16 Fun Things to do in Liverpool with Kids In 2024

10 Things to do in Liverpool with Kids www.minitravellers.co.uk
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Here is our guide to 16 things to do in Liverpool in and around Liverpool City Centre, with kids that are fun for the whole family. Liverpool, famed for the Albert Docks, the Beetles and the Cavern Club, plus many museums and attractions. Thus offering so much to see and do. 

We recently published a post on the joys of train travel with Virgin Trains. As a result of that article we were asked if it is really possible to go away for the weekend with your family, by train, and not have to utilise any other of form of transport – the answer is, absolutely! Only a 2 hour train journey from London and you’re in Liverpool!

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When you arrive in Liverpool you are literally in the centre of the City. Liverpool is a small city jam packed full of attractions and you can walk around between them really easily. There are loads of hotels, B&B’s and apartments to rent in the city centre, all within an easy walk of the train station. If you stay centrally, within a mile/20 minutes walk or a bus ride from your accommodation, you can enjoy the following activities:

Things to do in Liverpool With Kids

Things to do in Liverpool with Kids

1. The Albert Dock

Albert Dock is a must see when visiting Liverpool. Most parents and grandparents will recognise it from the live weather reports, unfortunately that famous weather map on the Liverpool Waterfront from Granada News is long gone.

But there are is still loads to see and do. Liverpool is a city in which to wander and as you can wander around the dock you will be sure to see pirate ships and boats of all shapes and sizes. Surrounding the dock you will also find an array of restaurants, bars, cafes and even a couple of shops and an art gallery.

Why not turn your Albert Dock visit into a full day out and have lunch at Pizza Express or an ice cream on the grass and let the kids entertain themselves on the riverfront whilst yo enjoy the views. You can see our full post on the Albert Dock here!

10 Things to do in Liverpool with Kids www.minitra

2. The Beatles Story 

One of the most popular things to do in Liverpool for those that visit from afar is to experience The Beatles Story. Based down at Albert Dock the museum is a must do for any Beatles fans and has enough interactive exhibits to keep the kids happy to as there’s always something for the kids to do in the Discovery Zone including free workshops.

It is the perfect mix of fun and education for your little ones and a great way to connect with them as you share your knowledge and passion for the Beatles and then can compare it with their own musical interests from the present day.

Open all year round, 10am-6pm. Prices from the 1st April 2023 will be: Adults £19, children (aged 5-15) £10.50, children (0-4) free, concessions £15.

Liverpool City with Kids

3.  Imagine That

If you are looking for tings to do in Liverpool with kids under 10 then make sure you add Imagine That to your list. It has a big focuses on imaginative play with various role play areas set up for children to explore.

In each section they can learn through play as they take on various career roles from vets to builders, chefs to bankers and many more. In addition to the role play fun your little one can also get involved with art and raft activities and some science fun too.

4. Merseyside Maritime Museum 

If you are looking for educational things to do with kids in Liverpool? Then a trip to the Merseyside Maritime Museum needs to be top of your list. It is the perfect place to explore the nautical heritage of Liverpool in a fun and interactive way.

Alongside finding out about Liverpool’s central role in the American Civil War and Battle of the Atlantic, you can take a tour of a historic Liverpool pilot cutter moored in the Dock and enjoy a trip round the adjacent Pier Master’s House.

The Museum features a wide range of exhibits and displays related to Liverpool’s maritime history

Including collections related to the Titanic and other historic vessels. Visitors can explore exhibits on the slave trade. The transatlantic slave trade, and the movement of goods and people around the world through Liverpool’s port. Plus hear the stories of people leaving the UK in search of the New World. The museum also has a collection of ship models, paintings, and artifacts related to Liverpool’s rich maritime history.

The Liverpool Maritime Museum is a great destination for families, as it offers a range of interactive exhibits and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. The museum’s Titanic gallery, for example, features a replica first-class cabin and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience what life was like on the doomed ship. The museum also has a range of educational programs and workshops for children and families, as well as regular events and exhibitions.

For families the museum recommends:

  • The Seized! gallery in the basement where you can follow Matt the customs officer’s trail.
  • The Sea Urchins play area on the first floor which is aimed at 8-years and under. There are free maritime-themed activities on offer include costumes, activity sheets and story books. Download the Sea Urchins trail (pdf).
  • Check the ‘What’s on’ listings for family-friendly activities to do at the museum
Liverpool Maritime Museum With Kids

5. Tate Liverpool

The Tate Liverpool is another fun yet educational day out for families in Liverpool. It is a museum where the focus is all about learning about art through getting creative. From the moment you arrive there are trails and activity packs to help you explore the museum and as you go from exhibit to exhibit you will uncover plenty of games to play and activities to try out.

There is also a free play area for children to enjoy. Plus with ever changing exhibits its a trip that can be repeated time and time again without the kids getting bored.  Watch out for their special activities at the weekend and in the school holidays too.

The Tate has a great post on its website about what families can do and how they can enjoy the museum together which you can find here.

10 Things to do in Liverpool with Kids www.minitravellers.co.uk

6. Big Wheel

If you are looking for things to do in Liverpool that are a little more thrill seeking or appealing to your older children and teens then this it. The Big Wheel!. It’s no London Eye but it is high enough and offers lovely views over Liverpool for those that are brave enough to ride it. It is also significantly cheaper at £12 for adults and under 2’s being free.  The girls loved it.

Things to do in Liverpool with Kids www.minitravellers.co.uk

7. World Museum

The World Museum in Liverpool is a free Museum five minutes walk from Liverpool Lime Street. There is a planetarium on the top floor which you need to book tickets for (worth doing when you arrive), an aquarium, a masks display, dinosaur exhibition, bug house and natural history centre to name a few. You can easily stay here for 2-4 hours so is perfect if you are looking for things to do in Liverpool with kids when it rains.

There is a picnic area on floor 4 and the Clore Natural History Centre is also a good place to while away some time. We can spend a good hour in this area, playing with the microscopes, examining the skulls, playing charades with the cards which involved the kids describing animals on cards and me having to pretend not to guess too quickly.

The Liverpool World Museum Is A Great Attraction For Families

As it offers a variety of interactive exhibits, life sciences and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. The museum’s popular Treasure House exhibition features an impressive collection of rare and valuable objects, including a mummy from ancient Egypt and artefacts from the Mayan civilisation. Plus also has a planetarium and an aquarium, as well as a hands-on science centre where visitors can experiment with different scientific phenomena.

In addition to its permanent exhibits. The Liverpool World Museum also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions, events, and workshops throughout the year. It’s a great place to spend a day with family, learn something new, and have fun exploring the wonders of the world. The museum is located near other popular Liverpool attractions such as the Royal Albert Dock and Liverpool ONE shopping center, making it a convenient stop on any family itinerary.

You can read a review of a trip with pre-schoolers here.

8. Big Art, Walker Art Gallery 

Big Art for Little Artists is a gallery for children of all ages within the Walker Art Gallery up to and including the age of eight. It has been designed to introduce children to art and is open daily from 10am – 5pm and is just inside the main museum doors. It’s a great space to introduce the children to the art they can find in the museum. Plus they even have fancy dress the kids can wear and then find the photos around the museum and take photos of themselves next to the art.

There are always special events on and the staff are friendly and engaging. A fabulous free activity. You can read a full review here.

 9. Ferry Across the Mersey

Why not make your trip to Liverpool extra special by either parking in the Wirral and catching the ‘actual’ ferry across the Mersey and where you can sing “Ferry across the Mersey” at full volume. Alternatively, jump on board in Liverpool and head to the Wirral where you can explore number 10 in a Mersey river cruise.

Ferry across the Mersey | Family Day Out www.minitravellers.co.uk

However, the trick with Mersey Ferries is not to book a ‘cruise’, although they are also great fun. But to opt for a commuter ticket which is considerably cheaper and will be plenty of time for your little one to enjoy being on a boat without you spending to much time panicking about them going overboard!

Riding the Ferry between Liverpool and the Wirral is lots of fun and offers up some gorgeous views too, just remember to pair it with a trip to Eureka which you will find at the Wirral Ferry Port.

10. Eureka

Situated just across the water form Liverpool you will find the newly opened Eureka; Science and Discovery Centre. Here you can enjoy a whole host of educational fun and opportunities for hands on learning for the whole family. It has been specifically designed to introduce children to STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) to children up to the age of 14 through various different mediums.

Children and adults £15.95 and under 3’s £6.95.

Ferry across the Mersey | Family Day Out www.minitravellers.co.uk

11. The Western Approaches Museum

Western Approaches is an underground bunker in Liverpool, that shows how Britain played a crucial role in the Battle of the Atlantic during World War II. The Operations Room has remained exactly how as it was left when the doors were closed on 15 August 1945.

The Western Approaches Museum is an excellent destination for families who are interested in history! Especially World War II history. The museum offers an immersive and interactive experience that is both educational and entertaining, and is suitable for visitors of all ages.

While the museum may not have as many activities specifically designed for children. There are still plenty of exhibits and displays that are engaging and informative for all ages. Children can explore the original wartime operations room and see how the staff tracked the movements of ships during the war. Plus can also learn about the complex systems of communication and intelligence that were used to coordinate the convoys.

Here are some reasons why you should visit Western Approaches with kids and some tips.

Why you should visit Western Approaches in Liverpool with Kids

12. Do A Liverpool Football Club Tour

The Liverpool Football Club tour is an exciting experience. Thus allowing football fans and visitors to explore the rich history and heritage of one of the most successful football clubs in the Uk. The tour takes place at the iconic Anfield stadium, the home of Liverpool FC.

During the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to walk through the players’ tunnel, visit the dressing room, and sit in the dugout where the managers and coaches sit during matches. You’ll also get to see the press room, where the players and coaches give post-match interviews to the media.

The tour includes a visit to the Liverpool FC museum, where you can see the club’s impressive trophy collection. Plus also learn about the team’s history through interactive exhibits and displays. You can also take a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, including a visit to the pitch, the famous Kop stand, and the club’s private box suites. With dozens of choices of tours,and whilst they don’t offer a family ticket. There are discounts for children.

13. Visit Sefton Park

Sefton Park is a beautiful historic park located in Liverpool. The park was opened in 1872 and covers an area of approximately 235 acres, making it one of the largest public parks in Liverpool.

The park is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. Thus offering a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. It features a large boating lake, which is home to a variety of waterfowl and is a popular spot for picnics, walks, and bike rides.

Sefton Park also boasts a number of other attractions. These include a palm house, a bandstand, and a café. The palm house is a stunning glass conservatory that houses a variety of exotic plants, while the bandstand hosts regular concerts and events throughout the year.

For sports enthusiasts, Sefton Park also features a number of sports facilities, including tennis courts, football fields, and a bowling green. The park also has several playgrounds with swings, climbing frame and slides for children to enjoy.

Throughout the year, Sefton Park hosts a number of events, including the Liverpool International Music Festival and the Liverpool Food and Drink Festival. The park is also a popular spot for fireworks displays on Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve.

What to do in Liverpool with kids

14. The Liver Building

The Liver Building is one of the most recognizable and iconic buildings in Liverpool. Located on the waterfront at Pier Head and stands at a height of 51 meters. Completed in 1911, the building was designed by architect Walter Aubrey Thomas.

It’s notable for the two clock towers, each topped with a large copper bird. Known as a Liver Bird, a symbol of Liverpool which is often used as a mascot for local sports teams and businesses.

Originally used as office space, the Liver Building today is home to a variety of businesses and organisations. It’s also a popular tourist attraction, with visitors often taking boat tours on the River Mersey to see the building from the water.

In recent years, the Liver Building has undergone extensive renovations to modernize its facilities and make it more energy-efficient. Despite these changes, the building’s exterior has remained largely unchanged, and it remains an important symbol of Liverpool’s history and culture.

Things to do in Liverpool with kids

15. The British Music Experience

The British Music Experience celebrates the history and impact of British popular music. While it’s not exclusively for families! Its a great attraction to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. The museum features interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and a vast collection of artifacts related to British music over the past 70 years.

Visitors can learn about the evolution of music genres like rock, pop, punk, and grime, and can even participate in hands-on activities like DJ mixing and instrument playing.

The British Music Experience is a fun and engaging way for families to explore the rich history of British music and discover new artists and genres. The museum is located in the Cunard Building, one of Liverpool’s iconic waterfront buildings, and is easily accessible by public transportation or car.

In addition to its exhibits, the museum also hosts live music events, workshops, and educational programs, making it a great destination for families looking to immerse themselves in the world of music.

16. Quirky Quarter

Right in the middle of Liverpool, the Quirky Quarter promises “quirky” fun? You can check out our review of Quirky Quarter and our visit in February half term which explains what experiences are offered by the Quirky Quarter, and what we really thought of it.

The heart of Quirky Quarter lies within the various exhibits. Each one offers a unique blend of the playful and the perplexing. From the gravity-defying “Upside Down Room” to the mind-bending “Infinity Tunnel,” the exhibits encourage active participation.

Review of Quirky Quarter Liverpool

In Concusion

There are so many things to do in Liverpool with kids despite it being a small city. these are just 15 ideas to get you started but you are sure to uncover more as explore the city for yourself.

You can read another local Mum’s review of what to do in Liverpool here too!

and also why not check out the Free Walking Tour mentioned in this article.

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Sarah Christie is a craft, food, cruise, and family travel blogger Extraordinary Chaos, Cruising For All and Mini Travellers. Known for her unique perspective and ability to find beauty in chaos, Sarah designs and creates craft projects as well as creating recipes for people who want to cook from scratch the easy way. Whilst also exploring family travel and how to navigate it.

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