It’s time to light up the streets of Liverpool once again for the River of Light Trail!
Taking place from 22 October to 7 November 2021 a number of installations will turn the city’s world-famous waterfront into a celebration of light, art and music.
With the trail running right across October half-term and beyond, it’s the perfect opportunity to take the kids on a wonderful day out in Liverpool topped off with the River of Light Trail. If you’re looking for some ideas on ways to keep the kids entertained, we have you covered.
For frequently asked questions regarding the River of Light Trail, visit our dedicated blog here.
RIVER OF LIGHT INSTALLATIONS
For more information on each of the artworks coming to Liverpool's Waterfront, visit our dedicated blog here.
THINGS TO DO
WORLD MUSEUM
Kids and adults alike will be impressed with what’s on offer at the World Museum at St George’s Quarter. Learn all about Ancient Egypt the dinosaurs, the far corners of space and lots of wildlife too. They have also updated their aquarium where you can see their new octopus friend Polpo! If you visit before 31 October you can also visit their blockbuster exhibition AI: More Than Human and explore the fascinating world of artificial intelligence.
MUSEUM OF LIVERPOOL
The Museum of Liverpool on Pier Head is definitely a must visit if you’re taking the kids on a day out. Learn all about the history of the city and what makes it such a wonderful place. Hop aboard the overhead railway, learn all about the Beatles and immerse yourself in our sporting history.
THE BEATLES STORY
It’s never too early to teach the kids all about Beatlemania and what better place to start than at The Beatles Story on the Royal Albert Dock. Head down into the underground exhibition and explore the lives and careers of the biggest band in the world. You can even listen to your own audio guide narrated by John Lennon’s sister, Julia Baird as you walk around. From recreations of The Cavern Club, to Abbey Road and the Yellow Submarine, the kids will love this immersive Beatles experience.
FERRY ‘CROSS THE MERSEY
No trip to Liverpool is complete without a trip on a ferry across the Mersey, there’s even a song written about it, it’s that good! Take the whole family on board for the Mersey Ferries River Explorer Cruise and enjoy 50 minutes of incredible views of Liverpool from the water.
QUIRKY QUARTER
Enter into a world where nothing is as it seems at Quirky Quarter. Don't be fooled by the seemingly innocent bookshelves that line the entrance to this mind-boggling experience. From illusions to brain teasers, puzzling challenges and a surprise at the end it will be a hit for the whole family.
RLB 360
RLB 360 is a must visit attraction when on a day out in Liverpool. Children and adults alike will love this tour of the Royal Liver Building. From the visitor centre to the immersive audio-visual display inside the clock tower and stunning views from the 15th floor, you’ll make memories to last a lifetime here.
ARCAINS
The kids, and the big kids, will love a trip to ArCains in the Cains Brewery Village. With three floors of arcade games, gaming PCs, consoles, pinball, and video games, they could spend hours exploring the retro games.
PLACES TO EAT
BREAKFAST
MOOSE COFFEE
Breakfast with the kids calls for a trip to Moose Coffee. They have three venues in Liverpool so wherever you are in the city you won’t be far from a beautiful Moose breakfast. With stacks of American-style pancakes, mini benedicts and mini full english dishes on the menu, there is plenty for the kids to pick from.
BRASCO LOUNGE
Brasco Lounge at Mann Island on Liverpool’s Pier Head is the perfect spot to head for breakfast with the kids. You’re right next to The Royal Liver Building, The Museum of Liverpool and a stone’s throw away from the Royal Albert Dock. There’s plenty of choice to pick from if you have a few fussy eaters too. With a child size full English to pancakes and beans on toast!
BAGELRY
Pop into The Bagelry in Liverpool's Chinatown for a light breakfast bagel snack. They have a whole range of different fillings for their homemade bagels and even have rainbow bagels that the kids will definitely enjoy!
LUNCH
TATE LIVERPOOL CAFE
If you’re spending the afternoon exploring the Royal Albert Dock then pop into Tate Liverpool Cafe for a bit of lunch. They can provide high chairs on request and have a great kids offer too. Choose from a chicken and mayonnaise or cheese sandwich, an apple or satsuma, a fruit yoyo or chocolate rice cake and popcorn or crisps - all for just £5.10.
ALBERT’S SCHENKE
German Cook Haus, Albert’s Schenke not only have a great menu for the adults but have a brilliant kids menu too. They can pick a main from the menu which includes a mini burger, chicken schnitzel, fish frites and kids pasta and pair it with a drink all for £6.
GUSTO
Gusto at the Royal Albert Dock have a brilliant Italian inspired menu for the kids to pick their favorite for lunch. From a range of pasta to burgers, fish & chips, chicken strips and pizza with a whole host of toppings to choose from.
EVENING MEAL
YARD AND COOP
The kids will love Yard and Coop at Liverpool ONE. Home to buttermilk fried chicken, menus the little ones can colour in and ‘chicken coops’ you can sit in, it’s the perfect place to head for something to eat before or after the River of Light Trail. Kids also eat free with every adult main meal ordered from 12-6pm!
SMOKE AND DOUGH
Go on a Smoke & Dough culinary journey with this special BBQ treat at Liverpool ONE. The fixed kids menu has a choice of pizza or a bento box that includes chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, mini beef burger, french fries, baked beans and salad. The whole family will enjoy an evening meal here after a walk around the trail.
SMUGGLER'S COVE
If the kids are into pirates then you’ll want to take them over to Smuggler’s Cove at The Royal Albert Dock. The nautical themed restaurant has a special menu for Little Smugglers which includes a main meal, a mini salad and a dessert all for £6.95.
TRAVELLING TO THE RIVER OF LIGHT TRAIL
One of the easiest ways to get into Liverpool city centre is with Merseyrail. With regular train services across the whole network, travelling with Merseyrail is easy and with a Day Saver ticket you can make as many journeys as you like throughout the day all for just £5.50 – buy your ticket online now. Moorfields, Liverpool Central and James Street Stations all within a short distance of the trail making getting there super easy.
For more information and updates on what is happening across Liverpool follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.