Make a day out of visiting Liverpool for River of Light with the family and fill your day with exciting activities everyone will enjoy. 

 

This magical outdoor event transforms the city's waterfront into an illuminated wonderland with captivating light installations from 25 October - 5 November. If you're planning to visit Liverpool during River of Light and want to ensure the whole family has an unforgettable time, here’s a guide to the best activities, attractions, and experiences to enjoy with children.

 

River of Light Installations

The centrepiece of the River of Light is, of course, the stunning light sculptures and art installations that line the city's waterfront. This year there are 12 brand new installations with designs ranging from interactive pieces to large-scale illuminations all inspired by the theme of 'Play'. Children will love wandering through the glowing displays, and you can make a game of it by challenging them to spot their favourite installation. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to teach kids about art and creativity while having fun in an immersive environment.

Find out more about the full River of Light programme and download the installation map on the website here.

 

Large inflatable chess pieces as an art sculpture.

 

Family friendly activities not to miss

 

Museum of Liverpool


Located right on the waterfront, the Museum of Liverpool is the perfect place to head before exploring River of Light. The museum has a variety of family-friendly exhibits, including interactive displays where children can learn about the city's rich history. From stories about the Beatles to Liverpool’s maritime heritage, there’s something here for everyone. The best part? Admission is free, making it a budget-friendly activity.

Museum of Liverpool also host a series of Little Liverpool events crammed with fun activities especially for children under the age of six to play and learn. It is the perfect place to introduce little ones to the Museum of Liverpool.

 

Ferry ‘cross the Mersey


No trip to Liverpool is complete without a trip on the Mersey Ferry as the famous song suggests. Jump on board and head on a River Explorer Cruise to take in the sights of either side of the river, including the Three Graces, The Royal Albert Dock and Everton’s new stadium! 

 

A ferry on the River Mersey with the Liverpool skyline behind it.

 

Eureka! Science and Discovery


If you decide to take the ferry across the Mersey, stop off on the other side of the river and visit Eureka! Science and Discovery centre. Designed for children and young people up to 14 years, the interactive centre allows children to discover how science, technology, engineering, arts and maths influence and shape our lives. 

 

A room with projections of fish on the walls.

 

The Upsidedown House


A must-see during your visit is Liverpool’s quirky Upside Down House at Liverpool ONE. This gravity-defying attraction allows visitors to experience what it’s like when everything is flipped upside down. Kids will have a blast exploring rooms where the furniture is attached to the ceiling, and they'll enjoy posing for some mind-bending photos that look as though they’re walking on the roof!

 

A house that is upside down that you can go into for photos.

 

World Museum


Discover incredible objects from around the world, explore outer space and meet live creatures at the World Museum. Dive into the aquarium, learn about the solar system and discover the ancient world at the museum perfect for a family day out. 

You can even pay a visit to their current exhibition 'Bees: A Story of Survival' which is all about the 120 year story of bees and how they've adapted and survived over time. 

 

Quirky Quarter


Enter into a world where nothing is as it seems at Quirky Quarter. The whole family will love this medley of puzzling challenges, brain-teasing workouts and photo opportunities. We don’t want to give too much away but there is a special surprise at the end that will test everyone!

 

Gravity MAX


Gravity MAX at Liverpool ONE is the perfect venue to add to a family day out in Liverpool. The adrenaline-pumping entertainment venue offers everything from E-Karting, AR Bowling, Urban Street Golf, Esports, Batting Cages and so much more alongside tasty food and drink options and a FunBox Arcade!

 

Liverpool Stadium Tours


Football fans need to make a trip to Anfield to head on a stadium tour at the home of the Liverpool Football Club. Go behind the scenes in one of the most iconic stadiums in the country and see everything from the dressing rooms to the press room, sit in the dugouts and stand pitch side - if you’ve got some reds in the family then this one's for you. 

 

A person looking at a glass cabinet with LFC shirts and items in it.

 

Liverpool Beatles Museum


Fans of The Beatles need to take a trip to the famous Mathew Street to visit the Liverpool Beatles Museum. With three floors packed full of authentic Beatles items, a visit to this museum is a journey through the Fab Four’s lives and careers. 

 

Liverpool Tour Bus


One of the best ways to see all the sights of Liverpool is on a hop-on-hop-off tour bus. Jump on board with Liverpool City Sights, The City Explorer or Liverpool Splash Tours. Stopping off at all the hot spots in the city, you can take in everything from the Cathedrals to the Royal Albert Dock, Beatles landmarks and lots more.

 

Western Approaches


Western Approaches played a pivotal role in the Battle of the Atlantic and now you can explore its hidden rooms, discovering the stories locked down in the secret underground WWII bunker. Glimpse at the documents and tools used to monitor enemy convoys, experience the Map Room and immerse yourself in the original rooms the original bunker occupants worked in. 

 

Two young children looking over a map in Western Approaches.

 

Go on a wild adventure


If wild animals are more your thing then there is no shortage of that in Liverpool. Go on an adventure at Knowsley Safari and get up close and personal with over 750 animals including baboons, camels, wildebeest and rhinos!

Or you can head to Chester Zoo where a world of wonder awaits. With over 27,000 animals from 500 species, there’s so much to see and do for the whole family. 

 

A girl in a car with a lion looking through the glass window.

 

Places to eat and drink

 

Liverpool ONE


Liverpool ONE is home to a whole range of places to eat and drink perfect for the family to enjoy. With everything from The Botanist to Smoke and Dough, Bread Street Kitchen, Lunya, Mamasan, Maggie Fu and all your high street favourites on offer, there's plenty of options for everyone. 

 

Bold Street


Bold Street is one of the most popular places to go in Liverpool when in search of some tasty dishes. Full of independent restaurants, you’ll find cuisines from around the world down here including Indian Street food from Bundobust, traditional Neapolitan pizza at Rudy’s, juicy burgers at Fat Hippo or traditional German dishes at Albert’s Schloss - there’s something for everyone. 

 

Waterfront 


Liverpool waterfront is at the heart of the River of Light trail and there are plenty of places you can grab something to eat or a warm drink around here. Have a look at Nova Scotia, Brasco Lounge, Moose Coffee, Malmaison or Ma Boyles whilst you’re exploring the beautiful lights.

 

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