Visiting the MAC  /  Families  /  

At the MAC there’s lots of creative and exciting activities for families to do together.

As well as our shows and exhibitions, we’ll have interactive workshops and tours for families and people of all ages to take part in.

Super Saturdays and Sundays

Weekends at the MAC are full of family-friendly workshops led by our professional artists and open to children and parents. From arts and dance, to digital photography, sculpting and much more – join us every Saturday and Sunday to get creative.

Every Saturday and Sunday:  

11am – 12.30pm (recommended age: 4-6yrs)

2 – 4pm   (recommended age 7-11yrs)

Price: £5 per child  (free for accompanying adults).

Here’s a taster of the workshops on offer:

• Experience Robert Therrien’s huge table and chairs installation in our Upper Gallery, then take part in a workshop using digital cameras to experiment with size and scale.  Just like Alice in Wonderland, conjure up a world of the unexpected.
• Get your inspiration from Lowry’s amazing paintings in our Tall Gallery and then join us to create your very own animation using match sticks.
• Take a walk around Maria McKinney’s exhibition in our Sunken Gallery then work with an artist to create a make-believe land full of beautiful sculptures made from everyday objects.

Our workshops aren’t just for kids.  We want all the family to get involved – from fun loving Grandparents to babies and toddlers.  Call in to see us, or check online for the latest workshop information.

Pram Ways Tours

To make it extra easy for families to visit the MAC we have designed a Pram Ways tour to help you get around with the little ones. One of our specially-trained gallery navigators will be there to help you explore our exhibitions and show your family fun things to do along the way.

These tours will run mid-week and weekends from April 2012.  Keep posted for more details coming soon.

Plan your visit

All of our galleries and theatres are fully accessible, with lifts to all floors. We also have baby changing facilities and you can even feed and water the family at Canteen at the MAC.  To find out more about parking and other info, visit our location page.

Family-friendly highlights

Check out our amazing Christmas show, based on the family favourite book by Oliver Jeffers – The Incredible Book Eating Boy.

Edible Book Workshop:  Alongside our fabulous Christmas show, we’ll also be running a fabulous family workshop.  Work with our professional artists to write your own storybook… an amazing storybook with a twist! Using edible materials you can create pages of imaginative writings and illustrations, then, you can literally eat your words!  Workshop dates to be announced soon.

Summer Events

During the school term holidays, the MAC will be offering a series of lively and super creative summer schools.

We have a fantastic programme scheduled for young people, from the Rainbow Factory’s production of Guys and Dolls, to Bruiser Theatre Company’s theatre skills school, there’ll be plenty happening at the MAC this summer.  Times and enrolment details coming soon.