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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. 

Find out more

 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.

Download (PDF, 8.18MB)

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.

Download the Welsh version (PDF, 10.5MB)

Download and print at home (PDF, 7.31MB)

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.

Download and print at home (PDF, 1.7MB)

Knit the Universe

With some knitting needles and a few bits of wool, you can knit your own square of inspirational spacetime.

Get knitting with one of our Knit Kits

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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+.

Download the book (PDF, 18.1MB)

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!

Read 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.

Read about big ideas in physics

Physics around you

Find out what exciting physics is around you every day!

Read about physics around you

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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.

Find out more

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. 

Find out more

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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? 

Read more for information, advice and real-world stories

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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.

Find out more and join the campaign

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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?