Simply the best museum that I've been to with my three year old son (and his favourite by far), and we've been plenty of times. Plenty to see and do though the number of engines on at any one time varies, there's always enough happening (though better when the steam train is running as someone else noted).
Changing facilities are ok (toilets in far corner on aircraft hall are ok, others are either cramped or cold).
I've never seen it crowded, even with school parties on the swarm.
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Review by: Daniel
Date: 5th January 2011 - 11:27
Hands-on 'Xperiment' gallery on top floor is great for all ages.
Entry is free, but car-park charges £5 a day.
Special Exhibitions Gallery - check out their website www.msim.org.uk for what's on. There's an extra charge for this gallery (we paid £20 for a family ticket), but there is plenty to see without visiting this area.
Lots of other things to see / do including the Air & Space Hall (historic aircraft, planetarium, road transport), Power Hall (engines & trains), Station Building (history of manchester), 1830s Warehouse (how electricity changed our lives)and the Textiles gallery.
Train rides at weekends/bank holidays £1.
Free under 5's activity sessions 'Xperitots' - currently once a month - booking essential phone 0161 833 0027.
Restaurant on top floor provides choice of hot meal, jacket potatoes or sandwiches. 'Kids lunch bag' gives limited choices (no chips!). New cafe (2007) on Ground Floor next to gift shop.
All areas accessible to prams & wheelchairs.
Indoor picnic areas. Drinks machines.
Storage lockers available for coats / bags.
Clean toilets including disabled facilities.
Baby changing clean but strange smell. Changing mat positioned very awkwardly next to window - maybe best to use the worktop area if you are happy to do so without a 'safety belt'.
Notice tells you to contact a member of staff for private breast-feeding facilities.
Can get very busy during school holidays. Arrive early to ensure a car parking space or catch the train / tram (both close by).
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Review by: Anni
Date: 30th June 2007 - 00:38
Infant school ages: The activity zone is excellent, most of the other areas aren't that exciting for kids of infant age so make sure you go on a day when the steam locomotives are doing trips.
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Review by: Rick
Date: 3rd March 2006 - 12:59
Excellent Activity Zone on the top floor - Wonderful Experiment area for older children and soft play area for the under 4's. Great Cafe, Lift - baby changing clean accessible. Easy walk from Manchester Deansgage Train Station. Car Parking. Family Friendly.
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Review by: Jo
Date: 28th February 2006 - 18:25
