Techniquest — Attraction in Sully and Lavernock

Techniquest, Cardiff, Wales Tuesday 3rd April.................

A great day out for younger children, especially on a wet day. It was extremely busy with it being the Easter holidays, to the point where we had to leave due to sensory overload. Entry cost is of good value, entry & exit access could be improved for disabled & those with pushchairs. Loads to do, although only a half day activity really. Lots of fun, educational, hands-on & interactive activities. For anyone with sensory issues, the environment is loud & over stimulating. Over 2 floors, it's quite a tight space packed with activities, so moving around was a challenge. A picnic room on the lower floor next to the toileting facilities is provided for those that bring own food, however there is lots of tables in a small space, a space that isn't cleaned by staff, so solely reliant on individuals clearing up their own mess, bins are provided. There is a small, but reasonably priced cafe on site. A gift shop based next to reception with a variety of souverners & toys.

Staff were very welcoming and accommodating. Toileting facilities were accessible & clean on both floors. A large lift is available to those that need it. Plenty of parking available, with free disabled bays at the front of the building & a large long-stay pay & display carpark close by.

Techniquest is ideally located next to Cardiff Bay, hosting shops & food outlets.

For an additional charge at £1.50 per person, a planetarium show of 30 mins with an educational focus is optional, 2 shows available, a younger one for under 7's & one for 7+, the planetarium is not disabled or pushchair accessible, but is a great experience.

Over all Techniquest provides a fun experience for those under 10 years that love to get hands on with learning, many fun activities to keep even little ones entertained. Techniquest has made science &...

“Heyeeee munchkin. Did you enjoy the boat ride?” I asked with wide eyes and a beaming smile.

“Fantastico, Papa!” a face filled with Mediterranean sunshine replied.

“Hmmm…where next?”

“Papa, there’s only one place I want to go silly nana brain.”

“Shall we go…for a walk?” I asked, adding a dramatic pause between the word triplets.

“Nope!” Blank. Nothing. No response.

“Shall we go…for a cwoffee?” Theatrically delivered in my very best New York accent, which wasn’t particularly good as it turned out.

“Uh-uh,” Still nothing, nada, zilcho.

“Hmmm…let me see…Shall we go…and…sit in Roald Dahl Plass and watch the world go by?”

“Papa, stop pulling my leg…” a lazy shake of the head answered.

“I’ll try once more.”

“Please get it right this time round, Papa,” a crumpled face implored.

“Shall we go…to…t..” I began, stretching out the t like a Chinese street noodle maker pulls dough.

Now, something like a dense singularity pregnant with a universe of fun appeared in your eyes…

“Stop teasing, Papa. Say it,” kicking feet insisted.

“Shall we go to…wait for it…wait for it…to…waaaaaait…TECHNIQUEST?” I asked, pulling out the last word like a rabbit from an upturned top hat. And now as a magician, I waited for the prestige. You didn’t disappoint.

The singularity exploded with so much energy the existing universe could hardly contain it!

A bang bigger than the Big Bang went “Baaaaaaaaaaaaang!”

“Silly question, Papa. What are we waiting for? Let’s go!” More flailing limbs and energetic squeals accompanied with Mikey is very happy sounds. My son was just 14 months old back then and without doubt he loved our regular Friday visits to...

We visited techniquest for the second time in 2 weeks. The first time we came, unfortunately the planetarium wasn’t open, as it was during term time. It was a shame as our kids are home educated, but it is what it is.

We enjoyed ourselves so much that we decided to come back and take the 3 hour drive today, purely to get to see the star tours, now that the planetarium was open.

The gentleman that ran the show was wonderful. He was very informative and the show had the potential to be great. Unfortunately it seems that a number of people didn’t take notice of the fact the show was supposed to be for children 7+. There were a number of very young children and their parents talking through the entire show.

I’m not referring to the interactive segments where the gentleman was asking if anyone knew the name of the planets or the galaxy we are in. I’m referring to talking over the entire show! We missed quite a bit what was said and a young child was banging their feet against the seating the entire time.

A bit of feedback- if you do keep allowing young children to join in the presentation, it may be worth putting up a sign or even mentioning at the beginning of the show kindly asking that if children aren’t able to sit and listen to the show, to please take them outside so others can enjoy the show.

It’s a real shame that everyone else that was trying to pay attention to the show, weren’t able to hear above the constant talking. It was a...