Our Dynamic Earth: Adventures In Science

Edinburgh, Midlothian__Edinburghshire, Scotland Central & Stirling

Recommendation added: 31/05/2006 11:51
By: HighHopes (YSUK rating +40)

HighHopes has been thanked 4 times for this contribution

"When taking children on a trip to Edinburgh many will immediately think of the castle and not much else. Well, I'm happy to report that there are many things to do with the kids in Edinburgh and one of our favourites is Our Dynamic Earth.

Our Dynamic Earth is a charitable trust that has dedicated itself to life long education about Earth Sciences via their attraction and cooperation with various school programmes. ODE is conveniently set in Central Edinburgh near Holyrood Palace, at the back of the Scottish Parliament Building and adjacent to Holyrood Park. It's modern architecture is in stark contrast with it's natural and stunning backdrop of Salisbury Crags. This particular building site was chosen because of the rich geological history of Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags both part of an area that was once an ancient volcano!

The main approach (on foot) to the site is quite appealing. The area is landscaped with many trees, shrubs and flowers and has a large crescent moon shaped ampitheatre area with plenty of room for even big events. There is excellent wheelchair access along the sides with a very long ramp leading up to the entrance. You will also see a few sculptures that are worth a look in.

As you approach the front doors you will be welcomed warmly by the staff. Personally, I think this is an excellent idea, who wouldn't want to be reassured when entering what looks like an enormous carapace to some sort of creepy crawly creature! Unique architecture aside, once you enter your entire focus will shift quite quickly.

The reception area is vast and is often used out of hours for birthday parties, wedding receptions and business functions. To your right you see the cafe. The cafe offers up standard fare at prices on the higher end of reasonable. I recommend visiting this after the exhibits if your kids can wait so you can appreciate the space and architecture while you eat. I have tried this before visiting the attraction but the kids were too excited then to notice!

If you head to your left from the front doors you will find the reception desks where you can pay for your entrance and purchase a guide book if you so choose. Entrance costs to the site are average however the real gem here is if you buy an annual pass as it's only an additional £3.05 for an adult though they do offer deals for family annual passes as well.

To begin your adventure head back towards the cafe where you will find a staircase and an elevator to the lower level. At this point you'll find the first set of public toilets which you may wish to visit now as the tour lasts normally at least 90 minutes. In this area you will also see a set of double doors. These doors lead you to the room where they have the special events held for children. We attended one event where an animal handler brought in spiders, lizzards, birds and rodents for the kids to touch and learn about.

Once you're ready to start your adventure just head towards the staff member that will explain some of the basics of the tour to you. The first area you enter has general information about geology and climatology. You're allowed to wander through this area as long as you wish as the tours are very frequent, so feel free to take your time, if your kids will let you.

The tour begins when you enter the 'time machine'. This is a large glass elevator that is very dark inside. If you have young children you may need to reassure them and possibly cover their ears during the ride as it can get a bit loud and a tad scary for little ones. The concept is that you are going back in time to when the earth was forming. Visually they show you on either side of the elevator what happened throughout history going backwards until the point of the big bang. This is quite impressive and the point where you are meant to be drifting in space amongst the stars is quite believable. During this show you've been slowing descending deep underneath Edinburgh to the huge underground complex that is fittingly the bulk of Our Dynamic Earth.

Throughout the rest of the tour you'll experience 'earthquakes' (a bit scary for wee ones), glaciers (spectacular!), underwater exploration and even jungle life! Throughout there are plenty of hands on exhibits that are equally interesting for both adults and children. One of my children's favourite parts is the 'iceberg' in the area teaching us about the artic and antarctic. You'll even see the handprints of many a brave? soul in the 'iceberg' as well as enjoy films and animal related activities.

Once you've come to the jungle area you are nearing the end of your tour. The last exhibit is the new Futuredome. This is in a large round room that is situated underneath a very large dome. You may sit against the walls but if you really want to get the most out of the experience I recommend lying on the floor (don't worry, most people do). During the exhibit you are surrounded by images displayed on the dome. The sound envelopes you as you are whisked into the future where you are asked to make crucial decisions on what to do to save the earth. This particular exhibit gave me goosebumps. I liked it so much I made the family sit through it twice!

When you emerge from this exhibit you will come out by the second set of toilets and the gift shop. The gift shop offers a wide range of ODE and scientific related toys, clothing and novelties as well as your standard issue inexpensive toys for the kids. Many of the items in the shop are definately of Christmas gift quality and the prices range from cheap and cheerful to a tad expensive.

Access to the softplay area is gained from the back of the giftshop. Please note that on occassion there are birthday parties held at the site so sometimes the softplay is not available though this is usually for no longer than half an hour at a time.

Inside the play area you'll find a huge 'submarine' that the kids can climb in and on. There is a climbing wall, some interactive games, loads of soft play mats and equipment, a pirate dressing up box and a ball pit. There is even a bench and a few other places for the big people to sit at. It's an underwater theme that is well executed. Children as old as 12 will probably still enjoy parts of the area and it's a nice break for the parents!

It's very easy to spend 2-3 hours at Our Dynamic Earth and you can spend much longer if you like. Once you've bought your ticket you're allowed to visit the exhibit as many times as you like and you are never rushed through on the tour (most of it is self led anyway). The staff are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable making this all and all a great educational family outing.

MAIN WEBSITE PAGE:
http://www.dynamicearth.co.uk/index.asp?cat=Home

CONTAC T DETAILS:
Our Dynamic Earth
Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
0131 550 7800
enquiries@dynamicearth.co.uk

OPENING TIMES
Winter Opening Hours
March 2006
Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm last entry at 3.50pm

Summer Opening Hours
April - October 2006
Daily 10am - 5pm last entry at 3:50pm

July & August 2006
Daily 10am - 6pm last entry at 4:50pm

TICKET PRICES
Single Day Passes
Adult £8.95
Child (5-15yrs) £5.45
Junior(2-4yrs) £1.50
Senior £5.45
Student £6.50

Buy Single Tickets Online - https://kiosk4.ts.com/k?v=dynamicearth

information on Annual Explorer passes can be found here: http://www.dynamicearth.co.uk/index.asp?tm=34


ACCESS VIA TRAIN
Waverley Station in the centre of the city is a short 15 minute walk away from Our Dynamic Earth. There are no direct bus routes from the station however you can take a bus to South Bridge then walk down the Cannongate to Holyrood Palace and Scottish Parliament buildings then on to Our Dynamic Earth. A Lothian Bus 35 can be taken from the top of Cannongate to Holyrood then you can cross over that way as well.


ACCESS VIA BUS
Within Edinburgh, take the local Lothian Buses No. 35 & 36 or hop aboard any Edinburgh City sight seeing bus tour.

ACCESS VIA BICYCLE OR WALKING
Our Dynamic Earth is close to the National Cycle Network. To find the nearest cycling and walking routes click here:www.sustrans.co.uk Anyone traveling along the bike paths in Holyrood Park will find easy access near the Holyrood Palace parking area.

ACCESS VIA AEROPLANE
Our Dynamic Earth is 8 miles from Edinburgh Airport. Follow the A8 into the city centre and follow signs for Dynamic Earth.

ACCESS VIA CAR
Find detailed information on the Our Dynamic Earth website for a variety of routes http://www.dynamicearth.co.uk/index.asp?tm=35
Underground parking is available for a fee."