A DAY out at a science centre may not get the pulse racing for many youngsters but then again not every museum is quite as hands on as INTECH.

Far from the stereotyped museum of exhibits in cases and long drawn out explanations of what you are looking at, Intech Science Centre and Planetarium is likely to wear out any child that sets foot in it.

Factfile

• The INTECH Science Centre is open from 10am - 4pm every day (except Dec. 24, 25, 26)

• Prices starts from around £6 for children and planetarium shows are extra.

• The centre has just opened a new exhibition themed around DNA. Inside DNA that examines our health, identity and evolution runs until March and is free with admission to the centre

The beauty of the attraction in Winchester is that kids don’t even realise they are learning. When I went along with my four year old son and his pal the pair of them were racing around to see what “toy” they could play with next.

They were blissfully unaware that as they pulled on levers, adjusted platforms, built bridges and aimed target balls they were in fact learning all about fundamental scientific principles.

Spread over two levels the exhibits feature all manner of models and interactive tools that encourage children of all ages to learn through playing at my son’s age but then by doing and exploring when they are older.

Popular with schools and colleges the centre provides learning aids and education packs for youngsters as they work their way around the centre which also hosts kids parties and caters for corporate events.

It is a superb all weather facility that really inspires children of all ages and far from the quiet you may associate with attractions on its theme instead is filled with the yelps, shouts and general hum of activity by the children getting stuck in to the exhibits.

The complete highlight of our visit though was undoubtedly the Planetarium.

The enormous domed screen on the ceiling completely surrounds you and in the pitch black of the auditorium and super sound system you get the feeling of actually being in space.

My son was totally awe inspired by the flight through space and space walking with an astronaut.

In short INTECH got a definite thumbs up from my party and while the youngsters think they have had a smashing day of thrills and spills, parents can also take satisfaction that they may have learned a little something too.