Not even our sadness that the rain drowned out the possibility of going up in a hot air balloon this morning could keep us away from Questacon.  (I hope Nicole from Visit Canberra is noting my improvement in the art of the selfie :) )

Our hosts had gracious opened their doors two hours before regular business hours so we Humans of the Brochure could get an up-close look at some of their exhibitions and catch a show.  Walking into the building felt like coming home.  In the 2 years before the 9 yr old started school, we visited every single gallery in Questacon every single Thursday.  I miss my Thursday visits.

We got in the doors just as the Balloonatic show was starting so we grabbed a super- quick facial injury from Dr Scar.  Her gore effects were incredibly realistic.  
 

I got suspicious looks from people all morning, as I walked alongside my bruised daughter.

Once inside the theatre for the Balloonatic, we were informed by our pilot that in fact we WERE taking a balloon flight…. to Mars!

Here he is showing us the iddy-biddy flame that would apparently be sustaining our flight. 

Our Pilot got a volunteer to help reveal our mode of transport to Mars.  Obviously Visit Canberra and Questacon have spared no expense for their favourite Humans.

Getting another volunteer ready to blow up the backup vehicle.

Liquid helium time!!

Don’t try this at home kids!.

Balloonatic was a highly entertaining half hour with much audience participation and hands -on learning.  My favourite moment in the show is in the video below but don’t show your kids if you plan on going!!  Spoiler alert!!!

After narrowly escaping a future in Mars, we checked out the Gravitram- a kinetic sculpture on the way to our tasty breakfast at the cafe.

The other Humans of the Brochure and their tiny Humans lining up in the café were all sporting propeller hats and/or facial injuries.

Trevor’s toothpick injury was especially severe.  I think it may effect the type of blogging he does in the future. 

Dr Yuri Blashtov , my 9 yr old’s favourite scientist from his preschool days was presenting a mini version of his very engaging Boom! Crash! Bang! Rockets show.  I could listen to that accent all day long.

At the H2O gallery a staff member explained a little about the Meander exhibit- two large moveable panels which demonstrate how water flows across either horizontal or steep terrain.

 The very impressive Hydrotram sculpture represents the water-cycle; from thunderstorms at the top all the way down to how rainfall impacts the earth. 

Next door at the Excite gallery  both Kara and I did the 6 meter Free Fall. You can see me in action below.  ( I wasn’t very brave.  It took them three goes of counting to 3 for me to let go). 

Here is Kara at the Jellyfish Vortex- using air pressure and mist to bend the ribbons above her.

We didn’t go into all  of Questacon’s galleries and areas of exploration today, but trust me- there is something there  to inspire every child as well as YOUR inner child.  Your little grey cells will be hopping!  

New exhibits appear regularly and the shows change also.  The Q shop stocks fantastically innovative toys that will get kids off the internet and into creative mode.
Get to Questacon if you are a local!  The 2 year  membership is the best value for money.  Sooo worth it!  If you aren’t a local, set aside at least 3 hours on one of your days for a visit.