Perhaps it was a bit of a mistake to attempt to visit Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry on the very week that they reopened to the public after a long period closure for major refurbishment but thankfully we had booked online.
We arrived just before lunchtime to join a trail of cars and after doing circuits of the carpark and the overflow carpark, we eventually found ourselves a spot some distance from the main building. The 2 disabled bays were already taken. These are days when the Maclaren Major buggy is particularly useful!
We approached the building to discover two queues. Fortunately, we could join the shorter one for prepaid tickets and after a wait of about 15 minutes we were admitted without any serious meltdowns from Houdini.
The downside of visit continued to be the crowds. Instead of a leisurely excursion, it seemed that we were being continually ushered forwards by the tide of people behind us and of course the constant "white noise" chatter irritated my youngest two. Where were the ear defenders when I needed them? Still at home in a bag. Nevermind.
After a swift 45 minutes and another queue in the gift shop, we had seen most of what Exploris could offer and were standing once again in the carpark. A long trek for a speed visit!
Interestingly on 30/08/2016, I was pleased to read this:
"Here at Exploris Aquarium we recognise that not all children enjoy the noise and bustle of a busy environment so we are providing quiet sessions, strictly limited in numbers, where the Aquarium will be quieter and more focused on kids with different needs.
Children with conditions such as autism, AD/HD, cerebral palsy, deafness/hearing loss, Down syndrome, epilepsy, spina bifida or visual impairments are included.
We need to keep the sessions available for those who need them, so please be considerate when booking!
The sessions will initially run from 4pm - 6.00pm every Thursday.
The centre will be closed to the general public during these sessions and numbers will be limited.
Bookings can be made online atwww.explorisni.com
Autism NI Kellie Armstrong Mla Ards and North Down Borough Council"
Well done, Exploris! We will definitely return when it is a bit quieter.
We arrived just before lunchtime to join a trail of cars and after doing circuits of the carpark and the overflow carpark, we eventually found ourselves a spot some distance from the main building. The 2 disabled bays were already taken. These are days when the Maclaren Major buggy is particularly useful!
We approached the building to discover two queues. Fortunately, we could join the shorter one for prepaid tickets and after a wait of about 15 minutes we were admitted without any serious meltdowns from Houdini.
The downside of visit continued to be the crowds. Instead of a leisurely excursion, it seemed that we were being continually ushered forwards by the tide of people behind us and of course the constant "white noise" chatter irritated my youngest two. Where were the ear defenders when I needed them? Still at home in a bag. Nevermind.
After a swift 45 minutes and another queue in the gift shop, we had seen most of what Exploris could offer and were standing once again in the carpark. A long trek for a speed visit!
Interestingly on 30/08/2016, I was pleased to read this:
"Here at Exploris Aquarium we recognise that not all children enjoy the noise and bustle of a busy environment so we are providing quiet sessions, strictly limited in numbers, where the Aquarium will be quieter and more focused on kids with different needs.
Children with conditions such as autism, AD/HD, cerebral palsy, deafness/hearing loss, Down syndrome, epilepsy, spina bifida or visual impairments are included.
We need to keep the sessions available for those who need them, so please be considerate when booking!
The sessions will initially run from 4pm - 6.00pm every Thursday.
The centre will be closed to the general public during these sessions and numbers will be limited.
Bookings can be made online atwww.explorisni.com
Autism NI Kellie Armstrong Mla Ards and North Down Borough Council"
Well done, Exploris! We will definitely return when it is a bit quieter.