Play Wild this Summer | Winchester Science Centre

Three new outdoor exhibits coming 18th July!

Dig for fossils and climb across a giant mosasaur skeleton to uncover the secrets of the prehistoric chalk sea at Dino Dig. Wade into the wonders of The Chalk Stream, experimenting with water flow and discovering the creatures that depend on this rare and unique habitat. Then climb, crawl and explore Dormouse Den, where you'll uncover the hidden world of one of our most elusive woodland mammals and the delicate ecosystem it calls home.

Step outside and discover the science hidden beneath your feet. This summer, explore three brand-new outdoor exhibits inspired by the remarkable chalk landscape that shapes our local environment.

From ancient seas and crystal-clear chalk streams to thriving woodlands, every adventure reveals how nature, wildlife and people are connected. Through play, discovery and hands-on exploration, children can become scientists, palaeontologists and nature champions as they investigate real-world ecosystem and learn how they can help protect them.

Get outside, get curious and Play Wild this summer at Winchester Science Centre from the 18th July 2026.

Book your tickets now!

Dino Dig

Ready for a fossil hunt? Let's dig in!

Step into a world of prehistoric adventure at Dino Dig, where you can uncover fossils, solve ancient mysteries, and discover the incredible creatures that once ruled the seas. In this immersive exhibition, across three interactive zones, you can dig through hidden layers at Chalk Sea Dig, pan for prehistoric finds at the Panning Station, and investigate your discoveries at Fossil Camp.

Discover real fossils formed over 90 million years ago and uncover the story of the ancient chalk ocean through curated objects on loan from Dino Isle and Hampshire Cultural Trust. Through guided participatory exploration, visitors can identify fossils, investigate the evidence left behind in the fossil records and interpret how life once existed beneath the ancient chalk seas.

Along the way, brave adventurers can climb across the towering skeleton of a giant mosasaur, work together using pulleys and buckets across the dig site, and enjoy hands-on experiences.

Don’t miss the chance to meet our adorable baby mosasaur up close, experience the jaw-dropping excitement of Predator Power, uncover the secrets of chalk chemistry, and discover our fascinating Fossil of the Day!

Through interactive interpretation and hands-on investigation, visitors explore how palaeontologists uncover and understand prehistoric life. It’s time to grab your tools and see what’s hidden beneath your feet.

Chalk Sea Dig

Your journey begins at the dig site where the sand is full of surprises. Use your tools to brush, scoop and search your way through the layers.  What will you uncover?

But there’s something even bigger looming above…

Meet the mosasaur! Long ago, this landscape was covered by a warm prehistoric sea teeming with life. The mosasaur was one of its top predators, a huge marine reptile with powerful jaws and effortless swimming ability.

Today at Dino Dig, its huge skeleton rises from the dig site. Fearless adventure seekers can clamber across its bones coming face to face with a true prehistoric giant. Experience the scale, movement, and anatomy of one of the prehistoric oceans' apex predators.

Panning Station

At the Panning Station, young fossil hunters can sift, swirl and sort through their discoveries just like real palaeontologists. Wash away the sand to reveal hidden prehistoric treasures, from ancient shark teeth to ammonites. With every scoop, children can uncover hidden surprises, explore life from millions of years ago, and experience the excitement of excavation using real palaeontological investigative techniques.

Fossil Camp

Every great discovery needs a closer inspection. Head to the research huts where you can examine clues and investigate which prehistoric creatures you’ve uncovered.

But this isn’t a solo mission… it’s a team expedition! Using pulleys and buckets, young explorers can send tools, messages, and exciting discoveries across the dig site.

Use reference materials to compare your discoveries and learn what the fossil evidence reveals about prehistoric ecosystems.

Get ready to unearth some sea-riously epic South Downs history.

The Chalk Stream

Splash, shape and meander.

Wade into the world of chalk streams and the life they support. This immersive water adventure celebrates the wonder of this rare ecosystem.

Discover the creatures that call it home — from the playful otter and the majestic kingfisher to the delicate mayfly dancing above the water. Explore how this unique habitat is full of movement, colour and life.

Work as a team to get the water flowing. Using pebbles, sluice gates, buckets and pulleys to channel the water and choose where it takes you.  Through collaborative interaction, you can alter the flow of water to better understand how environmental changes affect chalk stream habitats and wildlife.

Chalk stream ecology comes to life in an immersive interpretative environment, encouraging active experimentation and collaborative exploration.

This is science you can make a splash in.

Dormouse Den

Little explorers are invited to think small and dream big as they discover the secret world of the hazel dormouse.

Inspired by the creatures that call this area home, Dormouse Den celebrates the wonder of local wildlife.

Experience an immersive woodland exhibition designed to interpret the delicate ecosystems that hazel dormice depend upon to survive. Hide, climb and seek as you discover where these tiny mammals live, move, and make their homes.

Clambering in and around their nests join Dash the Dormouse as you search for their hidden friends and explore their woodland habitat.

K-POP Silent Disco! K-POP Silent Disco!

Put on your headphones and step into the world of K-Pop at our high-energy family silent disco!

Book now

The Sound Show The Sound Show

The Sound Show is an action-packed family-friendly 20-minute live show that takes an in-depth look into the science of sound through exciting experiments and daring demos. Don’t miss out - it’s free with general admission.

Find out more