Discovery Centre
What can you expect to explore at the Discovery Centre?
The Discovery Centre is full of fun and educational games for kids to learn about science, health and medical research.
- Explore the human body using an ultrasound, X-ray or MRI and discover what researchers are doing to find out more about body organs.
- Get up close with our special microscopes, take a look inside the mouth, ear and skin and find out why our researchers are interested in snot, poo and dust mites.
- Take a tour of the places we do research – in the lab, clinic and community.
- See if you can defeat the cancer cells using immunotherapy or catch the allergens in the airway.
The Discovery Centre provides a unique experience for children aged 7 and up, and you never know – the parents might learn something too!
Join our superhero researchers Professor Crunch, Dr Jones and Miss Matrix on a science adventure and see what you can discover.
Located on the ground floor at the northern entrance of the Perth Children’s Hospital, the Discovery Centre is a fun and interactive space full of games designed to get kids, and adults alike, excited about science, health and research.
Want to stay up-to-date with special events and news from our Discovery Centre? Join our Discovery Club plus discover more activities for kids at home on the Science Activities for Kids page.
Interested in a science incursion or excursion for your school class or child? Visit our school program page.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Centre open?
The The Kids Discovery Centre is open from 9am – 3pm, Monday to Friday.
The Centre is closed:
- on weekends
- on public holidays
- for private events and school excursions
- during the annual The Kids Research Institute Australia end-of-year
- shutdown period at the end of December and early January. These dates vary each year.
To confirm opening times, please call us on 6319 1000.
Is there an entry fee for the Discovery Centre?
There is no entry fee to visit the Centre. The Kids Research Institute Australia is a not-for-profit organisation so donations are very welcome.
Where is the Centre located?
The Centre is located on the ground floor at the northern entrance of the Perth Children’s Hospital. We are opposite the Family Resource Centre and Kulunga Moort Mia.
Do I need to stay with my children in the Centre?
Children under 14 need to be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
Is food and drink allowed in the Discovery Centre?
The Discovery Centre is a food-free area. You are welcome to enjoy your lunch or snacks in the Family Resource Centre opposite the Centre or on the green space outside the Centre. There is also a cafe on the ground floor and level 5 and a food hall on level 1.
What ages is the Centre suitable for?
The Centre is ideal for children aged 7 to 12 years. Older and younger children are very welcome and they will still find fun activities they can enjoy.
Do you have special events in the Centre?
Yes, please join our Discovery Club to stay up to date with the latest events.
How long can we spend in the Centre?
The Centre is open from 9am – 3pm. You can stay in the Centre for as long as you like during these hours.
What’s the Discovery Club?
When you arrive at the Centre you will have the option of joining our Discovery Club and registering a wristband for your child. The wristband will store your child’s high scores and completed levels. When you leave, you take the wristband with you and bring it back when you return.
As a member of our Discovery Club you will also get exclusive access to special events and activities.
My child lost their wristband, can we replace it?
Yes, please speak to the The Kids Welcome Crew when you arrive at the Centre and they can arrange a replacement wristband.
Can I book in a group to visit, such as a school class?
Yes, please view our group bookings page to plan a visit with 10 children or more. For school visits, please visit this page to find out more about our schools program. Please contact us for any other enquiries and to discuss your options.
Can I volunteer in the Discovery Centre?
Yes, you can if you are over 18 years old. Please visit our volunteering page to find out more about volunteering.
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