Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

My husband and I decided to take three of our grandchildren and a friend to the Think Tank. The concept of this venue is excellent but very much spoiled by so many of the interactive displays not working and the science garden was also closed. this was a great disappointment to us all especially as the price did not reflect this. Rather disgruntled , Maggie Dean

Loads to do, interactive zones, imaginative play area, water play areas, went with 2 x 1yr olds and they had great fun pressing buttons etc! Tips would be to find a car park because it doesn't have its own, also take lunch as the cafe was very busy. There was a buggy park which was good for us to let the toddlers explore.

We had a lovely day. So much to do and something for everyone.

We read the mixed reviews but finally decided to go and check out for ourselves. The day started with negatives such as the parking and then not signposted very well as we were trying to get to the entrance by foot from city centre car park with two 3 year olds and a 5 year old. Once we got there it seemed a little upside down as think tank is actually on the second floor (but science garden at entrance) yet the tickets box outside was closed and there was not a single person in sight to ask for direction, once in building we asked security at the desk who gave us directions to second floor and think tank reception. Once we got to reception it was all good, friendly staff on hand to help and help plan your day, good map to show where to go. Planetarium was fantastic and definitely worth doing. Kids city was fantastic everything worked fine, lots of role play clothes and equipment for the children to try on, all sections were thought out well and everything was clean, plenty of seating in every area for parents to sit and relax yet watch their kids playing. The recycle area, how your body works area, forensic van, wildlife and fossils area were all a massive hit on this floor, in particular kids liked the colouring and fact sheets, activity and colouring areas provided throughout this floor and again plenty of seating for adults. Plenty of staff available who came over and spoke to children telling them to try different experiments etc Level 3 was the planetarian and also space and future which was interesting. Level 0 was cafe which was pleasant but expensive but there is a large picnic table area which people could use if they bought own sandwiches (which is what we will be doing next time). All in all a very good day, we were there for over 5 hours and never bored there was too much to try and look at, every area is well thought out and easy to access. Shame about parking and lack of signage but other than that a good day out.