This summer, Edinburgh's five star attraction Dynamic Earth is taking visitors on an epic journey deep into the universe beyond the earth's atmosphere with a jam-packed programme of space-themed events and activities for budding astronauts. On selected days Dynamic Earth will be hosting a 360° immersive multi-media theatre experience, Cosmos Planetarium, which takes visitors on a virtual tour of the night sky where they will see all 88 constellations in the northern and southern hemisphere skies.

Coinciding with the planetarium, visitors can get hands on with fun and interactive space themed activities. From learning about some of the amazingly simple science that makes space flight possible to taking part in simulated astronaut training challenges, a whole range of activities are planned for all the family.

Budding space-boys and –girls can also dress up as astronauts and have their picture taken on board the International Space Station or on top of the Earth as well as building and launching their own rocket. The space theme continues through activities such as face painting, family storytelling sessions and the opportunity to contribute to a special collaborative felt panel.  

For anyone fascinated by robots Dynamic Earth – in co-operation with Heriot-Watt University – offers drop-in sessions where visitors can learn about robotics in the context of space and get the chance to control a robotic arm and engineer Lego robots.

Back on solid ground and in the great outdoors, Wild Wednesdays is a chance for young people to get closer to nature by learning about bees, butterflies, or use all five senses to navigate their way through Holyrood Park.

Commenting on the summer programme, Eilidh Massie, marketing manager of Dynamic Earth said:

“We're very excited about continuing the space theme this summer. We really have something for everyone: from seeing nebula and star clusters in our own galaxy to being a space model or making Lego robots.  Whatever the weather, we're sure our visitors are going to love it.”

As well as the space activities, regular Dynamic Earth features include the 360-degree ShowDome cinema experience, a real iceberg, a bone-shaking earthquake and the Deep Time Machine which takes visitors billions of years back in time.

The summer activities will run from 1 July until 14 August, and are free with admission to Dynamic Earth. 

Pre booking for Wild Wednesdays is essential and must be done by Midday on the Monday before the workshop.