Got a kid who takes apart every toy to see how it works? Or one who just loves animals? The Robot Zoo lands at Science World this Friday, October 9, and it’s a sweet spot for both. Picture a giraffe, a giant squid, and a house fly built out of pistons, pumps, and pipes, big enough to walk around and see exactly how the “body” works.
It’s on until April 4, 2027, so there’s no rush to go opening weekend. But if you’ve got Thanksgiving Monday (October 12) off and the forecast says rain, this is an easy plan.
When & Where
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dates | October 9, 2026 – April 4, 2027 |
| Opening day | Fri Oct 9: members from 9:30 a.m., public from 12:00 p.m. |
| Regular hours | Daily 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (members early entry 9:30 a.m.) |
| Location | Science World, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7 |
| Ages | All ages (Science World says it’s designed for visitors of all ages) |
Hours can change on holidays and special days, so check the official Robot Zoo page and Plan Your Visit before you head out.
What Kids Will See
The exhibit has eight larger-than-life robot animals. Each one is built from everyday household and industrial parts, so muscles become pistons, intestines become filter pipes, and brains become computers. According to the touring company, the lineup includes:
- A giraffe whose head and neck alone stand about 9 feet tall
- A giant squid with 18-foot tentacles, shown hunting a fish
- A house fly with a 10-foot wingspan
- A platypus swimming the breaststroke
- A grasshopper that shows off its big jump
- A chameleon, a rhinoceros, and a bat
Cutaways show what’s going on inside, which is the fun part for kids who always ask “but how does it move?”
The Hands-On Part
There are more than a dozen interactive stations. A few Science World calls out:
- Swat the Fly: test whether your reaction time beats a fly’s.
- Tongue Gun: steer an arcade-style chameleon head and zap bugs with its tongue.
- Sticky Feet: find out how flies walk up walls.
- Jet Propelled: a carnival-style pumping race for up to four players that shows how a giant squid moves.
The racing and arcade games are great for siblings and cousins. Expect a little line at the popular ones on weekends.
Tickets
Science World’s current general admission prices:
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (19+) | $37.50 |
| Senior (65+) | $30.50 |
| Youth (13–18) | $30.50 |
| Child (3–12) | $25.50 |
| 2 and under | Free |
| Members | Free (no ticket needed; show your digital membership) |
Event listings show The Robot Zoo as part of regular admission, with no separate exhibit ticket. You can buy online from the Science World ticket calendar or at the door. Science World says a Family Membership pays for itself in about three visits. With the exhibit running until April, that’s worth a look if you plan to go back in winter.
Getting There
Science World is right beside Main Street–Science World SkyTrain Station (Expo Line), so transit is the easy option, especially on weekends. If you drive, budget for pay parking nearby and give yourself extra time on rainy Saturdays and holiday Mondays.
Food Heads-Up
The Triple O’s restaurant inside Science World is closed for renovations until about the end of October. The Snack Lab on Level 2 has sandwiches and snacks in the meantime. Packing your own snacks is a good idea for October visits.
Parent Tips
- Opening day is a half day for the public. Doors open to non-members at noon on October 9, so don’t show up at 10.
- Plan at least 2 hours. That’s Science World’s own estimate for the whole building. Add The Robot Zoo and you can easily fill a morning.
- Go early or on a weekday if your kids want lots of turns at the games.
- Make it a lesson without saying so. Ask “what do you think the pump is doing?” at each animal. Kids figure out more than you’d expect.
- Members get in at 9:30 a.m., half an hour before everyone else. That’s the calmest time to see the robots.
- Looking for something spookier this month? Pair this with a Halloween outing like Fin-tastic Fall at the Vancouver Aquarium or the Bear Creek Pumpkin Train. The Robot Zoo is the no-scares, all-weather option.
Quick Answers
Is The Robot Zoo extra?
Listings show it as included with regular admission. Check the ticket page on the day you book in case that changes.
Is it OK for toddlers?
Yes. Science World says it’s designed for all ages. Little ones will love the size of the animals, and older kids will get more out of the games and cutaways.
How long is it on?
Until April 4, 2027.
Final Thoughts
The Robot Zoo is the kind of exhibit that works for the whole family. Toddlers gawk at a giant robot giraffe, while school-age kids figure out how a squid swims and race each other at the pumping game. Hop on the SkyTrain, skip the noon-only opening day if you can, and plan for a couple of hours.
Event page: The Robot Zoo at Science World
Tickets: Science World general admission
