Wonders of the Telus Spark Brainasium

When I was younger, one of my favourite places to go was the Science Centre.  I found everything there entrancing, and I never wanted to leave. I remember the sensation of the needlebeds, making gunk, and watching movies in the huge theater. What I just described was the ‘old’ science center- in my opinion, the science center couldn’t have gotten any bigger or better than it already was.  But then it did- when the new TELUS Spark Science Centre was opened on May 29th, 2011.  Somehow, the geniuses behind the city’s best science exhibit had done it again.  Now, our Science Centre explores every nook and cranny of the science world, from Energy, the Earth, and prototypes.  In order to truly experience the wonders of the Science Centre, you’d have to stay there for at least a day or two.  If you know a kid who loves to play, or if you yourself want to know the answers to your questions about life, or if you just want to try something new, this is the place to do it.  Of course, I am the Media (Science and Technology) Editor, so my preferences when it comes to spending my free time are a bit biased.  That’s why I brought Didi along, though- she prefers the Languages and the arts, and she enjoyed our experience just as much as myself.

Didi and I in front of TELUS Spark!

A few days ago, fellow YAA blogger Didi Moffat and I were very lucky to actually be able to visit the TELUS Spark Science Centre.  Although everything there was new and shiny and advanced, what really stood out to us was the Brainasium.  Being one of the newest (and coolest) exhibits in the updated Science Centre, it’s huge, colourful, unique, and fun.

So where do I even begin to describe the Brainasium?  Picture this; Think of the playground that’s closest to your house.  Once you’ve got that image in your head, multiply the size of the playground by 10.  And then, along with the swings and monkey bars, add a 63 foot slide, giant periscope, and sound tubes!  So far pretty neat, right?  The Brainasium could be described as playground for everyone of all ages, because there is actually something for every age group to be entertained by.  (who would want to go shopping or get Starbucks when you can visit a gigantic mega-playground instead??)  The Brainasium has exhibits you’ve never heard of or probably even dreamed of before.  It’s almost as if it’s a museum, except in this museum you can touch and climb on and explore the artifacts.

Didi at the entrance to the Brainasium

Didi looking through the gigantic periscope

Me waving my arm beside this obstacle and probably not using it right

The photos above are only 3 of many, many things that we both would strongly recommend you try out.  Now Didi and I had quite a blast trying out everything, but ultimately I think we’d both agree that the most entertaining and thrilling activity for us was going down the 63-foot slide.  At first, I was a bit intimidated- in order to go down, you have to climb up through a series of nets.  I’m not the most flexible person, so this was an interesting experience for me.  Once we finally reached the top though, the feeling of accomplishment was more than enough to make up for our monkey-like struggle.

A different type of mirror selfie at the top of the slide

Me in front of the very, very long slide

If I’d had the strength, I would’ve gone on that slide again and again until my hands were too rope-burned to function anymore- that’s how fun it was.

The next time you want to try something new, Didi and I will tell you to go visit TELUS Spark.  You may think you’ve seen some of it or heard about it, but until you’ve experienced it you’re still in the dark.

A huge thank you to the TELUS Spark Science Centre for letting us visit!  Check them out on Twitter and Facebook!