May Half Term at Science and Industry Museum

Shekina Rose, Families Editor

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May Half Term

24 May-1 June 2025

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Mother and daughter play with smell interactive_Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You
Science and Industry Museum
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Head to the Science and Industry Museum during May half term, where a sense-sational programme of free, hands-on family fun, inspired by the museum’s blockbuster exhibition Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You awaits.

Operation Ouch! invites you to discover how animals and humans use their senses to explore the world around them. Join expert Explainers for Wild Senses, an fascinating science show where you’ll learn how  animals like bees and bats rely on their super senses to survive and thrive.

Next, test your own senses on the interactive sensory trail. Like a dog, sniff out hidden surprises, and learn how bees might experience taste and smell at the tasting station. There’s also an opportunity to use your creative skills to make your very own bee to take home.

You’ll also uncover incredible creatures that live right here in our towns and cities with activities inspired by the public art and climate initiative THE HERDS, supported by Art Fund.

Don’t forget to explore the popular free galleries too. Experience science in action in Experiment, where you can try out heat vision, lift a car, see through walls and more.

In Revolution Manchester discover world-changing inventions, from iconic industrial wheels to Manchester’s influence on the UK’s creative industries. Head to the Textiles Gallery to explore awesome historic machines and grab a free activity trail filled with games and challenges for the whole family.

Where to go near May Half Term at Science and Industry Museum

Manchester
Restaurant
Teppanyaki Chinatown

A Japanese teppanyaki restaurant in the centre of Chinatown. The focus is on high-quality food with a minimum of theatrics. It doesn’t disappoint.

Manchester
Music venue
Castlefield Bowl

The Castlefield Bowl is an outdoor events pavilion in the inner city conservation area of Castlefield in Manchester. The 8000-capacity arena is often used for food festivals and music events.

Great John Street Hotel in Spinningfields in Manchester.
Castlefield
Hotel
Great John Street Hotel

A converted Victorian school house nestled on the edge of Spinningfields, the Great John Street Hotel has a relaxed and decadent atmosphere.

Castlefield
Bar or Pub
Cask

Cask is a well-loved pub on Liverpool Road in Manchester. It has an excellent selection of continental beers and a cosy beer garden.

Castlefield
Event venue
Castlefield Viaduct

Launching in summer 2022, the National Trust and Twelve Architects and Masterplanners will be bringing a new lease of life to Castlefield Viaduct.

Campfield Open Day-3
Castlefield
Event venue
Campfield Market Hall

Having undergone years of transformative and restorative work, the complex will now be known as Campfield Mega Campus, Manchester’s most ambitious creative-tech destination.

Manchester
Restaurant
Fenix

Modern Greek Mediterranean cuisine from the team behind Tattu.

Altrincham
Shop
IDAHO

Every piece in IDAHO has something special and will guarantee to make your homes, offices and wardrobes feel a little more inspiring.

Castlefield
Theatre
Versa Manchester Studios

Formerly the Old Granada Studios, VERSA Manchester Studios is evolving into a dynamic Studio Campus with TV, Film, Motion Capture and VR / AR Studios alongside a glamorous new Soho House.

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