Review of ThunderBlast 2013
We got to the downtown area early and found a good $15 parking garage spot (most are $15-$20) close to the Science Center. There are no coolers, food or drink allowed in the ThunderBlast area except for the provided carnival-style vendors. I was disappointed by the limited number of vendors, but you can come and go through all of downtown area for food if you want. We did buy a $2 bottle of water and a small $2 popcorn while viewing the show. I did pack a cooler of drinks and snacks and left it in the car in case we wanted other options since we were parked so close.
It was a bit cold, even with our coats on because the ThunderBlast area is covered by overpasses. I wish more of the venue area was in the sun, but in hotter years, it will be nice to be in the shade. Initially, the air show viewing area was only 1-2 chairs deep, but by fireworks time, it was about a dozen chairs deep from the fence line. What I liked about being inside the fenced off ThunderBlast area, was the security I felt leaving our chairs, coats, and other non-valuables at our viewing spot while we wandered in and out of the ThunderBlast area. No one touched our stuff, there was security to get in, and security constantly patrolling the ThunderBlast area.
I would highly recommend ThunderBlast, especially for families with young kids. The endless activities, freedom to come and go from ThunderBlast to the Science Center and back, fenced in inflatables, Body Worlds and Slugger Museum tickets, and the clean toilet facilities all made the somewhat expensive tickets worth it. If you go next year, be sure to bring gloves, hats, glow toys/sticks (to lighten the pressure from buying light-up items from vendors) snacks, blankets and chairs. You’ll sit in comfort for the shows, your children will be entertained all day, and all proceeds benefit the Science Center’s mission-driven programs such as curriculum development, on-site programming, School’s Out Science Camps, and outreach efforts throughout the region.
By guest contributor: Caryn