With October half term just around the corner no doubt parents across the county will be wracking their brains for how to fill the week with entertainment and perhaps even learning. What a relief then that Norwich Science Festival 2018 has you covered.
With nine days worth of fun and educational shows, workshops and activities you're guaranteed to find an event for every member of your family.
We have scoured the more than 300 events to bring you our top 10 family picks.
Spectacular Science with Mark Thompson
Born in Norfolk, Mark has had a fascination with all things in the sky ever since he was a small boy. At the age of 10 he got his first view through a telescope; Saturn in all its glory. It ignited a passion that has stayed with him ever since. His show at the 2017 Science Festival was described by FamiliesOnline.co.uk as 'packed full of high voltage, chemically charged fun to fire young minds.'
Monday October 22 3pm–4pm Norwich Playhouse £6 Age 5+
Deep Ocean Lab with Greg Foot
What happens as you dive further and further into the dark ocean?
Join YouTuber and Blue Peter science guy Greg Foot for the story of his scientific adventure to the deep.
Friday October 19 2pm–3pm Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form £5 Age 7+
Teach Rex with Sam Bryan
Come and meet Teach Rex in Norwich Cathedral's nave – a giant walking dinosaur based on Tyrannosaurus Rex! An exciting, fully interactive show suitable for children of all ages.
Thursday October 25 11am–11.40am, 1.15pm–1.55pm, 2.45pm–3.25pm Norwich Cathedral £5 All ages
DNA Detectives - Autism friendly event
A fantastic session where children with autism or Asperger's can work together with their siblings to learn what DNA is, where we find DNA, how big it is and see some real DNA! This is a fast-paced session, with small group numbers, where children make some exciting discoveries.
The session is run by children's author and scientist Mandy Hartley from The Little Story Telling Company.
All attendees must be accompanied by an adult (adults go free).
Friday October 26 10am-11am Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form £5 Age 5+
Adventure Science Show with Huw James
An interactive adventure show that explores the science and technology behind the Anturus expeditions.
Saturday October 20 1pm–2pm Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form £5 Age 7+
Physics Fest Explorium
A day of exciting hands-on experiments and mind-boggling talks, which reveal how physics shapes our world around us – from heat, light, sound and electricity, through to mechanics, magnetism, and the structure of atoms.
Sunday October 21 10am-4pm The Forum Free All ages
A Galaxy of Her Own with Libby Jackson
Libby Jackson will discuss her hugely popular book, A Galaxy of Her Own, about fifty inspirational women who have been fundamental to the story of humans in space.
Includes a book signing.
Saturday October 27 1pm–2pm Norwich School, Blake Studio £5 Age 7+
The BIG LEGO Build
The Big LEGO Build is all about creating and connecting.
Come along to take part in fun challenges with others or design and build your own exciting models with LEGO. This is an autism-friendly event. Five set of ear defenders will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tuesday October 23 11.30am–3.30pm Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form Free, drop-in All ages
The Ugly Animal Road Show with Simon Watt
Why should the panda get all the praise?
Join biologist and science presenter Simon Watt to see what adaptations make these creatures so amazing. Why should the panda get all the praise?
Saturday October 20 3pm–4pm Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form £5 Age 5+
Fireworks - Real Science or Just Bangs?
Internationally recognised pyrotechnician Matthew Tosh introduces you to his magical and explosive world of pyrotechnic science. He unpicks the building blocks of firework displays to reveal how pyrotechnicians create colours, sound effects and perfectly timed bursts.
Wednesday October 17 4pm–5pm OPEN Norwich £5 Age 7+
Find the full programme of events at norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
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