VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at Belfast’s W5

W5, located in the Odyssey Complex in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, is an award-winning interactive science and discovery centre, renowned for its hands-on approach to learning and fun. With over 250 world-class exhibits across eight interactive zones, daily science shows, and a focus on engaging visitors of all ages, it’s a top family-friendly attraction in Belfast.

W5 features over 250 interactive exhibits spread across four floors, designed to spark curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and creativity. Key zones include:

MED-Lab: Developed with Almac, this zone explores the human body and medicine development through interactive displays, including advanced imaging technologies.
Energise: Supported by SSE Airtricity, visitors use physical power to activate energy-themed exhibits.
Making Sense: A multisensory zone with optical illusions and sensory experiences.
Marvellous Machine: Hands-on exhibits powered by cogs, airways, and springs, teaching mechanics.
AMAZE: A technological space with large multi-screen projections, immersive soundscapes, and sensory effects for captivating experiences.
The Studio: A popular area with hands-on activities, especially enjoyed by older children (e.g., ages 10–14).
The absence of “Do Not Touch” signs encourages visitors to engage fully with exhibits, from exploring vortexes to film production and engineering. The exhibits are both educational and entertaining, appealing to curious minds of all ages. Visitors typically spend 2–4 hours exploring, with multiple trips to each floor recommended due to the variety.

Climbit and The Lost Planet:

Climbit: A unique, multi-storey climbing structure—the first of its kind in Ireland—combines physical fun, exploration, and art. This visually striking maze, made of oval platforms, steel pipes, and cables, is a highlight in the Atrium, ideal for active visitors.
The Lost Planet: A space and dinosaur-themed soft play area for ages 3–11, featuring climbing frames, slides, and a “Skull Cave” with giant replica dinosaur and human skulls. It takes soft play to a new dimension, blending adventure with learning.
Climbit is a standout for kids and adults, often described as “unbelievable,” while The Lost Planet captivates younger visitors with its immersive roleplay.

Under 8s Area – The Town of Discovery:

Designed by W5’s in-house team, this zone immerses children under 8 in a living storybook world with family-friendly roleplay activities.
Perfect for younger visitors, it offers a safe, imaginative space to explore, though some reviews note it may have less appeal for toddlers under 3 compared to older children.

RoboThespian:

A life-sized, humanoid robot unique to Ireland, RoboThespian entertains with pre-programmed performances or visitor-controlled movements via a touchscreen. It can sing, act, and do impressions.
This interactive exhibit is a hit for its novelty, engaging visitors in a fun, tech-driven way.

Daily Science Shows and Seasonal Exhibitions:

Daily live science shows at the Science Bar demonstrate scientific concepts in an engaging format. Seasonal exhibitions, such as the previous animatronic dragons or fairy tale displays, add variety.
Shows captivate audiences, especially children with shorter attention spans (e.g., age 6), who enjoy the interactive demos. Temporary exhibitions keep the experience fresh, with past examples including dragons with lifelike puppets.

Dining and Amenities:

An on-site café offers refreshments, with picnic-style seating and refillable water stations. However, some visitors note limited food options, recommending bringing snacks. Visitors can leave and return for lunch, with nearby dining options like Pizza Hut and the Odyssey Complex’s restaurants.
The café is reasonably priced with a kids’ meal deal, but bringing snacks is advised for convenience. The centre is clean, with accessible toilets, a quiet room, and nappy-changing facilities.

Visitor logistics:

Hours: Open daily in summer (from May 2025), typically 10 am–5 pm (Wednesday–Thursday) and 10 am–6 pm (Friday–Sunday). Check www.w5online.co.uk for seasonal hours.
Admission: Tickets are priced at approximately £11–£14 for adults and £9–£12 for children, with family discounts and free entry for under 3s. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in summer, as slots can sell out.
Accessibility and Logistics: Situated in the Abercorn Basin beside the River Lagan, less than a mile from Belfast City Centre, W5 is easily accessible by foot, bus (Glider G1 or G2 to Odyssey, Metro 26/26B/26C), or train (Titanic Quarter or Lanyon Place, 10–15-minute walk). On-site parking for 1,500 vehicles costs approximately £3, though availability will be limited during events at the SSE Arena.
The centre is wheelchair accessible, though some reviews note only one lift, which can cause delays with buggies or prams. Staff are accommodating, with flexible entry for late arrivals.
W5 is consistently praised as one of Ireland’s best family attractions, earning a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award (top 10% of properties). Visitors of all ages (3–14 and adults) enjoy the interactive exhibits, with the Studio, Climbit, and science shows as highlights. Reviews highlight its educational value, cleanliness, and friendly staff, with families often spending 4+ hours. It’s ideal for rainy days and groups, with 96% of Tripadvisor reviewers recommending it.
Some exhibits may feel dated without recent upgrades, and the café’s limited menu disappoints some. The soft play area (The Lost Planet) has a 45-minute time slot and restricts adult entry, which can be inconvenient. Booking issues (e.g., unresponsive online forms for party bookings) have been reported.

What’s New:

Dinosaurs Survive! Exhibition: Launched for summer 2025, this new temporary exhibition (running through at least August 2025) immerses visitors in a world where dinosaurs roam again. Features include meeting IAPD scientists, watching baby dinosaurs hatch, and encountering life-sise carnivores. This builds on the success of previous dinosaur-themed exhibits like The Lost Planet, promising an engaging, family-friendly experience.
Expect interactive elements and immersive displays, similar to the popular animatronic dragons of 2024, with opportunities for children to engage closely (e.g., petting lifelike models). This exhibition enhances W5’s seasonal offerings, making it a key draw for 2025.
Extended Summer Hours: W5 is now open daily throughout the summer, starting from May 2025, with hours of 10 am–5 pm (Wednesday–Thursday) and 10 am–6 pm (Friday–Sunday). This ensures greater accessibility for families during peak tourist season, ideal for both locals and visitors. The extended hours allow more flexibility for planning visits, especially for those combining W5 with nearby attractions like Titanic Belfast or the SS Nomadic.
W5 Late Events: W5 continues its “W5 Late” adults-only, after-hours events, offering grown-ups access to the interactive exhibits in a fun, social setting. These events, previously well-received, are likely to expand in 2025, providing unique evening experiences.
Expect a playful, educational atmosphere for adults, with themed activities or drinks, enhancing W5’s appeal beyond families.
Continued Post-Refurbishment Enhancements: W5 underwent a significant refurbishment, completed in recent years, introducing zones like AMAZE, Climbit, and The Lost Planet.
The emphasis in 2025 is on maintaining the high-quality, interactive experience, with potential minor updates to existing zones (e.g., new content in AMAZE’s multi-screen projections).

Visitor Expectations and Tips

W5 is a top choice for families, with exhibits appealing to ages 3–14 and adults. The interactive nature, clean facilities, and friendly staff make it a standout, with Climbit and The Studio frequently cited as highlights. Its location near Titanic Belfast and the SSE Arena makes it part of a vibrant tourism hub. The Dinosaurs Survive! exhibition adds excitement for 2025.
The café’s limited menu may require bringing snacks, and the single lift can cause delays for those with buggies. Some exhibits may need updates to stay cutting-edge, and booking issues for events like birthday parties have frustrated some visitors. The soft play area’s restrictions (e.g., no adult entry, time limits) may disappoint.
Tips: Book tickets online at www.w5online.co.uk to avoid sell-outs, especially in summer. Start on Level 4 and work down, as advised by staff, to maximise enjoyment. Allow 2–4 hours for a full visit. Bring snacks or plan to eat nearby (e.g., Pizza Hut). Check for “W5 Late” events if visiting without kids. Arrive early to avoid crowds, and use public transport or the Odyssey car park (£3). For accessibility needs, contact +44 28 9046 7700 or info@w5online.co.uk.

W5 remains a premier family attraction in Belfast, offering over 250 interactive exhibits, daily science shows, and unique features like Climbit and RoboThespian. The new “Dinosaurs Survive!” exhibition, extended summer hours, and “W5 Late” events enhance its appeal, ensuring fun and learning for all ages. Visitors should plan ahead, bring snacks, and explore nearby Titanic Quarter attractions for a full day out.