Bring all the family

Families and early years

The skeleton of a sperm whale, a giant Japanese incense burner and one the rarest frogs in the world – these are just some of the amazing objects we care for.   

Getting to know the objects and asking questions can help children to make sense of the world around them and spark big ideas. Being close to culture can also offer an escape from the pressures of modern life and provide a space to reflect and bond.

The Museum is full of incredible stories and our free activities made for families will help you take a deep dive into some of the most fascinating objects on display.

On this page you will find unmissable events, creative resources and the important stuff – like where the picnic area is – to make your family’s visit one to remember!

What you need to know

Picnic area  

Our new ground floor picnic area offers a welcoming environment where you can eat your picnic lunches. It is beautifully decorated to complement the Museum Café and includes tables, microwaves, work surfaces, a sink, and bins. It is free to use and does not need to be booked in advance. 

Museum Café 

Our family-friendly café can be accessed through the Main Hall or from Oxford Road. It serves delicious vegetarian food and drinks all day.

Buggy parking  

We have space for buggy parking in the Main Hall close to the picnic area – please ask a member of the team for assistance. Events for 0-5s will have temporary buggy parks available, ask at the museum welcome desk for details. 

Baby feeding   

You are welcome to breastfeed or bottle-feed anywhere in the museum. Should you wish for more privacy, there’s a quiet room located on floor 1 next to the Egypt and Sudan Gallery. Please see our map of museum facilities and ask our Museum Visitor Team for details and access. 

Baby changing  

There are baby changing spaces in the toilets on the ground floor, next to the Main Hall, and in the toilets on floor 1 near to Living Worlds. You can ask for a family pack at the welcome desk, which include nappies, baby wipes, and bags.

Find more information to help plan your visit

Gingerbread Meetups

Gingerbread is a national charity working with single parents and their children to create a society where all single parents and their children thrive. Gingerbread challenge, support and connect.

One way in which we support is through our volunteer lead groups who facilitate online connections and meet ups. This is where single parents have the opportunity to make friendships and receive peer support. The groups are open to all single parents and their children.  Manchester Museum and Gingerbread are working in partnership and Manchester Gingerbread Meetups are hosted at the museum.

If you’re interested in attending the group meetups or would like further information please email manchestergingerbread@gmail.com.