Why Liverpool is the UK's Best Short Family Break Destination
Liverpool City Region is the perfect destination for a family city break in 2023. Not only do we have an array of museums, art galleries and attractions to enjoy, we are also blessed with a beautiful waterfront, parks and beaches across the city region to soak up all the fun.
From adventure activities to relaxing days out, whatever kind of trip you’re looking for, you can find it here in Liverpool.
Below we have made a list of some great activities that are perfect for a family day out with no fuss.
Liverpool Museums and Art Galleries
World Museum
The World Museum in St. George’s Quarter is the perfect place to take the kids for interactive fun. Not only will they learn about space, Ancient Egypt and the dinosaurs there is also an aquarium full of tropical fish, a bug house and a planetarium! With plenty of staff on hand to answer all the little one’s questions and give demonstrations you’ll all have a great day out here.
World Museum will also play host to ‘Return of the Gods: Zeus, Athena, Hercules’ from 28 April 2023 to 25 February 2024 and children up to the age of 17 can enter for free! Adult tickets are £5. Enter the world of myth and legend, from the stories of ancient Greek and Roman gods, goddesses and mortals.
Museum of Liverpool
Take the whole family down to The Museum of Liverpool to learn all about Liverpool’s fascinating diverse history. The kids will love this waterfront museum as there are loads of interactive elements to enjoy. Take part in a museum trail, hop on board the overhead railway and take in the views out of the window that has been voted ‘The Best Window with a View’. Keep an eye on what events are taking place there too so you don’t miss out on all the fun.
Maritime Museum
Discover Liverpool’s seafaring past at The Maritime Museum. With loads of information and artefacts from our maritime history there is plenty to see and do with family friendly activities around the museum. There is also a cafe on site so you can stop off and enjoy a drink with a view of the Royal Albert Dock.
The Maritime Museum is also home to the International Slavery Museum. Through their collections, public engagement and research, the museum helps to increase the understanding of historical and contemporary slavery.
Lady Lever Art Gallery
If you’re taking a ferry across the Mersey to Wirral for the day then make sure to check out the Lady Lever Art Gallery to see their stunning collection of paintings and classical antiques. This summer you can also see their exhibition ‘Flower Fairies’ and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of illustrations from the Flower Fairies books by Cicely Mary Barker.
The Beatles Story
With Liverpool being the home of The Beatles, a trip to The Beatles Story at the Royal Albert Dock is a must! This immersive tour will teach the whole family about the lives and careers of the biggest band in the world through recreations of famous Beatles locations, authentic memorabilia and lots more.
There is also the Discovery Zone for the kids to take part in Beatles themed arts and craft activities whilst an audio-guide narrates the timeline of the Fab Four from beginning to present day.
FACT
FACT Gallery on Wood Street has loads of different activities suitable for children. Every Saturday they host ‘Do Something Saturdays’ workshops which provide families the space to make, do and be creative together. You can find out more about these weekly workshops here.
If you’re in the mood for a film then Picturehouse Cinema at FACT is perfect for a movie day. Showing all the latest blockbusters and independent cinema, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Bluecoat
Bluecoat is a great place to take the kids for an afternoon of art and culture. There are interesting exhibitions, a quiet courtyard to take a break and a cafe with delicious food and drinks to take a pitstop during your busy day.
Tate Liverpool
Tate Liverpool at the Royal Albert Dock is a great way to introduce children to modern and contemporary art with their collection of free galleries. Aside from the gallery spaces, Tate Liverpool also hosts a range of workshops for the family to get involved with including, ‘Explore and Draw’ and ‘Make at Tate Liverpool: Family Workshop’ that run throughout the summer.
You can find out more about their family friendly facilities on their website here.
Western Approaches
Explore Britain’s top secret underground war bunker at Western Approaches. The self-guided tour transports you back in time to discover the stories locked in the WW2 bunker. Glimpse at the documents and tools used by the 300 war time staff, see the Operations Room used by WRNS and WAAF personnel and loads more in this hidden gem of an attraction not to miss.
Activities in Liverpool
Quirky Quarter
Enter into a world where nothing is as it seems at Quirky Quarter. The attraction is packed with puzzling challenges and brain-teasing workouts, photo opportunities and interactive experiences. Cameras are recommended and curiosity is a must at this wonderful family friendly exhibition on Duke Street.
Ferry Across the Mersey
No visit to Liverpool is complete without a trip on the famous Ferry ‘Cross The Mersey. Jump on board the River Explorer Cruise for a 50 minute tour across the Mersey. Guided expert commentary provides you with a whole host of facts about Liverpool and Wirral as you take in the beautiful views.
Eureka! Science and Discovery
Take a ferry across the Mersey to Eureka! Science and Discovery to discover how science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics are part of everyday life through interactive exhibitions. Designed for children and young people up to age 14 with a separate space for younger visitors, you can spend a good few hours here exploring everything on offer.
Good news is when you buy your ticket you can use it as many times as you want for free for the next 12 months!
Knowsley Safari
Experience Liverpool’s wildest day out with a family-friendly trip to Knowsley Safari. Kick off your day with a tour of the 550 acre Safari Drive and get acquainted with over 700 wild animals from baboons to camels, wildebeests and rhinos all from the comfort of your own car.
You can also explore a huge part of the safari on foot and see everything from sea lions, meerkats, giraffes and a new tiger trail alongside row boats on the Mizzy Lake and a woodland walk through the Wild Trail. The kids will absolutely love this family day out.
Chester Zoo
It doesn't stop there for the wild days out when there’s also the award winning Chester Zoo to visit. With over 125 acres and 20,000 animals to explore you and the kids will have a wild time seeing everything from lions, tigers, elephants, rhinos and loads more! At just under an hour drive from Liverpool or a short ride on the Merseyrail train service, it’s really easy to get to with no fuss!
Open Top Tour Bus
Jump on an open top tour bus to rest your legs and take in all the sights with Liverpool City Sights. If the weather is nice you can sit on top of the bus in the open air and soak up all the sun on your journey. It’s a great way to see the city and you can hop on and off at different locations to explore the area.
Imagine That! Science and Discovery Centre
Imagine That! Science and Discovery Centre is perfect for families with children up to the age of 10. With over 15,00 square feet to explore everything from science, imagination, construction, art and the outdoors; the kids will learn loads whilst having lots of fun. At just a 10 minute drive out of the city centre it makes for the perfect day out for lots of fun and learning.
Football Stadium Tour
If you’re a family of football fans then you’re in for a treat in Liverpool. Fans of the reds can head over to Anfield Stadium where you can explore the home of Liverpool FC. Go behind-the-scenes of the iconic stadium, see the dressing rooms, sit in Klopp’s pitch side seat and so many other amazing experiences we won’t ruin for you! For fans who like to live on the edge, you can now take part in the Anfield Abseil and scale down the side of the stadium in this thrilling experience.
If you’re more of a blue and support Everton FC, Goodison Stadium Tours is for you. Explore the famous stadium before they relocate their home to a brand new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.
Otterspool Adventure
Enjoy some outdoor fun with the family at Otterspool Adventure. The kids can have a fantastic time on the outdoor play area, turn their hand to a round of adventure golf, race around the track in a shiny ranger, bounce around on giant inflatables, work their way through the maze and loads more.
Southport Pleasureland
Thrill seeking families will love a day out at Southport’s Pleasureland where a fun mix of rides and amusements await. Free to enter with unlimited ride wristbands available to purchase online, you can enjoy the sights or take to the rides, it’s perfect for families of all ages.
Catalyst Museum
Catalyst Museum is a unique interactive experience for all ages. With a host of interactive exhibits, museum archives, historical galleries, family shows and hands-on workshops, it brings a range of subjects to life from Science, Maths, Engineering and Technology to the Humanities and Geography. Visitors can explore the science and technology behind the chemical industry and its impact on our lives, past and present.
Explore Liverpool's Great Outdoors
Sefton Park
Head down to Sefton Park for a day out in the sunny weather with the whole family. This magnificent 200-acre park has loads of green space to run about, a lake to spot the wildlife, a cafe and the famous Victorian glass Palm House. You could spend the whole day down here in the fresh air and even enjoy a bite to eat on the popular Lark Lane.
Sefton Park is easily accessible on the Merseyrail network, by bus or a short drive.
The Royal Albert Dock
Take a stroll around the Royal Albert Dock and explore everything Liverpool’s Waterfront has to offer. There are museums, restaurants, places to watch the world go by, a traditional carousel and regular events popping up all the time. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon in the historic landmark.
Crosby Beach
Jump on the Merseyrail Southport line from Liverpool Central Station and head 20 minutes up the coast to Crosby Beach to see Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’. The 100 cast-iron life-sized sculptures of Gormley stretch out across the coast line and make for some perfect holiday photos with the family.
Formby Beach
Stay on the train a bit further up the coast and you’ll arrive in Formby, home to the National Trust Formby Pinewoods and Formby Beach. Free to visit, wander around the beautiful woodlands and see if you can spot a squirrel or two before heading down to the vast expanse of beautiful shorelines.
Martin Mere Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Enjoy splashing, dipping, playing, feeding, paddling and getting up-close-and-personal to some of nature’s most wonderful wildlife at Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. With 800 acres of adventure to explore, see everything from rare birds, otters, flamingos, storks and lots more.
Liverpool ONE
Take a stroll around Liverpool ONE and explore everything it has to offer. If you’re into shopping then this is the place to be. With all your favourite highstreet stores and lots of restaurants on site too, shop ‘til you drop then enjoy a tasty meal.
Croxteth Hall and Country Park
Croxteth Hall and Country Park is a brilliant outdoor space to head to for a bit of fresh air. Not only can you explore the Walled Garden, there is plenty of space to run around and there is also the Croxteth Park Farm too. The traditional working Victorian Farm has all sorts of different farm animals for the kids to learn about.
Merseyrail
Getting around Liverpool City Region with the family has never been easier with a Merseyrail Family Ticket. A Family Ticket covers a family of up to 5, either 1 or 2 adults with children aged 5-15 for just £13 and gets you to all the places you need to go in the city region. From Southport to Wirral, over to Chester and around the City Centre, getting around has never been so easy.
