W5 is officially described as 'an interactive discovery centre' which doesn't sound half as much fun as it really is. It is an educational place, but boy is it fun! The first time we went, my kids were absolutely blown away - there is nothing else in Belfast in this league. There are 4 separate areas - START, GO, SEE and DO and each has loads of fun stuff for kids and the adults with them to do. START is best for younger children - although my 9 year old still secretly loves it. You can't imagine some of the exhibits and best of all, you are allowed to touch and get involved with everything. First thing you'll see is the fully functioning mini branch of Tesco - shelves, fruit, veg, packets and a chilled counter with fake lobsters and mussels and even a till which beeps as you put each item through. Genius. Then there's the real Mini car which you can tinker around with, a mini building site with crane and foam bricks and roof tiles, a huge water play area (they even provide waterproof aprons), and how great is this - a recording studio where you can watch yourself on screen as you play a wooden guitar. I mean the children can watch themselves, obviously I haven't done that. GO is all about space so will appeal to junior astronauts. You can sit on pulley chairs which you have to use your own body strength to lift, join in a massive tug of war, experiment with magnets, and build and race K'Nex cars. SEE - I love this bit. You can create cartoons and add sound effects. I think I missed my vocation in life. Even better, you can make music with lights and your movements. This section is quite 'laboratory' like and will appeal to even too cool for skool pre and early teens. Finally there is DO, where you can get stuck in building robots and learning all about our weather systems. Like anything you make in W5, you have to respect the rules and leave your model behind for someone else to dismantle and use the materials. There is a café but it sells a limited selection of scones and sandwiches. But the good news is that there are picnic areas so you can bring your own food, saving money and ensuring that your kids will have something they like. There's also a shop which sells reasonably priced gadgets and toys. A stroke of genius is that there are lockers on the ground floor so don't have to carry bags and coats etc which I think is fab, especially in winter when you'll have hats, scarves etc too. A ticket for 2 adults and 2 children will cost £22. That might seem off putting at first glance but bear in mind that your ticket is valid for the full day and you can leave for something to eat in one of the nearby restaurants and go back in. You could easily spend 3 -4 hours at W5, especially on your first visit. I cannot recommend W5 highly enough for a family day out , just one word of caution, wet days in the summer holidays can be crazy busy in W5, so go first thing or later on in the day. read more

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Recently visited w5 with a very hyperactive 1 year old godchild and she as well as i loved it! It is great for tiny people to explore and run away with their imagination! In particular the kids seemed to enjoy the discovery area which is for under 8's only. It is a great place for children to get into role play as it is set out in real life situations and allows children to learn about themselves and the world around them as well as encouraging them to experiment. There is a little water area which is particularly good for sensory and motor development and the little ones appeared to have a ball in here! One tip is to bring an extra set of clothes for them because if they are anything like this child they (and everyone else around them) will be soaked from head to toe!! Children under 3 years go free and £8.50 for an adult. They also do great family offers and all in all it is a great family day out for all ages :) read more

Great place haven't been in years and didn't really fancy it as I thought my son would be to young but brought him anyway and it was amazing he's 2 and loved every second of it lots of stuff to do and was kept very entertained read more

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Where do I start with W5? Maybe I'll just mention casually that they have a musical staircase. Or I'll drop it in that there's a laser harp. Oh, and did I mention they have a wall that's covered in random objects that make noises and if you push the right ones in the right order, you'll here the Star Wars theme tune? Actually, maybe I'll just be honest and say that going to W5 brings me joy. That's all. Pure, unadulterated joy. It's just full of stuff to touch and make and learn and look at. I'm a grown-up now, so I can't really go without taking some kids (it's ok, I have nieces and nephews, I don't just take random kids off the street to justify a trip to W5), but it's one of those places that appeals to the child in you. It brings out a sense of wonder when the most basic of physics theories are demonstrated using magnets. Now, if this is how enthusiastic I, a 27 year old woman, get over W5, imagine how it is for a child. I can't tell you how worth it it is to take your kids here. It can be expensive, but in my opinion, it would be worth saving up for. Your ticket lasts you all day, so you can come and go as you please. If I might suggest doing what my lovely sister-in-law does though. When she leaves she passes her tickets on to someone who's just about to come in. Saves them some money, gives her a serious case of the warm-and-fuzzies - everyone's a winner! read more

W5 is amazing, I know some people do not really like museums and they can often be viewed as boring but W5 blows that theory out of the Water. It is an interactive and educational Museum with a difference. This is a great day out for all the family but especially for imaginative kids. My niece and my sister recently went to W5 and ended up staying for over 5 hours. My niece was particularly impressed with the miniature shop and it gave her a chance to explore her imagination, which I think is the purpose of W5. It is not overly expensive either, at £7.50 for adults and with under 3's getting in free it is a cheap day out especially if you have younger children. The parking is really convenient outside the Odyssey Arena and there are plenty of places inside the pavilion to refuel after burning up all those brain calories. read more

We braved the half term crowds today for our first visit to W5 and I have to say, we weren't disappointed! My group consisted of an easily bored 9 year old, a hyperactive 7 year old and a crazy 4 year old (all boys) plus the husband bringing up the rear! First impressions were positive, prices clearly displayed and very helpful staff to welcome you. We paid £34.50 for a family ticket which gave us all day access. I was most impressed that we could leave the facility for lunch and return later with no extra charge or hassle. The attraction is split over 4 floors, the ground floor has a nice gift shop catering mainly for kids. The 1st floor has a large costa coffee and a fantastic picnic area where you can eat your own sandwiches etc. Although we didn't use this facility all looked clean and tidy. The 2nd floor is where the real fun begins....the area is split into 3, One area for older kids and one area designed for under 5s. Between these two areas there is an excellent climbing frame area (climbit) which can be accessed by 3-16 year olds. My husband took our 2 older boys one way while I got left with the crazy 4 year old. We had a blast......massive train sets, replica shops and cafes, a car and house to explore. The real highlight was the water area which was fantastic. (plastic capes are provided for kids) The older boys and husband were also hugely impressed by their area. Lots and lots of hands on activities to occupy the brain and tire out bodies!! Climbit was next...a huge frame which stretched over 2 storeys!! Our brave middle son really loved this, whilst the less brave/ more lazy rest of us enjoyed a costa coffee from the well located concession. The 3rd floor did seem more educational but very enjoyable. I think on our next trip we may start at the top floor and work our way down. All in all we spent a really enjoyable 4 hours here. There were plenty of staff about and the place was so clean. Toilets are located on every floor and all seemed to have baby changing facilities. After visiting several science centers in England, where we paid double the entrance fee, I have to say W5 is something for Belfast to be hugely proud of. read more

Still exhausted from our visit here a week ago ;) This is the best children's museum I have visited (out of at least 10). The climb it exhibit alone is outstanding. ABSOLUTELY must visit here with kids of ages 4-10. In-and-out privileges so you can find lunch elsewhere are also appreciated! read more

Spent the day here with the kids for a very reasonable price. Had a great 6 hours, and could have stayed longer! The discovery area was a big hit with the 1 1/2 year old and 5 year old that I look after. The live shows/demos where a nice touch, the hosts were brilliant with the kids. The lockers to store personal belongings is an excellent idea, it really saved me lugging everything around. They didn't even mind us bringing outside food to eat for lunch. The only thing I have to say is that it was very busy and honestly spent about 10 mins waiting for an elevator, that we could fit the pram in, when trying to go to a different floor. This was everytime we had to use the lift and it was frustrating. read more

I LOVE this museum! My kids always have a fantastic time. The only reason I don't give five stars is because it's so expensive we can hardly afford to visit. If you are visiting Belfast with children, don't miss out on this! read more

W5 - Museums Near Me - Belfast, BFS

It's a children's museum, thus taking all of the boring aspects from a regular museum, and then adding something that lights up and something that plays music. A museum aimed at children is an interesting concept because museums are designed to be walked around and to stimulate the brain. Children like to drink Fanta and run until they throw up. Insert W5. Located at the very back of the Odyssey, this fantastic little place stimulates the brain and keeps interest levels up until you get tired at the exit. There are any number of events exhibitions which depending on when you go you could have something to do with dinosaurs or something to do with the moon. There was a music section which let you see and play strange instruments, and a big pool area to play and watch boats, all of which you find yourself staring for about 20minutes until you realise everyone else has left you because you are behaving like a child. Just as my review with the Ulster Museum, I would go into more detail but museums are one of the few places I think it is more interesting if you don't know what to expect, rather than if you do because it ruins the surprise. Trust me though that this is a fantastic day out and even though a lot of museums have children's areas to stop you getting bored, the only non-children's area is the entrance, because once you go up the stairs, it is a journey you can't possibly forget, and if you really want, you can buy yourself an overpriced memory from the token gift shop. read more

I'm a fan of museums, it has to be said. I like just going round and chilling out and generally taking a bit of time to myself to reflect and take in a bit of information if I'm lucky. This place is not that kinda museum but it is still well woth checking out. Its fun, innovative and really is a place for all the family. I couldn't recommend this place highly enough to people with kids and its even good for people my age. Well worth checking out and someting Belfast should be proud of. read more

This is a museum for kids!!! Kids have the coolest stuff 'happymeal's', 'Toys r Us' and have you seen some of the new age play parks they have these days, they have some of the best features ever. W5 is an attempt to make science cool and enjoyable and it has made science even cooler and enjoyable than I ever thought was possible. Its been well over a year that I have been there and they probably have new sections and exhibitions but I'm sure of the best stuff is still there. This is completely great for kids and greta for adults too. Located in the Odyssey at the newly named 'Titanic quarter' in Belfast. I think its pretty pricey but there are family deals and what not available. Have fun on the musical stairs!!!!!! read more

I love going to museums, art galleries and places like this that are really imaginative and thought provoking. They're just lovely places to wander around. I used to go to the Trinity Science Gallery in Dublin all the time and went to W5 recently as I thought it'd have the same sort of vibe. I really enjoyed my visit there. The place is full of random things and you're definitely more likely to take in information here than if you were reading a dull text book. The place is also a haven for kids, it has loads of interactive games and educational things. Will definitely be going back soon! read more

GReat entertainment for kids. Usually very busy. Parking nearby and good. Plenty of places to eat nearby. Always changing and updating which results in repeat visits. read more

Terrible, full of screaming children that have no common sense. You could be watching or playing something and a child will take over. Also,it's a bit boring. Not much things to do. The other reviews are really inaccurate. Unless they just got a better day than me. read more

W5 is a great place to visit on a random trip to the Odyssey. I sometimes wonder how it manages to stay open as it always seems totally empty any time I go. All its attractions are still fantastically interesting. Its the type of place I like to go with people who have never been before so I can sit and watch them be as amused as I was the first time I went. There are often many different shows and attractions that come to it, which might bring in a bit more of a crowd. These are usually geared towards children so I don't make a point of going to them.....as it would be weird! read more

W5 had long passed me by, I'd never really taken much of an interest as to what was in through the glassy doors and whether I would squeeze any enjoyment out of it... but alas, when I did finally make the trek I was overwhelmed. I've been a couple of times - now I would note the place loses a little of its ingenuity and charm if you go too regularly, leave it a few months and maybe head over with someone else. The first time I went during a roasted summer day with a few friends from work. It's fantastic. An array of the mystic and scientifically baffling items and things to admire, touch, smell and hear. Highlight? I do have a penchant for the gyroscope in the perspex briefcase. Often overlooked as it's almost hidden in a corner but what it is is a gyro, in a case. You press a button, it charges up and spins. You lift the case by the handle and then as if by some devilish force the once heavy case appears weightless.... it's brilliant read more

Where to start. We love it and it is more reasonably priced than some family attractions. From the moment you enter you have 'hands on' experiment to try out. You can choose to start at the ground floor and work your way up or vice-versa. We like to take a picnic and you can usually find areas just outside the actual display/experiment sections where you are allowed to eat your own food. Allow plenty of time to do things though, as time disappears and even the adults have plenty of scope to try something new and be amazed or intrigued. Certainly well worth return visits, but try to time these for when they have changed their extra themed displays, which run at various times throughout the year and are usually well advertised in the press. Good for all ages. read more

Took my newly turned 4 year old here and she and I had a fab day. She loved everything, especially the toy/play area. Great place for learning. She didn't stop talking about it!! read more

This is a totally brilliant place to take kids of all ages. When we went we took a 8month old baby a 1year old and 2year old and an 8 year old and they all loved every second of it and spent the whole day playing with everything. the 8 year old got the most out of it but the babies played in the water and sand and then enjoyed watching all the ,movement and colours. The adults also loved parts suchas racing wheel chairs and raging each other on ropes and 'helping' with tug of war. we went when the dinosaor exabition was on and it wasnt huge but a good bonus and the 2 yr old totally loved it ane belived they where real! It is a little epensive but under 1s are free and there are cheaper rates for students etc worth checking out the web site. It is a full day out and worth taking a packed lunch as there are lockers on the ground floor and you can keep it there till your ready as the cafe is pricey. Take the buggy if you have wee ones as they will prob get tired. read more

You can easily spend all day at W5 and still not see everything that they have to offer. They also run seasonal events and temporary exhibitions so there's always something to see and do every time you visit! Definitely suitable for all ages - fun for all the family! read more

For families with kids under 12 this place alone justifies a trip to Belfast. Very well thought out and with an area for younger kids and then themed areas for older children this is learning through play at its best. The activities are all science based but its not at all a museum type place, the kids just have fun and are very engaged by the interesting activities. There is a whole days worth of different activities for those with a low boredom threshold who like to move on quickly to the next thing, but more often there will be some particular experiment that will hold their attention for ages. This is a great place to really spend quality time interacting with your chillren and learning with them as an equal in many of the exhibits. read more

This is a fantastic place for adults and children alike to learn more about science. It is full of wonderful and fascinating experiements, displays and activities. The kids absolutely love this place and are kept amused for hours. The great thing is, being at the Odyssey you can also have a great meal here to - a fantastic day out. We visited this centre a good few years back and went back again recently. I was really glad that they had kept the general feel of the place the same but had also change some elements to make it fresher and more exciting. It is a little expensive but honestly it is worth it for the fun you will have. Last time we went there was a member of staff conducting an experiment to see which material would make the loudest bang. The kids loved this! read more

WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY, This is what W5 is all about one of the best places for kids and adults alike. based in the odyseey arena in Belfast we just love this place. you pay your entrance price in and if you feel like a break in all thats in there you can come and go as you please . there is lots to do from small kids say babies up to big kids i mean adults. my children find it fascinating learning through play there are various levels with disabled acess via a lift and excellent toilet facilities on two of the three levels they also have lockers on the ground floor so you dont have to carry coats ect with you. my kids just leave me to do there on thing from making boats to trying out where sound comes from so muh to do in one place i highly reccomend you visit at least once . there is also various displays on and check out online to find out about upcoming events as they hold lots and its brilliant i just cant stop raving about this to anyone and everyone i know. read more