People across Southport are gearing up for the Easter break and alongside chocolate treats, the region has again stepped up to the plate with so many fantastic family-friendly things to do over the period.
If you’re looking for something egg-citing for yourself, your partner, friends or the entire family, check out these gems, with everything from a breathtaking 12-metre-wide chandelier stage to a show-stopping new attraction at Adventure Coast to even the chance to meet a BBC Antiques Roadshow star.
Here, Visit Southport unveils ten of the best events in our seaside town to get stuck into this Easter…
1. Step into a world of movement, music and magic with Cristal Palace
A spectacular outdoor event which will prove to be fun for all the family, as Cristal Palace puts on a special dance event from the internationally acclaimed French theatre company, Transe Express, on Good Friday and Easter Saturday.
From 7.30pm until 9pm on both days, transport yourselves, friends and loved ones to a breathtaking 12-metre-wide chandelier stage and enjoy live music, aerial performance and visual theatre.
Organisers promise the event will offer a “dramatic, immersive experience unlike anything Southport has hosted before."
More than 30 performers from Southport and the Liverpool City Region – including 20 young dancers from local dance schools – will perform a specially choreographed routine by Liverpool-based choreographer, Grace Goulding.
No booking or ticket required. And it’s free!
Read more here.
2. Show-stopping new attraction at Adventure Coast Southport – and FREE entry is back!
Popular seaside theme park Adventure Coast Southport has a HUGE announcement – its FREE entry is back for the 2026 season and includes the Easter break.
The venue will throw open its doors once again from Saturday 28 March at 11am and visitors can come in with no fee, enjoying a flexible pay-as-you-go system for the rides, starting at just £1.
And there’s even a NEW attraction – visible across the Southport coastline – and it’s guaranteed to be a HUGE hit. You won’t want to miss it!
As well as the attractions, families can enjoy the gardens, which feature a waterfall and place to relax, and new street-food additions such as loaded-style fries and barista-style coffee.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnics if they prefer, dogs (as the venue is dog-friendly), and to make use of the on-site car parking facilities.
Read more here.
3. Hire a flamingo boat on one of the UK’s largest man-made lakes
Hire a special swan or flamingo boat this Easter break and with two sets of pedals let the adults steer your family around the Marine Lake, taking in the breathtaking views and picturesque scenery.
Alternatively, hire a motorboat and take in the beautiful views of the south end of the lake for just £23. Each ride lasts 25 minutes, and two adults and up to four children can ride. It's even dog-friendly too!
Or, if it's adrenaline you’re after, hire a jet where your driver will take you on a special tour around the lake, involving plenty of “twists and turns".
Read more here.
4. Legendary folklore Robin Hood comes to The Atkinson in a special post-Easter panto
Promising dazzling dance routines, sing-along tunes, laugh-out-loud comedy, and plenty of audience participation, legendary folklore Robin Hood comes to The Atkinson theatre for a special post-Easter pantomime.
There are two performances on Saturday 18 April at 1pm and 5pm and a family ticket of four (minimum 1 adult) comes in at £76.
Read more here.
5. BBC Antiques Roadshow star Mark Smith gives talk on the Victoria Cross
Adults can enjoy a meet-and-greet session with BBC Antiques Roadshow expert and star, Mark Smith, at The Atkinson. Mark will explore the Victoria Cross’s origins, debunk myths, and share the incredible stories of bravery in a presentation named For Valour: The Story of the Victoria Cross.
Tickets and more here.
6. Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit comes to Formby Hall Golf Resort this Easter
Formby Hall Golf Resort is putting on a special two-course roast lunch on Easter Sunday with an opportunity for your little ones to meet Peter Rabbit and friends as part of interactive entertainment. Each child will get a special chocolate Easter gift to take home.
The event promises great food, live character appearances and all-round smiles. Booking is recommended. Tickets are £29 for adults and £20 per child.
Find out more here.
7. Sefton Open 2026 set to crown borough’s best artwork – see what's in the running
The Sefton Open is inviting local artists to take part in an annual exhibition celebrating the borough’s artistic talent and creativity.
Film, sculpture, craft, paintings, prints and textiles are all welcome – and visitors can purchase catalogues.
The exhibition starts on Saturday 28 March and runs to Saturday 30 May. Those attending are encouraged to vote for their favourite artwork on display who will scoop the People’s Prize. Entry is free.
Read more here.
8. Football fans can test their own skills at the newly-opened Footy Nation at the Ocean Plaza
Step into an immersive football-themed environment, where you can test your skills, have a kickabout with friends or take a go on the football arcade games. Footy Nation at the Ocean Plaza opened on Saturday and it’s inviting football enthusiasts to come and play.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re just a casual kicker or a future pro, there is something for everyone. Bring your A game and let the competition begin!
To book and to read more, click here.
9. FREE arts and crafts workshop at The Atkinson
A FREE arts and crafts workshop, where all materials supplied, is going to prove to be fun for all the family.
Two sessions are being held – Thursday 2 April and Thursday 9 April – from 1pm until 3pm at The Atkinson. Drop in and get creative!
Read more (2 April), click here.
Read more (9 April), click here.
10. Picture book character brought to life in new immersive experience
The character from Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie’s new picture book, Gozzle, is being brought to life for two months as part of a new immersive experience.
Starting on 20 March and running until 31 May, families can enjoy ‘a season of firsts’ with outdoor adventure trails, interactive Vet Check stations, storytelling sessions and more at the WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Tickets can be bought online; prices vary.
Read more here.
Details on accommodation, days out and events in Southport can be found at Visit Southport.
You can also follow @visitsouthport on social media for the latest updates and announcements.