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Looking for inspiration for family things to do as we head into the latter end of summer? Look no further…
Last month we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar mission, which saw the first humans land on the moon. If it’s sparked your family’s interest in all things intergalactic then we’ve got some space themed fun for you. The Sun at the Science and Industry Museum explores our favourite star and brings us closer to it than most of us are likely to ever come.
To find out more about our solar system head to Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre for their daily Telescope Walking Tours of the iconic Lovell Telescope. At World Museum in Liverpool, take a journey through space and time in the fully immersive cinema experience of their Planetarium Shows.
If space isn’t your thing, then fear not. There’s plenty more to explore, from the amazing interactive exhibits of Digital Dimensions at Eureka, to the immersive world of Alice in Wonderland at the Atkinson.
Check out our free things to do in Manchester guides for more ideas.
Enjoy the rest of summer!
Here are our picks
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1. The Sun at the Science and Industry Museum
Science Museum Group The Sun at Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield, 20 July 2019–5 January 2020, from £6 - Book now
Try on sunglasses from different eras and cultures, bask on an indoor beach, pose in a giant sunbeam and experience a solar storm at this mega new exhibition.
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2. Digital Dimensions at Eureka!
Credit: Jonathan Pow/jp@jonathanpow.com -
3. Summer Holidays at Quarry Bank
Image courtesy of National Trust/ Quarry Bank Summer Holidays at Quarry Bank, Cheshire, 20 July–12 September 2019 - Book now
Avoid those cries of boredom. For fun during the summer holidays, head to Quarry Bank for a jam-packed day-out inspired by the great outdoors.
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4. Telescope Walking Tours at Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre
Jodrell Bank Telescope Walking Tours at Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre at Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, 9 January 2019–9 January 2020, free entry - Visit now
Join one of the Centre’s Explainers as they take you on a tour of the iconic Lovell Telescope. Find out how it came to be and discover more about the ground breaking research it enables.
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5. Summer 2019 at Little Moreton Hall
at Little Moreton Hall, Cheshire, 3 May–3 November 2019, free entry - Visit now
Play like a Tudor this summer. With its beautifully charming and quirky style, Little Moreton Hall offers an iconic Tudor manor house, moat, manicured knot garden and plenty of fun activities for everyone.
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6. Playtime: Summer Family Activities at The Whitworth
Playtime: Summer Family Activities at The Whitworth, Manchester, 27 July–1 September 2019, free entry - Visit now
Explore the art of play indoors and out at The Whitworth this summer.
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7. Power UP at the Science and Industry Museum
Science Museum Group Power UP at Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield, 20 July–1 September 2019, from £7.00 - Book now
Stretch those competitive muscles and explore 40 years of video game challenges and design from Pacman to the latest in virtual reality.
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8. Rocket Returns to the Science and Industry Museum
Science Museum Group Rocket Returns at Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield, 25 September 2018–8 September 2019, free entry - Visit now
The final call for a one-in-a-lifetime chance to see Stephenson’s Rocket return to the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway for the first time in over 180 years.
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9. Inspired by Alice at The Atkinson
John Tenniel Inspired by Alice at The Atkinson, Southport, 25 May–7 September 2019, free entry - Visit now
Step into the immersive world of Alice, with art, collectables and craft all inspired by the legacy of Alice in Wonderland.
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10. Roy of the Rovers – The Exhibition at the National Football Museum
Rebellion Roy of the Rovers - The Exhibition at National Football Museum, Cathedral Quarter, 19 July–3 November 2019, from £5 - Visit now
Celebrate the 65th anniversary of Roy of the Rovers with a dedicated pop-up exhibition and family activities at the National Football Museum.
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11. Rise Up! Family workshop with Kiara Mohammed
Brian Roberts Rise Up! Family workshop with Kiara Mohammed at Bluecoat, City Centre, 31 August 2019, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm, free entry - Find Out More
Inspire your children to take action and join the movement to ensure we do everything possible to protect the future of our precious planet.
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12. Family Drawing in David Smith
Family Drawing in David Smith at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, 15 September 2019, 11:00 am–4:00 pm, free entry - Find Out More
Join this drop in activity in the beautiful, light filled Underground Gallery at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, for a fun family art session.
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13. Vintage by the Sea in Morecambe
Image courtesy of Vintage by the Sea Vintage by the Sea at Midland Hotel, Morecambe, 31 August–1 September 2019, free entry - Find Out More
Celebrate the brilliance of 20th century design, fashion, vehicles and entertainment at this award-winning festival set around Morecambe’s famous art deco Midland Hotel.
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14. Southport Air Show
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15. The Ministry of Lost & Found at Central Library
Joel Chester-Fildes The Ministry of Lost & Found at Manchester Central Library, Manchester, 14 September 2019, 11:00 am–4:00 pm, free entry - Find Out More
Pick up your map and join the Lost and Found expedition again on a family-friendly afternoon of exploration around Manchester’s Central Library.
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16. Planetarium Shows at World Museum Liverpool
Planetarium Shows at World Museum Liverpool, City Centre, 1 January–30 December 2019, from £2 - Book now
Take your family on a trip through space and time in this fully immersive cinema experience.
More in Families
Documentary Challenge at IWM North
Make and feature in your own mini-documentary at IWM North.
A World Inside a Book: Gruffalo, Dragons and Other Creatures at Z-arts
The UK’s first immersive exhibition of the much-loved tales of Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler. Expect enchanting forests, miniature towns and watery worlds.
Dovetail, Biscuit, Splat at Nostell
From designing the highest quality furniture, to sourcing the latest fashions in wallpaper, textiles and fittings, Thomas Chippendale created a world of interiors for Nostell. Roll up your sleeves and discover the designer in you with creative family activities every school holiday
A-Z of Salford’s Collections at Salford Museum and Art Gallery
Discover how Victorian gentlemen protected their moustaches from tea, which monarch’s pair of stockings reside in Salford, get up close to incredible art and more.
In A League Of Their Own at Castleford Museum
Rugby League is born and bred in West Yorkshire. From its beginnings in Huddersfield in 1895 to the Super League superstars of today, celebrate over 120 years of blood, sweat and tears. This special exhibition takes a close look at the clubs within the Wakefield district, Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Rovers and Wakefield Trinity as well as further afield clubs in West Yorkshire. The exhibition includes fantastic rugby-related objects from kits, balls and trophies to programmes, tickets and fan equipment. Highlights include the rugby shirt of legendary 1880s Wakefield Trinity player Harper Oliver Hamshaw, the ball with which Castleford’s Arthur ‘Brus’ Atkinson broke the record for the longest penalty kick in 1929, and the iconic Slazenger Torpedo rugby ball from the 1960 Rugby League Challenge Cup final at Wembley, when Wakefield Trinity beat Hull 38-5! In partnership with the West Yorkshire Local Authority Museum Partnership (WYLAMP) as part of We Are West Yorkshire.
Rights of the Child at Quarry Bank
Discover how children’s rights have changed over time in a brand new exhibition at Quarry Bank, Rights of the Child.
Explore & Draw stations at The Hepworth Wakefield
The Explore and Draw stations are open daily and are free to use.
Look out for Explore & Draw stations in The Hepworth Wakefield’s galleries. Borrow looking tools, handling objects and drawing materials to explore the galleries and create artworks.
The gallery have up to three stations in the galleries for you to use and explore. Each station links to their temporary exhibitions or collection displays and contains activities, objects and books related to the artworks. Enjoy drawing in the galleries, look in new ways at the artworks, feel objects and materials connected to exhibitions, or sit and read together.
Family Fun at Pontefract Museum
Lively activity sessions that everyone can take part in.
Castle Crafts at Pontefract Castle
Get creative together and explore and learn about the history of Pontefract Castle through play or crafts. A different activity each month.
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Food and Drink in Manchester and the North
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Tours and Activities
Challenge yourself to try something different this summer with our guide of Manchester based Tours and Activities. You’re bound to find something new to do in the city.
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