Physics for families
We want to make it easy for parents and carers to get their children excited about physics. That's why, as part of our Limit Less campaign, we've created this online hub where you can find fun activities to do at home, things to read and events suitable for families.
Stuff to do
Experiments
Our crack team of science communicators have filmed short demonstration videos in their kitchens and living rooms, using basic household materials to demonstrate physics in easy-to-replicate ways. Alongside the films, we have step-by-step instructions and explanations of the science behind it all published right here.
Do Try This at Home
A series of fun physics activities, with short demonstration videos and simple, step-by-step instructions.
Activity packs
These activity packs have been created as part of our Limit Less campaign, which aims to support young people to change the world and fulfil their potential by doing physics.
Superheroes Unlimited activity pack
Meet our five amazing role models and the work they do to solve the challenges we face as residents of planet Earth. Inside you’ll find experiments and activities to do together, and puzzles to challenge you and get you thinking like a physicist. Perfect for ages 7 and up.
Discovering Our World
Explore science in the sea, on the ground and in the air with this brand new activity pack from the Institute of Physics. Filled with puzzles, articles, experiments and more, this magazine is designed to get your family excited and curious about the world around them, and how it works! Perfect for ages 8 and up.
Winter Activity Pack
For even more to do at home during winter, try out these activities with your family. Packed with experiments and challenges, you can meet a scientist and become one yourselves with this magazine from the Institute of Physics. Perfect for ages 7-11.
Knit the Universe
With some knitting needles and a few bits of wool, you can knit your own square of inspirational spacetime.
Stuff to read
Mimi’s Rainbow Adventure: the storybook
Read our free illustrated storybook chapter by chapter to discover the answers to the world’s big questions through science.
Suitable for all ages! It can be read together as a family with 5- to 7-year-olds or solo by readers aged 7+.
The Moon Adventure
What's it like to be an astronaut? Where did the Moon come from? What's the future of humans in space? Read on to find out more!
Big ideas in physics
What are some of the biggest ideas in physics? Find out the stories behind the most significant discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the universe.
Physics around you
Find out what exciting physics is around you every day!
Events
Find out more about upcoming events suitable for families on our events site.
Mimi’s Rainbow Adventure
Are you ready for a rainbow adventure? Read our new storybook, meet Mimi and our amazing science role models and discover the answers to some big questions about the world.
Superheroes Unlimited exhibition and resources
Calling all budding superheroes! Explore the resources from our superpowered summer adventure and save the world with science. Perfect for families with young children.
The Big Bounce
The annual festival is a celebration of physics, curiosity and innovation, created with and for communities in the East End of Glasgow.
Your future with physics
Physics opens doors to some of the most exciting, cutting-edge, rewarding jobs in the world. Find out where physics could take you in your studies and future career!
Your future with physics: A guide for young people
Where could physics take you in your studies and future career?
Join our campaign
Limit Less
Limit Less is our campaign to support young people to change the world and fulfil their potential by doing physics.