Family Fun Day

Family Fun Day: Taste, touch, feel

Join us for a fun day of sensory science for the whole family.

a girl is eating a blue egg
Diana Polekhina via Unsplash

You may think we only have five senses, but some scientists think we might have as many as 20! Discover how we explore and experience the world around us with this Family Fun Day.

Join our volunteers, scientists and researchers from across the STEM subjects as they find ways to measure, test, and sometimes trick, your senses. We'll also dive into the rest of the animal kingdom to see how our senses can be vary from animals around us.

From optical illusions and deceiving jelly beans to exploring the 'unofficial' senses we might not know about, you’re sure to have a fun day out. Get hands on with a whole host of exciting activities, experiments and demonstrations exploring every corner of the world of science. Who knows what your senses might uncover.

We have two different talks happening in the Theatre

Designing Deceptions: The science of optical illusions with Matt Pritchard

Optical illusions have both an artistic and scientific appeal as they question our perception of reality. This fast paced and demonstration packed talk will explore how the mind can be deceived, and how optical principles, smart materials, and even word play can be exploited in magic effects. The presenter, Matt Pritchard, is a two-time winner of the international “Best Illusion of the Year Contest”.

About Family Fun Days

Family Fun Days are suitable for children aged 7–12, though older and younger siblings are very welcome. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and those aged 4 and above need a ticket to attend.

Entrance for Ri Young Members is free, but you do need to pre-book your free ticket.

All activities and talks run throughout the day, giving you plenty of time to see all the talks and try out all the activities. There is sometimes a queue when we first open, so you might find it easier to arrive a little later. Most people stay for about two hours, but you're welcome to stay as long as you like.

Our Café will be open, and will be selling hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks. There is also a picnic room, if you are bringing your own lunch with you and a quiet break room.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. 

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Event terms and conditions