For more information, go to What To Do With The Kids On A Budget Over May Half Term.

With museums reaching out to families, they often have plenty of interactive activities to inspire children of all ages.

The Science Museum is full of interactive exhibits for children of all ages but try to get there early to avoid the crowds.  We particularly love the waterplay area for younger children.

Science Museum is Free

Museums for Free – Manchester Art Museum

This interactive gallery is a not-to-be-missed attraction for all the family. You can pick up a free explorer’s rucksack, packed with essential items such as a magnifying glass, colourful perspex sheets & drawing equipment to engage younger minds.

Join the free family events running most weekends that offers imaginative activities for children, (and adults) of all ages to enjoy. For just a £3 donation towards admission, there’s plenty to keep you amused here for quite some time.

Museums for Free -National Coal Mining Museum in Yorkshire

This is one our favourite museums offering you the chance a glipse of life under one of Britain’s oldest working mines.  The tour takes you 140 meters underground where your guide will share you you his own mining experiences.  With a nature trail, a chance to meet pit ponies and a great cafe on site, there is plenty to do.  Do be aware that tours can be booked up by midday, so worth getting there early.  More details available at Free Entrance Museums.

Museums for Free – Staffordshire Hoard at The Potteries Museum

The Staffordshire Hoard is the largest find of Anglo-Saxon gold & silver metalwork found to date. Here’s your chance to check it out for FREE at The Potteries Museum in Stoke.

Why not combine it with a movie as the Potteries Museum are showing Disney’s Tangled at 11.30am each day from Tues 31 May – Saturday 4 June 2011.  Tickets priced at just £3 per person.

For more idea for May half term, go to Budget Ideas for May Half Term.

Liz

You get a real feel at Manchester Art Gallery they are striving to reach a younger audience with ‘explorer tool belts’ for 3-6 year olds, story bags and interactive areas for young children.

Why not check out the workshops running at May half term – create a cardboard house and then transform yourself into a living building.  Running 1-4 June, free of charge, (donations welcome).