Science and Industry Museum
Working steam engines, the story of Cottonopolis, and hands-on galleries in the world's oldest surviving passenger railway station. Free, and the live demonstrations are the bit kids actually remember.
The Whitworth
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Art galleries and toddlers are not a natural pairing, but the Whitworth has thought about it harder than most. It is free, it sits in Whitworth Park, and the family programme is aimed squarely at the under-fives: PLAY days, Art Baby for non-walkers, outdoor art clubs for 2 to 8s and sensory mornings for families with additional needs. All free, most of them drop-in.
The practical side is good too. There is a family room with changing, coin buggy locks and lockers on the lower ground floor, baby carriers to borrow, and a water fountain. The cafe sits among the trees and serves food until 3.30pm. The one catch is getting there by car, because the Oxford Road bus gates are live from 6am to 9pm every day.
Some of the park and the outside of the building are fenced off while an old exterior wall is repaired, but the gallery, shop and cafe are open as normal. Manchester Museum is a short walk up Oxford Road if you want a second stop.
What it costs: Free entry to the gallery. Family activities are free, most of them drop-in; the Eco Kids Art Club for 7 to 12s books through Eventbrite.
Know before you go
- Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 to 5, and until 9pm on Thursdays. Closed every Monday including bank holidays.
- Oxford Road has bus gates, so general traffic cannot drive between Hathersage Road and Portland Street from 6am to 9pm. Come by bus (the 15, 41, 42, 43, 140 to 143 and 147 all stop near) or plan the car route round it.
- Forgotten the nappies? Reception at the Oxford Road entrance keeps free nappies, wipes and cream for exactly that moment.
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