Review: Techniquest, Cardiff

It's back to school for my oldest son tomorrow and you know that feeling of satisfaction you get when you have provided your children with an action packed fun school holiday? I have that feeling! A huge factor contributing to the success of the holidays was Techniquest, as it went down an absolute treat with my boys. It is unbelievably difficult to find places to go in the holidays with children age 2 and 8 as their interests differ so much; especially when it is a rainy holiday. But take them to Techniquest and I can guarantee you will have smiles all round. With the added bonus of it being educational as well as fun!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words so have a glimpse in to the magical world of Techniquest.....




Working out the jigsaw puzzles.

Playing the drums.
Playing the giant piano.
In fits of laughter through playing the giant piano.

"The ball that is supposed to float through the rush of air floated away, but hey look at my hair."
Funny mirrors.

For the youngest son he just had fun playing with everything, but my oldest son seemed to enjoy participating in the exhibits and reading the accompanying information to understand the scientific processes which were occurring. This was great for us parents as we had the feel-good factor of knowing we were able to contribute something worthwhile to not only his understanding of scientific processes but also provide lots of lovely childhood memories. It's the kind of place you will look back on and say "remember that time we went to Techniquest and used the shadow room." I know this is correct as I have often talked to my children about when I went to Techniquest as a child.

The areas are split into areas such as water, light and music and so this makes it particularly useful if your child is studying a certain area in school. With a planetarium and science theatre there is something for everyone.

Master Craftiness says: It was exciting because the exhibits were so much fun and the science facts made it really interesting!

There's some great events on and upcoming at Techniquest:

Night and Day Why does it get dark at night? Where does the sun go in the evening and why does it return in the morning? Meet lots of interesting night-time animals in this show for our younger visitors. Suitable for under 7s Night and Day runs from 29 January until 6 March 2011 at weekends and through the half term holiday. City Stargazing With many of us living under light-polluted skies, what are we likely to see? There are fewer stars visible so some beginners find it easier to spot their favourite constellations, but there is also a dark side! Why do we want to keep our skies light free? City Stargazing runs from 29 january until 6 March 2011 at weekends and through local school holidays.

• Next Event
• Future Events

Wallace and Gromit Invention Sessions If you enjoyed Wallace and Gromit’s World of Invention on BBC One before Christmas, why not come to Techniquest’s special invention sessions where Invention Kits, specially designed by the BBC and Aardman Animations Ltd will be available for you to construct. These cracking motorised kits have been developed to inspire you with creativity and the science of invention. Places are limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis. Due to small parts, the invention workshops are not suitable for children under the age of 7. These special sessions will be held on March 5 and 6, 12 and 13, 26 and 27

For more information on this fantastic place please visit www.techniquest.org