Sensory-friendly Storytelling: Laddie and the Lost Teddy
Daily between 23 July – 4 September
Come and join the museum’s very own station dog, Laddie, on this storytelling adventure as he uses his senses, investigation skills and the help of his friends to reunite a lost teddy with its owner, exploring the amazing feats of engineering and railways along the way! This session is suitable for all the family and part of the museum’s sensory-friendly programme for people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Summer holiday programme: Gadgeteers
Every day between 25 July – 2 September
Discover the innovations of STEM within the National Railway Museum’s amazing collection. Science is all around you, and you’ll be filled with surprise and awe as you discover stories that move you.
The Story of the Railways: A Self-led Trail
Every day between 25 July – 2 September
The railways as we know them today began their journey all the way back in 1829, nearly 200 years ago! Through this trail you’ll discover the history of the railways, from the early days of steam through to modern electric trains and beyond.
Gadgeteers Make and Take
Weekly between 23 July – 4 September
Age: Suitable for ages 4-11
Local libraries
Inventors’ Workshop—Are you ready to unleash your inner inventor? The summer reading challenge’s Gadgeteers have asked the Science and Industry Museum to help you. Join the Science and Industry Museum team for interactive sessions inspired by the book ‘Once Upon a Big Idea’ (by James Carter). Discover the amazing science and innovation behind the world around you, get excited about the world-changing ideas that started right here in Greater Manchester, and create your very own made-up machines.
Book Den
23 July – 4 September
Science and Industry Museum, Manchester
Take a moment to get lost in a world of amazing science stories. Find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge and start your journey of discovery in our cosy Book Den.
Comic book Creators
26 July – 1 September every Tues/Thurs:
- Tuesday 26 July, 10–11.30, Great Horton Library
- Thursday 28 July, 13–14.30, Shipley Library
- Tuesday 2 August, 13–14.30, Café West Allerton
- Thursday 4 August, 13–14.30, Heaton Hub
- Tuesday 9 August, 10–11.30, City Library
- Tuesday 9 August, 13–14.30, Clayton Library
- Thursday 11 August, 13–14.30, Keighley Library
- Tuesday 16 August, 13–14.30, Wibsey Library
- Thursday 18 August, 13–14.30, Laisterdyke Library
- Tuesday 23 August, 13–14.30, Wyke Library
The world is in danger—who will save the day and how will they do it? Learn all about five fantastic scientists and how their discoveries or inventions have impacted our lives today. Choose your favourite and create your own comic book inspired by their life story.
Incredible Inventors
26 July – 1 September every Tues/Thurs
- Tuesday 26 July, 13–14.30, City Library
- Thursday 11 August, 10–11.30, Mannigham Library
- Tuesday 16 August, 10–11.30, Idle Library
- Thursday 18 August, 10–11.30, Keighley Library
- Tuesday 23 August, 10–11.30, Café West Allerton
- Thursday 25 August, 10–11.30, Bollinghall Library
- Thursday 25 August, 13–14.30, Ecceshill Library
- Thursday 1 September, 13–14.30, Laisterdyke Libary
Tired of TV? Radio, really? What is the future of listening and watching? Be inspired by local inventors and experience the Museum’s Collection: what machine would you invent to watch your favourite film or listen to your favourite song? Draw your plans and see what your friends and family think!
Gadgeteers Trail
23 July – 4 September
National Science and Media Museum
Pick up your trail booklet and search all around the museum for exciting objects to learn about some incredible inventors, and inventions! What fun facts will you discover?
Reading Corner
23 July – 4 September
Kodak Drawing Room
Discover books all about science, sustainability and invention in our comfy reading corner – drop-in, available daily.
Gadgeteers activities and reading corner
23 – 31 July
Main Hall, Locomotion
Have a go at some of our science-inspired make-and-take activities (e.g. build a dome, make a fortune teller)—self-led, available daily.
Join in with our fun STEM-based workshops—selected days, free but places are limited and must be booked at the Welcome Desk.
Reading Corner
23 July – 4 September
Main Hall, Locomotion
Explore some of the Gadgeteer books, in our comfy reading corner—drop-in, available daily.
Stacking shapes
Inspired by this year’s theme ‘Gadgeteers’, this workshop explores science and engineering skills.
Discover more about shapes—what is the strongest shape, where can these shapes be found in everyday life and work together to build a giant structure right inside the library.
Weekly workshops will be held in the following local libraries:
- Wednesday 10 August, 11–11.45, North Kensington Library
- Wednesday 17 August, 11–11.45, Kensington Central Library
- Tuesday 23 August, 11–11.45, Church Street Library
- Wednesday 24 August, 11–11.45, Brompton Library
- Tuesday 30 August, 11–11.45, Paddington Library
