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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Eureka or Magna??

27 replies

unknownrebelbang · 08/08/2007 01:11

Please give me your opinions on either/both Eureka or Magna.

The lads are 13, 10 and 9. I know DS1 is probably a tad too old but he'll go along with things for the day iykwim.

TIA

OP posts:
twentypence · 08/08/2007 07:35

I took ds to Eureka, he's 4. He had a great time. If your boys are into information then they will have a great time - there is a lot of reading that they could do that we simply couldn't do with ds bevause he was pressing everything and haring about generally.

Not been to Magna - couldn't get there because of flooding.

Bewilderbeast · 08/08/2007 08:04

I'd vote for MAGNA for that age group, its fabulous and free as far as i can remember

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 08/08/2007 12:04

Only been to Eureka with dd when she was 5 and have to say that I think your boys would all be too old for it.

We're hoping to go to Magna tomorrow, never been before but heard good things.

BraceYourselfMavis · 08/08/2007 12:06

Took DSs (11 and 9) to Eureka a few months ago.

They were too old really, although they enjoyed it for a couple of hours.

Worked out quite expensive for such a short amount of time though.

Haven't been to Magna.

MonkeyandBabyBoo · 08/08/2007 12:37

Been to both. Eureka! was great for my DS(3.5 yo), I think that this would be too young for your boys. Magna was great and probably would suit them better - my DS was too young, there was loads of activities to do but he didn't have the concentration levels to stick at them. He could do some of the stuff though and he enjoyed the adventure park afterwards.

Enjoy your day

Original poster
unknownrebelbang · 08/08/2007 16:33

Thanks All.

Magna looking favourite then.

Stripey, if you go tomorrow, please come and tell all.

Cheers.

OP posts:
Ellbell · 08/08/2007 16:39

For that age group, go to Magna. Eureka probably best for the 3-8 sort of age group (though also stuff for older ones). Mind you, they have a beach thing going on there at the moment, which might be fun.

We went to Magna recently and my dds (now 5 and 7) loved it. Some of the info in the main museum part went over their heads, but for the age of your boys it'd be great. I think it's cheaper than Eureka too (but we're Eureka members, so ends up being cheaper iyswim). There is a great outdoor play area with a 'wet area'. Take a change of clothes or swimming costumes (it says you don't need costumes on their website, but we'd have been better with them... dd2 ended up just in her knickers... no shame, those Babybells ) and a towel! I'm sure that 'even' a 13-y-o would enjoy it.

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 08/08/2007 16:46

Will do.

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 09/08/2007 17:37

We just got back from Magna. Have to say for us it wasn't much good, at least the inside bit wasn't. The outside play park and water jets area was great.

DD is scared of the dark and scared of noises and the whole thing is set in this huge old warehouse thing and not properply lit. Its dark with neon lights glowing just enough for you to find your way around. She spent most of the time sobbing and asking to leave. She did like the inside water pavillion though where you get to operate mini lock gates and other things. Fire and Air were too scary and we didn't bother going to earth.

But for older kids I think its much better than Eureka. Added bonus is that its so close to Meadowhall so got some shopping done as well!

Original poster
unknownrebelbang · 09/08/2007 18:22

aw poor DD.

Thanks Stripey, and Ellbells.

OP posts:
filthymindedvixen · 09/08/2007 18:30

Deffo Magna for your age group I think.
My eldest ds is 9.5 and he still likes eureka but in 6 months time he will have outgrown it. it is aimed at much younger kids IME.
For younger children Magna is too scary. My 6 year old freaked out big time at the age of steel hall (very dark, echoey and flary, scary flamey light effects...
Magna is great, dh and I enjoyed it imensley too

Original poster
unknownrebelbang · 09/08/2007 22:55

Oh deffo Magna then.

OP posts:
twentypence · 10/08/2007 02:57

TBH I was bored at Eureka, but blamed it on there being 4 adults and only 1 Ds. However, on reflection it's because it is all for children so I was just supervising rather than learning something myself at the same time. And I am an enthusuastic "ohher and agher".

sarahhal · 10/08/2007 07:29

And I was bored out of my mind at Magma!!! Probably didn't help that I am not very science orientated - DH loved it.

sarahhal · 10/08/2007 07:29

See, can't even remember what it was called

Ellbell · 10/08/2007 08:26

Stripey - my dd2 (5) was scared in Magna too, though she loved bits of it (do they still have the sports bit when you first go in?). I thought it was just her, as she is a sensitive little petal . Dd2 (7) wasn't bothered in the slightest.

Ellbell · 10/08/2007 08:26

Dd1, I mean. (OMG, can't even remember how many children I have !)

Original poster
unknownrebelbang · 10/08/2007 08:35

It would be wrong to abandon DH with the boys and sneak off to Meadowhall, wouldn't it??

OP posts:
Ellbell · 10/08/2007 11:37

I think it would give your dh and boys a valuable male-bonding experience, urb, and would be a sign that you are an excellent mother!

Original poster
unknownrebelbang · 10/08/2007 11:45

lol....except it's DS3's birthday.

OP posts:
Ellbell · 10/08/2007 13:52

Ah no then. In that case you are duty bound to be there. Soz!

ptangyangkipperbang · 10/08/2007 14:00

We are Eureka members and I totally agree that it is aimed for younger children. We went to a member's party the other day and DS1 aged 9 decided he never wants to go again! DS2 and DS3 aged 7 and 3 had a fab time - they even met Gordon the Garden Gnome! Eureka are doing some Harry Potter weekends in October so that could be a better time to take your boys.
I didn't like Magna (bit scary ). Boys quite like the indoor bit but much preferred the outside. What about Diggerland? A new one has opened at Castleford. We've been to the County Durham one and the boys LOVED it.

Original poster
unknownrebelbang · 10/08/2007 19:14

I know Ellbell, lol.

Got to be tomorrow, we're off to the Dales for the weekend and it's on the way up, and it's DS3's birthday.

Been to the County Durham Diggerland a few years ago. Didn't know they'd opened another one.

Think Magna will suit the lads, thanks.

OP posts:
HermionesPatronus · 10/08/2007 19:15

my kids say magna anyday

SpookyMadMummy · 10/08/2007 20:11

You know, I live about a mile and a half from Magna and I have never been there!