At Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, visitors are encouraged to touch, press, experiment and play instead of simply looking at exhibits behind glass.

Housed in a former power station in Newtown, the 6,000-square-metre centre has been making science and mathematics more accessible since 2004. Its nearly 400 permanent exhibits explore subjects including electricity, water, light, engineering and the human body.

The centre also offers robotics activities, laboratories, science shows, school holiday programmes and a climbing wall that combines physical movement with problem-solving. Temporary local and international exhibitions add something different throughout the year.

Sci-Bono is not limited to school groups. Families can visit independently, and the centre also hosts birthday parties and runs a science-themed shop.

The best part is that children do not have to stand quietly and read long information boards. They can learn by trying things for themselves, making it a practical outing for children who understand more through doing than listening.

Before You Go

• Where: Corner of Miriam Makeba and Helen Joseph streets, Newtown
• Admission: R60 for adults and R40 for pensioners, students and children aged 3 to 18
• Under three: Free
• Monday to Saturday and public holidays: 09:00 to 16:30
• Sunday: 09:00 to 15:30
• Telephone: 011 639 8400
• Website: Sci-Bono Discovery Centre

Check the centre’s website or call before visiting, as admission prices, hours and temporary exhibitions may change.

The Bottom Line

Sci-Bono makes science feel less like a school subject and more like something children can test, build and explore for themselves.