Should I buy a pass to Telus Spark? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

kootenayguy9 · 10-30-2011, 11:35 AM

Simple question: I have a family Zoo pass and was wondering if I should also buy a family pass to the new Science centre. Did anyone check it out yesterday or today. Thanks for the advice.

CMPunk · 10-30-2011, 11:49 AM

Is the science center something you think your family will want to goto on a regular basis? I was under the impression it wasn't quite finished yet

Rathji · 10-30-2011, 11:50 AM

Is there some sort of deal when combining with zoo passes or something?

If so, I gotta look into this further.

sclitheroe · 10-30-2011, 04:27 PM

The benefit to the zoo passes, in my opinion is two-fold. First, it takes the pressure off feeling like you have to see the whole zoo with young kids to get your money's worth on a single visit. Second, it's a good spot to blow a couple hours on an afternoon when you don't even really care to see a ton of animals - its a nice place to walk around and the kids enjoy the playground.

At a glance, the science centre doesn't seem big enough to justify many trips a year, but that's just at a glance, I haven't been.

Robotic · 10-30-2011, 04:35 PM

$260 for an annual family pass seems pretty steep. Anyone heard what new cool features the science centre has to offer?

sclitheroe · 10-30-2011, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robotic

$260 for an annual family pass seems pretty steep. Anyone heard what new cool features the science centre has to offer?

Seems high compared to Engage (E) level membership at the zoo for two adults and two kids.

Superflyer · 10-30-2011, 07:07 PM

Usually at places like this you can apply your day passes to the price of a yearly pass. I would say check and see if you can do this there as well, then go for the day and see if it is good enough to spend the money on a yearly pass or if it just a once and a while thing.

Daradon · 10-30-2011, 07:17 PM

WTF is Telus Spark?

And before I get a Google response I enjoy this place and it's opinions. The thread was created to make discussion. I am engaging that.

Slava · 10-30-2011, 07:35 PM

Its the new science center. It used to be called Telus world of science, but in its new locations its Telus Spark.

I didn't realise its $260/yr....that more or less seals the deal for my not getting passes though. I read in the Herald today that a parent and child was $33 for one day and that seems too high as well. I'm sure we'll bite the bullet and go once, but we enjoy the zoo and for almost 1/2 the price I can see us keeping those passes.

KTrain · 10-30-2011, 08:05 PM

They'd be stupid not to have some kind of joint pass for the Zoo and Science Centre in the future. Those people with Zoo passes would be less inclined to buy another yearly pass when they'd probably go to the Science Centre less.

We have a Zoo pass for the family. Like sclitheroe said, sometimes it's nice to go down there without feeling like you need to see all the exhibits to get your money's worth. Also, with younger kids (2 and 3) the Science Centre was (is) more limited in what the kids can do while they're there.

Daradon · 10-30-2011, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slava

Its the new science center. It used to be called Telus world of science, but in its new locations its Telus Spark.

I didn't realise its $260/yr....that more or less seals the deal for my not getting passes though. I read in the Herald today that a parent and child was $33 for one day and that seems too high as well. I'm sure we'll bite the bullet and go once, but we enjoy the zoo and for almost 1/2 the price I can see us keeping those passes.

That is a high price.

Strangely enough, I have been to the new science center. I just didn't know it was called that.

MrMastodonFarm · 10-30-2011, 08:17 PM

How is it?

I only went to the last one once, and it was all kid oriented it seemed. I would love an all-ages science centre in Calgary.

Daradon · 10-30-2011, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

How is it?

I only went to the last one once, and it was all kid oriented it seemed. I would love an all-ages science centre in Calgary.

You are probably right. It's centered around kids. My gf's son loved it. But the only thing she and I got out of it was the bed of nails.

frinkprof · 10-30-2011, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

How is it?

I only went to the last one once, and it was all kid oriented it seemed. I would love an all-ages science centre in Calgary.

Apparently every second Tuesday there will be an "adults only" night. I found the old Science Centre very kid-oriented too, and a good chunk of it certainly should be, but it's good to hear that the new Science Centre will have elements that are for a more mature audience too.

I actually had a chance to go to a sneak peak of the new Science Centre on Friday. It was an open house style event for all the people involved in the construction of the building. It was from 2PM - 6PM though and it didn't jive with when I got off work.

Slava · 10-30-2011, 08:27 PM

I thought the old one was decent, and we do need to get kids interested in science. I hope that the prices are cut (somehow) to get more access for kids in general. I know that once my daughter was able to see/do some of the things there she was much more interested in how things work. I just know that this price tag will keep a lot of people away, which is too bad.

I thought this just opened over the last couple days? Maybe thats the grand-opening though? It does look cool at night with the changing lights though!

troutman · 10-30-2011, 10:01 PM

Spent two hours there today with the kids, and did not see everything.

There is already back-lash against the cost. There is an on-line facebook petition I think (I read $70 for a family to visit once). I have a membership going back to the old science center that lasts until January. Still had to spend $5 for parking. I don't think the big theater is ready yet.

I would probably get an annual membership - we go about once a month.

The cafeteria was nothing special - the same food as the old place.

Kids will be entertained - lots of hands-on stuff to do. I'm looking forward to see what programs they will have - hopefully lectures, star shows, live mars landings etc.

They ushered us out at 4:00 pm on a Sunday, which seemed awful early.

The gift shop was quite good - easy to find great gifts for kids there.

I think they have a lot of bugs to work out.

Daradon · 10-30-2011, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troutman

Spent two hours there today with the kids, and did not see everything.

There is already back-lash against the cost. There is an on-line facebook petition I think (I read $70 for a family to visit once). I have a membership going back to the old science center that lasts until January. Still had to spend $5 for parking. I don't think the big theater is ready yet.

I would probably get an annual membership - we go about once a month.

The cafeteria was nothing special - the same food as the old place.

Kids will be entertained - lots of hands-on stuff to do. I'm looking forward to see what programs they will have - hopefully lectures, star shows, live mars landings etc.

They ushered us out at 4:00 pm on a Sunday, which seemed awful early.

The gift shop was quite good - easy to find great gifts for kids there.

I think they have a lot of bugs to work out.

I would agree. A lot of potential, but done wrong.

Stillman16 · 10-30-2011, 10:59 PM

I haven't been to the new one yet, but we loved the old Science Centre. Too bad they're trying to gouge customers this time

cause a 300% increase in cost for family pass is rediculous!!!

If they smarten up, I wouldn't hesitate to get a pass agian, just not at the price they want!

yads · 10-31-2011, 11:18 AM

Is it worth it to go with 2.5 year old?

troutman · 10-31-2011, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yads

Is it worth it to go with 2.5 year old?

I think the Creative Kids Museum is meant for younger children.