Mad Science Camps

Mad Science Camps: hands-on science holiday camps for primary-age children

Mad Science Camps organises holiday science camps aimed at primary school children, built around an enquiry-based approach in which children explore, experiment and engage with a range of scientific topics. The programme is delivered by a team the company describes as highly trained "Mad Scientists" and science communicators, and each camp day combines hands-on experiments, creative challenges and themed activities.

The camps operate under the wider Mad Science network in the UK, with this operation covering the south-west territory and a set of regional programmes listed on the site.

Where the camps run

The site groups its camps into regional programmes, each with its own selection of venues:

• South Wales: venues across Swansea, Bridgend, Cardiff, Newport, the Vale and Monmouthshire.
• Bristol: described as the flagship venues, with locations including Redland, Bedminster, Downend, Portishead and Olveston.
• Berkshire and Buckinghamshire: local venues across the two counties.
• Surrey: a programme introduced as new for 2026.

Childcare vouchers and TFC are accepted at selected venues, according to the site.

Three camp formats by age and stage

The holiday camps are organised into three distinct options:

• Core: the original mixed-age format for children aged 5 to 11, designed so siblings and friends can take part together.
• Explorers: aimed at upper Key Stage 2 (ages 8 to 11), with deeper coverage of scientific concepts and hands-on challenges; bookings are for full weeks only.
• LabTech: for returning participants aged 11 to 13, who assist the Mad Scientists, help run experiments and take on responsibilities behind the scenes. It is offered at all Core camp venues and limited to two LabTech places per week.

Daily programme and themes

Each day is presented as a different theme, with activities that can include launching rockets, mixing potions and exploring space. The site points to separate activity pages for a sample of the experiments and themes on offer, and describes the camps as avoiding a classroom setting, with children moving between practical activities rather than sitting in lessons.

Parties and school science

Beyond holiday camps, the operation also runs Mad Science birthday parties, handled through a dedicated party address and contact. For schools, it offers interactive science delivered on site, including in-class workshops, special events and Mad Science after-school programmes.

Reputation and feedback

It also publishes individual parent comments, including one from Bristol praising the organisation and communication around booking and drop-off, one from Newport recommending the camp for value and suggesting early booking for discounts, and one from Bristol noting that a five-year-old preferred the camp to football holiday days and valued the experiments taken home.