Fantastic Robot Exhibition Opens For Summer 2015 at Titanic Belfast

Today sees the comprehensive collection of robot stars from tv and movies open to the public at Titanic Belfast. We went along last night for a sneak peek to meet our favourites. Mine is the Terminator, my son's is R2D2. With family favourites like Iron Man & other Star Wars droids on show, it's the perfect daytrip stop off. If you've no kids, don't be put off! My friend texted me last night when she saw my photos on Instagram and I reassured her, if RoboCop is there, it's for grown ups too!

I'm of course tempted to share all my photos of the 50+ robots on display, but that would spoil your own visit, so I'll show you my favourites.

This guy! If you've a bit of a fear of robots like me, this robot from RoboCop gives you the fear just seeing the model of him. Slightly worried he'd shoot my knees off. Son of course just thought it was a cute little robot friend.

Many retro robots on display. It's hard to tell but this one is 6ft tall! 

There is a section where kids can build their own robots from blocks, and parents can reminisce about old toy robots from the 80s that we lusted after to carry our cans of Coke around.

I didn't recognise this terrifying baby robot, but I loved it.

Again this post is only a fraction of the number of robots on display, but I really don't want to spoil your own experience by showing you who all is there. 

The Titanic shop has a little robot section set up to accompany the display, and I was delighted by the retro toy packaging

If you fancy stopping for food after your visit, Bistro 401 is right on site and the food is delicious! 

I had to show you these edible nuts and bolts. They were made of chocolate and I couldn't believe you could actually eat them until I'd bitten into one! 

Robots runs from today, 26th June, to 13th September. It costs £6 for adults, £3 for children, or £16 for a family ticket. It's well worth making it part of your summer 2015. 

http://www.titanicbelfast.com/The-Experience/Upcoming-Events/ROBOTS.aspx

Have a Free Day Out in Northern Ireland on Saturday 7th March

National Trust is opening its spectacular houses, gardens and industrial heritage sites across Northern Ireland for free on Saturday 7 March.

With spring on its way, the free day is an opportunity to explore the great outdoors, step back in time at an historic mansion or experience industrial heritage in action.

​Here’s a taster of where to go for your FREE day out:

In County Fermanagh there is something for all the family to enjoy at Florence Court, set against a beautiful backdrop of mountains and forests. You can also savour the stately grandeur of Castle Coole with its Lake Walk carpeted in stunning snowdrops. Or escape to the breathtaking Crom demesne where BBC showBlandings was filmed. (Note - National Trust places in Fermanagh will also be open for free on Sunday 8 March.)  

Described as one of the best gardens in the world, the impressive garden at Mount Stewart in County Down makes the most of the unique microclimate of the ArdsPeninsula – did you know it is the sunniest place in Ireland? Return in April and see the Londonderry family home restored to its former glory after a three year £7 million restoration programme.
Also on the shores of Strangford Lough is Castle Ward, with miles of walking and cycling trails and stunning views. Nearby, Rowallane Garden in Saintfield is a captivating natural garden with a dazzling variety of rare trees and shrubs fromacross the globe.

Along the North Coast follow in the footsteps of giants at the Giant’s Causeway, visit the stunning landscape of Downhill Demesne or stroll along Portstewart Strand and White Park Bay. Note: Carrick-a-Rede is normal admission on 7 March.

In Mid Ulster a tour of The Argory reveals this Neo-classical masterpiece has unchanged since 1900. You can also visit the charming 17th-century Ardress farmhouse or Springhill in Moneymore which has a beguiling spirit that captures the heart of every visitor.  

For a flavour of our Industrial Heritage visit the unique Patterson’s Spade Mill inTemplepatrick or Wellbrook Beetling Mill near Cookstown. Note: Gray’s Printing Press is closed.

For more information on the work of the National Trust, how to become a member and where to visit see www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Completely Free Hot Wheels Zoom & Boom Roadshow hits the UK, including Belfast.

Keep the kids entertained this summer and visit your free ZOOM N BOOM event!  See them become the ultimate TRACK MASTERS with an adrenaline-fuelled HOT WHEELS experience at five leading shopping centres.

Kids can get in the driver’s seat and RACE cars on awesome Hot Wheels TRACK BUILDER SYSTEMS with daring stunts to challenge friends with and become the masters of track design! 

Other fun-filled activities include a PHOTO GREEN SCREEN where kids can try on fun props and have their photo taken with family and friends against themed backdrops! 

Kids can also HAVE A BLAST with BOOMco and test out their BLASTING skills with the cool new AIR-POWERED BOOMco blasters!  With colourful Smart Stick darts and targets, kids can see exactly where they nailed it as the tip of every plastic dart sticks like crazy to the targets! 

See you at the Belfast event!

Dates & Locations:

• 30July-3 thAugust  – Lakeside, Essex
• 6-10thAugust  – Midsummer Place, Milton Keynes
• 13-17thAugust – Arndale, Manchester
• 20-24thAugust – Castle Court, Belfast
• 27-31thAugust  – Braehead, Glasgow

A Summer School Break Must-Visit, the Bangor Plant & Play Wildlife Garden

This afternoon little Michael & I took a spin over to the Plant & Play Wildlife Garden, just outside Bangor, very close to Donaghadee Garden Centre. If you are stuck for a day trip idea this coming summer, you can book a morning or afternoon at the Garden and leave your little ones in the hands of Vikki, the gardening expert.

You can relax at the shady picnic table area as your children play and learn. 

The first activity was bug hunting. We found slugs and spiders, much to the other little boy who was there's delight! 

Vikki has a fab way with children, and they listened as she pointed out the various vegetables and fruit growing in the planters.

The garden also has a gorgeous willow tree dome, which the children ran through as they caught bubbles in their nets.

We then went inside for a while to the bright education and craft space. There is a fun, grass carpeted playroom with cushions, cuddlies & blow up snakes and ladders.

Then came the part my Michael loves the best, crafts! He absolutely loves being artistic. The kids made paper flowers and flapping butterflies.

Vikki led us outside again for more play & a go on the outdoor musical instruments.

Vikki helped each child plant a spinach plant to take home, and gave them a work booklet to record how it grows, encouraging us to send it via Facebook to their page.

Next Vikki passed the kids sheets with silhouettes of various animal paw prints, and they searched the soil for tracks. She showed us where a fox arrives and sleeps in the long grass.

The last activity was guessing what certain plants smell like. I had to have a go at this myself!

We had to leave a little early, as you can stay and play from 2-4.30pm and Vikki was getting them set up to do some helpful weed digging as we went. There's a morning session too 10-12.30pm, but all visits must be pre-booked. There is ample free parking at the site.

I highly recommend an afternoon at the Plant and Play Garden, we were there for 90 mins and had a very relaxing time. Refreshments are also available, and raised beds for nurseries who don't have outside space to rent.

Vikki can also hold parties here if you fancy a unique birthday treat. Just give her a shout on Facebook. 

Prices- Children under two - free   Children over two - £4.50  Adults - £3.50