Spend your summer in space at the Science and Industry Museum

Spend the summer in space and embark on an unforgettable adventure at the Science and Industry Museum, where a free programme of rocket-themed activities and events will transport visitors through the Solar System, alongside its blockbuster space exhibition, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos.

From Saturday 18 July to Tuesday 1 September, families can blast off on a journey packed with hands-on experiences, spectacular events and cosmic fun. From live space shows and giant rockets to tinkering activities and Martian discovery trails, budding astronauts are in for a summer to remember.

Thanks to new exhibition, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, visitors can travel to far-off worlds. Based on the hit CBBC series, the exhibition delivers rocket-loads of silly and surprising science during an epic space adventure.

Free daily programme

Every day throughout the summer holidays, visitors can enjoy a packed programme of free activities designed to ignite imaginations and inspire future space explorers.

Get hands-on with rocket power and the mind-blowing forces of flight during hands-on activities, discover the science behind space travel in interactive live shows that reveal the science behind space travel, and follow clues left by friendly Martians on a museum-wide trail uncovering fascinating space-related objects and stories.

The museum is also partnering with charity, Communities For All, to collaborate with young people from across the city to shape a brand-new activity. It forms part of the museum’s annual City Sparks programme, working with a range of community groups to co-produce experiences that explore the next generation of world-changing ideas. This year, young people will be focusing on what excites them most about space travel.

Free special events

More galactic good fun will land every week when ‘Rocket Wednesdays’ brings an extra boost of cosmic energy. Highlights include:

• 30-foot-tall rocket ship Skybolt 2, hosted by Manchester-based aerospace company, Starchaser. Designed to reach speeds of up to 3200mph, Skybolt 2 first flew in September 2017 and still displays some visible marks from its landing. Visitors can revel at the real-life space craft and meet the team behind the rocket.
• A new twist on a classic seaside puppet show with artist, Solar Sister, who will bring space stories to life during interactive walkabout performances alongside an astronaut puppet companion,
•  A draw-a-long workshop with Kate Pankhurst, bestselling author and illustrator of children’s story, We Are All Astronauts.
• Space-inspired Lego challenges. From rockets and space stations to alien worlds and futuristic vehicles, imaginations will take off with activities hosted by Bricklands.
• Turning everyday items into instruments and joining a junk percussion jam inspired by space waste.

Activities will vary every Wednesday. Check the Science and Industry Museum’s website for a full programme of activities across the summer www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/summer-2026

 Solar eclipse celebration

On Wednesday 12 August, rocket activities will be swapped for a special event to mark the solar eclipse, including live interactive shows, demonstrations, spectacular images of the Sun disappearing on our giant screens and opportunities to discover more about this rare celestial event. The eclipse will be partial in Britain, but total from some countries in continental Europe, meaning the moon will briefly block direct sunlight.

Out-of-this-world exhibition

The free activities are inspired by the Science and Industry Museum’s universe-first, laugh-out-loud space adventure, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, which sees explorers blasted into the Solar System where hands-on experiments, interactive challenges, mischievous storytelling, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await.

The exhibition is brimming with unforgettable summer experiences. Take in the views and see spectacular sights from across the Solar System, including stunning aerial images of Earth taken from space and life-size model of Beagle 2, the first UK and European spacecraft to land on another planet.

Catch some rays and explore the Sun in a completely new light via a glowing zone dedicated to the star at the centre of our Solar System. And dress for the weather by donning a spacesuit to explore the exhibition’s moon zone.

Try not to be put off by the local cuisine with a display of what astronauts eat in space, or get stretched like spaghetti on the edge of a black hole. Visitors can complete their visit by meeting the locals and partying with Martians on an alien disco planet.

The exhibition marks the first time the much-loved Horrible Science brand has been transformed into a large-scale immersive exhibition. For full details, visit the museum’s website.

The exhibition has been created by the museum in collaboration with producers of the brand-new Horrible Science TV show, BBC Children’s and Education, and Lion Television, an All3Media company, together with Scholastic, publishers of the much-loved Horrible Science book series by Nick Arnold and illustrated by Tony De Saulles.

Gina Cooke, Public Programmes Producer at the Science and Industry Museum, said: “We are so excited to be bringing the wonders of space exploration back to Earth this summer.

“Space adventure is the result of incredible human ingenuity, and we’ll be fuelling visitors with wonder through a programme that is inspired by our exhibitions to be is hands-on, entertaining and playful, while showcasing the real science behind exploration and discovery.”

Director of the Science and Industry Museum, Sally MacDonald, said: “Free and affordable experiences are more essential than ever during the holidays. Our summer programme will offer families memorable days out to enjoy together, giving them the opportunity to explore the universe without even leaving Manchester.”

General admission tickets for the Science and Industry Museum are free and can be booked online (www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk). Tickets for Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos are also available to book online. They are priced at £10, with family discount available and under-threes going free.