Gauteng\u2019s young explorers are preparing for lift-off this October as the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown turns the school holidays into a hands-on cosmic adventure. From 4 to 12 October 2025, the centre will host its much-anticipated Space Science Holiday Programme, a vibrant mix of learning, play, and discovery that turns curiosity into exploration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year\u2019s theme, \u201cDiscover, Imagine & Explore,\u201d<\/em> captures the energy of the programme. Children will launch rockets, test gravity, and dive into the mysteries of the universe through interactive shows and experiments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTurn holiday time into discovery time,\u201d urges the Sci-Bono team and that\u2019s exactly what this programme does. Each activity combines storytelling and science to help kids see how physics, biology, and imagination connect in the real world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interest in space starts early for many children, but can fade when science feels distant. Sci-Bono bridges that gap by letting learners do science, to build, test, and experiment like real scientists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As one of Africa\u2019s leading science centres, Sci-Bono has inspired thousands of young people to see science as part of daily life. This holiday programme continues that mission, showing that curiosity is the most powerful teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each day offers new experiments, challenges, and performances designed to fire up young minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most activities are free and open to all ages. Sci-Bono\u2019s lively facilitators guide children through each experience, combining humour, storytelling, and practical science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether your child dreams of space travel or simply loves exploring how things work, this programme offers something for every curious mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, children don\u2019t just watch science, they make it. \u201cKids learn best when they play and discover,\u201d said a Sci-Bono facilitator. \u201cBy linking experiments to everyday life, we show that learning can be empowering and fun.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n This approach builds problem-solving and teamwork skills while encouraging creative thinking. Participants tackle real-world questions: Why does gravity vary from planet to planet? How do rockets lift off? Can nature\u2019s design improve technology in space?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Located in the heart of Newtown\u2019s cultural district, Sci-Bono remains one of Johannesburg\u2019s top family destinations. With over 400 interactive exhibits and workshops running year-round, it\u2019s a perfect mix of education and entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While children immerse themselves in space adventures, parents can explore Newtown\u2019s vibrant caf\u00e9s, art spaces, and museums \u2014 making it a full-day family outing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond the fun, the programme supports a national goal: developing the next generation of scientists and innovators. As South Africa expands its focus on astronomy and satellite technology, inspiring young minds to see themselves in science has never been more crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By transforming abstract ideas into hands-on experiments, Sci-Bono helps children build confidence and curiosity, traits that will shape South Africa\u2019s scientific future.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy Space Science Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Week of Discovery<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Activity<\/strong><\/th> What Happens<\/strong><\/th> Ages<\/strong><\/th> Cost<\/strong><\/th> Venue<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead> My Weight in Space<\/strong><\/td> Compare your weight on Mars, Jupiter, and Earth while exploring how gravity shifts across planets.<\/td> All<\/td> Free<\/td> Exhibition Floor<\/td><\/tr> Rocket Chute<\/strong><\/td> Build and launch a rocket powered by air and elasticity, then recover it safely by parachute.<\/td> 8 +<\/td> Free<\/td> Outdoor Area<\/td><\/tr> Solar System Show<\/strong><\/td> Travel through the solar system in an immersive indoor journey that reveals how vast \u2014 and close \u2014 space really feels.<\/td> 8 +<\/td> Free<\/td> Exhibition Floor<\/td><\/tr> Tales Behind the Full Moon<\/strong><\/td> Discover the myths, science, and cultural meanings of the full moon and its cycles.<\/td> All<\/td> Free<\/td> Exhibition Floor<\/td><\/tr> Straw Rocket<\/strong><\/td> Test paper rockets for speed and accuracy while learning how shape and mass affect flight.<\/td> All<\/td> Free<\/td> Exhibition Floor<\/td><\/tr> Bionics in Space<\/strong><\/td> Explore how animal biology inspires futuristic space technology \u2014 from movement to materials.<\/td> 8 +<\/td> Free<\/td> Exhibition Floor<\/td><\/tr> Planetarium Shows<\/strong><\/td> Take a seat and journey to the stars in a 360\u00b0 visual experience that brings planets and galaxies to life.<\/td> All<\/td> R20<\/td> Exhibition Floor<\/td><\/tr> Space Science Shows<\/strong><\/td> Watch young Sci-Bono scientists perform explosive experiments that reveal the science behind space.<\/td> All<\/td> Free<\/td> Marie Curie Theatre<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n For Every Curious Mind<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Power of Play and Discovery<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Family Destination<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Inspiring South Africa\u2019s Future Scientists<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Know Before You Go<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n