Big Day of Science 2026
Children enjoy at a Robot Man activity at QVMAG's Big Day of Science 2023. Image: QVMAG.
Don't miss the fun at QVMAG's annual Big Day of Science from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 22 August at the Museum at Inveresk.
Offering endless opportunities for discovery, delve into the scientific wonders of our world. Through interactive exhibits, workshops, and science-themed activities, the 2026 Big Day of Science program has something for everyone.
This year welcomes hands-on workshops with Robot Man in the QVMAG Learning Centre*, live and interactive demonstrations with the Quantum & Dark Matter Road Trip in the Museum Meeting Room**, interactive hands-on stations with the Sustainability Learning Centre, feature films in the Launceston Planetarium, a giant hands-on activity space in the Temporary Exhibition Gallery where you'll find optical illusion stations, construction challenges and a box-city themed Make It Place craft station where you'll unleash your engineering and architectural creativity, the Native Queen Bee joins us again to dive a little deeper in BUGS, and a face painting station will round out the festivities!
* Paid workshop – bookings required
** Free workshop – bookings required
ACTIVITIES ON OFFER:
Young engineers: Robot play workshops (paid activity, bookings required)
Robots, challenges, creativity and loads of family fun - it’s all happening at QVMAG for Science Week 2026!
Join Tassie’s own Robot Man for an unforgettable day of hands-on robotic adventures at the Museum at Inveresk. Across three exciting workshops, families will build robot mazes, test their skills driving Dash robots through obstacle courses, invent with magnetic Cubelets, and explore the latest LEGO® SPIKE Prime robotics technology.
Packed with discovery, problem-solving and plenty of fun, this is the perfect Science Week activity for families looking for an exciting weekend adventure. Places are limited and expected to fill fast - don’t miss out!
Quantum & Dark Matter family-fun workshop (Free workshop, bookings required)
The nature of dark matter is one of the biggest mysteries of the Universe, and Australia is a key player in the quest to figure it out.
Join the National Quantum & Dark Matter Road Trip, a traveling science outreach initiative run by the Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics (CDM) and Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC).
Their scientists will be running sessions that include a mix of short expert talks about quantum and dark matter physics, hands-on interactive physics demonstrations, and badge making. You can also talk to scientists currently studying and conducting research into dark matter and quantum biotechnology.
New Planetarium screenings (Ticketed shows)
We have two new shows now screening in the Launceston Planetarium – and as part of the BIG Day of Science, you can catch one or both of these terrific shows!
Screening at 11:30am, The Great Solar System Adventure is the latest family-friendly journey from the creators of We Are Aliens and We Are Stars. Join the eccentric Great Schiaparelli on a thrilling space-time adventure through the Solar System that's packed with discovery, humour and spectacular visuals.
Book tickets for the Great Solar System Adventure
Screening at 1:30pm, Edge of the Sky offers something completely different—a breathtaking and reflective cinematic experience that follows a single summer day through the eyes of a Chilean observatory, a glider pilot and a young dreamer gazing skyward. As director Tomáš Tichý describes it, it's a film for "viewers of all generations – from child explorers to adult dreamers."
Book tickets for Edge of the Sky
Sustainability Learning Centre (Free drop-in activity –
no bookings required)
Celebrate Science Week 2026 with a free hands-on wildlife adventure at the Museum at Inveresk!
Join the Tasmanian Sustainability Learning Centre and explore the fascinating world of Tasmania’s native animals and the unique habitats they call home. Through a range of interactive pop-up activities, families can get up close to the science of local ecosystems, uncover incredible animal adaptations, and learn more about the natural environment around us.
Perfect for curious minds of all ages, this free drop-in experience invites you to explore a variety of engaging, hands-on modules at your own pace as part of the BIG Day of Science. Whether you stay for a few minutes or dive into every activity, there’s plenty to discover, learn and enjoy.
No bookings required — simply drop in on the day and join the fun!
The Sustainability Learning Centre at QVMAG's Big Day of Science 2024. Image: QVMAG.
The BIG Science Week Activity Zone (Free drop-in activity – no bookings required)
Step into a giant hands-on activity space at the Museum at Inveresk and let your imagination run wild for Science Week at QVMAG.
Packed with interactive fun for all ages, this exciting drop-in zone invites families to explore mind-bending optical illusion stations, tackle creative construction challenges, and get hands-on at our themed Make It Place craft station for creative minds of all ages.
Drop in, get creative, and experience FREE a fun-filled celebration of science, design and innovation as part of the BIG Day of Science at QVMAG.
A Make-it-Place creation in progress at the Museum at Inveresk. Image: QVMAG.
Meet Native Queen Bee with Edwina Blush (Free drop-in experience –
no bookings required)
It's time to meet royalty... Queen Bee Ruby of the Reeds, that is!
In this larger-than-life experience, families will meet the grand Queen Ruby of the Reeds.
Join Queen Ruby as she buzzes around the museum, sharing practical tips for hosting the perfect garden party for pollinators. Her royal presence adds a touch of fun, whimsy and environmental wisdom to the Big Day of Science!
You can say hello to Ruby between 11am and 2pm in within the family-fun BUGS exhibition. No bookings are required.
Queen Bee Ruby of the Reeds in QVMAG's BUGS exhibition. Image: QVMAG.
Buzz-tastic FREE face painting (free drop in activity –
no bookings required)
Get ready to spread your wings, crawl, flutter or scuttle your way into QVMAG's BIG Day of Science with FREE bug-inspired face painting!
Celebrating our latest family exhibition, BUGS, this fun-filled activity invites children and families to transform into their favourite creepy crawlies and colourful insects. Become a beautiful butterfly, a wriggly caterpillar, a spotted ladybug, a curious spider or even a hardworking dung beetle – the choice is yours!
Whether you're visiting for the science, the activities or the bug-themed adventures, this is the perfect way to complete your BIG Day of Science experience and show off your best bug-self.
Best of all, it's completely free and no bookings are required. Simply drop in and join the hive of activity at QVMAG's FREE BIG Day of Science at the Museum at Inveresk from 10am–4pm on Saturday 22 August to enjoy.