The 9 Best Family-Friendly Activities in Liverpool
May 31, 2023 9:40am
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Entertaining the kids all summer can be tough, and sometimes a few days away to break things up is essential for everyone’s sanity. Liverpool is just what the doctor ordered here. Easy to reach and affordable, it’s also an extremely family-friendly city. Whether your small people are into music, museums, footie, wildlife or Bob the Builder, there are activities to entertain kids of all ages and interests. Better yet, apart from maybe Bob the Builder, they’re entertaining for adults too (no offence Bob, it’s just that when you’ve had to sing your theme tune a good 18,000 times, your charm can start to wear a touch thin…).
To help you plan your trip, our wonderful Staycity Liverpool team compiled this list of the 9 best family-friendly activities in the city. These guys know their beloved Liverpool inside-out and back-to-front, so you couldn’t ask for better guides. Cheers guys!
1) The Magical Mystery Tour
Liverpool is synonymous with the Beatles, so let’s start with this activity, which is best suited to older kids and teens, especially those into music and the Beatles. The two-hour bus trip takes you on a fascinating tour of all things Fab Four, taking in their childhood homes, schools and colleges, as well as the places that inspired some of their most memorable songs like Penny Lane and Strawberry Field. Expect to be entertained along the way by lively and informed guides, and all the band’s greatest hits. In the words of the famous song itself, “the magical mystery tour is waiting to take you away…”
2) National Museums Liverpool
This is a diverse and world class collection of nine museums and galleries scattered throughout Liverpool, in which you can expect to find anything from rare beetles (the insects, not the band) to a lifejacket from the Titanic. National Museums of Liverpool comprises the International Slavery Museum, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Sudley House, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Museum of Liverpool, Walker Art Gallery, World Museum, Seized: Border Force National Museum and Piermaster’s House. They’re all well worth a visit, but the Museum of Liverpool is especially fun for families thanks to its heavily interactive nature.
3) Liverpool FC Stadium Tours
‘Mon the ‘pool! If any of your little people are Reds fans, then a trip to Anfield is a must. The club hosts a range of different tours and experiences throughout the year such as The LFC Stadium Tour, The LFC Matchday Stadium Tour and The Liverpool FC Story, any of which are sure to blow their tiny minds. Tours can vary over the summer months though, so be sure to check the website to find out exactly what’s on and when to avoid disappointment.
4) Ferry Across the Mersey
Altogether now, “so ferry, ‘cross the Mersey…” You’ll have been belting out this Gerry and the Pacemakers classic at the top of your lungs since you first even thought about visiting Liverpool, so once you’re there, it’d be wrong not to experience it. And with its amazing views, fresh air and that wonderful feeling of being out on the water, it really does make for wholesome family fun. Mersey Ferries offer a range of cruises, and the Daily River Explorer Cruise works especially well for families, as you can combine it with visits to riverside attractions such as Spaceport and U-boat Story.
5) The Wheel of Liverpool
An awe-inspiring 60m tall. 365 tonnes. 42 fully enclosed capsules (one of which offers a VIP experience featuring leather interiors, DVD player, glass floors and optional Champagne and chocolates). And the best views of Liverpool available from anywhere other than outer space. So describes the Wheel of Liverpool, a transportable Ferris wheel on the Keel Wharf waterfront that opened in 2010 and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, proving especially exciting for kids. As for parents? Perhaps not so much…#vertigo
6) Knowsley Safari
When you think Liverpool, understandably you don’t automatically think safari. But believe it or not, Liverpool is home to the hugely impressive safari park that is Knowsley. Along their 550-acre drive-through safari you’ll see the likes of lion, rhino, zebra, wildebeest, camel, baboon and buffalo, all of which live in zones that aim to recreate their natural habitats as closely as possible. There’s also a foot safari and other attractions such as sea lion shows, birds of prey displays and amusement rides. For budding David Attenboroughs in particular, Knowsley’s not to be missed. FYI: If you don’t have your own wheels, Knowlsey provides a bus service from Liverpool city centre to the safari, as well as around it once you’re there.
7) Mattel Play
With over 13,000 square feet of interactive play space across three themed zones (Thomas & Friends, Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder), this impressive indoor play centre at the iconic Albert Dock is perfect for entertaining younger kids, especially on a rainy day. Parents can treat themselves to a well-deserved coffee and perhaps even some cake from the on-site café as the little ones run wild. Everyone’s a winner!
8) Spaceport
All ages will learn a thing or two about a thing or two at this highly informative, interactive and entertaining space and science centre. Star Wars fans will be particularly taken by Sci-Fi Icons, a private collection of Star Wars memorabilia from one of the UK’s biggest collectors. Another top attraction is The Observatory, where you can explore the tropical night sky using the world’s largest robotic telescope. Astronomical fun for all the family.
9) Another Place by Anthony Gormley
Just 20 minutes by train from Liverpool, this amazing artwork on Crosby Beach features an army of 100 cast-iron, life-size, seaward-facing figures made from casts of the artist’s own body, spreading over two kilometers and reaching 1km into the Irish Sea. This work was originally to move between different sites, but when it arrived at Crosby Beach, it found its spiritual home. Kids and adults alike will be mesmerized by this surreal and deeply arresting installation, which is submerged and revealed with the tide, and which you can admire, interpret and discuss (and, of course, point and laugh at their nudey bums!), while also taking in the sea air and having some general beach fun. A nourishing day out for body and mind.
Now you know Liverpool’s ideal for family holidays, the next step is to book the perfect accommodation, in which case look no further than Staycity Aparthotels, Liverpool Waterfront, which is perfect for family stays for several reasons.
Firstly, our central location means all of the above-listed activities are within easy reach.
Secondly, all our apartments feature fully equipped kitchens and spacious cooking, dining, living and sleeping areas, meaning families of all sizes can fully relax, unwind and embrace our trademark ‘home away from home’ experience.
Thirdly, our on-site car park means we’re super-convenient if you’re travelling by car.
And finally, we’re easy on your pocket too. All our apartments feature fully-equipped kitchens allowing you to save money on eating out. Plus, the fact we charge per room and not per person also allows for additional savings — for example, our spacious one-bedroom apartments sleep up to six and cost the same no matter how many people are staying.
If you need any further convincing of why we’re perfect for your family holiday in Liverpool, take a tour and see for yourself here!