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United Kingdom/Things to Do in Manchester, with kids

Science and Industry Museum (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Science and Industry Museum?

94%Kids-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 94% Kids-Friendly: Hands-on Experiment stations, Operation Ouch exhibits and working steam engines keep under-12s busy; free ear defenders, holiday workshops and child menus support a smooth, full-day visit.

Google
Reviews4.4/ 5
(from 19,406 reviews)

Positives:

  • Free entry and interactive fun: Most galleries are free and let kids touch real machines and experiments.
  • Accessible facilities: The museum offers lifts, buggy park and seating areas for family comfort.

Challenges:

  • Busy weekends: Main galleries and demos get crowded on weekends and school breaks.
  • Distance between exhibits: Walking between galleries can tire younger kids; plan regular rests.
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What is Science and Industry Museum?

  • A museum set within Manchester’s historic Castlefield railway station and Victorian warehouses, chronicling the development of science and technology since the Industrial Revolution
  • Houses original steam engines, spinning machines, early computing artefacts, and the world’s first purpose-built passenger railway station dating to 1830
  • Exhibits explore the evolution of power sources—from waterwheels to steam engines to modern computing—within authentic industrial-era architecture

What is so special about Science and Industry Museum for with kids?

  1. Free entry with interactive, hands-on science galleries
  2. Live steam engine and textile machine demonstrations
  3. Paid family-friendly shows like Operation Ouch! and gaming events
  4. On-site café, seating, lifts and buggy park for comfort
  5. Seasonal workshops in school holidays for extra fun

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives time to explore key galleries, watch demos and take breaks without rushing kids.

(View Science and Industry Museum on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Science and Industry Museum

Experiment Gallery:

Hands-on stations with bubbles, magnets and light experiments.

Tip: Let kids try each activity zone; start here to spark curiosity.

Revolution Manchester Gallery:

Timeline of textile, steam and computing inventions.

Tip: Follow the timeline with interactive displays to keep kids engaged.

Textile and Steam Demonstrations:

Live demos of working mill machines and steam engines.

Tip: Check the daily schedule on arrival and plan breaks around demo times.

Operation Ouch! Exhibition:

Interactive biology show where kids explore digestion models.

Tip: Book tickets online in advance; under-3s go free.

Power Up Gaming Event:

Play new video games and classic arcades together.

Tip: Book weekend slots early; family tickets may save money.

When is the best time to visit Science and Industry Museum (Manchester, United Kingdom)?

During school holidays, book free Summer of Senses workshops early. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Manchester on Trip.com

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Reviews of Science and Industry Museum (Manchester)

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PulaPaul

PulaPaul

Sep 2025

Free entry, with recommended donation of £5. Currently undergoing a big refurbish only a small part of the exhibits are currently on display. They had a good section on weaving, and a nice memorial for Stephen Hawkins. Upstairs is a hands-on science exhibit which was fun for the kids. When we visited they had a retro gaming interactive exhibit, which was an extra charge but great fun playing some ...

Juri Redecker

Juri Redecker

Aug 2025

I only spent about 30 minutes here, and to me it felt much more geared towards families and kids rather than adults. If I had visited with a child, I’m sure I would have stayed longer and found it more engaging. On my own, I just walked through quite quickly. Definitely a good recommendation for families with children, especially on a rainy day. For adults, I think the experience is more limited. ...

Chris Chee

Chris Chee

Aug 2025

The museum was excellent and paid for entry into the "Power Up" exhibition which all the family enjoyed as it had retro computers and consoles that brought back happy memories of our childhood and our kids loved trying those games out too but ended up playing on what they know best Minecraft. An enjoyable day to pass the time and the science and technology free exhibition was good as it had hands ...

Jay Singh

Jay Singh

Aug 2025

This museum is full of fascinating exhibits and clever inventions that highlight the city’s industrial legacy. From historic steam engines to hands-on science zones, there’s plenty to explore and learn. It’s fun, informative, and ideal for anyone curious about how things work.

Victoria Blane

Victoria Blane

Jun 2025

Great half term fun at the science and industry museum, if your children have blue peter badges they can get in to the ouch exhibition for free and obviously the other parts of the museum is free, so it's a really cheap day out just got to pay £9 and adult for the Ouch exhibition. The is parking down the road but can be pricey. Or you can get the train as it isn't far. Great for a rainy day! Child...

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Museum entryGBP 0
Operation Ouch! exhibition (2 adults + 2 children)GBP 38
Power Up Gaming Event (2 adults + 2 children)GBP 28
Snacks at caféGBP 20
Total EstimatedGBP 86

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Science and Industry Museum

  1. Book paid events in advance: Reserve Operation Ouch! and gaming slots online to guarantee entry.
  2. Arrive before demos: Get to the demo areas 10 minutes early to secure good viewing spots.
  3. Use cloakroom: Drop off bags at the cloakroom to move around freely.
🚗 Planning to explore multiple Manchester attractions? A rental car often costs less than daily taxi trips. Check Trip.com for deals. New users save up to 8% OFF.

Map of Science and Industry Museum

Address: Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4JP, UK

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About Science and Industry Museum

Opening Hours

Monday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+44 330 058 0058

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