October Family Films! 
Start your morning with monsters, myths and movies!
This October, we’re bringing you early-morning screenings of family favourite films.
Enjoy your favourite monstrous movies in our state-of-the-art Planetarium for only £6 per person.
How to Train Your Dragon
Monsters Inc.
Brave
Shrek
Scooby Doo! Frankencreepy
Films are showing at 10am on selected dates in October.
Find out more and book your ticket:
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.
Seasonal Science Sessions
DynaMites: There’s No Such Thing As A…
Friday 24th and Friday 31st | 10–11am | Book here
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).
Dynamos: There’s No Such Thing As A…
Friday 24th and Friday 31st | 2:30 pm | Book here
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
October Holiday Club
13th, 14th, 15th and 17th October | Book here
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.
Planetarium Programme
What’s Up: Dark Matter Detectives | Book here
3rd September – November 30th
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:
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.
For tickets, timings, and full programme details, visit Dynamic Earth’s Halloween page.
This summer Dynamic Earth is encouraging wee ones from across Edinburgh, and surrounding regions, to set sail on a magical underwater adventure at the city’s leading Science Centre and Planetarium.
With the launch of Ocean Commotion Soft Play on June 23rd, the venue aims to provide accessible, stimulating and interactive engagement opportunities for little ones needing to let off some steam and spark their curiosity in our planet.
For just £4, kids aged 0-6 can expect to explore, climb, splash (not literally!), and play away in the ocean-themed interactive costal escape. No booking required for this fun, interactive soft play.
With every corner of Ocean Commotion designed to boost your child’s development through play, whether they’re learning to crawl, climb, or conquer new challenges, kids are sure to have some fintastic fun beneath the waves!
Parents who want to let their little star(fishes) have fun in the venue’s brand-new interactive ocean escape can pay-on-the-day, with £4 granting their wee ones *unlimited access to Dynamic Earth’s world beneath the waves.
*During busy periods your little one’s adventure will be capped to 90 minutes.
SUNDAY 20th JULY from 10am – 6pm
Join us to celebrate International Moon Day on Sunday 20th July 
Get involved with moon-centric activities from 10am – 6pm!
FREE Drop-in Activities
Enjoy a variety of free drop-in activities to commemorate this iconic day in space history. Have fun creating your own Lunar Wheel, guessing what the moon is made of, making your own asteroid and crater, and building a Lunar Lander.
11am – 3pm | Free | Drop-in | No ticket required.
Wallace & Gromit: All Systems Go AR Trail
Find and follow the seven markers around our immersive galleries to embark on a unique Augmented Reality trail to help Wallace & Gromit ready their rocket for blast off! Enjoy meeting and posing alongside the inventive duo, try on Wallace’s Techno Trousers, take a selfie as Feathers McGraw and launch a rocket through our rainforest! Included in your add-on ticket is an activity pack with colouring, dot-to-dots and a build-your-own rocket to take home.
10am-4pm | Annual Pass and ‘All Systems Go’ Trail Add-On Required.
Meet the Astronomer Live Talks
Meet our in-house astronomer, Dr. Alastair Bruce, as we find out more about the iconic Saturn V rocket. Listen to insights from Alastair and have the chance to ask your burning questions about space!
11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm | Free | No ticket Required.
Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out
Join the inventive duo in our Planetarium as we screen this Wallace & Gromit classic. Wallace & Gromit enjoy a day out with a difference when a quest to find cheese takes them to the moon!
12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm | Annual Pass or Planetarium Only ticket required.
CapCom Go: The Apollo Story
Enjoy this full dome film in our Planetarium for one day only. Learn about the Apollo moon landings, and the journey that led up to the famous small step for man. Check out our Planetarium schedule here.
11am, 4pm, 5pm | Annual Pass or Planetarium Only ticket required.
Find out more:
Yesterday (Tuesday 20 May) pupils met at the Scottish Parliament for a special space-themed walk for Living Streets’ Walk to School Week. Pupils from Royal Mile Primary School in Edinburgh dressed as astronauts for Living Streets’ Walk to School Week (19-23 May).
Joined by representatives from City of Edinburgh Council they embarked on a space-themed walk to Dynamic Earth and Planetarium, enjoying discovering facts about the solar system and how walking and wheeling to school can help protect our planet. Pupils also enjoyed a visit to Dynamic Earth and Planetarium, the only science centre and planetarium in Edinburgh.
During Walk to School Week, pupils across Scotland are encouraged to walk, cycle, scoot, or wheel to school each day during the week, to feel the benefits of getting active before the school day.
This year’s Walk to School Week theme, The Great Space Walk, has inspired thousands of children to travel actively to school each day of the week, with over 250,000 pupils already signed up for the challenge.
Chris Thompson, Programme Manager, Living Streets Scotland said: “Walk to School Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary steps pupils across Scotland are taking to make their journey to school more active, which is better for individuals, communities and the planet.
“By choosing to walk, they’re showing how small actions lead to big impacts, such as easing congestion, improving air quality, and creating cleaner, healthier streets. We hope this week inspires others to walk and wheel to school and discover how easy it can be to make their daily commute truly ‘out of this world’.”
Mrs Black, Head Teacher at Royal Mile Primary School said: “It is wonderful to see how much our children enjoy participating in the WOW challenge, and having their hard work acknowledged in this way is incredibly rewarding.
“We are extremely proud of our pupils for their enthusiasm to walk and wheel to school in all weathers. We’ve also seen a real difference in the number of cars outside the school gates, making the roads safer for pupils and the wider community.”
Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Walking, wheeling and cycling to school has such a positive impact on young people. It helps build independence, improves road awareness, and helps pupils start the day feeling energised and ready to learn.
“From ambitious active travel projects like the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) and Roseburn to Union Canal along with traffic calming and road safety measures – we’re committed to making people feel more comfortable walking, wheeling, and cycling, whilst creating more liveable and inclusive streets and neighbourhoods.
“Congratulations to the pupils and staff at Royal Mile Primary School for their outstanding commitment to travelling to school in safer, healthier, and more sustainable ways.”
Living Streets Scotland currently delivers WOW – the walk to school challenge in more than 200 primary schools across the country.
The pupil-led initiative encourages students to log their active journeys to school using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker. Pupils who walk, cycle, scoot, or wheel to school once a week for a month are rewarded with a special collectible badge.
You can find out more about Living Streets, Walk to School Week and WOW – the walk to school challenge at Home | Living Streets.
Aberdeen-based charity, TechFest, is hosting its Schools Science Festival from May 26-30th to enhance STEM knowledge among Northeast youth and inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and technologists.
Held at Robert Gordon University campus, the festival offers hands-on STEM activities for Nursery to Primary 7 pupils, from meeting exotic animals to exploring genetics and renewable energy, starting at just £2.
The programme, led by TechFest and esteemed partners like Glasgow Science Centre, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and Dynamic Earth, will showcase an engaging array of STEM workshops.
This initiative aligns with TechFest’s mission to enhance accessibility by fostering collaboration between industry and education while making STEM fun for all.
Jenny Taylor, Festival Manager, TechFest, said: “We believe every child deserves the chance to follow their dreams and have the confidence and passion to do so.
“Our Schools Science Festival makes that possible by connecting schools with our incredible sponsors and partners, inspiring the next generation to grow and thrive.
“We encourage every school to take full advantage of this opportunity. I believe that together, we can empower students, spark their curiosity, and build brighter futures for all!”
TechFest’s schools program supports participating institutions in integrating the ‘Developing Young Workforce’ agenda into their curriculum, offering students valuable insights into diverse career pathways.
The workshop hosts and lecturers, including environmental experts, university professors, and industry professionals, will provide valuable insights into the industry, foster relationships, and inspire young learners.
TechFest is dedicated to developing initiatives rooted in STEM, making the subjects fun and engaging while establishing meaningful connections with industry and education, to help young people pursue a future in STEM.
TechFest’s Schools Science Festival is jointly sponsored by Shell and bp and is tailored to support classroom learning through the Curriculum for Excellence.
Doris Reiter, Senior Vice President, bp North Sea, said: “The schools festival is a key feature of TechFest’s annual programme.
“We’re pleased to be supporting it again and helping young people to explore the boundless possibilities of STEM.”
Simon Roddy, SVP of Shell UK Upstream, said: “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of TechFest.
“We hope that the variety of activities and experiences on offer will encourage people to engage with STEM and learn about the skills needed to help shape and develop our energy system.”
Following the Schools Science Festival, TechFest will be hosting Family Activity Weekend, which is one of the most popular events in the TechFest calendar!
Taking place Sat, 31st May – 1st June, this incredible weekend gives the opportunity for thousands of visitors to explore the world of STEM in an inspiring, fun and relaxed fashion.
The weekend is made up of two days of workshops, shows and activities for families to get involved with.
For more info https://techfest.org.uk/news-events/news/item/67-activity-weekendvisit
This summer, Dynamic Earth – Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium – is welcoming back children to its ever-popular Summer Outdoor Club.
Following a sell-out club in 2024, Dynamic Earth’s Summer Outdoor Club returns to inspire a new generation of young scientists. Designed to give children the skills they need to become scientists through fun outdoor activities like rocket engineering and shelter building, plus lots of crafts and group games.
Running throughout July and early August, the club takes place in Holyrood Park and the stunning green spaces surrounding Dynamic Earth. Each day focuses on a different themes and skills essential for scientific success such as creativity, problem solving and experimenting.
The Summer Outdoor Club gives kids the opportunity to design exciting inventions, crack tricky questions and work together to make the big things happen — all while making new friends and unforgettable memories.
With a mix of outdoor play, science games and nature walk there’s something to spark the imagination of every young scientist. With limited spaces available, Dynamic Earth encourages booking early to avoid disappointment.
Conor Ellis, Director for Science Learning and Engagement at Dynamic Earth, said: “Our Summer Outdoor Club is the perfect solution for parents looking for enriching holiday activities this summer.
“With specialist kit, expertise and access to Holyrood Park – our team will deliver an inspirational outdoor club that highlights the importance of the local natural world in our everyday lives.
“It’s an exciting chance for young minds to connect with nature and embrace the scientific skills needed for success and have a brilliant time doing it.”
Dubbed by families as “the best summer camp in Edinburgh” by previous attendees and loved for its unique mix of fun and education, this year’s programme promises to delight from start to finish.
Summer Outdoor Club Dates:
HOW TO ATTEND:
To find out more about Dynamic Earth’s Summer Outdoor Club, or book your child’s attendance, head to Dynamic Earth’s website (here).
Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is excited to announce two additional Relaxed Opening Hours sessions as part of its continued commitment to inclusivity.
These sessions will take place on Friday, January 24th, and Sunday, February 23rd, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the wonders of our planet in a calm, sensory-friendly environment.
Dynamic Earth’s Relaxed Opening Hours are designed for individuals who benefit from a quieter, more supportive experience, such as those with Additional Support Needs (ASN) or sensory sensitivities. Open to all visitors, these sessions ensure everyone can enjoy the full Dynamic Earth experience in a welcoming and accessible setting.
Dynamic Earth’s approach encourages visitors to learn and explore at their own pace, giving everyone the chance to fully enjoy everything this science centre and planetarium has to offer. This is why Dynamic Earth offers sensory adjustments throughout the entire day.
Sensory Adjustments on Relaxed Opening Hours Day:
Dynamic Earth invites visitors to join them for these upcoming sessions in 2025:
Tickets are now available for booking. Start the new year with a visit to a place where everyone is welcomed, supported, and inspired.
POP24 and Dynamic Earth offer schools a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from environmental scientists, space experts, and conservationists
Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is thrilled to announce its participation in Protecting Our Planet Day 2024 (POP24), a landmark educational event aimed at inspiring climate action among young people.
POP24 is organised by the UK Space Education Office (ESERO-UK) at STEM Learning and in collaboration with the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency, POP24 is set to take place on Tuesday, 12 November 2024.
POP24 will immerse students in a full day of interactive sessions led by top experts in Earth and Space sciences, with an audience of approximately 150,000 people. Schools and the general public alike are invited to book individual sessions or participate in the entire day, offering everyone a unique opportunity to engage with climate change experts and explore innovative solutions to global environmental challenges.
Throughout the day, the event will feature live sessions hosted from Dynamic Earth by Suzie Imber and Dallas Campbell, who will guide viewers through each activity and highlight insights from guest experts.
Anyone interested in joining can sign up for most of the day’s events through the POP24 website. Participation is open to everyone, not just teachers or students, making this an inclusive event for all who care about protecting our planet.
One of the day’s first sessions, Pop into the Ocean (9:10-9:50 am), will be presented by Chris George, Head of Learning and Engagement at Dynamic Earth.
This session will take place in the Discover the Deep gallery and feature Alycia Smith from the National Oceanography Centre, known for her groundbreaking work on “dark oxygen” with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).
Alycia Smith, who previously contributed to Dynamic Earth’s Growing Roots exhibition, will delve into her deep-sea research while joined by Emily Yates from Project Seagrass, who will highlight the critical role of seagrass ecosystems around the UK.
This session promises an in-depth look into how ocean life and conservation efforts help protect our planet, connecting participants with both marine research and the seagrass nurseries that sustain vital biodiversity.
Later in the day, Protecting Biodiversity (11:25 am-12:10 pm), presented by former Dynamic Earth Scientific Director Dr. Hermione Cockburn, will focus on the importance of biodiversity in sustaining our ecosystems.
The session opens with a recorded message from naturalist Chris Packham, who will introduce the concept of biodiversity and underscore its significance. Following this, the session will feature conservation efforts from the Knepp Wildland Foundation, Saving Wildcats, Trees for Life, and the National Wildflower Centre.
Each organisation will share insights into their work and unique approaches to biodiversity preservation, making this session an inspiring look at the practical measures that can help protect natural habitats.
The day will conclude with STEM Clubs Hour (3:30-4:30 pm), an after-school science club hosted by Chris George and Dynamic Earth’s Planetarium Manager, Dr. Alastair Bruce.
This engaging session will explore Earth observation through the use of satellites, explaining how this technology monitors environmental changes and supports global conservation efforts.
Dr. Bruce will introduce participants to the basics of satellite launches and their applications, using planetarium footage to explain the process.
From tracking wildlife and weather patterns to monitoring natural hazards, this session highlights how space science plays a vital role in advancing climate and environmental research. A range of interactive activities and videos will complement this session, making it an educational and hands-on way to close out the day.
Dynamic Earth’s Head of Learning and Engagement, Chris George, said: “We’re excited to be part of POP24 and to support students across the UK in exploring climate science and the role we all play in protecting our planet.
“POP24 offers a unique learning experience by bringing real-world science into classrooms, sparking curiosity, and empowering young people to think critically about our environment.”
For more information on how to register, please visit https://bit.ly/47waVJh and join the conversation using #POP24.
