Magna Science Adventure Centre — Attraction in Rotherham

An amazing day out, with something for everyone.

Magna is easy to locate, and you pick up the brown signposts with plenty of distance, there is plenty of free parking on arrival (disabled spaces are available, no parent and child - but we didn't have a problem opening our doors to get the kids out).

We had booked in advance online, and were met by a lovely person at the front desk, who set us up with a pass that means we can come back all year (this is a plastic card, which will stand up to the trials of a wallet).

The site is enormous, and there is a fair bit of walking to do, and 4 floors to handle. It is entirely accessible for anyone needing wheels (pram/wheelchair). We did have a bit of confusion working out what floor we wanted in the lift - while there are signs explaining outside the lifts, signs on the inside near the buttons would be handy.

The lavatory facilities are clean and tidy, but could do with a coat of paint and a replacement rusty radiator or two. The baby change units are free-standing, rather than the ones that drop down from the wall; there are no safety straps - beware of this if you have a climber who needs a fresh nappy!

The canteen has a fabulous rainbow wall, that had my 8 month old absolutely fascinated. Hot drinks are reasonably priced. Unfortunately a lack of recycling bins for cardboard cups. You can only sit in the canteen to eat food you have purchased. However, there are various spots with indoor seating (the drop down style like at the theatre), benches outside and grass in the playground to sit on in fine weather (please note: there is limited shade from the sun, bring a hat or an umbrella if you're picnicking outdoors on a sunny day).

The exhibit is initially quite dark and a little intimidating with rumbles and clanging - if you have members of your group who have audio sensitivity, please bring their ear defenders or ear plugs. It is eerie to walk above the skeleton of the steelworks, and I was genuinely surprised how much was still in-situ! There are videos from before the steelworks closed being projected; all delightfully narrated in Proper Yorkshire Chelp! (This is definitely not a 'BBC News Voice').

You will wander by a sensory play area for under 4s, and if you have a tiny one with you, it is a lovely spot for them. Soft surfaces and bright colours.

The BIG MELT ran approximately every hour from 11am on the day we went, and lasted about a quarter of an hour. A marvellous Yorkshire narration talks through how they made moulton steel - with sound effects, lights and pyrotechnics. It isn't overly scientific or inaccessible for of those of us who don't have a clue about how steel is made. Educational and entertaining, and didn't overstay it's welcome or get boring.

The exhibit levels cover: Fire, Water, Earth, and Air (all required to make steel!). They are full of hands-on experiments for youngsters - and grownups - to partake in. Some require a "re-set period" and can't be run constantly, such as the fire tornado. However, after a clearly stated countdown, they can be set going again. A small number of experiments are being repaired or refreshed and are out of order, but they were in the minority.

We paid a small extra fee to watch a live experiment session about rockets; and if more school science teachers were as engaging and enthusiastic as the presenter, more kids would succeed in science! An excellent summer addition to the venue!

Outside is a huge playground, well padded with rubber mats and sand (make sure to tip your kids' shoes out before they get in the car!). There is a range of equipment to clamber on, suiting all ages capable of climbing. A water playground (bring swimwear and towels) was proving very popular on the beautiful sunny day that we visited - as mentioned earlier, shade is very limited.

Our family (two grownups, a 5 year old and 8 month old) had a wonderful time, and we will definitely go back...

Great for an exciting adventure day out! Having read all the recent posts, was a bit worried about going but we had such a great day!

Magna Mayhem was on with all the inflatables and bouncy castles and my 4 year old would have spent all day there! It was brilliant, loads of different ones to climb and bounce on and something for all ages.

We made a grass man in a little workshop which the kids loved and could take home to grow grass, for a voluntary donation. There was also a colouring table.

Then we went to the Phoenix Rooms where one of the staff did loads of science experiments which wowed all the audience! Rockets flying, mini fire tornado and lantern taking off. Really brilliant. Fantastic way to get kids excited about science!

The Earth room was freezing, so be prepared for it to be chilly! Bit confusing what we were supposed to do as there were hardly any pieces of coal to make the system work but saying that, there were loads of other things to keep my 4 year old interested and it's all hands on! There were two very impressive real diggers that you can operate but unfortunately they didn't work properly which was disappointing. There was dust falling off the railings which was pretty gross.

Air was brilliant, you're in an amazing huge blimp that looks like it's floating in the air. So clever. Again, there were quite a few things not working but we just concentrated on the ones that were and had lots of fun!! Tornado, pump horns to make a ray of silly noises and shooting air onto hundreds of little tiles to make them shimmer, all much fun!!

Fire was brilliant, we timed it perfectly and walked in just as the fire tornado was lighting up. My 4 year old boy was in awe of it! Loads of stuff to press and look at but again a few main things weren't working.

Water we went to last and it again was very impressive. There were two big rooms. Shooting the water guns was the favourite but so many things to look at and touch, we could've stayed in there for ages.

The outside park is brilliant for all ages and to be honest, we will probably go back just for that on a sunny day. There's also a water park which I'm sure will be great in the summer. Loads of sandy bits and loads of different types of climbing frames, really safe for my 4 year old.

Overall, we had SUCH a great day. It is a MASSIVE building to wander round, loads of stuff to teach my little one. It really is an amazing adventure, a magical experience and WELL WORTH a visit!!!

There were loads of things to press and look at so my 4 year old didn't really notice the broken parts... But it's a shame it just needs a few in-house handymen to fix the equipment and a good cleaner!

Food was good, loads of things on offer. All the staff in the shop, reception and café were very helpful, kind and polite.

Thanks MAGNA!!! Me and my little boy can't wait...

Let me start by saying please ignore the haters because this place doesn't deserve it. My 9 & 6 year olds can't wait to go back again.

Magna is an interactive science filled museum based around the operation of a steel factory, and that's just that. It's not body related or space related. It's based upon the history and operation of steel.

Housed within an old factory itself you are greeted by a vast space that towers above your head and fills you with awe and terror in equal measures.

Swiftly you move towards one of 4 interactive zones. Fire (with fire tornadoes/magnetic metal collectors/interactive fire extinguisher game), Air (with musical instruments/wind tunnel/smoke tornado), Water (with water guns/rain fall/interactive water play) and Earth (with controllable diggers and interactive mining section).

Each section explains through boards and interactive activities the importance of this particular area in the steel industry. Again, this is not a body/nature/space museum, this is a place built in and around the steel industry and the activities are as such.

On the hour there's a 5 minute display based around the old electric arc furnace. Yes it starts with a bit of talking but as you progress the noise, fire and sparks take over. It's a stunning sight and gives you a little insight to what the place would be like in a fully working capacity.

There's plenty of toilets located around the place, a cafe located near the entrance and if you like you can even bring your own picnic in too. What's not to like about that?

The only gripe we had, going this time of year, was the cold. I understand that between areas it will be cold, it's a big open space after all, but while in each section there was no heating whatsoever. The earth and water sections where warmer, due to being ground level, but the air and fire sections where baltic. Something to think about Magna?

Overall it was an amazing experience and we can't wait...