FunLab is coming to the Trafford Centre – free family science fun!
20 Feb 2026
We’re excited to share that the Faculty of Science and Engineering will be taking over the Trafford Centre on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March, marking the launch of British Science Week.
Colleagues are warmly invited to come along with family and friends. FunLab will transform the centre with robots, dinosaurs, hands-on experiments and creative activities designed for children of all ages. Everything is free, and no booking is required.
What you can experience
Dinosaur Zone – Outside Vodafone
- See our Gorgosaurus, one of the most complete and best-preserved tyrannosaur skeletons found to date and a close relative of the famous T. Rex
- Chat to palaeontologists and handle real fossils, including a giant shark tooth and mammoth tusk
- Play interactive dinosaur games and design your own “monster” creature
Robot Zone – Main Dome & Orient Way
- Meet our amazing Robot Dog, who can walk, jump and sit and explore how these robots work to protect humans
- Watch robot demonstrations
- Try programming a robot yourself
The Orient – Flight Simulator & Experimental Zone
- Test your skills in the flight simulator (ages 7+) and explore how aircraft design, weather and environments affect flight
- Hands-on chemistry experiments, interactive science games and sensory physics activities
- Plus much more across multiple activity stalls
If you’re looking for a fun, free day out with the family, this is a brilliant opportunity to meet our students and your colleagues in action and enjoy a lively, interactive weekend.
- Visit the FunLab website to learn more about each activity on offer over the weekend!