Magna Science Adventure Centre, The Big Hall

Let me start by saying please ignore the haters because this place doesn't deserve it. My 9 & 6 year olds can't wait to go back again. Magna is an interactive science filled museum based around the operation of a steel factory, and that's just that. It's not body related or space related. It's based upon the history and operation of steel. Housed within an old factory itself you are greeted by a vast space that towers above your head and fills you with awe and terror in equal measures. Swiftly you move towards one of 4 interactive zones. Fire (with fire tornadoes/magnetic metal collectors/interactive fire extinguisher game), Air (with musical instruments/wind tunnel/smoke tornado), Water (with water guns/rain fall/interactive water play) and Earth (with controllable diggers and interactive mining section). Each section explains through boards and interactive activities the importance of this particular area in the steel industry. Again, this is not a body/nature/space museum, this is a place built in and around the steel industry and the activities are as such. On the hour there's a 5 minute display based around the old electric arc furnace. Yes it starts with a bit of talking but as you progress the noise, fire and sparks take over. It's a stunning sight and gives you a little insight to what the place would be like in a fully working capacity. There's plenty of toilets located around the place, a cafe located near the entrance and if you like you can even bring your own picnic in too. What's not to like about that? The only gripe we had, going this time of year, was the cold. I understand that between areas it will be cold, it's a big open space after all, but while in each section there was no heating whatsoever. The earth and water sections where warmer, due to being ground level, but the air and fire sections where baltic. Something to think about Magna? Overall it was an amazing experience and we can't wait to come back.