Potion Lab: Spooky Science- Fizz, Bubble & Glo

Potion Lab: Spooky Science for Half Term
Join us for a Halloween science adventure mixing outdoor play with hands-on experiments! We promise real chemistry and spooky results! Children and Young people will brew bubbling potions, make pumpkins “vomit”, create gooey slime and watch colours change before their eyes. Our scientist in residence for the day is Emilia Angelillo (discover her on Instagram: @emilia.science).

This half term, we’re running Potion Lab for two age groups at different times, so each group gets a session designed just for them. Teens (11–18) join us in the early afternoon, and Juniors (6–10) join us later in the afternoon. Both groups enjoy outdoor play and a hands-on Potion Lab with Emilia, with walking time built in between venues. Please check the times for your young person’s group below.

Neurodiverse Teens (11–18 years): 1:00–3:30pm

• 1:00–1:45pm: Mint Street Adventure Playground. We’ll start the afternoon outdoors with the Youth Team, climbing, exploring and settling in at their own pace.
• 1:45–2:00pm: Walk to the Potion Lab.
• 2:00–3:00pm: Potion Lab with Emilia. Time to get messy! Young people will mix their own potions, make pumpkins erupt with foamy “vomit”, create slime, and watch reactions change colour right in front of them, discovering the real chemistry behind the magic.
• 3:00–3:15pm: Walk to Little Dorrit Park.
• 3:15–3:30pm: Little Dorrit Park. We’ll finish with games and play in the park.

Young people are welcome to head back to Mint Street Adventure Playground by themselves , as it will stay open with the Southwark Council Youth Team.

This workshop is partly funded by Southwark Council Youth Team

Neurodiverse Juniors (6–10 years): 3:15–5:15pm

• 3:15–3:45pm: Little Dorrit Park. We’ll start with games and play to warm up and get to know each other.
• 3:45–4:00pm: Walk to the Potion Lab.
• 4:00–5:00pm: Potion Lab with Emilia. Little scientists will brew colourful potions, make pumpkins erupt, create slime, and watch reactions change colour right in front of them.
• 5:00–5:15pm: Little Dorrit Park. We’ll wind down with a last play in the park before home time.

This workshop is partly funded by New Common Collect Educational Fund

Do children need any science knowledge or experience?No. The activities are designed for beginners and focus on curiosity, participation, and enjoyment rather than prior knowledge.

Is the science activity safe?
Yes. All experiments are age-appropriate, supervised, and risk-assessed. No materials will be ingested.

What if my child is not interested in the show or experiment?
That’s absolutely fine. We will have alternative activities available, and children can take a break or join something else at their own pace.

What if my child needs to leave the room to regulate themselves?
That’s absolutely fine. Young people are welcome to take breaks when needed, with support from staff or their carer if attending with one.

What to bring: Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, snacks, and a water bottle.

What happens if it rains? We will move indoors and adapt the movement activities so everyone can still take part comfortably.

Do you offer 1-to-1 support? We do not provide 1-to-1 support. Young people are welcome to attend with their carer if they need additional support.

Do you have more question? Please contact us on info@theneurodiversityfamilyhub.org