Your Guide to the Summer Holiday
- 15th Jul 2026
- Author: Elliott Langley - Marketing Administrator
This summer, things are a little different at the National Space Centre, and I mean that in the best possible way. Not only are we celebrating our 25th birthday, but we have also just reopened our much-loved Our Solar System gallery with an amazing brand-new experience called Outer Solar System.
And just when you thought that was enough, we went one step further… by bringing some absolutely incredible dinosaurs into the mix.
Welcome to our Summer Holiday activities.
Life Finds a Way (to the National Space Centre)
If you have visited us recently, you may have already spotted our new prehistoric resident lurking in the refreshed Our Solar System gallery. It may look intimidating, but it is surprisingly friendly. Think of it as your official greeter… just a little more Jurassic than usual.
But one dinosaur alone felt a bit lonely, so we decided to take things up a notch to help our new dino settle in. Thanks to our friends at W5 in Belfast, we have welcomed an entire pack of prehistoric creatures into our galleries, turning your visit into something far more immersive, unexpected, and memorable.
Meet the Stars of the Summer
This summer, you will come face to face with the formidable Carnotaurus and the mighty Spinosaurus, two creatures that really make you appreciate the sheer scale of life millions of years ago.
Elsewhere, a hunting pack of Velociraptors has taken up residence nearby. Do not worry though, the only thing they are hunting are good times, making new memories and having a really good day learning all about space.
And speaking of good times, you may even encounter a dinosaur during your visit. These interactive characters love a selfie, and our trained “dinosaur handlers” are always there to make sure every encounter is fun and unforgettable.
A Jurassic Journey
Transporting the dinos here from Belfast was, as you can imagine, no small task. Picture a number of crates arriving in the middle of the June heatwave, being unloaded from a huge lorry and then guided down the ramp towards the entrance; just a normal day at the National Space Centre.
Next, our Design team were brought in to “dress” the dinosaurs; not in the sense that they put a nice scarf on them, but rather they added some extra foliage around the dinosaurs to make them look as natural and as immersive as possible.
Since then, the excitement behind the scenes has been just as big as on the gallery floor, staff included. There has been no shortage of “quick research visits” to check on our scaly new arrivals.
More Than Just Dinosaurs
While the prehistoric additions are a big part of the fun, they are only part of the story. Throughout the summer, our team has packed the schedule with themed activities and live experiences designed to entertain and inspire.
You can:
- Become a “Dinostronomer” and explore the links between dinosaurs and space.
- Join our Space Agency to find out how we are protecting ourselves from the dangers of space.
- Catch our engaging “Life Finds a Way” talk.
- Get hands-on in the fossil discovery zone.
- Take a closer look at genuine asteroid samples.
It is all designed to make learning feel like an adventure, whether you are visiting with family, friends, or just embracing your inner explorer.
Keep the Dino Fun Going
Because we are so hyped up on dinosaurs, we are also running a special Film Club season across the summer. From Jurassic Park, to Disney’s Dinosaur and The Land Before Time, there is something for every generation of dino fan.
And when it comes to souvenirs, the Retail team have gone all in. For this summer only, we have added a selection of dinosaur-themed goodies to the Shop, from an adorable plush T-Rex sporting a National Space Centre hoodie, to dinosaur figures, books, masks and even an exclusive range of items including a t-shirt, water bottles and magnets based off of an illustration from our Design team. With over 80% of items in the Shop priced under £20 (and nearly 50% under £10), it is easy to take a little piece of the National Space Centre home with you.
Every purchase helps support our charity too (No. 1078832), so you can feel good while picking out the perfect keepsake.
Make the Most of Your Visit
Booking online means you will automatically receive a FREE Annual Pass, so you can come back again and again; whether it is to revisit your favourite exhibits, catch the dinosaurs one more time, or simply enjoy a great day out whenever you like.
There really has never been a better time to visit, and you have never been able to get more value from your ticket than before; especially when you consider that you can enjoy reduced ticket prices over the summer, thanks to the UK Government introducing a temporary VAT reduction.
So whether you are local and looking for something different, or planning a bigger day out, we cannot wait to welcome you in. Cool down from the hot weather with a Boosters milkshake, meet our dinosaur friends, explore the universe, and make some unforgettable memories along the way.
