Which exhibits in the science museum? (ds 6 + 3)

[mybabywakesupsinging]

I was thinking about the science museum for half term, but I always find the big museums, well, big, and wondered if anyone had any advice as to good bits to head for?
Ds1 is 6 and ds2 3. They both like trains, interactive stuff...
Thanks for any thoughts.

Head to the basement to 'the Garden' which has loads of interactive stuff for little kids. My DS (3) LOVES it. I would think that your 6yo will like a lot of the more general exhibits too. Delends what he's into. The space exhibit is good. There's also a room with trains etc in (Inc. The Rocket I seem to remember).

I agree with Limelight, DD is 5 and loves the Garden. There's loads for them to do there, lots of toys, building blocks, water play etc. I would also phone them up and ask if they have anything special on for children in the half term. We went during the Christmas holidays and they put on a 'bubble show' for the kids - showing how to blow bubbles of different shapes/sizes etc. It was interactive and good fun for them, DD loved it, it held her attention for ages.

The Garden in the basement will be great for 3 yo, but busy on a Saturday. Space is always a hit with kids and the actors who tell stories in character are great.

The flight gallery is usually and bit less crazy then the other places if you need a bit of respite from the noise.

The two newest galleries are "Who Am I" in the Wellcome Wing, and the Climate Gallery (atmosphere). I don't know how busy they will be but I imagine they would have nice up to date exhibits and things to push and prod and interact with.
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Upstairs there are lots of interactives aimed at kids in the Launchpad gallery (although slightly older average age and always busy) and if it all gets too hectic and the little one will sit through it, book something at the IMAX.

Food there is expensive so if you don't want to spend a fortune and you're arriving before 11am get breakfast baguettes or sub of the day from Subway just outside the station.

So I would aim for Space, if its too busy, try Who Am I or Launchpad, then go for a run around the Flight Gallery, and then The Garden followed by a film.

If its really hectic, the V&A across the road is always quieter and does backpack and treasure trails for kids

www.vam.ac.uk/collections/textiles/lawty/world_beach/index.html

I didn't think the food was too expensive, the cafe in the basement does children's lunches for £4, which includes a sandwich, a drink, a piece of fruit and either a yoghurt or jelly.

Also, I forgot about the Climate Gallery, DD loved it, they have a couple of games and interactive computer things which your 6 year old would probably like.

I would stay out of the Launchpad - it is a brilliant part of the place, but it is aimed at slightly older children and is always crowed; I think it would be overwhelming for your 3yr old. Save it up for a future trip.

The hands on bit of the climate change bit is good, as is the Pattern Pod (G/F, near Big Blue).

The flight gallery is lovely (and usually less busy), and you might like to go up to the very top floor and the we like the History of Medicine section - obviously has lots of body things (including a mummy on loan from the British Museum), so might not suit the very squeamish.

In my experience - the Garden, the shop, the cafe... You can take sarnier though - there are some picnic places.

Thank you all that is brilliant advice. We can do more than one trip - live on the Piccadily line! - so may be garden, flight, climate this time...
We are packed-lunch picnic people so won't need expensive sarnies.