Throughout Easter holidays (1st – 16th April) Dynamic Earth is inviting families to experience life at the limits in Earth's Polar regions, as well as consider if life could exist elsewhere in the universe with activities on Astrobiology. Events include a combination of Meet the Scientist opportunities as well as fun, interactive, hands-on drop-in activities to offer something for all the family.

From 1st-16th April, youngsters can learn about Polar wildlife, see if they have what it takes to withstand the harsh climates of the poles and take part in exciting activities getting them to think like an explorer. They'll even have the opportunity to meet scientists, who have lived and worked in the Arctic and Antarctica, and get hands on with real Polar exploration research kit.

Plus, in the first in a series of Creative Science Days (April 4, 5, 6,) fibre artist Ewa Kuniczak will be back by popular demand, laying on a multisensory experience for visitors who will be able to make their own polar wildlife creation to take home with them.

Meanwhile, on Meet the Expert days (April 2nd, 3rd and 15th) scientists at the forefront of Polar research and exploration will be on hand to engage guests with inspirational stories and exciting activities; including demonstrations of the technology being used to understand the ways in which Artic environments are changing. Lucky visitors will also get the chance to become a drone pilot using a flight simulator.

Moving from the poles to planets on 11 April, experts will be on hand for Researching Alien Worlds. Visitors are invited to meet Astrobiologists from the UK Centre for Astrobiology and the University of Edinburgh researching the possibilities of life elsewhere in the universe. Budding alien hunters can ask questions and take part in hands on activities, while younger visitors can get creative and dream up their ultimate alien creature in the creative science sessions (12 – 14 April).

There will also be events taking place 'after hours' over Easter, with Double Dome Nights (4, 5, 6, 12 and 13 April), offering an immersive cinematic treat. Starting at 5:30pm, Dynamic Earth will be showing a combination of two 30 minute movies from their library of spectacular 360 degree films. With refreshments at the bar and popcorn on arrival, these special events offer a fun cinema experience with a twist.

Plus, on Friday 14th April, there will be an exclusive screening of 'The Penguin Counters'; a cinematic experience focusing on the research work of Ron Naveen and his team in Antarctica who count hundreds of thousands of penguins to track the impacts of climate change on penguin populations. The film will be followed by a fascinating Q&A session with the film's production team.

Eilidh Massie, marketing manager at Dynamic Earth comments on the activities: “We have a fantastic array of events on offer at Dynamic Earth this Easter. Where else can you make alien themed arts and crafts and fly a drone simulator?!

“Along with all of the fun activities for little ones, we're pleased to welcome such a high calibre of scientists who will be on hand to help guide visitors through the universe and explain the vital work they are doing on the front line of climate change. We're also really excited to invite film-goers into the attraction after hours for these some ShowDome events. We'll have the popcorn ready!”

On top of the extreme environments activities, regular Dynamic Earth features include Scotland's only permanent 4D cinema, a real iceberg, a bone-shaking earthquake and the Deep Time Machine which takes visitors billions of years back in time.

The daytime half-term activities will run from April 1st – 16th inclusive, and are free with admission to Dynamic Earth. The special ShowDome events cost £8 for adults, £5 for children and are free for Explorer Pass holders.

For more information on events and activities happening at Dynamic Earth, visit www.dynamicearth.co.uk.

Editor's Notes

Extreme environments: Life at the Poles, age 5+ – April 1, 7, 9, 10, 16.

Icy Worlds and the Challenges of Climate Change, age 5+ – April 2, 3

Predicting the Effects of Climate Change by 2100, age 14+ – April 3

Creative Science: Polar Felting, age 5+ – April 4, 5, 6

The Penguin Counters, Special Show Dome Event, age 14+ – April 14, 7pm (Ticket costs £8 for adults, £5 for children).

Virtual Reality Worlds: Meet the Experts, age 7+ –April 7

Rock Doctors to the Rescue: Meet the Experts, age 7+ – April 8

Researching Alien Worlds: Meet the Experts, age 7+ – April 11

Researching Alien Worlds, Special Show Dome Event, age 7+ – April 11, 5:30pm (Ticket Costs – £8 Adults, £5 Children, Free for Explorer Pass Holders).

Creative Science: Ultimate Aliens, age 5+ – April 12, 13, 14

Double Dome Nights, age 5+ – April 4, 5,  6, 12, 13, 5:30pm (Ticket costs £8 for adults, £5 for children).

These are drop in activities available from 10am – 4pm daily.

• Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS. Tel: 0131 550 7800 dynamicearth.co.uk. Dynamic Earth is the only visitor attraction in the UK solely dedicated to the story of Planet Earth.
• Dynamic Earth is registered in Scotland as a charity. SC020363