one day having my own residency at Vegas.
“Many people with Albinism are confined to the house wearing dark glasses but I’m determined to change that perception. I want to inspire others that if you can see it in your imagination anything is possible, or even when you don’t believe in yourself you can still believe in your dream.
“After being bullied at school I was determined to change my mindset, and it ended up saving my life.”
For the past six years, Fraser has been holding down two jobs while honing his craft with performances at venues around the UK. His new Fringe show is the first time it will be performed before audiences in Scotland.
As part of Edinburgh Science Festival 2026, enjoy an adults-only science night out with classic films inspired by the creatures that roamed the Earth over 65 million years ago in the Planetarium at Dynamic Earth.
Jurassic World (2015) Saturday 11th April 2026 | 8pm
The Polar Express
Home Alone
Elf
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
DynaMites (Under 4s): ‘There’s No Such Thing As A….’
Dynamos (Ages 4-6): ‘There’s No Such Thing As A….’
How to Train Your Dragon
