There’s still time for little Mancs to head on down to theScience and Industry Museum and “explore ideas that change the world” before summer is out.
With just a couple of weeks left before the summer holidays are over and the new school year begins, families are being encouraged to make their way to Manchester’s very-own Science and Industry Museum in the heart of the city centre and get involved in a fun summer of creativity, as they get to unpick the history the region’s textiles heritage, discover how the industry is woven into the fabric of the city’s unique identity, and so much more.
Textile City is the place to create moving machines that support modern-day textiles production, meet the local makers keeping Manchester’s textiles industry alive, produce unique print designs, and rediscover traditional manufacturing techniques.
You’ll get to put your stitching skills to the test during free drop-in activities and workshops happening every day.
Head on down to the Science and Industry Museum to “explore ideas that change the world” / Credit: Science Museum GroupFamilies can get involved in a brand-new immersive art project designed by artist Jenny Steele / Credit: Drew Forsythe (via Science Museum Group)
As always, the museum’s team of expert Explainers will be hosting interactive activities to demonstrate the skills used in Manchester’s creative industries, and explore some of the ideas that started at the site of the museum and went on to change the world.
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Before the summer’s out, there’s also the chance to recreate the city’s skyline using foam blocks covered in textiles print inspired by Manchester’s unique architecture by getting involved in a collaborative art project that’s been designed especially for the museum’s summer programme by artist Jenny Steele.
Make, create and play this summer☀️🪡🧵
Be inspired by the city and get involved in a new immersive art project designed by artist @jennycsteele.
— Science and Industry Museum (@sim_manchester) August 17, 2022
Fashion and textiles not really your thing though?
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Away from that, the summer holidays are also the perfect time to check out the Museum’s free interactive gallery, Experiment, which is designed for the whole family to enjoy together and has recently just undergone a revamp to add some new interactive elements – including the chance to experience heat vision with a thermal camera, play with magnetic art, and throw some shapes to tell stories with a shadow wall.
Youngsters can also build sturdy bridges and tall towers, make music with their body, try to see through walls and find out how they can shake hands with themselves, test their senses, flex their superpowers, and discover whether or not they’re strong enough to lift a car with one hand.
They can even play songs on musical pipes, and get creative with glow-in-the-dark art.
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The summer is also the perfect time to check out the Museum’s free interactive gallery, Experiment / Credit: Science Museum GroupNew interactive gaming experience, Power UP / Credit: Science Museum Group
But by far one of stand-out exhibitions to make the most of at the Science and Industry Museum this summer has to be the new interactive gaming experience, Power UP, where players can enjoy the very-best video games from the past five decades and try out over a hundred different consoles to rediscover childhood favourites and test out some of the latest developments in virtual reality.
A new section dedicated to the Manchester-based people and companies who changed the face of the city’s gaming industry has also been added to Power UP – which is open every day during school holidays and on Saturdays and Sundays during term time.
The Science and Industry Museum is open every day throughout the summer holidays up until Sunday 4 September, and you can find out more and book tickets in advance through its website here or by calling 033 0058 0058.
Featured Image – Drew Forsyth (via Science Museum Group)
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Top Manchester attraction Museum of Illusions has been transformed by spooky Halloween surprises
Daisy Jackson
A spooky new Halloween experience has arrived at Manchester’s Museum of Illusions, and it’s perfect for half term.
The top attraction is getting a spooky makeover, with strange surprises, mind-bending tricks and plenty of photo opportunities taking over this October.
Running until Sunday 1 November, Weird Wonders is transforming some of the museum’s best-loved exhibits into a Halloween-inspired experience, making it a fun option for families, friends and anyone looking to get into the spooky spirit.
And with the whole experience taking place indoors on Market Street, it’s a dream option for those unpredictable Manchester autumn days when the weather has other plans, and a perfect spot to fill a day of the half term holidays..
Five of the attraction’s most popular exhibits are getting a Halloween transformation, giving visitors even more reasons to question what they’re seeing, strike a pose and get some seriously strange photos along the way.
Among the spooky highlights is the Bone Throne, where visitors can take their seat on a suitably eerie chair that warps your perspective, while the Spider Clone Table promises a creepy twist on one of the museum’s classic illusions.
There’s also the Web of Faces, where a giant kaleidoscope multiplies your face (now with added cobwebs), alongside the Echo Cave, offering another opportunity to step into a world where your senses can be deceived.
And the museum’s Hollow Faces experience features 3D-printed faces inspired by Einstein, Frankenstein and Count Dracula – bringing together science, classic horror and a little optical trickery.
Halloween at the Museum of Illusions. Credit: The Manc Group
There’s more to Weird Wonders than spooky photo opportunities, too.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Halloween without a few treats. Every child ticket holder will receive a complimentary brain puzzle from the Illusion Shop, plus a sweet treat to take home at the end of their visit.
Adults haven’t been forgotten either, with a free treat available when purchasing two adult tickets.
Weird Wonders is running at the Museum of Illusions Manchester from 3 October to 1 November 2026.
Tickets and further information are available HERE.
Science and Industry Museum announces programme of FREE ‘spooktacular’ October half term activities
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s best museums has announced a programme of free ‘spooktacular science’ activities for October half term.
With half term right around the corner and Halloween not far off either, it won’t be long before parents and carers are looking for ways to keep little Mancs occupied… luckily, the Science and Industry Museum has got you covered.
With only a few weeks to go until schools in Greater Manchester are out for October half term, the massively popular museum in the heart of Manchester city centre has unveiled a jam-packed lineup of free events.
Families are being told to get ready for ‘spooktacular’ science, hands-on activities, and loads of interactive fun, all inspired by the popular Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition.
You can storyboard and then animate your own extra-terrestrial character inside the Animation Studio, let your imagination run wild and design your own alien species, or even go on a galactic treasure hunt around the museum and build your own interstellar spaceship with a giant rocket building kit.
Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum has announced a programme of free ‘spooktacular’ October half term activities / Credit: Science Museum Group
In the mornings, you can take a break from your cosmic adventures and enjoy family-friendly sci-fi screenings in Revolution Manchester.
You’ll also then be able to put your skills to the test with classic space-themed games on the big screen every day in the afternoon.
And don’t forget, this half term is your only chance to meet Albert Slime-stein – a larger-than-life monster who’ll be popping up in the Upper Yard as part of the annual Halloween in the City MCR Monsters trail.
If you’re planning on visiting on actual Halloween day itself, then the museum is inviting you to come dressed in your best costume so you can get properly stuck into all the spooky fun.
The unveiling of the October half term events programme comes after the museum also announced that its popular adults-only ‘after hours’ event would be returning for one night only later this month, also with a Halloween twist.
Museum After Hours is happening on Thursday 29 October from 7pm-10pm, with tickets setting you back £12 each or £6 for concessions. Find out more here.
Science and Industry Museum’s October Half Term Programme is running from 24 October to 1 November. Entry to the museum (except the exhibitions) is free of charge, but it’s advised that you book your admission in advance, as it’s expected to be busier than normal.