Families
There's lots to keep all the family entertained at the Museum.
Events & exhibitions calendar
As well as the information below about the different events the Museum offers, you can visit our events & exhibitions calendar or have a look at our events and exhibitions guide at the bottom of the page.
Big Saturdays and holiday events
Touching a 200 million year old fossil and objects from ancient cultures; stroking a fox; meeting scientists working on the latest research; making your own treasures; performances and films; having objects brought to life through storytelling and tours. These are some of the things you can experience at our monthly Big Saturdays and school holiday events. The next Big Saturday is Manchester Big Saturday on Sat 25 Feb. Look at the events & exhibitions calendar or the Events & Exhibitions guide at the bottom of the page to see what else is on. Most activities are free and drop-in. Some activities may need to be booked on the day and may cost up to £1.50.
Magic Carpet
Get comfy on our magic carpet and enjoy stories and activities. Look at the events & exhibitions calendar or the Events & Exhibitions guide at the bottom of the page to see what dates they're on. For under 5s and their families/carers. Book on 0161 275 2648 a week before the event. £1 per child.
Discovery Centre
Drop in for drawing and other art activities inspired by the Museum's collection and to get up close to amazing objects. Open 11am-4pm on weekends and during school holidays. Floor G.
Nature Discovery
Step inside a magical world where younger children and their families can explore nature, in Owlwood, Oceandeep & Flowermeadow. Floor 1.
Play + Learn
A space on Floor 3 where you can read, draw, play and relax.
Trails
Follow one of our free trails around the Museum, including our A History of the World Relic trail where you can uncover the secrets behind some of our objects. Can you complete the challenges and become a Guardian of the Museum? You can pick up the trail from the Museum or print out the PDF at the bottom of the page.
Backpacks
Borrow one of our family backpacks full of games and activities to do in the galleries. A range of contents make them suitable for all ages.
Object handling
Hold objects and discover their stories at our object handling tables. Open daily 11am-3pm.
Galleries
Wander around our amazing galleries full of treasures from the natural world and many different cultures.
Facilities
The Museum has baby changing facilities, lifts to all floors, a buggy park, lockers, a children's menu in our café and a Picnic Area.
Booking information for family events
Most activities are free and drop-in but some may cost £1.50 or need booking on the day or in advance (see individual events for details). A maximum of six tickets can be booked in advance and children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets booked in advance must be paid for or collected at least 30 minutes before the start of the event. Booking and information line 0161 275 2648.
Access
We aim to meet everyone's access requirements. Please let us know any requirements a week in advance of any event you would like to attend. Phone 0161 275 2648 or email museum@manchester.ac.uk
