Get down to the what and why of it

HIDDEN GEMS:'LET'S GO find out about science today!" It's hardly a battle cry to rally instant enthusiasm among the younger folk, or at least a large swathe of them. A stealthier approach is called for, and the answer comes in form of the W5 centre, in Belfast's Odyssey complex.

Children (and adults) can start playing with exhibits as soon as they arrive, in the foyer, rolling a huge stone ball lubricated by a thin film of water, or pumping bubbles into liquids of different viscosity.

Up the musical stairs – this could take a while as several tunes are stamped out – and several floors of permanent and temporary exhibits await, catering for toddlers to teens and beyond, as well as scheduled demonstrations and shows.

Favourites in this household include the “stringless harp”, which you play by plucking invisible light beams, the live TV studio and the construction site in the under-eights area.

But it seems churlish to pick out items from the almost 200 hands-on and computer-based activities on offer. This autumn’s temporary exhibitions include a Monster Lab for Halloween.

W5, whose name stands for who, what, where, when and why, is definitely one for the rainy-day planner, or as a break from the norm.

And for refuelling the budding scientists and engineers, a small cafe offers fare within W5, which also provides picnic areas if you want to bring your own food. In addition, a smattering of eateries dot the surrounding Odyssey, but the ticket allows re-entry, so a trip into nearby Belfast city centre would provide more choice.

W5, 2 Queen’s Quay, Belfast, 048-90467700, w5online.co.uk. Euro accepted; sterling needed for car park.

Do you know of a hidden gem? E-mail us at go@irishtimes.com