Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Halifax

I hadn't had chance to take my son to Eureka! since he was a young toddler. We returned this March for a fun-packed day of educational adventures. One thing I love about Eureka! is that no matter the age of the child and no matter how many times you have visited, there is always the opportunity to gain something new from every visit. When my son was younger he learnt through play and touch, it was very sensory. It was nice upon this visit to see him asking questions about the exhibitions and taking an inquisitive interest in the purpose of the museum's attractions. He particularly enjoyed the Me and My Body section and learning about microbes, parenting and body hair (quite a combination). I am really pleased that we live so close to Eureka! It's so handy, sitting right behind Halifax Railway Station, which can be reached directly from Blackburn and Manchester rail lines. We love it here and have booked my son's birthday at Eureka! for April this year (despite it being 50 minutes away from where we live). It's just great. I can't fault it and I hope other parents and their families at his birthday will enjoy their time here too. Check out the events, there's always something going on. One point - get to the cafe early, it gets SO busy!

We visited Eureka! with a 3 year old and a 11 month old. There was more for our 3 year old to do, but it was all very accessible for a buggy and our daughter had a crawl about in a soft play area so was reasonably happy. Obviously because it is a museum aimed specifically at children the whole place (and its staff) had a very child friendly attitude. We found some of the hands-on equipment a bit 'tired' where the writing had worn off through use, or a few buttons or features weren't working, but it didn't deter my son. At the time I felt it just needed a bit of money spending on it to restore it to its former glory. My son especially loved the car garage area where he and Daddy changed tyres and filled the car with petrol. Now my daughter is almost 3 I imagine she would LOVE the shop as she is very much into pretend play now, and my son would probably like sections he'd bypassed last time now he is almost 5, such as the section about the human body. I loved the section about pregnancy and childbirth. We had toasted paninis and jacket potatoes in the cafe which we found good quality, but like most places where you can get everything on site it was a little expensive. There are plenty of toilets and baby changing facilities scattered around the site, all of which we found to be clean and user friendly. Not sure if this is 'normal' for Eureka but when we went there was lots going on outside, including a real snow slope which my son sledged down, donkey rides, fairground rides and bouncy castles. All brilliant fun, which really added to the day. Would definitely return here, and think it caters for most children pre-teenager.

I loved this place. I went a few times as a little girl and it was magical. It starts before you even get into the museum, by walking up the yellow brick road! My son maybe wouldn't appreciate that as much though! As soon as we got into the museum, my little boy was running round everywhere, a little too young to appreciate most of it but there was plenty aimed at him too. He particularly liked the sound garden, I could let him run free as it is a sectioned off area with lots of soft play things and accessories for dressing up as an animal etc. He enjoyed Marks and Spencers, putting things in his trolly and walking about, he even tried eating the plastic toast in the "house", which completely confused him but a quality moment for me as a parent ;) I could not recommend this place enough for children of all ages. I don't imagine it would be AS fun for teenagers as it is aimed at children upto age 11, though even I enjoy playing about with some of the things! Large car park there as well as train station, so easily accessible, though I'm not sure if there was an easier way to get the pram from train station to premises (we carried it up and down spirally steps but didn't look around for easier access, so maybe going alone with a pram could be difficult if there is no other access). Toilets around the building are very well located, baby changing upstairs and downstairs (also a ramp to get up and down to both levels). We took food but drinks were quite pricey really, a fruit shoot was the same price as a pack of four from the supermarket, which may be expected from some but for those families with children would probably appreciate cheaper drinks. Once again, I highly recommend trying this place, especially with the new annual pass :)

I cannot praise this place enough! It has been around a long, long time, I used to visit as a child, yet it still still seems really forward thinking. This museum is completely for children, everything is hands on, nothing is restricted. It is really well thought out and child friendly. The centre contains lots of little 'worlds' for your children to discover. The first port of call is a play bank, supermarket and mechanics/garage area. All of these areas are equipped with tools, tills, stamps, everything you can think of which enables your child to learn about the place in question. Other than this there is a book tree, a global garden, a desert/dinosaur discovery for very young children and also a very comprehensive 'you and your body' gallery. This is a fantastic opportunity for your children to learn about their own body, measure themselves, learn about their teeth, their digestive system... everything you can think of really. This is just naming a few. The place is deceivingly huge. It looks nowhere near as it actually is from the outside. The museum is easily accessible. It is in the centre of Halifax and just outside the main Halifax train station. Literally a two minute walk from the platform. Entry is slightly expensive, but definitely worth it. There is a cafe and various snacks both hot and cold are available. Clean toilets, good changing areas and a well stocked shop. You cannot imagine how great this place is until you've been. It's fantastic.

We visited the museum with 2 children and had a great day. Its completley aimed at the little ones and there is so much to do and learn. The ticket prices are worth it as you get an annual pass with them for free so you can come back as much as you want. My daughters loved the mini marks and spencers supermarket as she's into the role play at the minute. We ate at the little cafe which wasn't amazing but hit the spot. If the weather is nice you can eat on park outside the building. There are toilets and baby changing all over the building and even baby changing in the mens.Would definatley recommend.

We visited this place already a few times with our children and they love it. Lots to see but especially to do. Miniature garage workshop, post office, kitchen, supermarket, bank, do building works, visit the desert. The kids really get invited to explore and learn through play. Lovely cafe with delicious healthy homemade food/ snacks. big carpark. For the summer there is sandpit and playground outside. Would recommend this place to everyone.

I visited the museum recenlty with my three children and spend the whole day there!! Exhausting! Prices are: Adult £8.95, child £8.95, Toddlers £2.95, Babies Free. Saver ticket admits 5 people £38.50. This is a great museum teaching the children loads of things and is really hands on, touchy feely museum where the kids are free to run around and touch everything (for once!!) through the 6 different exhibitions they have. Staff are really friendly. Good toilet facilities. The cafe isnt great though, food was basic and the seating area is tiny so best to take your own for a picnic (subject to weather conditions, as the picnic area is outside). Well worth a visit. Wear comfy shoes. Tiring day!

It was a great day out for our family. The kids had loads of fun and I greatly enjoyed 'robbing the bank'. The biggest suprise of the day was that for the £8.95 admission cost per person we can keep going back without restriction for a year.