Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum is a state-of-the-art facility that opened as part of the Eastside district's Millennium Point educational complex in 2001. Here you can see fossils and dinosaur bones, learn about life in Birmingham's industrial heyday, and experience the thrill of being a space explorer.

This extensive museum is divided into four categories: The Past, We Made it, The Present and The Future. As soon as you come in, you'll be immersed in the history of Birmingham. Interactive exhibits explore the city's role as a manufacturing centre and show the trade routes that brought goods to the rest of Britain. Iconic vehicles on display include the Railton Mobil Special, which once held the land speed record, the 18th century steam-powered Smethwick Engine, and a range of World War II aircraft.

Step out of the past and into The Present, on the second floor. The Wild Life gallery is home to exhibits of animals, insects and birds. Meanwhile, Medicine Matters explores modern medical technology and provides an insight into how our body works, including why our brains are triggered by substances like chocolate and LSD. Children will love the Kid's City gallery, where they can try their hand at various jobs, including dentist and mechanic.

Look into The Future on the third floor, where hands-on exhibits explore advances in technology and space exploration. Or travel into outer space at the Planetarium for a close encounter with stars, planets and even aliens. Shows last 25 or 60 minutes and there are several a day.

Back at ground level, the Science Garden is another great interactive space for kids, featuring a square-wheeled wagon and a giant hamster wheel. Millennium Point also boasts a 22-meter wide cinema screen, where you can enjoy 2-D and 3-D movies in all their splendour.

You'll need between two and four hours to do Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum justice. It's open seven days a week, but check the official website for public holiday closures, as well as opening hours and show timetables.

There's paid parking nearby, or you can catch a bus from the city centre to the Millennium Point entrance. The museum is a 10-minute walk from the nearest train station, and just 20 minutes on foot from Birmingham town centre.