Summer of Senses at the Science and Industry Museum

Shekina Rose, Families Editor

Visit now

Summer of senses at the Science and Industry Museum

19 July-31 August 2025

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

Mother and daughter wearing ear defenders in small intestine in Operation Ouch! Food, Poo and You Summer of senses at the Science and Industry Museum
Science and Industry Museum
Book now

It’s all about brilliant brains and snotty science at the Summer of Senses at the Science and Industry Museum this summer. If you and/or your kids think bogies are hilarious and brains are fascinating (or vice versa), this one’s for you. Expect a packed programme inspired by the gloriously gooey exhibition at the museum, Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You.

Get ready for a little bit of genius and a LOT of gross. Explore the curious complexities of the human brain in the brand-new live science show, then test your own grey matter with optical illusions, mind-bending puzzles and family-friendly challenges designed to make you say, “Huh…?”

Head to the Bogie Lab where your little scientists can whip up their own batch of homemade snot and learn how magical, sticky and thoroughly under-appreciated mucus actually keeps us healthy.

Next up, pop on your headphones and hit the silent disco, where you’ll explore how the body reacts to sound, and possibly rediscover your own long-dormant dance moves. 

After all that excitement you might want even more oozy, brainy brilliance. Get a ticket to the Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You exhibition and take a deep dive into the world of snot, neurons and earwax.

And keep your eyes peeled for pop-up surprises throughout the summer, including a guest appearance from Operation Ouch! presenter, Dr Xand. And don’t miss the special activities celebrating Manchester Pride this August.

Of course, the museum’s other free permanent galleries are always open for exploring. Discover everyday science in Experiment, journey through Manchester’s role in world-changing innovation in Revolution Manchester, and heear the clanging of historic machinery and follow a family trail through our Textiles Gallery for interactive fun that might make you forget you’re learning something.

Brains. Bogies. And everything in between. And did we mention, completely free.

Where to go near Summer of Senses at the 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.

What's on: Activity

Bumps and Brushes
TourCumbria
Bumps and Brushes at Abbot Hall

Meet other expecting parents and connect with yourself artistically in Bumps and Brushes a relaxed artistic workshop at Abbot Hall.

Free entry
Manchester Town Hall
TourManchester
The Magical Mystery Bike Tour

Hop on your bike for this guided cycling tour, exploring fascinating corners of Manchester you may never have seen before.

From £25.00

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

Cloudwater Production One
Tours and Activities in the North

Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Harry Baker
Literature Events in the North

From environmental to experimental, our poetry and prose picks from around the North are focused on the unusual and the fun.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Helena Hauff
Music in the North

Shape-shifting bands, scorched-earth techno, and off-grid festivals. Our latest music picks catch the live scene at its most urgent, inventive and alive.