ScienceWorks Museum is an absolute gem in the heart of Melbourne! I recently visited with my daughter, and I can confidently say that it was an unforgettable experience for both of us. From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with a plethora of interactive and engaging exhibits that catered perfectly to young minds. My daughter was absolutely enthralled by the variety of fun activities available. The machines that analyze height, weight, jump, push, and pull were not only entertaining but also sneakily educational, teaching her about basic scientific concepts while she was having a blast. It was amazing to watch her learn while she played, and it's a testament to the museum's ability to make learning genuinely enjoyable. One highlight that had my daughter's eyes gleaming with excitement was the AR-based target hitting game. This interactive game not only tapped into her competitive spirit but also seamlessly integrated technology and learning. The thrill of aiming and hitting targets in an augmented reality environment was a big hit with her, and I must admit, even I had a great time participating! The overall atmosphere of ScienceWorks is incredibly welcoming and conducive to exploration. The hands-on exhibits allow kids to delve into science and technology in a way that textbooks simply can't replicate. The museum's dedication to making learning a dynamic and interactive adventure truly shines through. As a parent, witnessing my daughter's enthusiasm and eagerness to learn at ScienceWorks was heartwarming. The staff's friendliness and their willingness to explain concepts in an engaging manner were noteworthy as well. It's clear that they are passionate about what they do and genuinely care about fostering a love for science in young minds. In a world where screens often dominate kids' attention, ScienceWorks strikes the perfect balance by offering a place where education and entertainment coexist harmoniously. If you're looking for a place where your child can have a blast while also expanding their knowledge, ScienceWorks Museum in Spotswood is an absolute must-visit. My daughter and I can't wait to return for another day of learning and fun! Kudos to ScienceWorks for creating such a fantastic space for curious young minds. This museum undoubtedly deserves every one of its five stars!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

What I like about Scienceworks is that its setting is well made for people at all ages. Anyone can learn and have fun at the same time. But the best thing about it is that it is interactive and it invites people to learn how Science actually works in our lives. I’ve been to different Scienceworks in other countries and this is smaller in size compared to the others but I find it pretty easy to walk around in it with family and friends and has enough stuff to amuse us. I love that it has a lot of interactive activities for people to try and learn many different types Science. For young kids, they can see the screen and follow simple instruction to grow plants, save water and recycle. Kids can learn how to do better things to the earth by doing fun activities and games. I love that kids can run and see the effective ways of running at the same time. The settings are intriguing and inviting. I love the outdoor and indoor play area. The indoor play area for kids is very educational as they can physically build with plastic bricks and turn and turn off light switches and etc. I enjoyed seeing my kids doing the entire wall of light switches as it took a half an hour and I could just sit and relaxed. More fun continues with wheelchair race and things like checking their heights and weights. A lot of physical activities were offered so at the end of the day, kids will be tired and have a good night sleep which is my ultimate goal. We are museum members so the entry was free but it is generally free for kids and $15 for adults. The price is reasonable considering what it offers to everyone. The coffee from the cafe was good too. Highly recommend Scienceworks I spent much more hours than expected so snack is a must for any family with young kids. Parking was easy even if I visited on weekend.
Visited on
Weekend

Such an awesome place to visit. Full of fun and knowledge to kids and adults as well. The place is huge, be prepared for a day full of fun. Purchase your tickets to enter the museum and walk through the ground d and 1st floor, where you get to see different science evolution and development. Kids get to play different games and practice certain science ideas, which are so much fun. Entry to the planetarium to watch certain short educational movies, you need to buy special entry tickets for that, for each movie you would like to watch. You can't re enter, and you need to select the time you will enter as well. Build Robotics and coding workshop and other workshops need to be pre purchased well in advance. Outdoor area with on-site small Cafe, playgrounds and lots of fun. You can bring your own snacks. Two different Parking areas, one you need to pay and the.other is free. A highly recommended place if you haven't already been to. Have fun..

I would say this is one of the great places for your kids, offering a perfect day out with your family. Not only will the kids enjoy themselves, but the tour will also take you down memory lane, allowing you to reminisce about things from your own childhood. I am certain that your kids will become more interested in science and history after visiting this place. They have designed the activities in such a way that every member of the family can enjoy them. Additionally, they are running a few shows. My kid thoroughly enjoyed the glow show, which was highly interactive and informative. The presenter did an excellent job. I would not recommend the planetarium show for children under a certain age, as they might find it boring. However, I did find the gift shop a bit expensive, and it would be great if they offered more souvenirs at reasonable price.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

The most important thing, is that the little one enjoyed herself and it was worthwhile visiting, just for that. As to my personal experience, I honestly found the experience to be underwhelming and disappointing. Seems not much has changed in two decades since previous visit. It was actually really quite sad. The place is looking very tired and outdated :( Areas of the museum were closed (?) - map attached from today. A significant number of displays had “out of order” signs. Suggest eating elsewhere, not at the café (it was extraordinarily overpriced). It was a confusing visit, seems like there is the potential for more. Ample pay parking available. Two stars for the amazingly friendly staff and the planetarium, which was okay.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Such an informative place for both the kids and adults like. They could take the opportunity to embed sustainable, environmentally friendly practices in the kiddies (didn’t hear the messaging coming through strongly enough personally). The gift store is jam packed with educational treasures and not over priced. The Planetarium shows are very exciting for solar system loving kids. We also watched the light show which was quite enlightening. The cafe food options are of a high standard. They could have more staff interaction passing on information to visitors about the various topics but overall it’s a fantastic place of learning in a fun way. A must do every school holidays for us.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

What can I say except...wonderful. ONE of the best places and a must see, located in Spotswood. We love using our musuem membership here. The pumping station, IMAX, planaterium, Lego displays and massive amounts of science related stuff makes this an awesome monthly excursion for me and my child. Absolutely fantastic for EVERYONE young and old. The staff are lovely here and we always find plenty to do! Lots of activities and restrooms, the cafe is modern and move but the coffee sucks and tastes revolting, although has fruit salad icecream and softdrinks but you need to mortgage your house to buy lunch here.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

This is a wonderful place for both kids and adults to gain new knowledge in a fun and interactive manner. I went during the school holidays and it was quite crowded with families. I noticed the kids being quite engaged with the educational exhibits. The lightning room show was literally electrifying. The presenter explained concepts clearly and got the audience enthusiastically involved. Latecomers will not be allowed into the lightning room after a show has started, so make sure you arrive on time! All types of students get free entry to Scienceworks, but you will have to purchase tickets for certain shows.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Pretty good but most exhibits haven't changed since I was a primary school kid. Would recommend coming for the lightning room and planetarium shows. Very disappointed to see that the museum cafe workers don't take sustainability seriously. Saw one of them chucking soft plastic into the recycling bin. When I was waiting for the organics bin to throw my organics and cafe biocompostable plate, the worker told me to put it in the recycling instead. What a shame that staff don't practice museum sustainability practices.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

This place is really cool. My toddler loves visiting this place, plenty of interactive experiences for kids of all ages. The toddler area alone kept mine entertained for hours. There's usually a free physics demonstration, outside in the amphitheatre next to the playground, ask staff for session times upon entry as there's not many staff once inside to ask follow up questions. We usually pack our own food. Current entry price is $15 for adults, free for child (up to 16 years), all day parking $8. (As of Sep 2023)
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Went to Science works to visit Planetarium which runs for 45 minutes. Please check online which shows you prefer as staff suggested different shows for entertaining different age groups ie. around pre-school or primary/ teens. The grounds are spacious with outdoor playground and cafe that serves sandwiches, focaccias, pies and hot chips with indoor and shaded outdoor seating area. There are plenty of interactive activities aimed at Primary aged kids, will return to visit the lightening room. $5 all day parking
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Good day out with the kids. They have a toddler specific space that’s great and other areas that adults and other children will enjoy. One area is a little outdated but still enjoyable if it’s your first time. Cafe food was fresh but unfortunately there is limited dry sitting space and it rained on our visit. They have an amphitheatre with a shade cover but it’s inconvenient if you’re trying to sit there with a pram. Facilities on the bottom floor are good but limited on the second floor. Worth a visit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Quite good, although some exhibits may need a refresh (I feel like they haven't been updated since I went as a child 20+ years ago). My son loved it. Great effort has gone into make the museum interactive and fun for the kids. My main criticism would be the exhibition upstairs regarding dark matter / black holes where the information was presented primarily to amaze than educate. Clean toilets, great outdoor spaces, kids loved the indoor playground too.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Gift shop is super expensive so I suggest stopping into Kmart on the way home to buy the kids something similar at a fraction of the price. I mean, $49 for a medium size plush earth globe. And how about a boxed bingo game with a $19.99 price sticker visible on the box under a $45.99 price sticker but then a large red sign announcing them "on sale" for $30 really. That's not a good look.. I'd be wanting one for $19.99 in all honesty
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Very underwhelming, the most interactive exhibit has not changed in 20+ years, others were interesting but of little interest to my 7yo niece. Planetarium was great. Huge crowds of school kids to be expected on a week day but they were not engaging in the exhibits just charging around pushing buttons. Kids would benefit from it being more of a program and having direction I'd imagine. Facilities and cafe were pretty sad too. Would benefit from a good injection of cash to revamp facilities, and update exhibits etc.

Nice place for children. We watched moon base show, costs AUD 9 per person. It was a good show in the planetarium and full of info about moon and solar system. Entry to museum is AUD 15 for adults and children are free. Ample free parking around the museum, so no worries. Many activities for children to keep them busy for a couple of hours. STEM lab was closed for unknown reasons. That was disappointing.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great place to bring younger and older kids. We enjoyed it even as adults. Dedicated play area for under 5yo which my 3yo loved. Kept him entertained for a while. Definitely see the Planetarium and the Lightning room if you haven’t seen them before. Suggest booking ahead on a weekend or public holiday visit. We’ll definitely be back to see other things that are more suited to an older child.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Great information, informative staff, and experiments happening through the day. The dome experience is something everyone should attend to. Again informative, and exciting. It was really bust though which made for difficulties in capicity for the children. There isn't much room between activities and well children will be children. Cafe is a little expensive, but you have the opportunity to take your own food and drink. The shop was full of take home experiences. Great day out

✨ I had a really great time at Melbourne Scienceworks. There was so much to do and learn, making it a full and exciting day. It's a fantastic choice, especially during school holidays. While it might be more suitable for kids over 10, there were still plenty of hands-on activities to keep everyone engaged. I genuinely enjoyed the experience and highly recommend it!✨
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

We took kids aged 5, 7, 9, 12, 14 and they all had a great time. Didn't expect to stay as long as we did as they were having so much fun! Highly recommend for value for money and a great school holidays program. We also booked the Tycho goes to Mars show in the planetarium, the younger ones loved it! Definitely recommend booking in advance.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Great for kids! Couldn't get mine to leave and we didn't even get to see the whole place cos they got caught up playing in the sports area. Lightning show was very entertaining and engaging for the kids. The planetarium show was a little long but my older boy enjoyed it because he is into planets. Younger son and wife got a really good nap.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Nice museum. Smallish in size, but good to spend a couple of hours we went on Dino day with a 4 year old, so in addition to the normal exhibits, they had some special dinosaur themed activities. It was very busy, but still able to get a go at the hands on exhibits. The sports section is definitely the best, lots of activities to try.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The museum was fantastic, the dual playgrounds also great for a bit of energy release for the children. The cafes were disappointing though. I waited 15min for a coffee even though nobody was in front of me. The other one was closed, on Sunday. And one needs a coffee to sustain energy for hours with kids. It’s just a fact.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Just as great as when I visited as a child... My 1.5 year old had a brilliant time at the different areas. Super interesting for me and him. The Illuminate exhibition captured his attention and curiosity completely. Thanks Scienceworks! Also... Great range of gifts to buy for young and old!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Definitely a place to go if you have kids and try to find things for them to do (playground, interactive displays, picnic area, show and tell session). Else, it's a little entertaining for adults too. The physical ground size is big but compared to other science museums I've visited, it's not as many things to see. However of you haven't been, do give a visit.

Main exhibition area is more or less for family and school trips. The real treasures here are the pump house with steam engines and the storage warehouse with a huge collection of past items. Join the free guided tours and enjoy an amazing throwback to Melbourne's history.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great place to bring the kids to expose them to science. The place is big enough to roam and the exhibits are interactive and not too wordy. I enjoyed my experience, and would recommend for adults too. Plenty of car parking (pay parking) available out the front.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Kids enjoyed the interactive displays at Scienceworks, fun to test their skills in the sports area and highlights were the play area and the planetarium with Tycho goes to Mars movie and the star show was well narrated, super interesting and interactive too.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

It was a really enjoyable place. The kids had a lot of fun, they learnt a lot of things. The workshop was pretty fun as well. Parking was really easy, they only charge on a flat rate which is good. The restroom was clean, the staff was really helpful as well.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

My partner and I were left disappointed. Activities were outdated and didn't grab our attention. Definitely more aimed for kids than adults - but even then, there wasn't much to do. We only spent half an hour here, and that got us through everything to see.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

So sad. What happened? The place looks run down. Nothing new since our last visit 10 years ago. Some displays stopped working. Some of the furniture needs a clean. So sad. Please fix this. Huge effort to drive out there. You expect a good days worth of experience. The planetarium shows are so outdated. So sad.

A great place for everyone. There are many interactive activities. There are too many exhibits, so you could really invest quality time in each section and still manage to see everything within a day.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I expected better, lots of things didn't work , there was no supervision so people hogged certain activities and my grandaughters couldn't get a turn ,not sure I would recommend going there
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Many activities for kids to feel in scientific way. Solar System Adventure in Planetarium was worth visiting. Display section, specially first computer in Australia was amazing.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Perfect place for people who love science! There are tons of activities and shows. Whether you are there to interact with activities or just look, this is the place for you.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

We loved science works, our 7yr old son had a blast! The planetarium is a must see for any astronomy fan! And of course the gift shop has souvenirs of all ranges.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Scienceworks is a great place to visit. The attractions change periodically, the glow show is not to be missed and there are many engaging and interactive exhibits.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Coming back after a few years, there are few changes but not much. Nonetheless, my growing kids have different perceptions and understanding than when they were much younger. In other words, kids different ages can still find the activities

Great place to take the family! Lots to do for all ages. Sectioned off area for toddlers to play, bit hectic when schools visit. Overall really good!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Wonderful visit to scienceworks today with my 5 year old. Highlights were the planetarium and Tycho goes to Mars show but special mention to the host of the glow show in the lightening room who was so engaging with all the adults and kids

Great place to go with the kids. I would say 8+. Playgrounds need refreshing though. Must do the additional parts like the ipad reality thing and the planetarium show (Tyro goes to mars) the kids loved it. we also thoroughly enjoyed the

Scienceworks is a great place to stop in and visit with the kids. There is a dedicated 0-5 years area called Ground Up, different areas dedicated to different sciences i.e. Sport Science, Computer Technology, Astrology etc. They have a

We are members and Science-works is a great place to be with toddlers on rainy days (outside of school holidays). The baby room is great. The planetarium is lovely and there’s even an open upside area to play! More

Took a friend here who's never been, a young man 18 years old. Haven't been since my son was little (he's now 20). It's as much fun now as it was then, for young and old. Go for a visit and see for yourself!

Always the place to go if you want to see technology or participate in the attractions they have there. Our grand kids love going there, but be warned......take a cut lunch. Prices for food quite expensive

Great people and place. Kids and even adults will surely love this place... if you are a support worker for disability, this place is remarkable - not to mention that it's free entry too !

Great for kids , many interactive activities and exhibits, planetarium experience was great.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

The development of technology is amazing, and various experience equipment makes children forget that time is passing. Be sure to take the children to the scene, and I will come again.

Educational and engaging for the kids. Lots of interesting facts for the adults as well. Not that far away from Melbourne's city center. A must visit, highly recommended.

Amazing It was a great visit with the kids. We came in on a rainy day hoping to spend an hour. We ended up spending 4-5 hours and the kids didn't want to leave More

Great place for kids to visit, they have a lot of activities there to enjoy.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Kids had a great time, the weather show was cool... It got pretty busy at lunchtime... Keep an eye on the kids as it is dark and hard to see in some areas..

Great place to bring children and toddlers. Lots of practical exhibits and play areas for kids. My son spent the whole day playing there.

Kids have a great time in doing all the activities. The planetarium and the lightening shows are another great highlights.

Good, but not as good as expected. Why isn't the museum running on at least 50% green energy? If it is, then exhibit it?

A bit of nostalgia, but i do remember there being more exhibits
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

A fun place for kids and some of the things like pumping stations are nice to see even for adults.
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Great place for the kids to learn about Lightning, sport, space....
Visited on…
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Super fun museum with lots to see and do. I love how interactive it is for all ages.

Only good bit is the sport section, isn't as good as it used to be