Phew, that was one busy summer. The kids are back at school, the house is quiet, and while we agree that you deserve to put your feet up and pat yourself on the back for another summer holidays done right, as you’ll know, a parent’s job never stops. Onto the next one, then.
Fortunately if you live in or near Liverpool, or you’re simply planning a trip to the ‘Pool of Life’, you’re blessed with activities to keep the little ones entertained (and, whisper it, hold your own attention too).
If you’re planning a day trip with the kids, forget the car; catch the coach from London or take the train from Manchester and you’ll be in the heart of the city in no time. Once you’re installed, if you’re looking for inspired ideas to keep the little ones busy while you’re in town, then here are 9 fantastic things to do with the kids in and around Liverpool.
Explore The Albert Dock
Perhaps one of the most recognisable sights, the Royal Albert Dock, with its converted historic warehouses and striking red pillars, is one of the most visited attractions in Liverpool. There’s plenty to do here, from taking a tour of the Maritime Museum to getting crafty at Tate Liverpool, which has plenty of events and activities aimed at little ones, including activities for toddlers. Plus, there are shops and eateries too, so you can easily stay here for a few hours.
Take The Ferry
If anyone’s visiting friends or family in Liverpool for the first time, it’s likely that they’ll be taken on board the ferry. This is the go-to choice for Scousers who want to show off their home city in all its glory – and there’s nothing like seeing Liverpool from the water. Children will love being taken across the River Mersey. This experience alone is so much fun. However, you might want to snap up a River Explorer Cruise ticket that includes a stop at Eureka! Science + Discovery in Seacombe, which is an interactive attraction for children and young people up to 14 years.
Go On Safari In Knowsley
Just a half hour drive from Liverpool will have you immersed in a very different environment indeed; amongst the big cats, birds of prey and baboons of Knowsley Safari. Though the highlights are many, it has to start with the 5 mile Safari Drive, the UK’s longest and most extensive. You’ll drive past all the African savvanh’s big hitters; lions, zebras, rhinos and many more. Don’t worry, you don’t have to remain confined to your car for the duration of the day (although getting out close to the lions isn’t recommended). Indeed, there’s also a foot safari where you’ll come face to face with tigers (through viewing glass of course) and wolves.
There’s educational elements, too, so the little ones and the adults can leave replenished with knowledge about wildlife and conservation. Knowsley Safari hosts workshops, enhanced discovery days and even an exclusive kid’s club where the little ones can get serious ‘up close and personal’ with the park’s animals.
Run, Jump & Climb At Otterspool Adventure Centre
Something a little more manageable, this one, and perfect for a lazy afternoon outdoors. The Otterspool Adventure Centre in South Liverpool and close to the banks of the River Mersey is a lovely day out for the littler ones, with a playpark, obstacle course and activities galore. One of the main attractions here is that the entrance fee alone grants you access to the entirety of activities within, no hidden fees or added extras here.
So, for just £16 for the kids and £8 for adults respectively you can play a 12 hole adventure golf, drive a ranger jeep course and get lost in their Magical Maze. Who said a day out with the kids need break the bank?
Visit Liverpool’s Legendary Stadia
Are your children football mad? Then they’re going to love Liverpool. There are tours of both Anfield and Goodison Park available. As these two legendary stadiums are divided by one park, you might even be able to squeeze in a tour of both grounds on the same day.
Check Out The UK’s Biggest Inflatable Park, Widnes
Kids. Inflatables. Water. What could possibly go wrong? Fortunately, not much at Velocity, the UK’s largest inflatable park. Just a half hour drive or train ride away from Liverpool city centre, this paradise for children is open every day from 10am to 8pm and offers both sessions for toddlers and for those older kids with a more boisterous tendency.
The activities on offer are straight out of the game shows that parents will instantly reminisce about. So, that’s huge inflatable slides, an enormous ball pool, a Gladiator arena complete with podiums for combat and a towering climbing wall. Fortunately, gunge isn’t featured. If this sounds a little too full on for the younger ones, rest assured there are mini versions of the slides and ball pool. Phew. You’ll also be pleased to learn that adults’ participation isn’t mandatory, there’s an adjacent seating area where you can kick back and supervise.
Visit The Liverpool’s World Museum
Do you want the good news or the better news first? A rare question, we accept, but it’s all positive things here. Let’s start with the former; the World Museum in Liverpool city centre has everything under one roof to satisfy the inquisitive, curious nature of children perfectly. The even better news? It’s free!
For the young astronomers in your group, the museum’s planetarium is sure to stoke their sense of wonder; an immersie, fulldome experience which hosts regular special events. Most recently, it has been showing the CapcamGo! Race to the Moon documentary which focuses on the amazing achievements of the Apollo programme. But you don’t need to blast off in outer space if you don’t want to, there’s so much other education, fascinating stuff going on, including explorations of Ancient Egypt and the Stone Age, and the massive Bug House, full of creepy crawlies.
Read: 8 reasons Liverpool is the IDEAL place for a city break this year
Check Out The City’s Other Museums
Beyond the World Museum, there are several other brilliant museums in Liverpool. We’ve already recommended the Maritime Museum, too, but you might also want to head to the waterfront to explore the Museum of Liverpool. Located at the Pier Head, this is filled with striking exhibitions and Little Liverpool, the children’s gallery designed for children aged six and under.
Mattel Play At The Royal Albert Dock
This one deserved its own entry. We don’t know who’s more exhausted from this day of play, us or the little ones, but there’s still one more stop on our list; Mattel. Found at the famous, aforementioned Royal Albert Dock, the amusement park is divided into three interactive, themed play zones, Bob the Builder, Thomas the Tank and Fireman Sam. Now you’re talking! There are vehicles to ride, costumes to try on and games to play within the 13’000 party paradise, all based on the popular children’s T.V programmes. All of this costs just £12. This one is best suited to toddlers.