We all know how taxing it can be to try and find new things to do with kids in Liverpool. You might think that you’ve been everywhere and seen everything trying to tire the little ones out but don’t worry – we have some ideas for you! A lot of these spots are free, meaning that you don’t have to dole out a ton of money in the holidays trying to keep them entertained and they’re all super easy to get to – either in Liverpool city centre itself or just a short car or bus ride away.
1. World Museum Liverpool
Kids can go from one interest to another in a heartbeat but the variety of exhibits at World Museum Liverpool is on hand to keep everybody entertained. The natural history section boasts life-sized dinosaur replicas, fossils, and minerals while the planetarium draws gasps with its immersive shows about astronomy.
There’s also an impressive collection of sarcophagi and other items in the Egyptology section alongside temporary exhibits that keep things fresh. Wanna hear the best bit? It’s completely free and open 10 am – 5 pm during the school holidays.
📍William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EN
2. Knowsley Safari
Just half an hour from Liverpool you’ll find one of the country’s most popular safari parks, Knowsley Safari. It’s home to a diverse range of species, including lions, tigers, rhinos, giraffes, and baboons! Actually, the baboons might just be the most entertaining animals at the park as kids think it’s absolutely hilarious when they start pulling off your aerial and whatnot.
There are other amusements too, like little rides for the kids to go on and animal talks and displays. During the summer holidays, it can get busy but you can spend all day there, with tickets costing £19.50 per child and £22.50 for adults.
📍Prescot L34 4AN
3. Mersey Ferry River Explorer Cruise
We’re so lucky in Liverpool to have the gorgeous Mersey River and you can explore it with the kids on a Mersey Ferry, spotting iconic landmarks as you go. The cruise leaves from Pier Head Ferry Terminal and lasts around 50 minutes, taking you past the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool Waterfront, the Cunard Building, and much more. Tickets cost £8.00 for kids and £12.00 for adults.
📍Liverpool L3 1DP
4. Crosby Beach
Take the bus from Queen Square Bus Station straight to Crosby Beach for the perfect, free day out on a nice day. Not only can you gaze out across the Irish Sea from this beautiful spot but you can check out its most famous feature: the ‘Another Place’ art installation. Anthony Gormley’s unique and striking artwork consists of 100 cast iron sculptures of people and as the tide rises and falls, different sculptures are visible. It’s an incredible sight to behold, stretching nearly 3 kilometers across the coastline.
5. The Beatles Story
Did you know that The Beatles were from Liverpool? We’re only joking – of course you did! The Beatles are Scouse royalty, after all, and of course, they have their own museum that people from all over the world visit. Aren’t we lucky, ey? This bright, bold, vibrant museum sits on Albert Dock and kids love it.
It’s not just because of how colourful it is – there’s loads to do and see at the museum. Exhibits guide you through the lives of the four members and the rock ‘n’ roll scene in Liverpool. Of course, there are immersive elements to these exhibits, accompanied always by irresistibly catchy tunes. Tickets are £17.50 per person and written guides are available in loads of different languages.
📍Britannia Vaults, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD
6. Sefton Park
The sprawling Sefton Park is the perfect spot for a stroll and a picnic. You can let the kids loose to work off some of that youthful energy and enjoy the sights yourself at what has to be one of the country’s most beautiful parks. You can go boating and even fishing if that’s what you’re into on the huge lake. Check out the Palm House too, filled with exotic plants. It’s really easy to get to by public transport and there’s loads of parking too!
📍Sefton Park, Liverpool L17
7. Croxteth Hall and Country Park
Croxteth Hall and Country Park is another spot perfect for exploring with kids in tow. There’s a stately home, gardens, and a huge parkland Built for the Molyneux family in the 16th century, this magnificent estate features a mixture of architectural styles including Tudor and Georgian influences. You can take guided tours of the house, stepping back in time and explore the home farm to learn about rural life.
There are play areas and it’s really easy to get to. Just hop on the bus from Queen Square Bus Station! Access to the grounds is completely free but you can also buy a family ticket (two adults and three kids) for £16.00 and gain access to the Hall and walled garden.
📍Muirhead Ave E, Liverpool L11 1EH
8. The Museum of Liverpool
The Museum of Liverpool is another brilliant, free museum in Liverpool. There are exhibitions charting the history of the city itself and much more besides. It’s easy to get to because it’s just on Pier Head by the Liver Building and there you can learn a lot about Liverpool, from its origins as a little fishing village to the city it has developed into today through the lens of the people who have lived here. There’s a lovely little cafe, a gift shop, and everything you need to entertain the kids for a couple of hours.
📍Pier Head, Mann Island, Liverpool L3 1DG
9. The Walker Art Gallery
By St. George’s Hall, you’ll find the phenomenal Walker Art Gallery, which houses a large collection of sculptures, paintings, and other artwork from across Europe. The collection includes pieces by Rembrandt, Poussin, Hockney, and many other famous artists from the Renaissance right through to the modern day.
In particular, this place features tons of Victorian artwork, a time when Liverpool was developing into one of the UK’s most important cultural hubs. Like many of the other cultural institutions in this fantastic city, entry is completely free!
📍William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EL
10. A Candlelight concert
You’re never too young to appreciate good music, whether it’s about getting familiar with classical melodies or hearing famous contemporary songs recreated in a new way. So a Candlelight concert at one of the city’s most charming venues fits the bill when it comes to keeping your little ones entertained. Taking place at a Grade I listed building, namely the historic St. George’s Hall, if your kids are 8 years old or older, they can marvel at a sea of twinkling candles as talented musicians reimagine iconic tunes.
📍 St George’s Pl, Liverpool L1 1JJ
11. Merseyside Maritime Museum
The Merseyside Maritime Museum is another fantastic, free museum in Liverpool. As one of the most major maritime ports in Europe and probably the world Liverpool has a lot of maritime history and the exhibitions here are designed to engage younger visitors as well as adults. You can learn about shipbuilding, Liverpool’s role in transatlantic trade, and emigration through artifacts and immersive exhibits that really bring these stories to life. There are ship models and there’s a section dedicated to the tragic Titanic and Lusitania too.
📍Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AQ,
Think you’ve run out of things to do with kids in Liverpool? Think again! These fantastic spots are perfect for a family-friendly day out and you can pick and choose. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to have fun in and around the city, that’s for sure!