Magna is located in an old steel plant just off the M1 in Rotherham. It is clearly signposted and…read moreeasily found. It is a hands-on interactive science learning centre, primarily aimed at children, although adults can learn things as well. There is no heating in the building, so be prepared to wear your coat all day if it's cold. It is also quite dark in places, which creates an eerie feeling, like walking through an abandoned building. Inside there are four main areas, or pavilions, which are based on the four elements (Fire, Air, Earth and Water) and an exhibition area. There are also two fun/playareas outside: Sci-Tek an adventure playground) and Aqua-Tek (a very wet play area). The first thing we encountered was an exhibition on colour, what it is and how it effects our lives. This is a good exhibit, and if you don't know the difference between addictive and subtractive colour mixing, then this will teach you! You walk past the restaurant, and enter the main part of the building. Each of the pavilions is on a different level and there are stairs and lifts for access. We headed of towards Fire first. To get there you have to walk along a long gantry which runs alongside one of the old furnaces. It is very dark here with very little natural light. Every hour there is a display of how the furnace worked using lights and pyrotechnics which lasts about 10-15mins and is very good. In the Fire pavilion you can find out about fire and heat. The displays range from heating up a piece of wire with electricity, to how heat is used in making steel and there is an impressive fire-tornando in the centre of the room. Our next stop was up in an air-ship which was the Air pavilion. Here we found out how a dyson vacuum cleaner works, all about sound and various other things. Two floors down is the Water pavilion. Again this is hands on, so expect to get a bit wet. You can learn all about whirlpools, water flow and play with an industrial water soaker. Good fun for little ones! Down underground is the Earth pavilion. This is all about rocks and other natural resources. You can pretended to excavate rocks, carry them in a wheel barrow and watch how they move around a convey-belt system like a real quarry. It's even possible to lift yorself of the ground by pulling on a rope. There are three eating areas in the building: a restaurant which provides hot meals and sandwiches, a cafe (which we didn't sample) and a large area for eating picnics. This is also a reasonable gift shop which sells science related products and toys. This is a good example of a hands-on science museum that teaches children all about science without them realising. However, you'll probably find they want to spend all they're time outside playing in the play areas - probably the Aqua-Tek one. It is a good idea to bring either a swimming costume or a spare set of clothes for them as they will be absolutely soaked. Should you find you have finsihed here and there is still some time left in you day, then just 5mins away is Meadowhall Shopping Centre.

A fantastic asset to Rotherham. Great for kids! Also holding great Events. Disabled Friendly Too!read more

The Kelham Island Museum in Sheffield is a must-see attraction for people interested in the…read moreindustrial history of not only Sheffield but the Midlands and North England. There are many intriguing exhibits (see my photos), and because of the informative displays it's also a wonderful venue for parents with children between, say, 8-16. Especially since children under 16 enjoy a free entry. Several times a day you can enjoy a working display of the largest surviving steam engine in England. That's great for the kids, of course. The entry fees for adults are £5.50 (standard) and £4.50 (concessions). The museum is located off the beaten track, a slow 15-20 minute walk from the city centre. But if you're an adult you can always fill up your "batteries" at the Kelham Island Tavern on Russell Street or The Fat Cat on Alma - both distinguished real ale pubs on the way to, or from, the museum. You will get an exhaustive and systematic overview on industrial history in this part of England (and both the temporary wealth for the plant owners - but also the dire living conditions for their workers). On a visit to Sheffield, this is one of the finest tourist attractions. Opening times: Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm Sunday 11am to 4.45pm

The museum was opened in1982 so they could preserve & show old industrial machinery etc that had…read morebeen used in the past or made in Sheffield.The museum stands on a man made island (hence the name)that is over 900 years old They have a great transport collection which includes the 1920's sheffield simplex car,a charron laycock & a rolls royce jet engine.There are also displays of products made in sheffield (spanners,knives,toast racks,saws) The 2,000 horse power river Don engine built by Davy brothers is housed here & is the most powerful steam working engine remaining & can still be seen steaming.Another great viewing here is of the grand slam bomb which is reckoned at being the heaviest in the world at 10 tonnes & they used to be carried by the lancaster bombers that were adapted to carry all the weight of these. They also have the Bessemer converter which is one of only three left in the world So here is a definate great exploring of the past day out & is only £4 for adults (accompanying children go free),they have a cafe,toilets,baby changing facilities,gift shop,parking & mobility access The only warning here is don't touch unless you ask first as most of the items held here are very dangerous

Rotherham Art Gallery has had quite a bit of work done to it over the last few years and is finally…read moreback up and running how it should be. It's free and there are many paintings and pieces from local artists. The York & Lancaster Regimental Museum is housed in the same space. The staff and friendly and it's in a good location near the bus station.

A great resource in Rotherham town centre. This building houses the library, art gallery and Yorks…read moreand Lancaster Regimental Museum along with the box office for events. The arts centre runs several programmes for arts activities for all ages including dance and workshops in the school holidays.

The library is a great place to take children to get books. It is a great service and children can…read moreenjoy reading a wide range of books and can take as many as they want.

This is a great day out regardless of age be you 5 or 105 there should be something to interest…read moreyou. Located on a former wartime Air-base this museum is run by many volunteers, including an ex-rear Gunner and wireless operator who was shot up during a raid over Germany. George Martin can be found in the Air Gunners Exhibition and I can assure you a more interesting bloke with his experiences and memories of this period I have yet to meet. The Museum is spread within several restored wartime sheds which house the various themes on display, along with many restored aircraft outside and in hangers. It also still has the air traffic control tower which displays how things would have been. One of the hangers displays other restored Aircraft including, the Halifax bomber of which nearly 80 were lost during raids over Germany from this base alone. Other more modern planes are also on display including the Buccaneer, Vulcan Bomber, and Harrier to name a few. The museum continues to restore aircraft and long may it continue we had an excellent day out and at an entrance cost of only £5.00 per adult including parking it wasn't going to break the bank.

We went on a slightly miserable but warm morning. When we arrived we were very impressed with the…read moresetup of the museum. It is very well kept with lots if different executions and lots of planes to see. I was particularly impressed with the Halifax bomber! You could also try out a couple of actual cockpits and they had 2 simulators, one to practice landings and the other as a rear gunner! The sun came out and it was a glorious day, we sat outside the NAAFI with a drink and a cake from the canteen. We would highly recommend you take a trip out, the kids would love it at well!!!

A fascinating perspective on the contributions by the people of the Manchester area to major…read moreinnovations in science and industry throughout history. Numerous displays and examples of equipment and machinery large and small. Steam engines to electron microscopes on display, with emphasis on Manchester's relationship with the cotton industry, both good and bad. Something for everyone here, young and old. Free to enter, donations appreciated. Reservations will make sure that you don't need to wait for entry. A must-see if you are in the area.

Fantastic place for families with children! Adults can enjoy the many exhibits while young ones can…read moreenjoy the hands on displays. We liked watching the textile demonstration in the Textile area. This place has so much to see and do. And it's free! Contributions are gladly accepted to keep this fabulous museum operational.

Bowling Hall is a large museum in a medieval building, it is set in a leafy garden with a large…read morepark across the road. It was a stronghold in the 'siege of Bradford' and where a ghost requested that we 'pity poor Bradford'! The exhibits are quite 'traditional', but this doesn't detract from the charm of the museum, in fact quite often you can be the only people in the attraction which gives it a certain atmosphere, especially when you are wandering around the haunted rooms! The museum is large enough to while away an hour, but not too big that it would be boring for younger visitors. The promise of a play in the park and an icecream should keep them quiet and on their best behaviour too - the park opposite the museum is large and well kept and has something for everyone.

This is a lovely old house situated in the Bradford 4 area…read more The ground floor where you enter is slighlty darker than the rest and can frighten some younger children. There is many things on show, that can teach young children and older children about how people used is to live. This place is said to be haunted and appeared on most haunted. It has different events happening through out the years and is a good place to vist.

family aimed museum, brillaint for the kids and it was free !…read morenice park for the kids to play in.

Great place to visit very interesting and educational here's some photos what I've takenread more

i always visit the park every sunday , i carnt belive its actualy free its like something you see…read moreand think you would have to pay a entrance free , a massive pond for fishing , park for the children , sand pit , slides and swings. i usualy go fishing on the pond with a reasonable price to fish , lovely people and litter free!