School Holiday Activities at National Science and Media Museum

Free family events exploring sound, vision, and film technology

The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford is offering a range of free activities for families during the upcoming school holidays, from 28 March to 12 April 2026. Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, the events aim to engage visitors with hands-on experiences related to sound, vision, and film technology.

Event Highlights

• Make and Take: Phenakistoscopes – Visitors can create their own optical toy, inspired by the original phenakistoscope invented nearly 200 years ago. This activity provides a practical insight into early animation techniques.
• Science on a Sphere and Optical Toys Demonstrations – The museum’s Explainer team will host daily shows in the Wonderlab, showcasing optical toys and the Science on a Sphere exhibit.
• Self-led Family Learning: Shadow City – Families can explore concepts of light and shadow through interactive exhibits designed for self-guided learning.
• Leeds Young Film Festival Cine-Takeover – Visitors can participate in film-related activities including a red carpet photo opportunity, designing personalised popcorn boxes, and experiencing virtual reality cinema in the Wonderlab.

Additional Information

All activities are free of charge, but tickets are required for entry. The museum is located on Little Horton Lane, Bradford, BD1 1NQ.

The National Science and Media Museum continues to provide educational and engaging experiences for families, combining historical and modern perspectives on media technology.

For more details and to book tickets, visitors are advised to check the museum’s official website or contact the venue directly.