The Science and Industry Museum presents a wondrous early-years activity programme for 2025

The Science and Industry Museum is packed full of fun and playful experiences for little learners and their families.

From special events and exhibitions to free drop-in activities, highlights for visitors aged 0-6 include interactive story time, Makaton-friendly adventures and a new pre-school Explorer Pass for blockbuster exhibition, Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You. Plus, the museum’s permanent galleries and displays are full of amazing objects and curious spaces to spark the imagination.

Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You Explorer Pass | £10 for one adult and one pre-school visitor

Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You is full of inspiring moments and sense-sational sights to inspire curiosity in little explorers. Highlights include the Mini Medics sensory area, an infinity mirror, busy boards, balance beams and multi-sensory experiences including smell libraries, noise makers and a giant foam pyramid.

Pre-school visitors can now grab an Explorer Pass, a flexible ticket which allows visitors to play and discover at their own pace and make the most of quieter mid-week visits by returning as many times as they like during term time.

EARLY YEARS STORY TIME | Term-time weekends | 1.15pm, 2.15pm and 3.15pm | Free, drop-in

Early Years Story Time enlists young visitors to help return a bear left at Liverpool Road Station, with an absorbing adventure that features sound effects, projection and hands-on creativity.

Experitots | Regular events, various dates | £10 per person (Ages 3 and under free)

These playful sessions encourage toddlers and adults to enjoy a multi-sensory adventure in  Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You
together. The museum’s friendly Explainers are on hand with fun activities and resources specially designed for children aged 0-4.

You can view the full schedule and book your place HERE.

Mini Movers | Weekends during term-time | 10.15am, 11.15am and 12.15pm | Free, drop-in

This Makaton-friendly adventure invites children to whirr, crank and clank their way around the Textiles Gallery to learn about the ways in which our bodies work like machines. Find out more HERE.

Construction Packs | Free to borrow daily

Construction Packs are available for tykes to borrow for free. Pick up and use to explore the ongoing work happening around the site, complete with a hi-vis vest, a hard hat and a selection of wooden tools – and no prior construction experience required.

Amazing objects and inspiring spaces | 10am-5pm daily | Free

The museum’s free permanent galleries provide a perfect opportunity for visitors of all ages to uncover the secrets of science.

Inspired by Manchester’s industrial heritage, the interactive artwork Textile City encourages visitors to learn and build with vibrant fabric blocks, weave textiles between tall wooden towers and use their bodies to move circular bobbins seats.

Venture on a journey through the city’s industrial history in Revolution Manchester, discover the stories of the people, places and products that transformed the area into an epicentre of trade and a modern global powerhouse in the Textiles Gallery, or test out your sensory superpowers with thermal cameras, magnetic art, shadow walls and more in Experiment.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

The welcoming café meets the new Kids in Museums Family Café Standard, meaning it’s great for families. Located at the museum entrance, the menu includes a delicious range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes and snacks.

Facilities include baby change, buggy parking and step-free access to all floors.

For more information and to plan your visit, click below.