Saturday 12 November marks the arrival of a firm festive favourite in Newcastle when Life Science Centre’s (Life’s) open-air ice rink returns to Times Square. A trip to the outdoor rink is a key part of the holiday calendar and signals the start of the festive season.
Skaters of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy an outdoor skate with friends and family in the heart of the city. The ice rink runs from Saturday 12 November to Sunday 15 January 2023 (Excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.)
Inside the centre, visitors can cosy-up for a live show full of exciting demos, explore the glowing Winter skies in Life’s state-of-the-art planetarium (the biggest in the North), make (and take home) an illuminated Christmas card in the Making Studios and be a festive detective with UV light in the Experiment Zone.
Other exhibits and activities to enjoy include Space Zone where you can be the boss in Mission Control, explore a mock-up model of part of the International Space Station and check out how astronauts’ poo in space! Life’s Play Zone offers action and adventure for under 7s, and all ages can get hands-on and explore the illusions and wonders of the Brain Zone.
Visitors can also see the Earth in a whole new light with the stunning digital globe Sphere and be awe-struck by huge, glowing planet Earth installation, Gaia.
In response to the ongoing financial pressures families are experiencing, Life is reducing ticket prices to a ‘festive fiver’ for all. All tickets to the science centre over the Christmas period (both adults and kids) will cost only £5. This Festive Fiver offer will run from 12 November until 8 January (excludes adult events and ice rink. Age 4 and under and carers free as usual).
On 1 and 15 December, an exclusive adults-only event – Winter Skies – explores the glittering night sky above Newcastle with festive drinks and nibbles (separate ticket prices apply).
The open-air ice rink is open every day 12 November – 15 January, (excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day). Separate prices apply. Skate aids available. Online booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. Booking information, including the option to add a festive fiver science centre ticket, is available now at life.org.uk/skating
Life Science Centre is open daily 10:00am – 5:00pm (recommended last entry 3:00pm). (Excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day). Some activities have age restrictions or recommendations – see life.org.uk for full details.
The science centre will close from Mon 9 to Sun 29 January 2023 for essential maintenance (the ice rink will remain open until 15 January 2023).