A day out at Techniquest Science Discovery Centre
A trip to Techniquest was always a highlight of my childhood. I fondly remember visiting Techniquest as a child so I’m delighted that I can now bring my own children to visit too.
Techniquest is the UK’s longest established science centre. Founded in 1986 by Professor John Beetlestone and his colleagues from Cardiff University, its first site was the gas showroom opposite Cardiff Castle right in the heart of the capital.
It then moved to a pre-fabricated industrial building in Cardiff Bay in 1988 and then in 1995 it moved to its current site in Cardiff Bay.
New Exhibits
Techniquest has recently seen the addition of lots of new exhibits. When my children were toddlers, I used to take them to Techniquest’s toddler days, which they still run. My girls favourite exhibit was without doubt the water table. They would happily spend all day splashing about with the water.
Now that they’re 10 years old, they still enjoy Techniquest just as much as always. In fact, even more so with the new exhibits.
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be in a hurricane or earthquake, Techniquest has you covered! It’s giant fan simulates a hurricane and there’s a platform you can stand on that simulates an earthquake!
From moving the earth to lighting up the sky, children can also discover how materials and chemicals create fascinating fireworks by making their own combination and watching them come to life on the screen.
M in particular really enjoyed mixing different elements from the periodic table to create various reactions on the giant screen pictured below.
R enjoyed creating her own reactions too by scanning elements with catalysts and changing the pressure and temperature to create reactions.
As you can see from the photo below, Techniquest has lots of new, interactive exhibits.
Plus, there’s a massive slide which I can vouch is fun for all ages!
One of the wonderful things about Techniquest is the amazing use of Technology. We enjoyed ‘operating’ on this ‘mannequin’ by waving our hands over the touch points and watching the action unfold.
Along with the new exhibits at Techniquest, plenty of the original exhibits are still there. From the optical illusion chair to the water table and more.
With the summer holidays fast approaching, why not book a visit to Techniquest? As well as the exhibits, they offer a range of science shows plus, in celebration of the new Disney Lightyear movie, Techniquest also have Lightyear Workshops available.
