A Fun-Filled Day at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax

Published on 4 November 2023 at 05:36

Eureka is a place that I have extremely fond memories of a child and I couldn't wait to take my own children there! I wondered how much would have changed since being a little girl myself and I have to say - whilst of course it has been updated in the last 20 years - so many of the wonderful things I remember were still there!

We had a fantastic day out with my eldest (my youngest was born at 7am the very next day!!!). We've since been as a family of 4 to make the most of the annual pass you get as part of your ticket - great value!

What you do will depend on the age of your little ones. I've written this based on taking our 2 year old toddler.

Getting There

Eureka! is located right in the heart of Halifax, making it easily accessible whether you're traveling by car, train, or bus. In fact it is right outside the train station so we've said the next time we go we will head there by train.

Living & Working Together

This is my favourite part of Eureka! This interactive area is designed to resemble a mini-town where kids can explore various roles that make up a community. From shopping in a mini supermarket to managing a post office, the exhibit is full of hands-on activities that teach children about everyday life and the importance of different jobs in society. We had to literally drag O away - in hindsight we could have just let him stay but we wanted to see what else there was.

Sound Garden 

This is an area specifically designed for children under five. This sensory-rich environment is perfect for toddlers, with soft play areas, colorful interactive displays, and musical instruments that they can bang, pluck, and play. It’s a great place for them to explore different sounds and textures at their own pace. My eldest loved the little area with drums and spent ages here.

All About Me

While some parts of this area are designed for older kids, there are plenty of interactive exhibits that toddlers will enjoy, like the giant mouth they can crawl through or the simple puzzles that teach about the human body. My eldest absolutely loved the area with the big screen where you watch people dancing around - he stood copying them for a good 15 minutes!

Desert Discovery

Desert Discovery is a sensory-rich exhibit that brings the desert environment to life with interactive elements tailored for toddlers. From exploring sand dunes to discovering desert creatures, this exhibit provides a playful introduction to the unique world of deserts.

Sound Space

SoundSpace is a sensory-rich environment filled with colorful, interactive displays that are perfect for toddlers. The exhibit encourages hands-on play, making it a great spot for young children to explore how sounds are made and how they can create their own music. 

Outside

As well as all of the amazing things inside there is also an outdoor area. This features a sensory garden, musical instruments, and water play exhibits—perfect for sunny days. The highlight is the giant Archimedes Screw, where kids can work together to move water uphill. Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes; things can get a bit splashy!

Eating

There is a café on-site offering a range of family-friendly options, from sandwiches and salads to kids' meals and treats. If you’ve brought your own lunch, there’s a picnic area outside where you can relax and enjoy some fresh air.

Final Tips:

  • Plan Your Visit: Check the museum’s website for any special events, workshops, or seasonal exhibits that might be happening during your visit. You have to purchase your tickets in advance.
  • Arrive Early: The museum can get busy, especially on weekends and school holidays, so arriving early will help you make the most of your day.
  • Dress Comfortably: With so much interactive fun, comfy clothes and shoes are a must!

Add comment

Comments

There are no comments yet.