Summer Holidays at Manchester Museum 2026

Start Date: 18 Jul 2026

End Date: 30 Aug 2026

Venue: Manchester Museum

Looking for free family activities this summer? Head to Manchester Museum for a packed programme of bug-themed trails, creative workshops, storytelling sessions and hands-on activities throughout the school holidays.

From discovering amazing insect superpowers on the Summer Superbugs Trail to getting creative at Bugtastic, enjoying interactive story times and taking part in special family talks, there’s plenty to keep curious young minds entertained this summer.

Most activities are free, with many available as drop-in sessions.

Saturday 18th July – Sunday 30th August 2026
Location: Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, Manchester
Admission: Museum entry is free. Most summer holiday activities are free, with some requiring advance booking.

Table of Contents

What to Expect

Summer Superbugs Trail

Saturday 18th July – Sunday 30th August 2026

10.00am – 5.00pm

Set off around the museum to meet a team of incredible Superbugs and discover the amazing superpowers of insects and other tiny creatures. Complete the trail as you explore the galleries and learn more about the fascinating world of bugs through interactive challenges and family-friendly activities.

Free, just drop in.

Bugtastic Creative Activities

Weekdays from Tuesday 21st July – Friday 28th August 2026

11.00am – 1.00pm & 2.00pm – 4.00pm

Get hands-on with a changing programme of bug-inspired creative activities throughout the summer. Each week explores a different art form, including animation, comic creation, printing and crafts, all inspired by the remarkable world of insects. Free, just drop in.

LEGO Build & Talk

Thursday 30th July 2026

9.00am – 5.00pm

Take part in a fun interactive LEGO experience delivered with Parent Zone. Families can build together while exploring conversations around digital life and online safety in an engaging and playful way.

Free, just drop in.

Billie Bee Story Time

Monday 3rd, 10th & 17th August 2026

11.30am & 1.00pm

Join Billie Bee for interactive storytelling inspired by the children’s book Billie Bee and the Secret Glue That Holds Manchester Together. These engaging sessions are perfect for younger children and combine stories, imagination and plenty of fun. Free, just drop in.

National Play Day

Wednesday 5th August 2026

12.00pm – 4.00pm

Celebrate National Play Day with a variety of playful activities popping up across the museum. Families can enjoy games, creative challenges and interactive experiences designed to encourage children to play, explore and learn together.

Free, just drop in.

Family Collection Bites

Wednesdays throughout August 2026

1.15pm – 1.45pm

Discover fascinating objects from the museum’s collections during these short family talks. Each session explores a different theme, including animal inspirations behind video games, egg detectives, animal families and becoming an archaeologist for the day.

Free, but advance booking is recommended.