Camera Obscura or Dynamic Earth?

[geordieminx]

With a nearly 4 year old who is into sciencey/planet/exploring?

TIA

I'm never hugely impressed with either, tbh. I think it's worth the effort to go further - Glasgow science centre far more worthwhile.

We live 10 mins from the science centre and have a season ticket

Dynamic Earth seems to scare the shit out of about 50% of small children that visit. It is very dark. DS1 loved it at that age (he is quite geeky) but DS2 screamed all the way through when he was 4. Which was a tad annoying as it ain't cheap.

Never been to Camera Obscura.

I love the Camera Obscura, found it far more fun than Dynamic Earth.

I'd pick Camera Obscura too. Agree with crackfox about fear factor of Dynamic Earth.

Camera Obscura, loads of fun for the whole family, plenty hands on stuff which he'll love.

definitely the obscura!!

I think you can use Tesco vouchers too for Camera Obscura. I havene't been for a long time but remember thinking it was good but hugely expensive for what you got

We went to camera obscura in the end.

We had a lovely day, especially as the sun was shining.

The museum itself was great, cost us £20 as under 5's are free which is great. We had a good couple of hours in there, probably could have had more had it not been so busy.

Only problem was as per every where else in Edinburgh, bloody tourists who have no idea of how to behave in a public place. Time and time again, standing in front of an exhibit, magic eye, whatever and the same few folk just barge in front of yup. Very cross.

I manage Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. Thanks for visiting, and to all the people who recommended us. Our aim is to delight and we try to build exhibits that truly engage and are great fun to explore and use. I note what you said about people barging in. We will examine the layout again when we are busy and see if we can improve matters. If anyone has any tips to improve the visit for families do let me know. And if anyone comes and doesn't feel it has been good value for money, please note we offer a money back guarantee, as most of all we want our visitors to be happy. Our email address is [email protected], website is www.camera-obscura.co.uk/ Thanks,

No honestly it was great, it's just the age old problem of tourists in Edinburgh with no manners. Or us British with too many manners

Perhaps a cattle prod?

Oh a couple more boxes for wee ones to stand on to access the exhibits wouldnt go a miss, heavy 4 year old=tired arms!

Thank you. I have checked our stepstool inventory in every room and am ordering more as a result of your suggestion. Thanks again for visiting
We have also asked the Edinburgh for Under Fives researchers if they would like to visit and see if they have any suggestions for us for making the visit better for small children.

We have started offering a birthday party space, by the way. It has only been used a few times so far, but feedback has been glowing.

party space!!!!! FANTASTIC. If you have i would love to try and arrange this for my daughters 6th birthday party!!! - May 28th/29th 2011. I visited Dynamic Earth on Sunday and although good, my first choice would have definately been Camera Obscura as i know it from old and love it!! However as there wasn't any mention of birthday parties on the website I regrettably dismissed it as an option! What could your venue offer for approx 16 x 6yr olds for a birthday party? Could there be a dedicated gude for instance? Could you supply a lunchbox? What about a goody bag? Of course a birthday cake is a must but obviously I could bring this with me? How much would it cost?

Getting rather excited at the possibility - please let me know before I book Dynamic Earth!!!!!

I visited Camera Obscura on Sunday and thought it was great. My only complaint was the rude french family. The mother kept making remarks not realising I could understand her and I told her I'd rather she addressed me as Lady Muck instead of the wee fat mademoiselle. She avoided us after that. Wasn't my fault they were too thick to realise the screens and the pads for making the circles didn't match up :p

tlc1 - I don't think handsonfun is a regular, so you'd probably be better off emailing him/her direct

I agree TLC1 I'd email camera obscura as it may be something they would consider