[tomtom]

I've been helping out my institutions stand at the NERC (Natural Environment Research Council) #intotheblue science exhibition thingy - its at the Manchester Airport Visitor park - and set under/around a Concorde in the hanger/giant tent they have there.

If you or your kids are interested in Science, Planes or both its worth a visit. Free to enter but you have to book/register (to prevent too many people going). Its not been too busy (its been poorly publicised IMHO) so if you are in the area.... worth it for 1/2 day.

http://intotheblue.nerc.ac.uk/manchester/

[galpinos]

Suitable for what ages of kids?

[tomtom]

Suitable for what ages of kids?

All I'd say. Below 3 and they won't get much out of it apart from looking at bright shiny things etc.. but lots of SCIENCE things to play around with etc.. Couple of virtual sandpits, we've a VR flood sim with a couple of occulus rifts, thermal cameras, model volcano's lots of bits and bobs. And a concorde!

Its not the science museum, but a decent hour or two I'd say. Lots of freebies (stickers, badges, pens etc...)..

(I think the car park is a fiver though.... cafe and usual plane spotting shizzle that the site offers too..)

[dunnyg]

My friend built the model volcano for this!

[deacon]

Just dropped the wife off at Manchester airport today from Sheffield with a grumpy nipper in tow. Sounds great too

[tomtom]

My friend built the model volcano for this!

[galpinos]

I realise this has now finished but for anyone considering one on TomTom’s suggestions in the future……..

This was really good. My 3yo loved it, was generally fascinated by the things I was less impressed by/drawn to and vice versa, spent over 2 hrs there, watched planes for a bit on the way out and had a goody bag with stickers, pens, a bouncy globe and a REAL shark’s tooth.

(I was obsessed by the virtual sandpit thing, loved it.)

[tomtom]

Great. This sums up why it was a really good (if a little quiet) event...

[andy popp]

That's pretty damn inspiring!

[nai]

We went for the morning and had to reregister for the afternoon after running out of time half way around.  Probably the only educational thing I've taken the kids to that thay weren't asking the time or complaining they were hungry (i.e. bored) all the time. 
Everyone working there was so engaging and obviously passionate about what they're doing.
Really hoping seeds have been sown.
Adults enjoyed it just as much.  Good job posting about it tomtom.