Science needs more women! So last month I took my girls up to London to visit The Science Museum in Kensington. Armed with technical backup from my 15yr old nephew, who has GCSE Science glory firmly in his sights, I was ready for serious questioning and expected to come away with a couple of budding physicists/biologists/chemists. First impressions of the museum was that is was a little dry for my 4 and 7yr old little ladies and I began to get slightly worried whilst wandering through the Flight gallery that we were gonna be done in record time. I'm not a teacher! I don't know how to make these static objects fun for my kids! Then I noticed a banner for Wonderlab: The best thing to do with your kids in London with kids. Sounded amazing. And, simply put, it is.
In Wonderlab there are over 50 interactive experiments, live science demos and a interactive shows - all aimed at kids but fun for adults too. The theories and concepts demonstrated are easy for the kids (and adults) to understand because they can touch, see, hear and feel them. What better way to learn about friction than sliding down slides made from different surfaces?
The gallery is split into 7 different sections: Maths, Matter, Sound, Space, Light, Electricity and Forces. Dotted throughout the experiments are 'Explainers' who help your kids (and you) understand what is happening. Reflection, refraction, dispersion, oscillation, vibration, conduction - the list goes on. But this is seriously fun and your kids will be darting between exhibits absorbing science facts and theories without even realising they are learning.
The Chemistry Bar is a live demo area where we learnt all about gases, liquids and solids and how temperature can change their states and volume. Cue dry ice, frozen eggs, smoke volcanoes and lots of wows. My girls were mesmerised and eager to answer questions and interact.
The main theatre at the rear of the gallery shows a variety of different shows during the day which are each about 20mins long. We didn't see any as both the shows on while we were in the Wonderlab were aimed at older children, but I can't say we felt we missed out as there was just so much to do!
We spent over 2hrs in Wonderlab and only left because the kids were getting hungry. We didn't even touch the maths zone. I reckon about 4hrs would be the right amount of time in there. Had I have known how much fun we would have I'd have spent a little bit more and purchased an annual pass so we could come back again. It really is great value compared to the standard day pass (scroll down for entry prices).
I would massively recommend Wonderlab for school age kids and parents. The space has been designed with kids in mind and I've never before experiences such an interactive exhibition. Cheaper than a family trip to the cinema it is great value. We'll definitely go back to further inspire my mini scientists.
Wonderlab prices (correct October 2018)
Day pass prices:
- Adult day pass Age 17+ £10.00
- Concessions day pass Children (4–16 years), students, unemployed, disabled people £8.00
- Senior day pass Age 60+ £9.00
- Family day pass 3–5 visitors with no more than 2 adults £2 off per ticket
- Free for under 3s.
- Adult annual pass Age 17+ £15.00
- Concessions annual pass Children (4–16 years), students, unemployed, disabled people £13.00
- Senior annual pass Age 60+ £14.00
- Family annual pass 3–5 visitors with no more than 2 adults £3 off per annual pass
- Free for under 3s.
