Families can combine dinosaurs, space exploration and hands-on science this summer as the National Space Centre in Leicester celebrates its 25th birthday with a special Roar and Explore Summer programme.
Running until 6 September 2026, the summer event brings together prehistoric creatures and the mysteries of deep space, with a brand-new Outer Solar System experience, dinosaur encounters, interactive activities, live talks and family film screenings.
It is an opportunity for children to discover more about both the world that existed millions of years ago and the far reaches of our Solar System – all under one roof.
Explore the Outer Solar System
One of the highlights of the summer programme is the launch of the National Space Centre’s new Outer Solar System experience.
Families can travel beyond the asteroid belt to discover icy moons and distant planets, while learning about some of the science behind future space exploration.
The newly expanded gallery includes the chance to visit comet 67P, explore the far reaches of the Solar System and even create an imaginary extremophile lifeform inspired by organisms capable of surviving in some of the most extreme environments on Earth.
Dinosaurs take over the Space Centre
For a limited time, visitors can also come face-to-face with full-size dinosaurs as the National Space Centre joins forces with W5 in Belfast.
Daily meet-and-greet sessions give families the chance to encounter dinosaurs including a T-Rex and Dilophosaurus, with expert handlers on hand to make sure the experience is both exciting and safe.
The dinosaur theme continues through a programme of live talks and interactive activities led by the Dinosaur Space Agency.
Sessions include:
- R.O.A.R – The Dinosaur Space Agency: Explore the threat posed by Near Earth Objects.
- Dinostronomers: Discover what the night sky may have looked like during the age of the dinosaurs.
- Life Finds a Way: Investigate how life can survive in extreme environments.
- Asteroid Impact Investigators: Examine the evidence surrounding the Chicxulub crater and the asteroid impact linked to the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Dig for prehistoric discoveries
Younger visitors can get hands-on in the Fossil Discovery Zone, where they can take part in a fossil dig and search for prehistoric treasures.
The activity provides an opportunity for budding palaeontologists to get involved rather than simply looking at exhibits, while learning more about the creatures and environments of the prehistoric world.
Roar and Explore Film Club
Families can also begin their day with special early morning screenings as part of the Roar and Explore Film Club.
The summer programme includes:
- Jurassic Park – 2 August
- Dinosaur – 9 August
- The Land Before Time – 16 August
The screenings offer another way for families to get into the dinosaur spirit before exploring the rest of the National Space Centre.
One ticket, a whole year of visits
There is also an added bonus for families planning to return. Every ticket automatically upgrades to a FREE Annual Pass, allowing visitors to come back to the National Space Centre throughout the following year at no additional cost.
With the combination of space exploration, dinosaur encounters and interactive science, families can make the most of their visit during the summer holidays and still have the option to return and explore more throughout the year.
Roar and Explore Summer at a glance
When: Until 6 September 2026
Where: National Space Centre, Leicester
What’s included: Outer Solar System experience, dinosaur encounters, live talks, interactive science, fossil activities and more
Bonus: Every ticket automatically upgrades to a free Annual Pass
For full details and to plan your visit, see Roar and Explore Summer at the National Space Centre.
Whether your children are fascinated by dinosaurs, obsessed with space or simply love getting hands-on with science, Roar and Explore Summer offers plenty to discover during the school holidays.
