Scitech

Scitech is Perth’s much‑loved hands‑on science centre, and it’s only getting better. If you have a child who’s endlessly asking “why?” and “how?”, this is a brilliant place to spend a few hours – or an entire day – exploring together. A visit feels more like play than “learning”, but you’ll all walk away having discovered something new.

Scitech’s experiences are split into permanent galleries and changing shows and exhibitions. The current feature is Explore Your World, which brings everyday science to life with interactive exhibits about weather, liquids, sound, forces and more. This sits at the heart of the centre, and you can easily spend a big chunk of your visit here, pressing buttons, spinning wheels, and experimenting with cause and effect.

Around this core gallery you’ll find several themed zones designed to spark curiosity in different ways. The WA Science Zone celebrates science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) with a focus on what’s happening here in Western Australia. Kids can interact with huge digital walls and displays that connect science to real‑world WA projects.

Rio Tinto Innovation Central is perfect for tinkerers and makers, showcasing new technology and innovation. Children can design and test simple flying machines and parachutes, build with foam blocks and see how creative thinking and engineering go hand in hand.

Kaartadjin Koorliny – from the local Nyoongar language, meaning “learning is always moving” – is one of the most visually striking spaces. Here, physical meets digital: coloured lights, sound and movement combine in an immersive environment. Kids can experiment with musical light displays that respond to their bodies, play with moving pneumatic pipes that shoot out scarves, create stop‑motion movies, and build racers or cubes with soft blocks. It’s noisy, bright and wonderfully engaging for primary‑aged kids and tweens.

For younger visitors, Discoverland is an enclosed area designed specifically for children under six. Think soft‑play vibes meets early‑years science. In the Curiosity Zone little ones can explore shapes, colours and bubbles; in the Construction Zone they work together with blocks and simple machines, learning about balance and patterns.

There’s also a home and backyard‑style area to practise sorting, counting and motor skills, plus a popular Water Zone where kids race boats and experiment with water flow. There’s pram parking inside and just one way in and out, which makes it easier to relax while your toddler explores.

Scitech’s popular live experiences run throughout the day and are a big part of the visit. The Planetarium hosts a changing program of shows – currently showing is the The Great Solar System Adventure for families and A Little Trip to the Moon, a gentle ten‑minute show especially suited to under‑4s and their carers.

Over in the Chevron Science Theatre you’ll find high‑energy live science shows such as The Perfect Firestorm, where presenters use demonstrations and experiments to explain how fire behaves and what it needs to burn. These shows are recommended for roughly ages 7+ and are great for school‑aged kids who like big, “wow” moments.

For younger children, the Puppet Theatre offers sweet, story‑driven shows with science themes, designed to be accessible, fun and not too overwhelming. Show times and age recommendations are listed on the Scitech site and on the board as you enter, so it’s worth planning your day around a couple of sessions that suit your family.

Scitech also regularly runs special events and workshops. There are also occasional 18+ evening events so adults can enjoy the space kid‑free, plus FRINGE WORLD shows like “Ah! Rated” for grown‑ups, which show a more playful, theatrical side of Scitech’s science team.

When you need a break, head to City Views, seating area at the back of the centre with lovely views of the Perth skyline. Here you’ll find vending machines for quick drinks and treats. You’re also welcome to bring your own food and baby meals, and this area is often used as a meeting or regrouping spot for families.

City Views is also home to The Visible Hive – an indoor observation beehive where you can watch real bees at work. Kids love trying to spot the queen and follow individual bees as they come and go. It’s a calm contrast to the more energetic exhibits and a nice way to introduce pollination and ecosystems.

As you exit, you’ll pass the Discovery Shop, Scitech’s science‑themed gift shop. It’s stocked with experiment kits, puzzles, books, STEM toys and souvenirs. The centre is cleverly laid out so you can slip straight past the shop to the exit if you’re on a budget or your child has had enough stimulation for the day.

Scitech offers memberships that can be very good value if you plan to visit more than a couple of times a year. Memberships usually include unlimited general entry for a year, discounts, and access to member‑only events and previews. It’s worth checking the “Memberships” and “Ticket Prices” sections on their website before you go, especially during school holidays when timed sessions and pre‑booking may apply.

Accessibility and inclusion are clearly a focus. Scitech provides detailed information online about accessibility, including facilities, sensory considerations, and supports available for visitors with additional needs. If you have a child with sensory sensitivities, it’s worth reviewing the latest accessibility info and show times – for example, you might choose earlier or quieter sessions, or aim for shorter visits focusing on areas they’re likely to enjoy most, such as Discoverland or the Planetarium shows designed for younger children.

Parking is available at the City West Centre, with paid ticketed parking and special Scitech visitor rates (including a discounted multi‑hour option). Tickets can be purchased from machines inside the centre. It’s an easy walk from the nearby train station, and being so close to the city makes it a convenient outing for both locals and visitors.

For those days when you can’t make it in person, Scitech’s “Science at Home” resources extend the experience. Their website hosts toy tear‑down videos, simple experiments, challenges and inspiration pieces, plus “The Sky Tonight” guide for stargazing with kids. It’s a handy way to keep the curiosity going long after your visit.

Whether you have a curious toddler, an inventive primary‑schooler or a science‑mad teen, Scitech offers a full, engaging family day out. With rotating shows, school holiday programs and new workshops popping up across the year, there’s always something different to see – and plenty of reasons to keep coming back.

Scitech

Address: City West Centre, corner of Railway Parade and Sutherland Street, West Perth, Western Australia

Opening hours: Typically 9:00am to 4:00pm daily (check the “Visit” section of the website for up‑to‑date times, show schedules and any special session arrangements)

Official website: https://www.scitech.org.au

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