Blast off for summer fun at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium!
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) is set for a stellar summer, with one of its biggest seasons yet on the horizon.
AOP’s ‘What’s On’ guide for July and August is bursting with exciting events for the whole family to enjoy and includes everything from dome shows to dinosaurs – plus the first ever live science show to be written, directed and performed by the AOP team.
With summer just around the corner, here’s what’s coming up to entertain your family of space explorers.
Big Summer Blast Off - July 4-5
Kick off the summer holidays with a fun-filled family weekend. Expect face painting, live sing-alongs and dancing with Elsa from Frozen, magical photo opportunities, craft activities, rocket building and blasting, and a range of food stalls.
The Stellar Science Show - July 7-17 and August 18-28 (weekdays)
AOP's first ever live science show written, directed and performed entirely by the AOP team. Professor Lux, assistant Ray and supercomputer Stellar explore what it takes to make a star, with simple demos to try at home and explosive experiments for braver scientists. Runs for 45 minutes and suits all ages.
The Ultimate Bubble Show - July 13
International bubbleologist and Guinness World Record holder Ray Bubbles is on a mission to master the art of bubble-making and create the ultimate square bubble. Using various gases, Ray creates bubble sculptures and effects in this show filled with excitement and surprises. Inspired by Ray's work with SEND schools, adult neurodivergent groups and science centres across Europe, the show is suitable for children and adults with additional needs.
Paint & Pop For Kids - July 18 & 19, August 8 & 9 (11.30am and 2.15pm)
Children can paint and create their own rocket ship and enjoy a fizzy drink, while adults relax with complimentary tea and coffee.
Jurassic Ark Encounters - July 21-26
Reptile encounters bring visitors up close with some of nature's most interesting animals, such as snakes, lizards, tortoises and many more. This is an educational learning session about nature’s most fascinating family – the reptiles!
Roar Roar Dinosaur - July 28-August 2
Step into a prehistoric adventure with this week of roars, discovery and hands-on dinosaur fun for all ages. This immersive mini show combines entertainment and education, featuring live volcanic science experiments, a live egg hatching and the chance to meet, pet and feed adorable baby dinosaurs.
Partial Solar Eclipse Family Fun Day - August 12
Filled full of solar-themed activities for all ages, visitors can get creative with hands-on crafts and interactive space activities. Build and blast your own rockets and enjoy colourful face painting and delicious food stalls, all while learning more about this exciting celestial event!
Accessible Sunday - August 23
Enjoy a calmer experience with our regular dome shows running at reduced capacity and lower volume. Your dome show ticket also includes entry to the exhibition area, sensory room and the workshop of the day. Our sensory room features bubble tubes, engaging sensory toys, planet-themed projections, soothing soft-coloured lighting and so much more.
End of Summer Blast Off - August 29-30
Enjoy one final family fun weekend before summer ends, featuring face painting, live sing-alongs and dancing, and magical photo opportunities.
All of this fun is backed up by shows in the state-of-the-art full dome digital theatre including ‘Our Wee Planets’ for under 5s, ‘The Great Solar System Adventure!’, ‘Our Solar System’ and ‘One Step Beyond: A Journey To Mars’, ‘3,2,1, Lift Off’ and ‘Did An Asteroid Really Kill The Dinosaurs’ for over 5s, ‘Our Night Sky’ for over 8s and ‘Solar Superstorms’ for kids aged 12+.
Rocket building workshops, the chance to Meet an Astronomer and Telescope Tuesday, where visitors can explore one of Armagh Observatory’s most historic telescopes, all form part of the regular activities at AOP.
Visitors can also learn more about the history of astronomy in Armagh, the Solar System, stars, galaxies and more in the exhibition area; enjoy an out-of-this-world snack in the café, find space inspired gadgets and toys in the gift shop and explore the Astropark Trails, featuring breath-taking views of the Cathedral City.
To find out more about what’s on at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium this summer, visit www.armagh.space