Since Smallsteps was a baby, she has been interested in dinosaurs and even now, when I ask her what she is going to dream about, dinosaurs (and dragons) are the mainstays. It is because of this love that we took her to the Natural History Museum the other week to show her a little about what she has been obsessing over.
There has been an animatronics dinosaur show in our home city, but we weren't going to go, because it was quite expensive. However, when Smallsteps' friend's mum called to see if we wanted to join them, we decided to swallow the price and make the trip. While expensive, at least they said it would take about three hours to go through the displays.
Three hours if a seven year old reads every sign, watches every 3D clip, plays in the sandpit and eat something.
Suffice to say, that didn't happen.
The most time was spent lining to look at some poorly animated VR dinosaurs through goggles. These were placed at the end of the tour, and the first part took all of 15 minutes to travel through, even if stopping and reading some of the interesting facts.
Adults 22€
Children 20€
64€ for the experience. Which is more expensive than it was to go to the museum in Helsinki, at which we all agreed was a great visit and we want to return and spend more time there. This was well, not that. It is touring through Europe so if it does happen to be in your area, take a wide berth.
The dinosaur displays were lacking feeling, as they seemed just to be put there in the dark with some lights shining on them. They were animated with some basic movements and sounds, but it wasn't really engaging or immersive in any way. It was a bit of a letdown and even the kids were a bit disappointed.
However, outside the "entertainment" center, there is a nice park with a playground, so we went there, played for a bit and then got some ice creams. We spent more time playing in the park than at the show and it would have been better (and cheaper) for everyone if we had just done that instead.
But, all is not lost, as because it was an "event" all four parents were there and we spent a bit more time getting to know the other couple. We haven't spent too much time with the other parents, but meeting a few at the odd birthday party drop off and pick up tells us that there aren't that many we would want to see too often. This couple however, are decent and that is a massive bonus, since the kids like each other (for now) and we don't live that far from each other, so in time, they will be able to play more together and keep each other company. They also have a little boy who is about three.
I am glad we have a girl!
For now at least.
School starts again on Wednesday, so the holidays are really over for everyone and we will hopefully be able to get into more of a routine again, because it is hard at the moment without one. Next weekend however, it is going to be Smallsteps birthday, so we will have family and a few family friends over to celebrate with some cake, pies and coffee, which should be nice, as we don't seem to have people over that often.
But before that cake, I better get my lardy butt to the gym.
Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]
