We were kindly invited along as a family to the Makers Faire held inside the Life Science Centre at Newcastle. Having never been to a makers faire before we had no idea what to expect and I told the children just think of Big Weld (Robots movie) and how he made lots of robots and inventions…this seemed to peak their interest!
We arrived and parking isn’t an issue with a multi story car park just across the road and ample crossing points. Once inside we chatted with the Press table and having shown the kids how to attach their badges and handed out maps we set off. There was so much to see it was a little difficult to decide which way to turn first, at one side there were Jedi’s with lightsabers taking photographs and the other lots of children playing with huge magnetic boards and flying net jellyfish!
We headed left and into a darkened area which held all of the electronics and a set up of Robot Wars where people could battle it out for all to see. Having stood a while and watched this we then spotted a ray gun display, wooden engraving machines, light displays and so much more. The kids were getting a little jostled around as it was super busy and everyone was vying for places at each table to see.
After heading upstairs the kids were over joyed to find a candy selection where you could build your own sweet cone – yes, sod the robots and bring on the sugar! *sigh*
After filling their tummies we looked further around and came across a making station for little ones, Evie sat down immediately and wanted to create one of the pop bottle caterpillars that you can wear on your arm … (guess who did most of the work though?!)
Evie now has a love of recycling and we are forbidden from ever throwing anything out any more – she is convinced she can make a whole zoo! (Oh joys!)
On the way back downstairs we bumped into this gentleman who scared the life out of Evie and Amelia but Ethan loved! I have to admit the make up and tiny detail that went into this costume were very impressive – it was hard to tell that he wasn’t an actual robot!
I think overall my favourite part was discovering new things to make with the children, the boys arent really into robots and electronics but Evie loves creating, so to see her excited at some of the stands was great! We especially loved the shadow boxes and will definitely be creating some at home. She was a little freaked out at the front with all the shadows until we went behind and she discovered how they were made – then she was just fascinated and wanted to make her own! This weeks project is buying the tissue papers and some random bits to create the shadows!
Isnt it amazing how something so simple can be so effective! Just look behind the scenes of this spooky nightmare box…not so scary after all is it and so doable at home too!
Outside there were lots of different displays including quad copters, mini flight displays and of course the childrens favourite… BUBBLES!
Overall we had a great day out and go to see a lot of creations you wouldnt normally get the chance to, there was lots of interactive stations to keep children occupied (and adults too!) and everyone was really child friendly too which made it so much easier! They were willing to discuss how things worked and talk through the process of making items which I think made the children realise that its not beyond their abilities to make something pretty impressive – it just takes the right equipment and apparently a lot of patience!
XOXO
Debbie
*We were given a family pass to review this event. All opinions and views are completely my own and genuine*
[…] we were going to get out and do more as a family and we did! Yayy! Read about our trip to the Makers Faire at Newcastle, my review of Fat Hippo which I visited with Little Miss or a birthday trip with […]