The best things to do in Liverpool with kids

On my daughter’s first visit to Liverpool, she had eyes only for Thomas the Tank Engine – fast forward a few years, she’s discovered the Beatles and a return trip is on the cards (though needless to say, that’s only one of the attractions in Liverpool with kids).

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Despite growing up only an hour or so from Liverpool, it’s a city I didn’t start exploring until I left home, when one of my best friends moved there – and whenever I go back, the buzz and atmosphere makes me think I should do it more often.

From some fantastic museums to the great waterfront area, loads for fans of music and football, plus more fun family attractions, I’ve picked some of the top things to do in Liverpool with kids to help you plan your own trip.

Albert Dock

The regenerated docks are a perfect place to start your family city break in Liverpool – home to several of the attractions listed below, there are always plenty of family activities going on as well.

Opened in 1846, the docks were being used by fewer and fewer ships in the 20th century, which saw the warehouses shutting too – everything officially closed in the 70s, until redevelopment started to transform it into the Albert Dock you can see today.

Hop on the Victorian carousel before strolling along the waterfront, past bars, restaurants and hotels, as well as checking out some of the museums and The Beatles Story.

There are events galore too, with everything from adventure trails to activities, even circus tricks during some of the school holidays. There’s a light trail too at Christmas.

Read more about my visit to Albert Dock with kids – sadly Mattel Play didn’t survive the pandemic and closed in 2020

The Beatles Story

Most people know that Liverpool was the birthplace of one of the greatest bands of all time, the Beatles.

And the city is also now home to the world’s largest permanent exhibition telling the story of the lives and times of the Fab Four, set on Albert Dock.

At The Beatles Story, you can browse the extensive collection of memorabilia, including instruments, original song lyrics and even John Lennon’s glasses, perfect for music fans of all ages.

Younger kids will love the Beatles Story’s Discovery Zone, an interactive zone for kids to learn about the iconic group, including a giant floor piano and karaoke. You never know, it might even inspire a future musician. 

It’s worth knowing there’s also a second museum themed around the Fab Four, the Liverpool Beatles Museum, previously called the Magical Beatles Museum, around a 15-minute walk away

Check out the Liverpool Pass which includes entrance to a string of attractions, such as The Beatles Story and the British Music Experience

The British Music Experience

If your kids love music, there’s more than The Beatles to discover in Liverpool – the British Music Experience has costumes, instruments and memorabilia from a string of stars across six decades.

From Bowie to Oasis and Adele (OK, and The Beatles), you can trace the history of British music from post-war jazz on through eight different zones, with 600 different pieces in the collection.

There’s also a chance to see snippets of iconic performances as well as to learn to play some instruments yourself and temporary exhibitions.

Not the best attraction in Liverpool for toddlers admittedly, but it won’t just be teens who enjoy this.

Get a discount on tickets if you book via the Tiqets website using my code MUMMYTRAVELS6

Liverpool World Museum

First opened in 1853, the World Museum is the oldest museum in Liverpool and is guaranteed to be a hit with adults and children of all ages – perfect too if you’re looking for free things to do in Liverpool with kids.

The fascinating collections and displays span life sciences, earth sciences, and human culture, so you could come face to face with life-size dinosaur skeletons, get up close to creepy crawlies in the Bug House, and learn all about the world of Ancient Egypt.

There’s an aquarium and planetarium, as well as impressive Greek, Roman and Anglo-Saxon collections. Keep an eye out for the regular temporary exhibitions, such as one on Doctor Who in 2022.

The museum cafe has a children’s menu, while a picnic area is also available for families. And if you’re visiting with babies or toddlers, there’s buggy parking available in the cloakroom.

Museum of Liverpool

The Museum of Liverpool was the world’s very first museum dedicated to the city it’s based in. Voted the winner of the Family Friendly Museum Awards in 2019, it’s also another must-visit in Liverpool with kids.

Families can explore 10,000 years of Liverpool’s history, with lots of objects displayed low down for young visitors to see.

You can also follow the Liver Bird trail to see how many birds you can find around the museum, as well as visiting Little Liverpool, a hands-on fantasy world for children under six (entry is free but you need to pre-book a time). 

When you enter the museum, don’t forget to pick up a free ‘When I was little’ activity pack that is specially designed for children aged 3 to 7 and their grandparents or older relatives visiting together.

Merseyside Maritime Museum

Another of the string of attractions on Royal Albert Dock, the Merseyside Maritime Museum is the perfect place to delve into the city’s rich maritime history.

Kids will love exploring the model ships and learning what it takes to be a sailor in the interactive Life on Board exhibit, or the dangerous world of smuggling.

You can also see objects salvaged from shipwrecks and discover the stories of millions of people who left Liverpool for the New World, as well as the city’s central role in the Titanic story

Be sure to pick up the ‘Where’s Matt?’ trail guide for a fun way to keep younger kids engaged as you explore – keep an eye out for the little cartoon character who is hidden around the museum and take on the quiz as you wander past the displays.

TATE Liverpool

One of the few branches of the Tate outside London, Tate Liverpool is the city’s largest free art gallery and museum, with a huge collection of British and international art from the 16th century to the present day.

And the gallery is a great place to visit on a family day out in Liverpool, with plenty of fun activities for kids of all ages.

There are regular workshops and family-friendly sessions, plus trail maps to keep younger visitors interested while exploring the extensive collections, and inspiration for family-friendly games to play around the museum on the TATE’s website.

The Walker Art Gallery

If you’re visiting Liverpool with kids who love art, there’s a second tempting option if you’re looking for great free art galleries at the Walker Art Gallery, which even has its own dedicated children’s gallery.

Big Art in the Gallery is aimed at kids aged up to five years old, with lots of interactive fun – everything from costumes and toys to books, games, paintings, sculptures and more. There’s even something for the youngest visitors, as well as regular changing craft themes so you can head back aain and again.

There are free timed slots throughout the day, and no prebooking is required, just pick up a ticket when you arrive for the sessions which run between 10.15am and 4.45pm.

There’s also a new digital trail telling some of the stories behind works in the gallery’s collection, so kids can discover inspirations behind the paintings as well as hearing from the artists too.

Football Stadium Tour

As a city that’s famously home to two Premier League teams, football fans can’t miss the opportunity to visit one of Liverpool’s iconic stadiums. 

Just a short distance away from each other in the north of the city, you’ll find Anfield, home to Liverpool football club., and Goodison Park, the home ground of Everton F.C. 

On non-match days, you can visit either stadium on a special guided tour. You’ll get to step inside the players’ changing rooms, see the luxurious hospitality boxes, walk down the Players’ Tunnel, and even take a family photo with the teams’ trophies. 

Whether you’re team blue or red – or yet undecided – for kids who love football, a stadium tour is unmissable.

Eureka! Science + Discovery

The exciting new sister attraction to Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax opened in Liverpool in 2022.

Just across the Mersey from the city itself, set in Seacombe, Eureka! Science + Discovery is aimed at kids aged up to 14, with the focus on learning about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) through play.

The means endless chances to get hands on, as kids discover everything from how the body works to what makes a home and places where you’re encouraged to get creative yourself and make something new.

The Burrow exploration zone for age 0-7 opens in 2023, along with a cafe.

Imagine That! Science and Discovery Centre

Imagine That! Science and Discovery Centre is a fantastic museum in Liverpool for kids aged up to 10, with plenty of interactive fun.

The family-friendly Liverpool museum has four exciting themed zones; science, art, construction, and imagination, all packed with exhibits.

Kids can also get hands on with various experiments, from making their own slime and painting on the graffiti wall, to digging up dinosaur bones, building architectural masterpieces and raiding the dressing-up box to put on a show in the mini-theatre.

It’s a short drive from the city centre, but with 15,000 square feet of activities to enjoy, you’ll definitely want to keep a few hours free for this one.

Keep an eye out for special events for kids taking place throughout the year, such as Santa’s Grotto and festive arts and crafts during the Christmas holidays. 

Mersey River Cruise

Yes, you’ll be humming Ferry Cross the Mersey for the rest of the day, but hopping on a Mersey River Cruise lets you see Liverpool from a totally new perspective, as well as learning how the river shaped and moulded the city.

On a 50-minute river explorer cruise, you can spot the Three Graces and Albert Dock from the river as a guide talks you through the history of the waterfront, along with tales of smuggling and of The Beatles performing on board the Royal Iris.

A river cruise is also a good opportunity to let little ones have a bit of a rest after a busy day sightseeing.

Wild Shore Liverpool

EDIT: TEMPORARILY CLOSED Another great family-friendly attraction on Liverpool’s docks is the Wild Shore activity centre. 

Perfect for a sunny day in the city, Wild Shore features a large inflatable obstacle course, with trampolines, slides and rafts. The whole family can bounce, splash and slide your way around the fun-filled aqua adventure park.

For something a little tamer, you can also hire pedalos, boats and stand up paddleboards to take out on the water.

Most activities allow children 6+ to take part, while the boats are suitable for kids 4+, and it’s usually open from April to October – check the website for the latest opening times

The Wheel of Liverpool

I do love a ferris wheel – great views, a fun way to get them, and a chance to sit down for a little bit as you gaze out.

And as well as the panoramic viewpoint, looking out across the city’s landmarks, you get a commentary as you slowly sail around in the Wheel of Liverpool during your 10-minute ride.

Rising to 196ft (or 60m) high, 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 where nothing is quite what it seems”; the Quirky Quarter has to be one of Liverpool’s most unique and mind-boggling experiences for families.

The immersive museum is packed with puzzling challenges, fun brain-teasers, optical illusions, photo opportunities and interactive experiences.

While some of the unusual exhibits are more suitable for older children, there’s plenty to see and do for kids of all ages (recommended from 5+).

Just remember, as the attraction points out, “curiosity, and a sense of humour, are absolute necessities”. And don’t forget your camera for this one.

Take a tour of Liverpool

If you’re looking to explore some of the city’s key sights, there are some great tours of Liverpool with kids.

Try this self-guided scavenger hunt of the city, which you can do at your own pace – ideal if you want to stop at any attractions along the way, or if you’re exploring with younger kids who need a break.

There are also two great treasure hunts of Liverpool from Treasure Map Trails, designed to get kids looking out for quirky details and unexpected sights around the city. Get 10% off using code MUMMYTRAVELS

Or if you want to save your feet, there’s always a classic open top bus tour which takes around 50 minutes from Albert Dock to show you some of the best of the city.

Shiverpool Historic Ghost Tour

If you’re looking for a tour with a difference, it’s hard to beat Liverpool’s award-winning theatrical ghost and history tour experience ‘Shiverpool’. 

Led by costumed character guides, the interactive Hope Street Shivers Ghost Walk tour will take you to visit the city’s cathedrals, cemeteries and back alleys while listening to gruesome stories and legends of the city’s most infamous ghosts.

You’ll even walk down the most haunted street in Northwest England, packed with tales of the supernatural. Book through the tiqets website for a discount with my code MUMMYTRAVELS6.

If you’re visiting during the chilly winter months and don’t want to be walking around outside, there’s also a Shiverpool ghost bus tour.

The tour doesn’t have an age restriction, however, they do recommend that children are 9+ due to the spooky nature of the experience.

Blue Planet Aquarium

A trip to the aquarium is always a winner for my daughter, not to mention a great option if you’re visiting Liverpool with kids on a rainy day.

Set around a half hour drive outside the city, the Blue Planet Aquarium is tempting at any time of year though, as you can get up close to thousands of marine creatures across 100 living displays.

From one of Europe’s largest collections of sharks to colourful coral reefs filled with exotic fish and the graceful Dalmatian Pelicans, there’s plenty to see and explore. Keep an eye on the schedule for the extra family events and activities at weekends and during school holidays too.

Plus when you’re done marvelling at the aquatic life indoors, you can head outside to Blue Planet’s kids adventure Pirate Playground, with a shipwreck, slides, monkey bars, and crocodiles.

If you’re looking for other animal attractions in Liverpool, Knowsley Safari Park is around half an hour away, and Chester Zoo a similar distance, but you won’t find a zoo in the city itself.

Liverpool Central Library

A library might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to family attractions, but Liverpool Central Library is one of the largest and most beautiful public libraries in the UK and a great place to spend a rainy day in Liverpool with kids.

As well as a huge children’s section with hundreds of books, you’ll find a colourful children’s room with computers, crafts, and activities for under 12s, and a multimedia zone with Xbox 360s (plus a coffee shop to grab a drink).

Do take a look at the Picton Reading Room while you’re there – with its high wooden shelves and domed ceiling, it’s a book lover’s dream.

The library also puts on regular story sessions and rhyme times for children under five, as well as plenty of other fun and educational free family events during the school holidays.

Sefton Park

Set in the south of the city, Sefton Park is a perfect spot to escape the bustle on a hot day – with 235 acres of lush gardens and beautiful open green spaces, it’s a popular spot for families.

Stroll along the pretty pathways surrounded by trees and colourful flowers, search for the statues of Eros and Peter Pan, hire a rowing boat on the large boating lake, or simply grab an ice cream from the cafe and sit in the sun for a while.

There’s also a good-sized children’s playground for younger children to enjoy.

Sefton Park’s Palm House also puts on regular events throughout the year. Keep an eye out for family events during the school holidays, such as the always popular Grim Tales Workshops.

Birkenhead Park

Birkenhead Park is another lovely place to get outdoors, in Birkenhead on the west side of the River Mersey. Dating back to 1847, it was the world’s first publicly funded park and is one of Britain’s most important historic parks.

To this day, Birkenhead Park is popular with both locals and tourists looking for greenery and open spaces close to Liverpool city centre.

The park has many beautiful woodland walks, two large lakes with historic bridges and a boathouse, a children’s play area, and more.

Soft play in Liverpool

If you’re looking for somewhere for younger kids to burn off energy in Liverpool on a rainy day, there are a string of soft play locations to choose from.

Keep the Beatles theme going at Yellow Sub, which has a separate toddler play area as well as its big play frame (and pizzas in the coffee shop) – set on the Liverpool waterfront, not far from Albert Dock, it’s easy to fit into your day too.

Or take a mini trip to New York at Bubbles World of Play – with five levels of fun on the main play frame, there are ball pools, slides and games galore.

But you can also explore zones themed around 30 different countries, role play in the city themed area (including police station and jail), plus a toddler area themed around the Big Apple. Set on New Brighton Prom across the river, it’s a 20-minute drive or you can take a train to New Brighton.

There’s also Cirq D-Play near Everton Park, which has its own play area and toddler play area, for another option not far from the city centre.

If you’re looking for a trampoline park in Liverpool, Bounce House is around a mile from the city centre with jump bags, trampolines, high slides and an assault course – there are also special toddler sessions but otherwise it’s best for age 5+

Theme Park near Liverpool

If you’re looking for theme parks for a day out during your visit to Liverpool with kids, you won’t find one in the city itself but Gulliver’s World Theme Park is around a 30-minute drive away in Warrington.

Aimed at kids aged 2-13, there are six themed areas including Safari Kingdom, The Lost World and Smuggler’s Wharf, plus the new Gulliver’s Gears launching in 2023, with new rides, the Grand Prix Racers Coaster and The Overdrive 360° Spin Ride.

Plus a whole string of play areas and other activities, including a maze and fossil dig plus indoor and outdoor play at Gully Town.

*First published 2021, updated 2023*

PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN LIVERPOOL WITH KIDS

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