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 special events and exhibitions, and get hands-on in Experiment, our free interactive gallery that the whole family can enjoy together.

There's something for all ages, including special activities designed for our youngest visitors using the power of play to spark their imaginations.

Events, exhibitions and galleries

The Sun

Past exhibition

20 July 2019 – 29 March 2020

From an ancient Scandinavian sun horse to Jimmy Carter's solar panels from the White House, The Sun tells the story of our ever-changing relationship with our closest star.

A girl looking through a microscope,being helped by a woman

Pi: Platform for Investigation – Powered by Siemens

Activity

The museum is temporarily closed

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

The museum is temporarily closed

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.

Shows and demonstrations

Don't miss our daily shows and demonstrations, perfect for families with children aged 5 and older.

The Revolution Manchester Show

Family show

The museum is temporarily closed

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

A mother and daughter watching a science show

Science Showdown

Family show

The museum is temporarily closed

Who will you support? Player 1 or Player 2? Take control of this live science show as different experiments battle it out to be crowned your winner.

Textiles demos

Family show

Daily shows

Go back in time to the working mills of 150 years ago, experience the deafening sounds of the machinery and find out what life was like for thousands of mill workers.

Activities for younger children

Enjoy the soft play area, relax in My Den and don't miss our special events for toddlers. Plus, there are always extra activities for younger children as part of our holiday programmes.

A toddler climbing on a glowing orange ball, watched by his mother

Experitots

Activity

The museum is temporarily closed

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.

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.

Food and drink

Take a break in our café or bistro and enjoy some healthy snacks, sweet treats or something from the kid's menu.

Food and drink

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.

Games and apps

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

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