Families | Science and Industry Museum

Planning a family visit to the museum? Then find out more about our family-friendly offer here.

Prepare to be amazed and entertained as we bring science and history to life with interactive shows, fun-filled machinery demonstrations and of course, a bit of good old-fashioned dressing up.

We also have an offer tailor-made for our youngest visitors, using the power of play to spark young imaginations and help to create future Einsteins, Brunels and Curies.

Treasure Hunters app

Accept a challenge, then hunt around your location—in Science Museum Group museums, at home or just about anywhere you like—to snap a treasure you think best meets the description.

Playing in a group, battle against friends and family and decide who wins the points—or you can let the app decide! You can also join forces with other players to win all the Treasure Hunter badges.

Download from the App Store
Download from Google Play

Treasure Hunters find object screen grab

Families with children aged 5 and older

Two explainers in traditional dress operating an engine at the museum

Engine demonstration

Family show

Daily shows

Find out how a mill engine works and discover its role in the Industrial Revolution.

The Digital Chandelier in the Revolution Manchester gallery at MSI

The Revolution Manchester Show

Family show

Returning on 2 September 2019

This lively show tells the story of how science and industry came together in Manchester, shaping our lives today.

Pi: Platform for Investigation – Powered by Siemens

Activity

Monthly experiments

Pi: Platform for Investigation – Powered by Siemens is a monthly event where families can discover cutting-edge research that’s happening right now in and around Manchester and the North West.

Experiment

Permanent gallery

Open 10.00–17.00 daily

Stare into the mirror of infinity, create a tornado, and watch your own skeleton ride a bicycle. Play with 25 hands-on exhibits and see science in action.

Families with children under 5

Young boy in the Experiment gallery at MSI

Experitots

Activity

Experitots will return in September

Join us for Experitots, our monthly creative activity session designed to help children under 4 years old get the most out of Experiment, our hands-on science gallery.

Sold out

My Den

A quieter, more sensory space for families with babies and young children to play together, in our Textiles Gallery. With projections, touch-feel wall panels and comfy mats, it’s the perfect place to try out our Blanket Bags and Treasure Baskets, or just take some time out.

Soft Play Experiment

A soft play area in our Experiment gallery, especially for young builders and demolishers. Bright blocks that can be stacked, climbed and toppled—all in a day’s work for mini architects and engineers.

More information

If you’re visiting with younger children, we know there are a few extra things to think about. To make your visit even better, here are some of the things we’ve got covered:

The museum is a breast-feeding friendly venue so please feel free to feed your child whenever and wherever you need to. If you do want a quieter space, please ask a member of staff for advice. Our café and bistro staff are also happy to warm up baby food for you. If you’re bringing your own food, there are picnic areas for you and your family to enjoy.

There are baby change facilities across the museum and, if you’re missing anything, there are emergency nappy change packs available at reception.

The museum is easily accessible for pushchairs but if you’d like to leave your buggy somewhere there is buggy parking near the entrance.

If you have any more queries while you’re visiting, please chat with a member of staff.

No family day out is complete without a rest stop. Our Café serves hot drinks, sandwiches, snacks, and sweet treats. You can get any cake plus a hot drink for £3.50 (13.00 to 16.00) and Kids’ Bite Bags, which include five items for £4.50.

For something bigger, head upstairs to our newly refurbished Bistro. With local produce and a seasonal menu, there’s something for everyone including kids’ meal offers from only £7.

Bringing your own food? We have a spacious picnic area in the New Warehouse, accessible during school holidays and at weekends.

Total Darkness game

When the power goes out, it’s time for action. Venture into the dark, explore different locations and meet new characters—creating your own adventure as you play! Use your science skills to get the power back on and see if you can discover the real reason behind darkness.

You’re in control—your choices and decisions will guide you through the story to discover the cause of Total Darkness. Will you solve the mystery before it’s too late?

Play online for free