Think Tank Birmingham Science Museum

Think Tank Birmingham Science Museum - What WE Say...

There is nothing better than a really good family day out. Going somewhere and doing stuff that will have a 6 year old, a 2 year old and Mum & Dad entertained, curious and content is a tall order.

Think Tank Science Museum in Birmingham is a place that fulfilled that mighty requirement. During the car journey home (which was just before both boys contentedly zonked out) we all said which bits we especially liked the best; Peter and I enjoyed the historical stuff and old-fashioned machinery. Jacob and Ben unanimously declared Kid City, especially the water play and The Planetarium Show as the Very Best Bits.

The space available for children to roam free, to touch things, push buttons, pull levers, ask questions, make things work whilst learning about interesting stuff are the secret of Think Tank’s success. The glass lifts that whoosh you from floor to floor are also to be marvelled at when you are only knee-high.

The Planetarium is tremendous! We were unsure whether little Ben would enjoy it but he is nearly 3 and was completely in awe (old-hack Jacob has been to one before but was still mesmerised!). Being such a child-friendly place, no one minded that he was stretching out of his seat to point at things and declaring, rather loudly, “Look Daddy! Baby monster over there!!” (we were watching the ‘Cosmic Safari’ show).

We were all rather impressed with the range of extra activities available (we were there during one of the last weeks of the school Summer holidays). Jacob, our budding palaeontologist, had recently been to see the ‘Walking With Dinosaurs’ show and thoroughly enjoyed the complimentary exhibition which showed him how the animatronic dinosaurs were made and how they worked.

Benjamin enjoyed the dinosaur themed storytelling session, ‘Finding Lio’. It was no ordinary sit-on-the-rug while the storyteller holds up a book that not all the children can see. This was in a room that was fantastically decorated and the story was brilliantly and engagingly told with many props and interaction from the children encouraged. Peter and I rather enjoyed it too!

We had lunch at the café next to the fascinating ‘The Past’ exhibition and found the food to be rather basic (jacket potatoes, hot dogs etc..) but satisfying. We were impressed with the bring-your-own-picnic areas available and when we next visit we’ll pack up a feast. A big thumbs up to the all-important decent cups of coffee available (thumbs up plug for Costa Coffee!) – essential ingredient for parents on a jam-packed day of exploring and learning.

A small criticism about some of the exhibitions is that we found some of them to be rather worn and sometimes out-of-order. Polite signs were in place letting us know that “someone had been a bit too rough” and it would soon be mended. One such sign did prompt a useful conversation with Jacob about taking care of things so educational stuff all around! I’m happy to give Think Tank the benefit of understanding because our visit was at the end of a busy Summer holiday season and I think it is a fair price to be paid for allowing children the liberty to touch, push and pull things with their eager little hands.

Overall, a very happy and enjoyable day out was had by this family. There was much to be enjoyed by all four of us. We highly recommend Think Tank and will be returning again, perhaps with some friends and a picnic. Jacob wants to go back when he’s 8 so he can do the Lego Lab and when we do I’ll be sure to update this review.

Website: www.thinktank.ac

Think Tank Birmingham Science Museum - What THEY Say...

Thinktank redefines the concept of a science museum. Think of it more as a way to discover the world around you and the life you lead. From steam engines to intestines, this exciting museum has over 200 hands-on displays on science and technology including a state-of-the-art Planetarium and IMAX Cinema.