Celebrate spooky space at the Science and Industry Museum this October

The Science and Industry Museum is gearing up for an invasion of alien activities this October half term.

From Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, visitors will be taken on an out-of-this-world journey with the chance to watch short films, build rockets, play super-sized, space-themed video games, create their own alien adventures and go on a galactic treasure hunt.

The other-worldly activities are inspired by the museum’s latest blockbuster exhibition, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, a universe-first, laugh-out-loud space adventure that sees explorers blasted into the Solar System where hands-on experiments, interactive challenges, mischievous storytelling, rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await.

As well as a galaxy full of family-friendly activities, there’s something exclusively on offer for adults as the museum hosts an After Hours on Thursday 29 October, where over 18s can explore the museum after dark…if they dare!

Family half-term fun (10.30, 11.30 and 12.30)

Unwind with short sci-fi films

Visitors can ease into their adventure by settling into sci-fi films in front of the big screen. Experience one of the galleries being transformed into a comfy cosmic cinema, pull up a bean bag and enjoy screenings of Pixar’s Lifted and BBC’s The Smeds and the Smoos every morning during the holidays.

Create an alien (all day)

Visitors can take inspiration from the big screen stories and create extra-terrestrial characters, while finding out how scientists are hunting for signs of life beyond our planet.

Animate an extra-terrestrial (timed workshops throughout the day. Limited capacity. Recommended ages, 7+)

Budding filmmakers can also visit the animation studio and bring extra-terrestrial characters to life through stop animation, exploring the science behind their creation.

Play a super-sized space game (from 14.00)

Multi-player versions of a classic video game set in outer space will also be available to play on the big screen every afternoon, offering gamers the chance to compete as part of an ultimate space spectator sport.

Visitors can also explore more of the museum as they take on a galactic treasure hunt and build their own giant rockets.

Hunt down a CityCo Monster

From 24 – 31 October, mega monster Albert Slime-stein, will be popping up in the museum’s Upper Yard as part of City Co’s Halloween in the City monster hunt. The slimy scientist will make the perfect photo opportunity for those celebrating spooky season.

All the activities are inspired by the Science and Industry Museum’s universe-first, laugh-out-loud space adventure, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, which offers visitors the chance to touch a real piece of the Moon, enter a black hole and join a Martian dance off on an alien disco planet, all while learning about some spectacular space science.

Adults-only After Hours

Adults can celebrate the spooky side of science with an out-of-this world After Hours on Thursday 29 October.

Join iconic Manchester drag artist, Anna Phylactic, to watch stellar performances of high-energy monster mashups, rave with the Robotic Man as he dances his way around the museum, and dive into a super-sized world of galactic gaming in the Actual Reality Arcade, including the chance to test your reactions while playing a giant UFO game.

Visitors can also embark on a playful journey through the Solar System with after-hours access to Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, and enjoy themed food and drinks throughout the evening.

Tickets for the After Hours are priced at £12, visit the museum’s website for more information.

Public Programme Producer Grace Brindle said: “We’re looking forward to celebrating the spooky side of space this October. With the half-term fun and After Hours event, there really is something for everyone! Whether you’re joining us for a family film, giant space gaming or getting hands-on with alien activities, we’re hoping to inspire everyone to explore what really is out there in the depths of space.

“We can’t wait to host iconic Manchester performers for our After Hours, and see the museum brought to life in the evening, with a giant monster to boot, it’s going to be spook-tacular.”

General admission tickets for the Science and Industry Museum are free and can be booked online. More details on the free October half term activities can be found on the museum website.

Tickets for Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos are also available to book online (www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/horrible-science-cosmic-chaos). They are priced at £10, with family discount available and under-3s going free.