Would have to say no regarding Brum's thinktank.
I don't have any kids of my own but have 7 nieces and nephews so regularly borrow them for days out, scientific experimentation and child labour. :)
Anyone in the sheffield area would definitely benefit from Magna near Rotherham. Its an old Electric Arc Steelmaking site that has been renovated and turned into a technology and general stuff musem. There's loads of activities aimed at kids including a real tornado, a huge airship and also a real working Electric Arc furnace. The disply is fascinating and kids love it.