Hands on, interactive and good for rainy days (INTECH (Interactive Technology Exhibition))

Member Name: bucksfizz66

Product:	INTECH (Interactive Technology Exhibition)
Date:	05/06/09 (34 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Value for money - you will be here all day

Disadvantages: Older children will probably not feel so interactive

Intech Science Centre and Planetarium is located within Hampshire just off the M3 J9/10 near where it intersects with the M3. Whilst on holiday in Dorset this provided a good range of activities for children I would recommend on a rainy day. The centre is open from 10am to 4pm every day save 3 days over christmas, and even though it was half term was not overly busy.

Unlike the previous reviews I can now report you do pay to visit adult tickets are £6.95 each and childrens are £4.65 (for age 3-14). There are also OAP rates and combination family tickets dependant on the number of adults and children I would recommend reviewing this on the website www.intech-uk.com Planetarium shows are extra at £2 per person.

The schedule for the planetarium shows are always changing but the common themes are space, we saw the Astronaut show, which was great, my daughter at 6 found a few bits loud and scary. Some of the shows do have minimum age limits and you should check this to avoid sibling disappointment. Parking is free with spaces for over a 100 cars.

Interestingly the Planetarium is the largest in the UK with a large dome screen up above the seats, so need to rush to the front everyone has a view here.

My first impression on arrival was this place is small and we won't be here long, I was mistaken, you enter on the ground floor but there is also a lower floor once within the building. I think for younger children this is an ideal attraction, my own view is that teenagers would be bored.

The museuem aims to make science fun, through the use of practical examples from everyday life that require hands on involvement as well as thought, boasting over 100 hands on exhibits. My favourites were the siting of mobile phone masts to ensure a good signal for a car on a journey, cranes, flight simulator, viscosity testing, newtons cradle, the suspended bridge, the thermal imaging camera to name but a few.

As it was half term there was also a magician performing a couple of times - this was an excellent show and a nice break.

The museum has all the facilities you expect for disabled and non-disabled visitors. They have their Chompers cafe with a good range of food (but abit out of stock with lollies - sold out on Friday by Monday not re-stocked). You are not allowed to eat / drink your own food within the cafe but there is an outdoor picnic area with tables.

There is also a shop with various souvenirs, books, toys - I found this pretty uninspiring, we left with a badge but we had to make this ourselves - that wasn't exactly clear.

The entry fee was reduced by utilising a voucher from the Coinks (Ryvita Rewards) website - this meant the child ticket was free, unless your into Ryvitas and inputting the codes I wouldn't suggest this as a cost effective way of reducing the entrance fee.

A highly recommended day out for all the family.

Summary: Rainy hol days can be well spent here in this hands on attraction