Autism Friendly Hours

We know the science centre is an exciting place, bustling with loud sounds and bright lights and lots of people. During our autism friendly times, we aren’t always able to control these high sensory aspects, but we have put a number of measures in place to support those with neurodiversity:

• At the bottom of this page you’ll find links to a social story and an accessibility guide. Please have a look before you visit.
• This is a high-sensory environment which won’t suit everyone, please be prepared for that.
• We will do our best to minimise your wait at the ticket desk.
• Ear defenders to borrow if you forget your own.
• Calm areas in the exhibit galleries where you can go for a wee break with some sensory items and a weighted blanket or wrap.
• A quiet space on the ground floor if you become overwhelmed.
• We adapt shows and workshops to provide warning of sensory changes (light, sound, sensation of movement). We may omit a demonstration which could be problematic (activities between 10am and 12 noon).
• Many of our staff have had autism awareness training and are there to support you if you need them.
• Signs to identify areas where the exhibitions are particularly noisy.
• Picnic areas so you can bring your own food if you prefer.
• You can ask for a map at the ticket desk which details the locations of all the above.

Important Update

Please note that on wet days and during school holiday periods, such as Easter, our visitor numbers can often be higher than during term time. Please consider whether this will be suitable for your group. We appreciate that a busy environment isn't ideal for those visiting with neurodiversities and are actively reviewing how we can best mitigate that.

Times

Our relaxed, autism-friendly hours run every Sunday from 10:00–13:00 (you are welcome to stay until we close at 17:00 but lighting and volume levels of exhibits will resume to regular levels from 13:00).

Cost

Entry for adults £15.50, concessions £13.80 and children is £12.00, with one accompanying adult carer free. For additional guests, normal Science Mall entry prices apply. Prices effective from 1 April 2025.

You can book online in advance, or buy your tickets when you arrive on the day at the science centre's Ticket Desk. For groups, please contact 0141 420 5000 in advance of arrival for more booking information.

What's On

Workshops

Drop-in workshops activities will be available in the Design Studio on Floor 2. You can spend as much time as you need, some of the activities will be presented by a Science Communicator and others you can do by yourself.

Science Show

Science Shows are full of exciting demonstrations. Sometimes the demonstrations make a loud noise or cause a flash of light and sometimes we need to make the theatre quite dark to get the best effect. The presenter will warn you before that happens.

Before the show, you can have a look inside the theatre to decide if you want to stay and watch. If you stay, you can leave at any point.

Planetarium Show

In the Planetarium you can learn about Space. You will sit in a comfortable seat which leans back. It will get dark so that you can see the stars and planets which will be projected around the dome. You can turn your head to see them. At the end of the show the light come back on and you can leave.

You can book a Planetarium ticket when you arrive.

The Planetarium doors will close and the show will start 5 minutes after the advertised start time to give people time to get to the Planetarium and find their seats.

Support and Adaptations

Please look at Glasgow Science Centre's Accessibility Guide, or use our Social Story (PDF 2.5Mb) before your visit for Autism Friendly Sundays.

You can download a map, or ask for one at the ticket desk, which highlights areas of our exhibition floor where you will find:

• Noisy exhibits you may wish to avoid
• Calm corners and quiet spaces you can use with ear defenders and weighted blankets you can borrow
• Toilets

We recommend bring your ear defenders but if you forget, you can borrow ear defenders at the ticket desk, or the Science Show Theatre if you need them.

Please be aware that for everyone’s safety we have a fire alarm system in place. In the event of the alarm going off there will unavoidably be a loud noise. Staff will let you know where to go to feel safe.