Looking for a family-friendly day out in Liverpool? This easy itinerary combines a Mersey Ferry cruise, hands-on fun at Eureka! Science + Discovery, shopping at Liverpool ONE and waterfront sightseeing. 

Perfect for families visiting Liverpool during the school holidays or for a weekend break, it showcases some of the best things to do in Liverpool City Region with children.
 

At a Glance

  • Starting point: Liverpool Pier Head

  • Duration: Full day

  • Best for: Families with children

  • Includes: Mersey Ferry River Explorer Cruise, Eureka! Science + Discovery, Liverpool ONE and Gordon Ramsay Bread Street Kitchen.

  • Travel: Train, ferry and walking

 

Start Your Journey by Train

One of the easiest ways to explore Liverpool City Region is by public transport. Begin your day by travelling into Liverpool city centre on the Merseyrail network, arriving at either Lime Street Station, Liverpool Central Station or James Street Station, just a short walk from the world-famous waterfront.


From here, head towards the Pier Head and prepare to see Liverpool from a whole new perspective.

 

Outside of Liverpool Lime Street Station which is an arched shaped building with glass windows at the top and brick at the bottom.
 

Cruise the River Mersey

No visit to Liverpool is complete without a trip on the famous Mersey Ferry. Hop aboard the River Explorer Cruise at Pier Head and enjoy stunning views of Liverpool’s iconic waterfront as you sail along the River Mersey.


As you cruise, you'll pass some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, including the Royal Albert Dock, the Three Graces and Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. The River Explorer Cruise includes recorded commentary, helping visitors discover the fascinating history of Liverpool's waterfront and the River Mersey.


Halfway through the journey, disembark on the Wirral and continue your adventure!
 

A colourful ferry on a river in Liverpool with the skyline in the background.
 

Discover Eureka! Science + Discovery

Just a short walk from the ferry terminal, Eureka! Science + Discovery is packed with interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages.


Perfect for families, the attraction offers hands-on experiences exploring science, technology, engineering and the natural world. Children can experiment, play and learn through immersive displays, while adults will enjoy discovering something new alongside them.


Whether you're visiting during the school holidays or looking for a rainy-day activity, Eureka! Science + Discovery provides hours of engaging family entertainment.
 

A small child looking into a glass tube that has water in it at a science themed museum.


Return Across the Mersey

After exploring Eureka!, make your way back to the ferry terminal and rejoin the River Explorer Cruise for the return journey to Liverpool.


Take in the panoramic views across the river and enjoy another chance to admire Liverpool’s famous skyline from the water.


Explore Liverpool ONE

Back on Liverpool’s waterfront, take a leisurely stroll towards Liverpool ONE, one of the UK's leading retail and leisure destinations.

Along the way, stop by the famous Beatles Statue at Pier Head for a family photo before heading through the city centre. At Liverpool ONE, browse the shops, relax on Chavasse Park's grass steps and snap a picture with the iconic Liverpool sign.

The open-air destination is packed with places to shop, eat and unwind, making it an ideal stop during your day in the city.
 

A larger than life bronze statue of The Beatles on Liverpool's Pier Head.

 

Family Dining at Bread Street Kitchen & Bar

Round off your day with a meal at Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, located in the heart of Liverpool ONE.


The restaurant offers a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere, with menus catering to both adults and children. From classic comfort food to signature dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy after a busy day of exploring. Families can also take advantage of the restaurant's Kids Eat Free offer, available all day every day (terms and conditions apply*).


It's the perfect place to relax, refuel and reflect on a day spent discovering two sides of Liverpool City Region.

*Available at Bread Street Kitchen & Bar Liverpool all day every day. Only available for children aged 10 and under. One complimentary main course per child from the Ramsay Kids' Menu, for every adult ordering 2 courses from the à la carte menu (one course to be a main course, not available in conjunction with any other offers or when ordering from the seasonal set menu).

 

A bowl of tomato pasta with a green piece of paper that says Ramsay Kids.


Plan Your Visit

This itinerary is ideal for families looking to experience some of Liverpool City Region’s top attractions in a single day. Combining a scenic ferry journey, interactive learning, waterfront landmarks, shopping and dining, it showcases just how much there is to discover on both sides of the River Mersey.