Jodrell Bank blasts off for October half term with a magical programme of family-friendly fun

This October half term, Jodrell Bank hosts an unmissable programme of fun-filled spacefaring adventures for the whole family, from breathtaking dome shows and interactive workshops to world-class photography and hair-raising experiments.

Throughout the half term period, intrepid cosmonauts can explore Jodrell Bank’s scenic outdoor spaces to find extraterrestrial visitors on the Alien Trail. Venture across the galaxy of greenery to find them all and uncover a secret code, while learning more about science and the universe along the way.

Running from Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov, the brand new Curious Kids show Martian Mayhem promises even more thrilling experiments and fascinating scientific knowledge, as the Jodrell Bank Explainer team lead another wild and wonderful expedition across the stars to search for life on other planets.

Elsewhere, the expert Astro Pi team host a daily drop-in session where you can try out computer coding. Discover the astronomical algorithms behind space travel with accessible and entertaining coding tools, and even set your own background colour in a personalised image for real-life astronauts on the International Space Station.

On Wed 30 Oct at 11am, the Jodrell Bank planetarium introduces infant astronomers to wondrous new worlds with Ted’s Space Adventure, a captivating special dome show celebrating the magic of space with music, rhyme and interactive fun, as star-hopping bear Ted and his trusty companion Plant lead an expedition to learn more about what we find among the stars and how they affect us.

Then, on Wed 31 Oct, the dome will be transformed into a spooky cinema, with a special screening of the family classic Hotel Transylvania. Fancy dress is optional, but encouraged.

From Sat 26 Oct onwards, the Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition offers a free, spellbinding showcase of our mysterious universe with a collection of incredible pictures which illuminate the deepest corners of the cosmos in astonishing detail.

Throughout half term and beyond, visitors can explore a variety of interactive exhibitions, immersive Space Dome shows and informative Telescope Talks, before refuelling at one of Jodrell Bank’s welcoming cafes before heading out on the next adventure.

For more information on Jodrell Bank’s half term programme, click below.