Glasgow Science Centre

This post is written following a visit during a Little Explorers Weekend.  Hence the lack of photos, as it's so busy.

I'll start with the Science Centre generally.  Several people recommended this sometime after Angus turned one and it took me a while (and a rainy day) to get round to going. Which is shocking as it is a 5 minute drive from our house.  I was absolutely convinced on our first trip and converted the ticket price into an annual pass.  Since then Gareth has one also and we will definitely get Angus one when he turns three.

What makes it worth the money?  I'll start on the first floor. There is a large ship-themed area (see two photos below), with a crane and blocks, train table, musical steps, wobbly bridge, water table, exploring area, bubble pump, puppet theatre and ship's bridge.  It also has a soft play area for 18 months and under.  Around that is lots of practical science activities.  Angus was obsessed with the ball on a turntable for  many months.

For children age 2 and under, I would say that this level alone is enough to keep you entertained for a long while and warrants the membership.

Also, on this level, is the Science Theatre, which we attended for the first time this visit for the Forces show. The presenter was very entertaining and there was lots of lights and music.  Despite going through all three of Newton's laws, Angus was still gripped the whole time.  The show lasted half an hour.

There is also the Planetarium, which you pay extra for.  Angus enjoys the foyer to this, which has the planets and a couple of fun exhibits (foyer is free).

When you go up to Level 2, it is divided into two sections.  There is a workshop area with different building toys (lego, K'Nex etc), a couple of more science exhibits and then the new Renewable Energy area.  This has a couple of exhibits that are must-sees for Angus, including a Scaletrics track, disco room and underwater robot.

Level 3 is all about the body.  Angus has long been obsessed with the running track that times you.  The views across the Clyde are also spectacular and you can see the trains go by.

Even on regular weekends, there are workshops and events.  I always run up to the area on Level 1, next to the ship to sign Angus up to the workshop, if I think he will cope.  He's built a wind-powered vehicle, stood inside a giant bubble, made a dinosaur tooth fossil and protected Humpty the egg from a fall.  The only gripe with the workshops is that they are in a really noisy area and it is hard to hear the workshop leader.

We try and attend the Little Explorer weekends as there are extra things on (also under 5s instead of under 3s are free on these weekends).  Each weekend has a theme and this weekend was "Build It".  Here you can see Angus making a digger fridge magnet and getting stuck in with some toys.  He also contributed to a junk modelling castle and met some animals from Animal Magic.  There were more activities on but he wasn't fussed.  I think because we've been to a Build It weekend before.

The Little Explorer weekends attract lots of families.  I recommend getting there early and reminding your child about waiting for their turn and sharing!

Down to my usual nitty gritty.  From  October to Easter, the centre is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and this is worth bearing in mind before buying a pass.  Gareth takes Angus on a Wednesday quite often and I get angry texts at work about the number of unruly school kids in the building.  Apparently it gets better after 1pm.  We assume the same applies on a Thursday and Friday.

Otherwise, the staff are generally amazing, engaging and very helpful.  There are toilets on the ground floor and Level 2.  This does show some poor planning as most children spend their time on Level 1.  There are only two baby changes on the ground floor too and I usually end up changing Angus on the floor.  I have never bought any food in the cafe.  Gareth says the food is nice but not the best selection of sandwiches.  The kids lunchbox is not the cheapest nor the most expensive but is reasonably healthy and has good options.  The pizzas look good.  There is also a coffee kiosk and they open up a picnic area (which is what I do).  You can leave the Science Centre proper to cross over to the Starbucks in the IMAX if you want.  The car park is huge and £1 a shot for annual pass members, £3 otherwise (which isn't brilliant as it costs quite a lot to get in anyway).  Make sure you validate your ticket.  Watch out for games at Ibrox affecting your journey home.

Overall, I regret not going earlier.  It is an absolute staple in our family's life.