'I visited Manchester's bogies and brains exhibition and the kids didn't want to leave'

Operation Ouch is one of the rare TV shows I’m genuinely happy to let my kids binge. It’s smart, funny, and tackles big medical topics without ever being scary for my six and nine year old boys. The exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum - Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You - strikes the same balance.

It’s science that’s both serious and silly. Tucked away on the museum’s lower ground floor, the experience kicks off with a giant screen that sets the scene. At first, I braced myself for the usual snoozy safety video, but then Dr Chris, Dr Xand, and Dr Ronx appear larger than life.



What follows is a Honey, I Shrunk the Kids-style journey through Dr Chris’ body that immediately grabs the kids' attention. Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You is on at the Science and Industry Museum until January (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News) You wind your way through the five senses, plus a few secret ones like balance and bladder control. Starting deep in the ear canal, complete with oversized hairs and wax, from the very start it’s all fully hands-on and wonderfully chaotic.

Kids are free to roam and explore without being funnelled along a one-way path. There is also a designated chill out zone with bean bags and mindfulness games for a break, although I definitely saw more dishevelled parents in there than kids! Naturally, all things gross take centre stage. There’s plenty of snot, smells, and bodily sounds to satisfy even the most giggle-prone kids.

Highlights include entering a giant eyeball and the clever medicine box that plays with visual perspective. Get your camera phone ready and if you're not with a group, don’t be shy to ask someone to snap your moment. Join our Family WhatsApp group HERE The ‘Mess with Chris’ stations were also a big hit with both my boys, especially the foot-tickling feather.

Older kids will also appreciate the headset videos, which explain the actual science in more detail without losing the fun. The exhibition is clearly aimed at primary school-aged kids, but there’s a sweet little ‘Mini Medics’ zone for toddlers and babies to play in safely. Thoughtfully designed and packed with sensory experiences, it’s accessible to all ages.

The doctors aren't there in person, but with clever tech and storytelling, it feels like they are (Image: Science Museum Group) On the tram ride over, my youngest had said he was sooooo excited to meet the doctors. I had to gently break it to him that they wouldn’t actually be there, but in hindsight I needn't have bothered. With clever tech and storytelling, the doctors are woven into the experience so well that to his imagination, they were absolutely there with him.

After two full-on hours, he skipped out wearing a free bogey headband, proudly clutching a fart machine he’d bought from the gift shop, and announced he’d be bringing it to school for show and tell. Science. Silliness.

Snot. Smells. What more could a kid want? Brains, Bogies and You runs from now until January 4, 2026.

Tickets cost £10 for adults, £9 for children and concessions, free for under-3s and can be booked on the website here . The museum offers sensory-friendly sessions and resources to accommodate all visitors..