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

Small Space Day - September

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

  • 19th Sep 2025
  • Designed for Little Explorers
  • No Big School Groups
  • Fun and Educational Activities
  • Toddler-Friendly Planetarium Show
  • Free Drop-In Sessions
  • Stories, Crafts & Play

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Toddler and Mother enjoying Small Space day
National Space Centre

Blast Off to Fun on Small Space Day – and Don’t Forget Teddy!

Looking for a magical day out that’s just right for your little explorer? Small Space Day is designed especially for toddlers and pre-schoolers, with a playful mix of fun, discovery, and early years learning – all with a space twist!

This time, we’re inviting your child to take their teddy to space! Bring along a favourite cuddly friend and join us for a day filled with wonder. Before you arrive, enjoy making a mini astronaut helmet for teddy using our fun video tutorial – it’s the perfect way to build excitement and get ready for the big adventure.

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Mother and two children in the Tinytarium
National Space Centre

Made for Toddlers

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 

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What to Expect

Developed with Early Years Development specialists and our expert Education Team, Small Space Day is full of hands-on activities that inspire imagination, movement, and curiosity – all at your child’s pace.

Expect:

  • Interactive space-themed play zones

  • Storytime and sensory activities

  • Teddy’s astronaut adventures

  • Craft and hands-on sessions

  • Plenty of photo opportunities!

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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
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    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. 16.9 OSB 2025

    One Step Beyond

    • 12:30 and 15:10

    From our first baby steps we become dedicated explorers of our environment. The last century has seen us take our boldest step yet, into the deadly vacuum of space, to set our feet on the Moon. As we push ourselves to explore further and take our next big step, where might our curiosity lead us? The red planet, Mars, has long captured our imagination, but if we want to take our first steps on another planet, it won’t be an easy ride. How can governments, private companies, and people from all walks of life come together to tackle these extraordinary challenges, and could we uncover evidence of ancient Martian life? 

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.