Summer of Space at the Science and Industry Museum 2026
Blast off on an out-of-this-world family adventure as the Science and Industry Museum launches its Summer of Space holiday programme.
Inspired by the blockbuster exhibition Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, families can enjoy free live science shows, an interactive Martian trail, hands-on engineering activities, a giant rocket display and a special programme of Rocket Wednesdays throughout the summer holidays.
Event Details
Saturday 18th July – Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location: Science and Industry Museum, Manchester
Admission: Free museum entry and free holiday activities (charges apply for selected exhibitions, including Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos)
What to Expect
Daily Live Science Shows
Discover the science behind space travel as museum experts demonstrate what it really takes to launch a rocket into space. These interactive demonstrations are suitable for curious minds of all ages.
Martian Treasure Hunt
Friendly Martians need your help! Follow the trail around the museum, solve clues and complete an intergalactic treasure hunt as you explore the galleries.
Meet the Skybolt 2 Rocket
Come face-to-face with Skybolt 2, a spectacular 30-foot life-size space rocket displayed in the museum’s Upper Yard during Rocket Wednesdays. Meet the team behind the rocket and discover the science and engineering behind modern spaceflight.
Hands-On Space Activities
Look out for pop-up activities throughout the summer where children can build, experiment and explore with the museum’s expert Explainers through fun rocket-themed engineering challenges.
Rocket Wednesdays
Every Wednesday during the summer holidays, families can enjoy a different space-themed event alongside the impressive Skybolt 2 rocket.
Wednesday 22nd July – Solar Sister Performance
11.00am, 1.00pm, 2.00pm & 3.00pm
Join artist Solar Sister and her astronaut puppet companion for an interactive walkabout performance packed with stories, imagination and space-themed fun.
Wednesday 29th July – Space LEGO
10.00am – 4.00pm
Take part in creative LEGO challenges with Bricklands, building rockets, space stations, alien worlds and futuristic vehicles.
Wednesday 5th August – We Are All Astronauts! Draw-Along
10.45am, 11.45am, 2.15pm & 3.15pm
Join bestselling children’s author and illustrator Kate Pankhurst for a fun space-themed draw-along inspired by We Are All Astronauts!.
Wednesday 12th August – Solar Eclipse Celebration
Celebrate the 2026 solar eclipse with a special programme of family activities exploring this fascinating astronomical event. More details will be announced by the museum.
Wednesday 19th August – Space Junk Percussion
10.00am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Enjoy energetic performances and workshops inspired by space debris, discovering how everyday recycled objects can be transformed into musical instruments.
Wednesday 26th August – Solar Sister Performance
11.00am, 1.00pm, 2.00pm & 3.00pm
Solar Sister returns for another series of interactive performances celebrating space exploration with music, storytelling and audience participation.
More info >>> Summer of Space at the Science and Industry Museum
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Experiment Floor
During your visit don’t forget to head to the Experiment science floor.
Here you will be able to enjoy an interactive gallery designed for the whole family to enjoy together.
Plus across the museum, you’ll find:
- Interactive galleries for all ages
- Science demonstrations and hands‑on play
- Creative drop‑in activities
- Opportunities to explore machines, tech and Manchester’s industrial heritage
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, Science and Industry Museum, Manchester (Paid exhibition)
Thursday 13th February 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027
BBC’s Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos is heading to the Science and Industry Museum kicking off the February Half Term! Explore space-themed zones, take part in hands-on experiments, and challenge your scientific wits while dodging the schemes of Dr Big Brain. From dancing on alien disco planets to investigating far-off worlds, this playful, interactive exhibition brings the hit Horrible Science series to life for curious minds of all ages.
Tickets £10 per child or adult, children aged 3 and under free. Families and small groups get £1 off per ticket. Suitable for children aged 7+ (younger children can enjoy highlights).
To book >>> Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, Science and Industry Museum, Manchester
Good to Know
- The holiday programme is free with museum admission.
- Some exhibitions, including Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, require a separate ticket.
- Activities are suitable for families with children of all ages.
- Rocket Wednesdays feature different themed activities each week.
- Booking your free museum admission in advance is recommended during the school holidays.
Venue Details
Science and Industry Museum
Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4FP
The museum is centrally located in Manchester City Centre and easily reached by public transport (Deansgate‑Castlefield tram stop nearby). There is no on‑site parking; visitors are encouraged to arrive by tram, bus or train.
The Science Industry Museum in Manchester City Centre always makes a great free day out in Manchester, however, this school holidays have lots of fun holiday activities in-store.
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