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Small Space Day

A day made for toddlers and pre-schoolers, with drop-in stories, crafts, sing-alongs and a planetarium show, made with Early Years specialists for ages 2–5.

  • 26th Nov 2026, 8th Jan 2027, 28th May 2027
  • Ages: 2–5 (babies and older siblings welcome)
  • 10:00-16:00
  • FREE entry for under 5s
  • Free Annual Pass Upgrade

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Mother and small child playing on the interactive floor in Home Planet as Small Space Day
National Space Centre

Made for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Looking for a fun day out for your curious little one? Small Space Day is designed for toddlers and pre-schoolers, with a magical introduction to space through hands-on play.

Created with Early Years Development specialists and our Education Team, it's a chance for your child to imagine, discover and learn.

With no school visits or large groups, the Centre is calmer and quieter. Little ones can roam, play and explore at their own pace while grown-ups relax and meet other families.

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What's Included

Our themed activities run as drop-in sessions throughout the day, so you can come and go at your own pace.

  1. Bubbles and lights as part of sensory play in LIVE Space
    National Space Centre

    Sing-a-long

    A sensory session with lights and music. Sing along to songs, wave, wiggle and get moving together.

  2. Science Communicator reads a book at Storytime at Small Space Day
    National Space Centre

    Story Time

    Gather around for a cosy story time session. Spark imaginations and embark on space adventures together.

  3. Child launching the Mercury 7 capsule
    National Space Centre

    Gallery Trails

    Set off on a space adventure through our galleries with themed trails made especially for curious little explorers.

  4. Family and toddler in the Tinytarium
    National Space Centre

    Tinytarium

    Join Sunshine for an exciting space journey in our tinytarium, where your little explorers can learn all about day and night.

  5. Family participating in a workshop at Accessible Afternoon
    National Space Centre

    Craft Activities

    Get creative at our space-themed craft tables. Little hands can make keepsakes to take home, with our Discovery team on hand to help.

  6. Build a spacecraft challenge and telescope in the Solar System gallery
    National Space Centre

    Interactive Spaces

    Explore interactive zones, including our brand-new immersive areas in the Outer Solar System Experience.

  7. Tour Of The Night Sky

    Planetarium Show

    Your ticket includes a free planetarium show on your first visit. You can add an extra show for £5 per person at the ticket desk on the day.

  8. Small boy in an orange spacesuit in the Columbus Module at Small Space Day
    National Space Centre

    FREE Annual Pass Upgrade

    Your ticket purchase gives you unlimited visits for a whole year*, including our standard Small Space Days. *Excludes Premium and Evening Events

Their first trip to space starts here

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Plan Your Visit

No need to wheel the buggy around all day! Park it in our indoor buggy area and explore hands-free. Just remember to keep any valuables with you, as we can't take responsibility for items left unattended.

We have bottle-warming facilities, high chairs and a microwave.

We are also breastfeeding-friendly. If you'd like a quieter spot, just ask any of our team.

Our baby changing facilities are on the ground floor by the shop, next to the male, female and accessible toilets. Forgotten the nappies or wipes? Don't worry, just ask one of our friendly team.

Refuel with hot and cold drinks, snacks and freshly made food. There are healthy, vegetarian and vegan options throughout the menu, and gluten-free items can be made to order.

We offer children's meal deals and smaller portions, plus high chairs, bottle warming, water-refill stations, and a microwave. 

Let our team know about any dietary needs, we'll be happy to help.

FAQs

Small Space Day is designed for toddlers and pre-schoolers aged 2–5. Babies will enjoy the sensory activities, and older siblings are welcome to come along and explore the National Space Centre and its galleries.

Yes. Small Space Day is designed to be a safe, gentle space for every child to learn through play. All activities are drop-in, so you can join in and take breaks whenever you like, and with no school or group bookings the Centre is calmer than usual. You may also like our Accessible Afternoons and SEN/SEND Home Education Days.

No. Children must be supervised by a parent, grandparent or guardian at all times.

Small Space Day is designed for young children and their families, so the galleries will be busy with children's activities. For an adults-only experience, try our Space Lates events. For quieter times, check our 'When to Visit' guide

No. Small Space Day is planned around young children and their families, so we don't take school or group bookings. Schools and groups can find programmes on our Education pages.

We recommend booking online in advance to secure your spot, Annual Pass holders are also encouraged to book their return visit online prior to the event.

Yes, for standard Small Space Day events, just book your return visit online in advance.

The Small Space Mrs Santa Special is a Premium Event, so it isn't covered by the Annual Pass. But if you buy a ticket for it, your FREE Annual Pass upgrade gets you into the other three Small Space Days for free.

Yes. Our on-site car park has over 400 spaces, including 23 Accessible (Blue Badge) spaces, and costs £4 for the day. You can pay online when you book or on site by card, contactless or cash.