Technopolis — Attraction in Mechelen

Amazing place for kids to dive into science, albeit superficially. Most attractions were working during our visit, which is better than other science parks in other big cities, and combined with the current Insectopia and lunch at the restaurant we easily passed six hours here allowing the kids to explore each and everything on offer.

It may help to have a scientifically minded guide to help explain the practical experiments on display, but the signs do a reasonably good job of highlighting the purpose in Dutch, French and English. In fact, almost everything is available in Dutch, French and English, including their temporary Insectopia exhibit, although often French or English buttons may not be working while Dutch buttons continue to function. It's not a big deal.

Insectopia was a huge hit, and the activity books (also available in Dutch, French, and English!) kept them beyond engaged all the way home on the train. The insects and other creepy crawlies on display were magnificent and the journal style story running through the exhibit was fun to follow. Because of the location of the exhibit, everything was crawling with real insect life, which was fun for the kids too!

Be warned though - my son came away with a tick after visiting the outdoor exhibit, and while arachnids weren't the focus of Insectopia, the exhibit is clearly home to these little parasites so keep an eye out for them if you do visit.

Two disappointments were the restaurant - where the food is absolutely awful - and the outdoor bar mixed with the sandy playground blaring rap music with horrendous profanities (in English and Dutch) at high volume isn't exactly what you expect at a family friendly venue.

Still, a recommended destination...

Don't recommend. This is a rundown playground, not a place to go if you're interested in learning something.

The entry price is extortionate. Far too expensive for the experience. €90 for a family of four. €50 for two adults when you're basically there to supervise your children as there's nothing for adults to do. Lots of things broken/old. Information is severely lacking. Yes, you can scan the QR codes to find out more but who goes to a museum to stand looking at their phone? We were there on the same day as various schools. The children were allowed to run around unsupervised. Some were extremely rough, pushing us out of the way, etc while the teachers sat chatting. School groups should have supervision.

Sent Technopolis feedback after the visit. They argue that there is plenty to do for adults and that sometimes things are out of order. When I see the same comments 3-4 years ago, it's apparent they don't actually do anything with the constructive criticism....

It's fun for kids and adults. And through kids eyes it's awesome for sure. For an adult it lacks the following:

Too much text on the screens while animation would help more. Especially for kids. A kid has a low attention span. Visual is better.

No background information on the discoveries. Just factual :'it works because of this' . I would prefer animations or diagrams showing forces at play. Technopolis is made to attract kids to science so that be great. And would educate the parents

-Explaining practical use of the science. How it helps us live better

It doesn't have a future zone. Like at Epcot where new technologies are showcased.

Flow: it's not too clear where to start. The flow is random.

The restaurant feels like an afterthought and lacks warmth or connection to the venue

So in essence for a fun afternoon with kids it's great. But using the ressources already at hand( screens) I think the experience could be...