Magna Science Adventure Centre
Hands-on science museum in a former steelworks
At a Glance
Best Ages
3–15 years
Cost
Varies
Time Needed
3–5 hours
Indoor/Outdoor
Both
Weather Fit
Great for rainy days (indoor pavilions)
Stroller Access
Yes, step-free
Washrooms
On-site with baby change
Food
Café open weekends & school holidays
Parking
Free on-site car park
Booking
Recommended online for savings
Parent Effort
Medium (supervision & walking)
Magna is one of the most distinctive family days out in South Yorkshire. The dramatic former steelworks setting alone is worth the trip, but the hands-on pavilions and huge outdoor adventure playground keep children engaged for hours. It is best suited to primary-school ages, though toddlers and teens will find plenty to enjoy.
About This Place
Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham is a large interactive science museum housed inside a vast former steelworks, making for a dramatic and unique setting. Four themed pavilions — Air, Earth, Fire and Water — each contain hands-on experiments, interactive exhibits, and spectacular demonstrations that bring the power of the natural elements to life. The Fire pavilion's daily big bang explosion is a crowd favourite. With a go-kart track, climbing structures, and an outdoor adventure zone, it is one of South Yorkshire's most distinctive family days out.
Official Website open_in_new- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 10:00 – 15:30
- Wednesday
- Closed
- Thursday
- 10:00 – 16:00
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday – Sunday
- 10:00 – 15:00
Hours were last verified in 2026. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date opening times.
Check the official website for current admission prices.
Four themed pavilions
Air, Earth, Fire and Water zones packed with interactive experiments and live demonstrations.
Sci-Tek adventure playground
Giant outdoor play structures including spinning bowls, slides and climbing equipment.
Aqua-Tek water play
Outdoor splash zone open in summer months, included with admission.
Historic steelworks setting
Explore a vast former industrial site with one of the original electric arc furnaces.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Cashless venue
- Card payments only; gift shop may accept cash on school visits by request.
- Aqua-Tek season
- Outdoor water play is open during summer months only.
- Coats-on experience
- The building is large and unheated in parts; dress for outdoor temperatures.
- 1:1 carer policy
- Personal assistants admitted free with valid ID when accompanying one paying guest.
- Blue Peter discount
- Badge holders receive discounted entry on production of valid ID.
- Annual pass upgrade
- Pay the difference to upgrade your day ticket to a 12-month pass on your first visit.
Kid Fit by Age
Under-2s go free, but the vast space and noise may overwhelm some; baby change available.
Sci-Tek playground and hands-on exhibits are toddler-friendly, though some pavilions are loud.
Perfect age for the interactive exhibits, water play and adventure playground.
Ideal age for engaging with the science experiments and demonstrations.
Still plenty to explore, though older tweens may exhaust the exhibits in a few visits.
The industrial history and Big Melt show appeal, but repeat visits may feel repetitive.
Insider Tips
Book online to save a few pounds per ticket and get fast-track entry.
Time your visit to catch the Big Melt show and Fire pavilion demonstrations.
Upgrade to an annual pass on arrival if you live locally — it costs no extra beyond the ticket price difference.
- •The Fire pavilion features loud bangs and flashes during demonstrations — sensitive children may want to stand back.
- •Sci-Tek and Aqua-Tek are outdoor areas; supervise children on climbing structures and near water.
- •The building is vast and can be disorienting; agree a meeting point with older children.
- •Some exhibit areas have uneven flooring or industrial features — hold little ones' hands.
- •Step-free access throughout most of the attraction.
- •Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities on site.
- •1:1 personal assistants admitted free with valid ID.
- •Large print guides and sensory notes available; check the Accessibility Guide online.
schedule Best Time to Visit
Weekdays during term time are quietest. Weekends and school holidays are busier but the café is open then. Aqua-Tek is only open in summer, so visit June–August for the full experience.
shopping_bag What to Bring
- check_boxWaterproof coats or layers — the building is large and cool even in summer.
- check_boxSensible shoes for walking on industrial flooring and climbing in Sci-Tek.
- check_boxSwimwear and towels if visiting Aqua-Tek in summer.
- check_boxSnacks or a packed lunch if visiting on a weekday when the café may be closed.
Location
Address
Sheffield Road, Templeborough, Rotherham, S60 1DX
Phone
+441709720002