SparkLab at Queensland Museum is a hands-on science experience where kids can experiment, build, test and make things for themselves.
Located within Queensland Museum Kurilpa in South Brisbane, SparkLab is designed to get children actively involved in science rather than simply looking at exhibits. There are more than 40 interactive experiences covering everything from light and sound to movement, forces, water and air.
There is plenty to keep curious kids busy.
Children can experiment with a spinning chair, explore how flight works, play with coloured shadows, investigate sound and water, and test different ideas to see what happens. The activities are designed around experimentation, so there is plenty of trial and error involved.
The Maker Space adds a creative element, giving children the opportunity to make and build rather than simply interact with an exhibit.
There is also a Science Bar, where live experiments take place throughout the day. These give children the chance to watch science in action and get involved in demonstrations.
SparkLab is quite compact compared with some of the large science centres you may remember from childhood. It occupies one section of a floor within Queensland Museum rather than being a huge standalone science centre, but there is a lot packed into the space.
Allow around two hours if you want to take your time and have a good go at the activities. Some children will move through more quickly, while others will happily spend quite a while experimenting with one particular exhibit.
The experience is particularly well suited to primary-school-aged children, although younger children can enjoy many of the activities too, particularly with an adult helping them explore.
One of the things that makes SparkLab appealing is that it doesn’t feel like a science lesson. Kids can experiment without necessarily knowing the answer beforehand. They can change something, try again, see what happens and work out why.
It is also worth knowing that SparkLab is a paid experience, while general admission to Queensland Museum is free.
That makes it an easy addition to a museum day rather than something you need to plan as a separate outing. You can explore the museum’s free galleries before or after heading into SparkLab, adding a couple of hours of hands-on activities to the day.
For families already planning a visit to Queensland Museum, SparkLab is a good option for children who like to touch, build, experiment and figure things out for themselves.
And with so many different activities in one space, there is plenty for siblings of different ages to discover together.
Need to know
Tickets: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/kurilpa/whats-on/sparklab/
Time: allow about 2 hours to visit SparkLab
Ages: best suited for ages 5 and up
