Museums reviewed by parents: Techniquest

Younger children will love the big soft blocks shaped like cogs and long tubes. This activity is safe, easy and very tactile. It encourages kids to figure out how to fit different shapes together.

They will also enjoy stepping on the big floor piano and making fun sounds with their feet.

There are so many buttons to press and levers to pull that almost every object will be fun even if the children may not necessarily understand all of the science behind it.

Little kids will have fun making sounds and watching lights appear when they complete a simple action or task.

KS1 kids will love the shadow machine! One quick flash and shadows appear and linger on the wall long enough to have everyone mesmerized. The shapes you can throw in the shadow machine are endless and really fun.

The probability balls will be a great challenge for them and teach them about estimation and probability.  You put balls into a long tube and they shoot up, land in a maze, and you have to guess where each ball will land.

Children this age will be fascinated by the perception chair and stare at the reflected image of a miniature version of themselves on a chair. It looks like magic but it’s all about perception and depth!

Filling the small hot air balloon up and watching it float to the ceiling will keep them occupied for a while, too.  

There are several shows throughout the day such as Mission Moon, Star Stories and LEGO Robot Workshops. Some of these are included in the price of the ticket and are very interactive and educational.

You will also have the option to pay £5 for an activity sheet; once completed, your child will receive a £5 voucher for the gift shop.

The cafe is run separately from the museum and the tables are tucked away behind the reception desk, but the prices are very reasonable and it offers a range of coffees and light bites.

Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

The museum is open 10 am - 5 pm every day of the week.

For specific prices and event dates, visit the Techniquest website.

The gift shop offers a wide variety of souvenirs and educational purchases ranging from 50p pens to £50 robots. They also have books covering science, maths, and technology for most key stages.

Visit the Techniteach page for free worksheets and access to the Techniteach blog.

• Experiencing and observing phenomena (KS1)
• Identify, name, draw and label the basic parts of the human body (KS1)
• Explore and use mechanisms such as levers, sliders, wheels and axles (KS1)
• Understand and use electrical systems in their products such as a series circuits incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors (KS2)
• Apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products (KS2)
• Learning to construct with a purpose in mind (Nursery and Reception)

Photography: © Techniquest © Steve Pope © Nick Treharne