Intech is a science and technology centre - simply overflowing with knobs,levers, and all the other things that makes the learning of science so much fun for kids. Its first priority is to educate children, and so it is often the focus for a school visit. But the fun doesn't need to stop there! It is equally entertaining for families, and actually free of charge for visitors who come as family groups (the £2.50 admission charge made to members of school parties is not applicable to individuals).

The displays cover many aspects of science... sound, light, forces, movement and so on. You will also find the science behind technology explained there - things like telephones, gears, binary, and wheels. Find out why things happen, and how we make things work. If you take more than one child, it helps, as the interactive displays aometimes need two to use. However, if you do only have one, then it isn't the end of the world, there are often other youngsters there alone who will be happy to shout down the other end of a 'phone to yours, or discuss the workings of one piece of wondrous science or another. And, if all else fails, even the least scientific of us adults will find the instructions and explanations clear to follow!

Like many mothers, I'm not overly enthused by science, but I did find Intech to be informative and entertaining. And when my son started asking all those dreaded, 'How? and Why?' type questions that children ask in science centres, I found that the answers were supplied to me on the clearly written signs. At the same time, the exhibitions are not pitched too low to be interesting to adults with greater scientific knowledge than I, and it is the sort of place that can be returned to many times, especially as children grow up, and their understanding increases.

Best of all though.... the centre is FREE for family groups to visit. You will find that an hour or two at the end of a shopping trip
, perhaps, allows kids to see and concentrate on a small part of the exhibition, so exploring and learning a manageable chunk of knowledge. A single, long visit shows most children more than they can possibly 'take in' and remember in one go, and most will want to return. Alternatively, take them back there after a school visit, so they can re-explore their personal favourite areas in greater depth.

The gift shop, though small, has a super range of very intersting items - loads of stocking fillers and pocket money toys!