Looking for a fun and educational day out for the whole family? Look no further! The STEAM Museum in Swindon is the perfect destination for families with young children who want to explore, learn, and play in a fascinating and engaging environment. As parents, we're always on the hunt for experiences that can both entertain and educate our children. The STEAM Museum ticks all the right boxes, offering a unique blend of history, science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) all under one roof.
The STEAM Museum is located at the heart of Swindon's former railway works, which played a vital role in the town's industrial history. The museum is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the Great Western Railway (GWR) and the incredible impact it had on the lives of people in Swindon and beyond. The museum's interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and engaging workshops make it an ideal place for children to learn about the marvels of the GWR and the importance of STEAM subjects in our world today.
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. By incorporating arts into the traditional STEM subjects, STEAM education aims to foster creativity and innovation in children, preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century. At its core, STEAM is about nurturing curiosity, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking, helping children to develop a deep understanding of the world around them and empowering them to shape a better future.
At the STEAM Museum, you and your children can step back in time to the age of the Great Western Railway, discovering how this incredible feat of engineering transformed Swindon and the lives of its people. The museum's main exhibits are housed within the former GWR Works, which has been meticulously restored to recreate the atmosphere of the Victorian railway era. You'll also find beautifully preserved steam locomotives, carriages, and wagons on display, each with its own unique story to tell.
Children learn best when they can explore and engage with the subject matter, and the STEAM Museum provides plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning. From operating signals and points in the Signal Box to learning about the science of steam power in the Energy Zone, children can try their hand at various aspects of railway technology. The museum's impressive collection of locomotives, wagons, and carriages is not just for display – many of them can be touched, climbed aboard, and even driven!
As part of their commitment to STEAM education, the STEAM Museum offers a range of arts and crafts workshops for children of all ages. These workshops are designed to spark children's creativity and imagination, while also teaching them about the history and science behind the Great Western Railway. From building model trains to designing railway posters, there's something for every budding artist and engineer at the museum.
While the STEAM Museum focuses primarily on the history of the Great Western Railway, it also provides a gateway to the wider world of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The museum regularly hosts special events, workshops, and guest speakers on a variety of STEAM-related topics, from robotics and coding to astronomy and environmental science. These events are a fantastic opportunity for children to broaden their horizons and discover new passions and interests.
The STEAM Museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday (closed on Mondays except for Bank Holidays). Admission prices are very reasonable, with family tickets available for even better value. Plus, Swindon residents enjoy a special discount on ticket prices upon proof of address.
With so much to see and do at the STEAM Museum, it's easy to spend a whole day exploring, learning, and having fun. The museum also has a café on site, offering a range of hot and cold food, drinks, and snacks to keep your energy levels up throughout the day. So pack your sense of adventure, gather the family, and get ready to embark on a journey through the magic of STEAM education in Swindon!
Why stop at the STEAM Museum? Keep the creative and educational momentum going by enrolling your child in dance classes with Intune Dance and Movement in Lechlade or Fairford. Dance is not only a fantastic way for children to express themselves and have fun, but it also has numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Our talented and passionate teachers are dedicated to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for your child to grow, learn, and thrive.
Ready to take the leap into the wonderful world of dance? Get in touch with us at [email protected] to book your child's first class and start their exciting dance journey today!
