A good family day out (Thinktank)

Member Name: fuzybee

Product:	Thinktank
Date:	08/06/09 (11 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: even on a busy day, the kids got to get their hands on stuff

Disadvantages: food was expensive, scarce and poor quality

We took our children and a friend as a birthday treat to the Think Tank in Birmingham, and had a fabulous day, with plenty to do. The only downside was that as it was a treat, we didn't take our usual packed lunch, and the dining facilities were very limited. I don't think it is always like this, as one of the cafes was shut, but it did mean that we had to queue for 45 mins for lunch, with a severely limited choice. We had thought that there would be lots of places to eat, if not at Millenium Point, but nearby, but of course, Brum is not designed for pedestrians, and we didn't feel like negotiating crossing dual carriageways with three 10 year olds in tow! We were not the only people to be disgruntled by the comnplete chaos of the cafes. However, the day was brilliant otherwise. We got there at 10.00am when it opened, and didn't have time to do everything as we had booked tickets for the IMAX for 2.30pm. This meant we couldn't do any of the free activities which clashed with seeing the film, but they looked excellent: educational and entertaining. There are lots of hands-on stuff, including an brilliant waterways system: they even provide plastic aprons to keep your little ones from getting wet. Our kids were too large for the aprons, but it was a nice touch. My children particularly enjoyed the 'trails' in the basement, where you had a card which had to be stamped with a selection of symbols that could be embossed onto your collector card. So in summary, a full day out, but take your own lunch (lots of areas provided to eat your packed lunch). There was a large carpark which cost us £4.50 for the day, and you can use your Tesco clubcard vouchers for the entrance fee (but not the IMAX). It cost us £60 for two adults and three children for entrance to the Think Tank and tickets to the IMAX to see 'Night at the Museum 2'. (There are lotsof 3-D films on too.)

Summary: great day out, take your own lunch!