Cheltenham Science Festival returns from 2–7 June 2026 with six days of hands-on science, inspiring talks, free family activities and brilliant live shows for curious kids. Whether your child loves space, dinosaurs, inventions, gaming or experiments that fizz and bang, there’s something to spark their imagination.
For more details on the Cheltenham Science Festival and to book tickets, visit the official website.
Cheltenham Science Festival 2026 at a glance
📅 Dates: 2–7 June 2026
📍 Location: Imperial Gardens and venues across Cheltenham
👨👩👧 Best for ages: The whole family! Ideal for 4–12+
🎟️ Free activities available: Yes
🧪 Includes: live science shows, workshops, interactive zones and hands-on experiments
🌦️ Good for drop-in visits: Yes
Best Family Events at Cheltenham Science Festival 2026
We can’t wait to catch some of these science-packed shows!
- Guinness World Records: Gamers Edition – discover record-breaking gaming facts and witness record-breaking attempts live on stage!
- Deborah Meaden Talks Money – learn how to build healthy financial habits from Dragon’s Den star, Deborah Meaden
- TikTok Science – watch viral experiments irl
- Teddy Bears Vs Gravity – bring your teddy along to see gravity in action.
- Things Scientists Don’t Know – discover the questions that have got scientists scratching their heads.
- musical theatre STEM – watch a live musical production about the lives of five inspiring women in STEM
- Sweet Shop Science – a taste of the science of sweets
- Big Bug Show – the science of insects, told by a poet and a musician. 7+
2. Free Things To Do at Cheltenham Science Festival
From science games to hands-on invention hubs, explore these free drop-in areas that are open all weekend:
Free family events at Cheltenham Science Festival on Saturday 6th June 2026
Free family events on Saturday – discover what’s on at the Jetstream in Imperial Gardens, Montpelier, Cheltenham on Saturday 6th June 2026
- 10.00–11.00am: Family Physics Singalong (All ages)
Musical theatre and science collide in this fun family workshop with STEM musical theatre writers Helen Arney, Brian Mackenwells and Jenni Pinnock. - 11.30am–12.00pm: Marvellous Mocktails (All ages)
Expect demos, taste tests and fascinating science facts as Mark Miodownik explores the science behind fizzing, popping and banging drinks. - 12.30–1.30pm: A STEM Musical: The Cambridge First All-Ladies Fire Brigade (All ages)
A fiery musical adventure inspired by real-life women scientists studying at Girton College in the 1880s.
Free family events at Cheltenham Science Festival on Sunday 7th June 2026
Free family events on Sunday – discover what’s on at the Jetstream in Imperial Gardens, Montpelier, Cheltenham on Sunday 7th June 2026
Sunday 7th June 2026
- 10.30–11.00am: From One Tiny Cell (Age 7+)
FameLab winner Tammy Lee explores how a single tiny cell grows into a human being through interactive challenges and fascinating science. - 11.45am–12.30pm: Science Stinks! (All ages)
Discover the disgusting, surprising and hilarious science of smells in this fun family show. - 1.00–2.00pm: The Next Generation of FameLab
Watch talented young science communicators bring science to life with exciting talks full of energy and big ideas. - 2.30–3.30pm: The Future of Science
Three global FameLab storytellers take to the stage for an inspiring afternoon of science, storytelling and discovery.
Free interactive festival zones
- For engineers-in-training: ⚒️ Tinker in the MakerShack
- For curious thinkers: 🧠 Dive into discovery in the Discover Zone
- For gamers: 🕹️ See the science behind the games in The Arcade
- For gadget fans: ✈️ Explore cutting-edge tech in The Flight Deck
Other UK Science Festivals to Explore
Can’t make it to Cheltenham? Here are other science festivals across the UK that offer family-friendly activities:
- The Big Bang Fair – 9th – 11th June 2026, Birmingham. This event showcases STEM careers and interactive exhibits for young people.
- Edinburgh Science Festival – Offers a diverse programme of activities, including experiments, shows, and discussions suitable for all ages. The next festival will be held in 2027 – check their site for dates of the next Edinburgh Science Festival.
- Oxford Science and Ideas Festival – Combines science with arts and culture, providing a unique experience for families. The next festival will be held in 2027 – check their site for dates of the next Oxford Science and Ideas Festival.
- Norwich Science Festival The next Norwich Science Festival will be held on 12 – 18 February 2027. Visit their site for more information.
Note: Please check each festival’s official website for the latest information on dates and programmes.
Keep the Curiosity Alive at Home
Extend the excitement beyond the festivals with a subscription to Whizz Pop Bang! Our monthly magazine is packed with experiments, facts, and fun activities that make science accessible and enjoyable for children. It’s a screen-free way to keep young minds engaged and learning.
