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Original poster

Anyone been to Magna?

20 replies

thecatspyjamas33 · 21/10/2022 22:02

Has anyone here been to Magna science museum near to Sheffield? Thinking of taking a visit during half term with ds11 and 9 month old baby. Would it be suitable for both?

Any tips or info about it? Thank you

OP posts:
Technosaurus · 21/10/2022 22:05

Probably not great for a 9 month old, it's on split levels with only one lift. The 11 year old should love it though. I'd personally wait until youngest is walking - first took mine at 2yo and they loved it.

Although there is an amazing outdoor playground... Obviously very weather dependent at this time of year.

Technosaurus · 21/10/2022 22:07

I should probably add that I think it's great and excellent value for money, just probably quite hard work with a pram. Realised my first post seemed a bit negative, sorry!

JaninaDuszejko · 21/10/2022 22:09

We've been. It's great for primary age kids, we loved the fire zone and the water zone. The show was the highlight, the 'how steel used to be made' was too loud for our 6yo. It's freezing so wrap up warm. And it's very loud so not sure how good for it would be for a baby. Food options are fairly basic.

LynetteScavo · 21/10/2022 22:13

We took DS when he was 5yo and he found it overwhelming, but he's very sensory sensitive.

I took The other DC aged 8yo & 10yo and they loved it.

nubnubnub · 21/10/2022 22:22

I took my class on a school trip and it was awful. Sooo much walking around the cold building and lots of information which was too difficult for them to understand ( tbf they are y1 so too young for it). If your child can read then they will enjoy it a bit more than these kids did. The playground was good and the workshop they did was great but other than I/they really didn't enjoy it and we won't go again!

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 21/10/2022 22:27

There are parts that are very noisy - the bit where they show how steel is made, and the landing by the lift has sparks flying across the ceiling which terrified DS when he was preschool age. The fire, water, Earth etc galleries might be a bit young for your 11 year old, but they'll probably enjoy it. Take your own picnic though! Decent playground outside though.

autienotnaughty · 21/10/2022 22:27

It's fantastic I'd say 7+ to get full benefit but enjoyable from about 4 yrs. out door play is fab too.

FixundFoxi · 22/10/2022 00:45

We went years ago and thought it was fantastic but cold as it's in a massive draughty building. Agree that it's extremely noisy in parts. Our son was about 5 at the time and I was pregnant with our second so a very tiring day. He loved it. I remember a huge mesmerising real flame in the fire section -standout memory for me. And yes outside there was the biggest play area I'd ever seen with a water park too for in summer if I remember rightly.

Booklover3 · 22/10/2022 00:59

Few years ago now. Both kids were under five and they loved it. 9 month old not so sure.

Booklover3 · 22/10/2022 01:05

Eureka in Halifax was also superb… but this was all before Covid so I don’t know how much everything has changed

howdoesatoastermaketoast · 22/10/2022 01:05

yup loads of fun, but it was a while back now. if you have a sling putting the baby in a sling might be easier as the baby might be a little unsettled by some of the light/ sound effects. There are lots of big flat spaces where a pushchair is no problem though but I do remember raised walkways too.

howdoesatoastermaketoast · 22/10/2022 01:06

Booklover3 · 22/10/2022 01:05

Eureka in Halifax was also superb… but this was all before Covid so I don’t know how much everything has changed

seconded - Eureka is so so cool

Vikinga · 22/10/2022 01:09

Yeah it's great. Took mine there including babies (they don't get much from it but it is fine in a pram).

Eureka fab too though probably too young for an 11 year old.

Wheelgate is great fun. My kids loved it for years.

Vikinga · 22/10/2022 01:11

www.wheelgatepark.com/

whosaidtha · 22/10/2022 01:28

We go all the time because they have a free return for a year. The outdoor bit is great. It's doable with a pram. 11 is probably at the older end if enjoying it.

JaninaDuszejko · 22/10/2022 07:39

Also, if you have a Blue Peter badge you can get in for free.

Original poster
thecatspyjamas33 · 22/10/2022 07:41

Thanks for the replies. I feel a bit put off now with the cold and noisy comments. I think my ds would love it but it won't be much fun if the baby is cold and terrified 🙈

Could anyone recommend anything? We are looking for something indoors as the weather looks temperamental this week. We are north east. Thanks

OP posts:
Technosaurus · 22/10/2022 09:23

Depends how North East you are... Magna to me is practically in the Midlands! If you're in Yorkshire then Eureka in Halifax is decent but will be busy in half term, not sure I'd do a day trip from the NE postcode for it though.

Stockeld Park at Wetherby had an amazing indoor adventure playground open over the summer, not sure if they've reopened it for school hols but worth looking into.

If you're in the "proper" North East then the Discovery Museum in Newcastle is lovely, Centre for Life also up there but haven't been for years...

Original poster
thecatspyjamas33 · 22/10/2022 09:31

Sorry I suppose we are more on the midlands side of north east 😂

OP posts:
Booklover3 · 22/10/2022 12:14

I’d probably give magna a go anyway. Just dress up warm. I really did enjoy it 😂 and so did the kids

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