From a journey around the body and the birth of computing, to thunderous cotton spinning machines and the strength to lift a mini, there’s a perfect day out at the Science and Industry Museum this Autumn half term.

Saturday 23 October to Sunday 31 October, families can find plenty of science-filled fun and discovery at one of Manchester’s most loved attractions – exploring a whole host of family favourites alongside brand-new human body themed experiences every day during the holiday.

Come and discover the fascinating science behind our bodies through activities especially created to mark the opening of the museum’s world-first exhibition Cancer Revolution: science innovation and hope.  

Every day the museum’s team of Explainers will be presenting activities that will bring the body to life at Science Stops across the museum including performing a drinks bottle biopsy, giving fruit and veg an MRI and getting a closer look at cells with visitors even getting the chance to make their very own model cell badge to take away.

There are even more half-term adventures with Get Curious events where curious families will be able to learn more about the body and get the chance to meet people working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), ask questions, and have a go at lots of fun hands-on activities.

On Tuesday 26 October take part in experiments with the museum’s STEM Ambassadors who use STEM in their workplace and help young people get excited about future studies or careers in STEM too. Learn all about body parts (and get your own themed game to take home).

On Wednesday 27 October take part in fun hands-on activities with Manchester Metropolitan University PHD students all around blood. Discover what’s in our blood, how it is pumped around our body and more.

With family favourites and returning experiences. The thunderous historic textiles machinery demonstrations are back with shows both weekends and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday showing the machines that made Manchester and how cotton kickstarted the Industrial Revolution. Also making a welcome return is the Revolution Manchester show bringing the Mancunian ideas that changed the world to life in a fun and interactive, high paced show. Visitors can continue to find amazing stories in the rest of the galleries including the Experiment Gallery, a favourite among family visitors, where science is brought to life through a series of interactive exhibits from lifting a mini to creating a hurricane.

For older families there are two unmissable major exhibitions dedicated to medicine and music.

Discover the past, present and future of how cancer is prevented, detected and treated at the brand-new headline exhibition Cancer Revolution: Science, Innovation and Hope. Created with support from expert partner Cancer Research UK, it is the first major object-rich exhibition to explore the revolution in science transforming cancer care. Suitable for children aged 8 plus, free tickets are available to book via the museum’s website.

Immerse yourself in the history of the iconic Manchester music label, Factory Records in the Use Hearing Protection: The early years of Factory Records exhibition – unearthing the story of the company’s formative years from 1978 to 1982, and how their innovative work in music, technology and design gave Manchester an authentic voice and distinctive identity. Suitable for children aged 12 plus, see the website for availability and ticket prices.

The Science and Industry Museum is currently going through a multi-million pound restoration programme, meaning some areas including the Power Hall remain closed to the public. However, there’s still plenty for families to do, see and enjoy during the holiday period.