On my daughter’s first go to to Liverpool, she had eyes just for Thomas the Tank Engine – quick ahead a number of years, she’s found the Beatles and a return journey is on the playing cards (although evidently, that’s solely one of many sights in Liverpool with children).
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Regardless of rising up solely an hour or so from Liverpool, it’s a metropolis I didn’t begin exploring till I left house, when one in every of my finest mates moved there – and each time I am going again, the thrill and environment makes me suppose I ought to do it extra typically.
From some improbable museums to the good waterfront space, hundreds for followers of music and soccer, plus extra enjoyable household sights, I’ve picked a few of the prime issues to do in Liverpool with children that can assist you plan your personal journey.
Albert Dock
The regenerated docks are an ideal place to begin your loved ones metropolis break in Liverpool – house to a number of of the sights listed beneath, there are all the time loads of household actions occurring as effectively.
Opened in 1846, the docks had been being utilized by fewer and fewer ships within the twentieth century, which noticed the warehouses shutting too – every little thing formally closed within the 70s, till redevelopment began to rework it into the Albert Dock you may see right now.
Hop on the Victorian carousel earlier than strolling alongside the waterfront, previous bars, eating places and accommodations, in addition to testing a few of the museums and The Beatles Story.
There are occasions galore too, with every little thing from journey trails to actions, even circus tips throughout a few of the college holidays. There’s a light-weight path too at Christmas.
Learn extra about my go to to Albert Dock with children – sadly Mattel Play didn’t survive the pandemic and closed in 2020
The Beatles Story
Most individuals know that Liverpool was the birthplace of one of many biggest bands of all time, the Beatles.
And the town can be now house to the world’s largest everlasting exhibition telling the story of the lives and occasions of the Fab 4, set on Albert Dock.
At The Beatles Story, you may browse the in depth assortment of memorabilia, together with devices, unique track lyrics and even John Lennon’s glasses, excellent for music followers of all ages.
Youthful children will love the Beatles Story’s Discovery Zone, an interactive zone for teenagers to be taught in regards to the iconic group, together with a large ground piano and karaoke. You by no means know, it’d even encourage a future musician.
It’s price realizing there’s additionally a second museum themed across the Fab 4, the Liverpool Beatles Museum, beforehand referred to as the Magical Beatles Museum, round a 15-minute stroll away
Take a look at the Liverpool Cross which incorporates entrance to a string of sights, similar to The Beatles Story and the British Music Expertise
The British Music Expertise
In case your children love music, there’s greater than The Beatles to find in Liverpool – the British Music Expertise has costumes, devices and memorabilia from a string of stars throughout six a long time.
From Bowie to Oasis and Adele (OK, and The Beatles), you may hint the historical past of British music from post-war jazz on by means of eight totally different zones, with 600 totally different items within the assortment.
There’s additionally an opportunity to see snippets of iconic performances in addition to to be taught to play some devices your self and momentary exhibitions.
Not one of the best attraction in Liverpool for toddlers admittedly, however it gained’t simply be teenagers who get pleasure from this.
Get a reduction on tickets if you happen to e book through the Tiqets web site utilizing my code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Liverpool World Museum
First opened in 1853, the World Museum is the oldest museum in Liverpool and is assured to be successful with adults and kids of all ages – excellent too if you happen to’re searching for free issues to do in Liverpool with children.
The fascinating collections and shows span life sciences, earth sciences, and human tradition, so you would come nose to nose with life-size dinosaur skeletons, rise up near creepy crawlies within the Bug Home, and be taught all in regards to the world of Historic Egypt.
There’s an aquarium and planetarium, in addition to spectacular Greek, Roman and Anglo-Saxon collections. Maintain an eye fixed out for the common momentary exhibitions, similar to one on Physician Who in 2022.
The museum cafe has a youngsters’s menu, whereas a picnic space can be accessible for households. And if you happen to’re visiting with infants or toddlers, there’s buggy parking accessible within the cloakroom.
Museum of Liverpool
The Museum of Liverpool was the world’s very first museum devoted to the town it’s based mostly in. Voted the winner of the Household Pleasant Museum Awards in 2019, it’s additionally one other must-visit in Liverpool with children.
Households can discover 10,000 years of Liverpool’s historical past, with a lot of objects displayed low down for younger guests to see.
You may also observe the Liver Hen path to see what number of birds yow will discover across the museum, in addition to visiting Little Liverpool, a hands-on fantasy world for kids beneath six (entry is free however you’ll want to pre-book a time).
If you enter the museum, don’t neglect to choose up a free ‘Once I was little’ exercise pack that’s specifically designed for kids aged 3 to 7 and their grandparents or older relations visiting collectively.
Merseyside Maritime Museum
One other of the string of sights on Royal Albert Dock, the Merseyside Maritime Museum is the right place to delve into the town’s wealthy maritime historical past.
Youngsters will love exploring the mannequin ships and studying what it takes to be a sailor within the interactive Life on Board exhibit, or the harmful world of smuggling.
You may also see objects salvaged from shipwrecks and uncover the tales of tens of millions of people that left Liverpool for the New World, in addition to the town’s central function within the Titanic story
You should definitely choose up the ‘The place’s Matt?’ path information for a enjoyable method to hold youthful children engaged as you discover – hold an eye fixed out for the little cartoon character who’s hidden across the museum and tackle the quiz as you wander previous the shows.
TATE Liverpool
One of many few branches of the Tate outdoors London, Tate Liverpool is the town’s largest free artwork gallery and museum, with an enormous assortment of British and worldwide artwork from the sixteenth century to the current day.
And the gallery is a good place to go to on a household day trip in Liverpool, with loads of enjoyable actions for teenagers of all ages.
There are common workshops and family-friendly classes, plus path maps to maintain youthful guests whereas exploring the in depth collections, and inspiration for family-friendly video games to play across the museum on the TATE’s web site.
The Walker Artwork Gallery
In case you’re visiting Liverpool with children who love artwork, there’s a second tempting possibility if you happen to’re searching for nice free artwork galleries on the Walker Artwork Gallery, which even has its personal devoted youngsters’s gallery.
Massive Artwork within the Gallery is aimed toward children aged as much as 5 years outdated, with a lot of interactive enjoyable – every little thing from costumes and toys to books, video games, work, sculptures and extra. There’s even one thing for the youngest guests, in addition to common altering craft themes so you may head again aain and once more.
There are free timed slots all through the day, and no prebooking is required, simply choose up a ticket once you arrive for the classes which run between 10.15am and 4.45pm.
There’s additionally a brand new digital path telling a few of the tales behind works within the gallery’s assortment, so children can uncover inspirations behind the work in addition to listening to from the artists too.
Soccer Stadium Tour
As a metropolis that’s famously house to 2 Premier League groups, soccer followers can’t miss the chance to go to one in every of Liverpool’s iconic stadiums.
Only a quick distance away from one another within the north of the town, you’ll discover Anfield, house to Liverpool soccer membership., and Goodison Park, the house floor of Everton F.C.
On non-match days, you may go to both stadium on a particular guided tour. You’ll get to step contained in the gamers’ altering rooms, see the luxurious hospitality containers, stroll down the Gamers’ Tunnel, and even take a household photograph with the groups’ trophies.
Whether or not you’re workforce blue or purple – or but undecided – for teenagers who love soccer, a stadium tour is unmissable.
Eureka! Science + Discovery
The thrilling new sister attraction to Eureka! The Nationwide Youngsters’s Museum in Halifax opened in Liverpool in 2022.
Simply throughout the Mersey from the town itself, set in Seacombe, Eureka! Science + Discovery is aimed toward children aged as much as 14, with the give attention to studying about STEAM (science, know-how, engineering, the humanities, and arithmetic) by means of play.
The means infinite possibilities to get arms on, as children uncover every little thing from how the physique works to what makes a house and locations the place you’re inspired to get artistic your self and make one thing new.
The Burrow exploration zone for age 0-7 opens in 2023, together with a restaurant.
Think about That! Science and Discovery Centre
Think about That! Science and Discovery Centre is a improbable museum in Liverpool for teenagers aged as much as 10, with loads of interactive enjoyable.
The family-friendly Liverpool museum has 4 thrilling themed zones; science, artwork, development, and creativeness, all full of reveals.
Youngsters can even get arms on with varied experiments, from making their very own slime and portray on the graffiti wall, to digging up dinosaur bones, constructing architectural masterpieces and raiding the dressing-up field to placed on a present within the mini-theatre.
It’s a brief drive from the town centre, however with 15,000 sq. toes of actions to get pleasure from, you’ll positively wish to hold a number of hours free for this one.
Maintain an eye fixed out for particular occasions for teenagers going down all year long, similar to Santa’s Grotto and festive arts and crafts in the course of the Christmas holidays.
Mersey River Cruise
Sure, you’ll be buzzing Ferry Cross the Mersey for the remainder of the day, however hopping on a Mersey River Cruise helps you to see Liverpool from a completely new perspective, in addition to studying how the river formed and moulded the town.
On a 50-minute river explorer cruise, you may spot the Three Graces and Albert Dock from the river as a information talks you thru the historical past of the waterfront, together with tales of smuggling and of The Beatles acting on board the Royal Iris.
A river cruise can be a very good alternative to let little ones have a little bit of a relaxation after a busy day sightseeing.
Wild Shore Liverpool
One other nice family-friendly attraction on Liverpool’s docks is the Wild Shore exercise centre.
Excellent for a sunny day within the metropolis, Wild Shore options a big inflatable impediment course, with trampolines, slides and rafts. The entire household can bounce, splash and slide your means across the fun-filled aqua journey park.
For one thing a bit of tamer, you too can rent pedalos, boats and rise up paddleboards to take out on the water.
Most actions permit youngsters 6+ to participate, whereas the boats are appropriate for teenagers 4+, and it’s often open from April to October – examine the web site for the most recent opening occasions
The Wheel of Liverpool
I do love a ferris wheel – nice views, a enjoyable method to get them, and an opportunity to take a seat down for a bit of bit as you gaze out.
And in addition to the panoramic viewpoint, looking throughout the town’s landmarks, you get a commentary as you slowly sail round within the Wheel of Liverpool throughout your 10-minute experience.
Rising to 196ft (or 60m) excessive, with 42 separate air-conditioned and heated capsules, the Wheel is a stone’s throw from Royal Albert Dock on Keel Wharf.
Quirky Quarter
“A world the place nothing is kind of what it appears”; the Quirky Quarter needs to be one in every of Liverpool’s most original and mind-boggling experiences for households.
The immersive museum is full of puzzling challenges, enjoyable brain-teasers, optical illusions, photograph alternatives and interactive experiences.
Whereas a few of the uncommon reveals are extra appropriate for older youngsters, there’s lots to see and do for teenagers of all ages (beneficial from 5+).
Simply keep in mind, because the attraction factors out, “curiosity, and a way of humour, are absolute requirements”. And don’t neglect your digicam for this one.
Take a tour of Liverpool
In case you’re seeking to discover a few of the metropolis’s key sights, there are some nice excursions of Liverpool with children.
Do this self-guided scavenger hunt of the town, which you are able to do at your personal tempo – excellent if you wish to cease at any sights alongside the best way, or if you happen to’re exploring with youthful children who want a break.
There are additionally two nice treasure hunts of Liverpool from Treasure Map Trails, designed to get children looking for quirky particulars and sudden sights across the metropolis. Get 10% off utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS
Or if you wish to save your toes, there’s all the time a traditional open prime bus tour which takes round 50 minutes from Albert Dock to point out you a few of the better of the town.
Shiverpool Historic Ghost Tour
In case you’re searching for a tour with a distinction, it’s onerous to beat Liverpool’s award-winning theatrical ghost and historical past tour expertise ‘Shiverpool’.
Led by costumed character guides, the interactive Hope Road Shivers Ghost Stroll tour will take you to go to the town’s cathedrals, cemeteries and again alleys whereas listening to grotesque tales and legends of the town’s most notorious ghosts.
You’ll even stroll down essentially the most haunted avenue in Northwest England, full of tales of the supernatural. E book by means of the tiqets web site for a reduction with my code MUMMYTRAVELS6.
In case you’re visiting in the course of the chilly winter months and don’t wish to be strolling round outdoors, there’s additionally a Shiverpool ghost bus tour.
The tour doesn’t have an age restriction, nevertheless, they do advocate that youngsters are 9+ as a result of spooky nature of the expertise.
Blue Planet Aquarium
A visit to the aquarium is all the time a winner for my daughter, to not point out an important possibility if you happen to’re visiting Liverpool with children on a wet day.
Set round a half hour drive outdoors the town, the Blue Planet Aquarium is tempting at any time of yr although, as you may rise up near 1000’s of marine creatures throughout 100 residing shows.
From one in every of Europe’s largest collections of sharks to vibrant coral reefs full of unique fish and the sleek Dalmatian Pelicans, there’s lots to see and discover. Control the schedule for the additional household occasions and actions at weekends and through college holidays too.
Plus once you’re achieved marvelling on the aquatic life indoors, you may head outdoors to Blue Planet’s children journey Pirate Playground, with a shipwreck, slides, monkey bars, and crocodiles.
In case you’re searching for different animal sights in Liverpool, Knowsley Safari Park is round half an hour away, and Chester Zoo the same distance, however you gained’t discover a zoo within the metropolis itself.
Liverpool Central Library
A library may not be the very first thing you consider with regards to household sights, however Liverpool Central Library is without doubt one of the largest and most stunning public libraries within the UK and an important place to spend a wet day in Liverpool with children.
In addition to an enormous youngsters’s part with lots of of books, you’ll discover a vibrant youngsters’s room with computer systems, crafts, and actions for beneath 12s, and a multimedia zone with Xbox 360s (plus a espresso store to seize a drink).
Do check out the Picton Studying Room whilst you’re there – with its excessive picket cabinets and domed ceiling, it’s a e book lover’s dream.
The library additionally places on common story classes and rhyme occasions for kids beneath 5, in addition to loads of different enjoyable and academic free household occasions in the course of the college holidays.
Sefton Park
Set within the south of the town, Sefton Park is an ideal spot to flee the bustle on a sizzling day – with 235 acres of lush gardens and delightful open inexperienced areas, it’s a well-liked spot for households.
Stroll alongside the beautiful pathways surrounded by timber and vibrant flowers, seek for the statues of Eros and Peter Pan, rent a rowing boat on the big boating lake, or just seize an ice cream from the cafe and sit within the solar for some time.
There’s additionally a good-sized youngsters’s playground for youthful youngsters to get pleasure from.
Sefton Park’s Palm Home additionally places on common occasions all year long. Maintain an eye fixed out for household occasions in the course of the college holidays, such because the all the time common Grim Tales Workshops.
Birkenhead Park
Birkenhead Park is one other pretty place to get open air, in Birkenhead on the west facet of the River Mersey. Relationship again to 1847, it was the world’s first publicly funded park and is one in every of Britain’s most necessary historic parks.
To today, Birkenhead Park is common with each locals and vacationers searching for greenery and open areas near Liverpool metropolis centre.
The park has many stunning woodland walks, two giant lakes with historic bridges and a boathouse, a youngsters’s play space, and extra.
Comfortable play in Liverpool
In case you’re searching for someplace for youthful children to burn off power in Liverpool on a wet day, there are a string of sentimental play places to select from.
Maintain the Beatles theme going at Yellow Sub, which has a separate toddler play space in addition to its huge play body (and pizzas within the espresso store) – set on the Liverpool waterfront, not removed from Albert Dock, it’s straightforward to suit into your day too.
Or take a mini journey to New York at Bubbles World of Play – with 5 ranges of enjoyable on the principle play body, there are ball swimming pools, slides and video games galore.
However you too can discover zones themed round 30 totally different nations, function play within the metropolis themed space (together with police station and jail), plus a toddler space themed across the Massive Apple. Set on New Brighton Promenade throughout the river, it’s a 20-minute drive or you may take a practice to New Brighton.
There’s additionally Cirq D-Play close to Everton Park, which has its personal play space and toddler play space, for one more possibility not removed from the town centre.
In case you’re searching for a trampoline park in Liverpool, Bounce Home is round a mile from the town centre with bounce baggage, trampolines, excessive slides and an assault course – there are additionally particular toddler classes however in any other case it’s finest for age 5+
Theme Park close to Liverpool
In case you’re searching for theme parks for a day trip throughout your go to to Liverpool with children, you gained’t discover one within the metropolis itself however Gulliver’s World Theme Park is round a 30-minute drive away in Warrington.
Aimed toward children aged 2-13, there are six themed areas together with Safari Kingdom, The Misplaced World and Smuggler’s Wharf, plus the brand new Gulliver’s Gears launching in 2023, with new rides, the Grand Prix Racers Coaster and The Overdrive 360° Spin Journey.
Plus an entire string of play areas and different actions, together with a maze and fossil dig plus indoor and out of doors play at Gully City.
*First printed 2021, up to date 2023*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN LIVERPOOL WITH KIDS
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