Five must-do experiences at Questacon’s Mid-Winter Nights

Posted on 24 June, 2022

Illuminated igloos, science-themed cocktails, and the ultimate night-time science excursion: Mid-Winter Nights is back, baby.

Bursting with wintry fun (hello, snow globe making and delicious hot chocolate), Questacon is finally bringing our favourite after-dark event back to its action-packed galleries—and trust us when we say it’s the perfect antidote to a cold night at home.

Taking place from Wednesday 6 until Saturday 9 July, as soon as the sun goes down the fun will go up, and with plenty to see and do, there’s something for the whole family.

Here are five fun experiences you need to try.

Dine in a glow-in-the-dark dome

Picture this: it’s a cold winter’s night and the whole family is warming themselves up with Atomic Café burgers, chips on a stick, and loaded hot chocolate in the coolest (pun intended) private dining experience you can think of—an illuminated igloo.

That’s right, Questacon is bringing back their iconic igloos to light up Mid-Winter Nights—perfect for a family night out with a side of science (did we mention they’re free of charge?). And with plenty of dinner and dessert options available (think cosmic cronuts, Laska, curry, snow cones, wood fire pizza, and more), foodies better get ready to run, not walk.

Sip cocktails at Glow Bar

They brought us the Instagram-worthy (and downright delicious) vodka and soda with popcorn syrup, the iridescent strawberry lemonade lightbulb with vodka, and the nitro cold brew espresso martini—but now Glow Bar is back to make Mid-Winter Nights even better. While the official drink menu is yet to be released, we know to expect something Winter-themed that will warm the soul—and your Insta feed.

Try liquid nitrogen ice cream (yes, really)

It’s a dessert experience like no other—this year Questacon will be freezing ice cream in front of your eyes. Demonstrating how to safely use liquid nitrogen to make our favorite frozen treat (don’t try this at home, kids), they will entertain you while educating you with endless cool facts about liquid nitrogen. But the best part is you’ll be able to sample the delicious, soft, and sweet result afterward. It’ll take your brain freeze to a whole new level.

Party with DJ Sue

She won our hearts with her amazing sets and love for a good party but now Canberra’s viral sensation DJ Sue will be filling the cold Mid-Winter Nights with music staples from her in-demand decks. It’s the perfect excuse to dance the night away, and with the addition of roving performers, we can promise you won’t be party rocking alone.

Watch a Spectacular Science Show

Take full advantage of the Mid-Winter Nights experience and skip straight to a Spectacular Science Show. Family-friendly and suitable for all ages, discover everything you need to know about liquid nitrogen (which might just be their coolest show by over a hundred degrees!).Pair it with a Q Lab Science demo for the ultimate science experiment experience. Who needs the sun to have fun?

Enjoy the winter wonderland

Nothing says winter like snow, and luckily for Mid-Winter Night goers, Questacon is bringing it right to you. Offering little ones the chance to make their own snow globe and join in on snowball play in Mini Q, it’s all about celebrating the best of winter.

To add some brrrrr into the brilliant event, Questacon will be lit up in blues and purples to create an even more wintry atmosphere and visitors are encouraged to dress for the season while enjoying the outdoor food and entertainment. Just grab your scarf (and beanie and gloves) and go.

Sounds cool (sorry)?

Keen to experience Questacon after dark? Make sure to book ahead for everyone who wants to come along. Limited tickets will also be available at the door.

Meet you next to the igloos?