Family things to do in Liverpool

Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor

There are so many fun activities for the whole family (especially younger visitors) around Liverpool – the trick is finding the right one for you! Let us make your life easier with our guide to family-friendly places in Merseyside, from outdoor fun to museums and pottery painting.

 

Our top picks

Imagine That

Imagine That, 26-32 Faraday Road, Wavertree Technology Park, Liverpool, L13 1EH - Visit now

Imagine That is a very special children’s play centre in Liverpool, with art, science and imagination zones to encourage creative fun and free play.

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World Museum Liverpool

World Museum Liverpool, William Brown Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 8EN - Visit now

Liverpool’s World Museum is a key visitor attraction for families, with engaging permanent displays and changing exhibitions.

Exterior of World Museum Liverpool, home to Dino Ranger Day

Knowsley Safari Park

Knowsley Safari Park, Knowsley safari, Prescot, L34 4AN - Visit now

Have a wild adventure at the Knowsley Safari Park, and get up close to lions, rhinos, camels and more from the comfort of your car.

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Museum of Liverpool

Museum of Liverpool, Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront,, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 1DG - Visit now

The Museum of Liverpool tells the fascinating tale of Liverpool’s past, from the Liver Birds to the Overhead Railway and beyond with lots of interactive displays for children and a special zone for the youngest museum goers.

Sefton Park

Sefton Park, Mossley Hill Drive, Liverpool, L17 1AJ - Visit now

Sefton Park is a great place for walks in Liverpool, with expansive green spaces and cafes a stones throw from the city centre.

Sefton Park

Blue Planet Aquarium

Blue Planet Aquarium, Blue Planet Aquarium, Cheshire Oaks, Cheshire, CH65 9LF - Visit now

Blue Planet Aquarium is home to animals from all around the world, one of the UK’s largest collections of sharks and a 71-metre underwater tunnel to see them from!

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Eureka! Science + Discovery Merseyside

Eureka! Science + Discovery Merseyside, Victoria Pl, Seacombe, Wallasey, Merseyside, CH44 6QY - Visit now

Ideal for a family day out, Eureka! Science + Discovery Merseyside combines interactive activities with science and discovery innovation.

Frankie’s Paint-It Pottery

Frankie’s Paint-It Pottery, 268 Smithdown Road, Liverpool, L15 5AH - Visit now

Frankie’s Paint-It Pottery is a friendly place to relax and exercise your creative muscles by having a go at pottery painting.

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Where to go in

Renae Logo
Manchester
Restaurant
Renae

Opening in stages, renae begins its journey with the launch of its ground-floor neighbourhood music-led bar on Friday 28th March 2025. This laid-back yet stylish space will blend a cosy daytime shop with an intimate bar that flows from day into night, serving craft beers, natural wines, and cocktails at accessible prices.

Chakalaka
Manchester
Restaurant
Chakalaka

The very best of South African cuisine in an intimate, friendly space in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

The Daisy
Manchester
Restaurant
The Daisy

The Daisy is one of Manchester’s more in-demand basement bars, offering an underground Paris-inspired night out.

Manchester
Restaurant
Sampa

Colourful Brazilian fine dining at Caroline Martin’s intimate restaurant, Sampa.

Hinterland bar and cafe
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Hinterland

Alcohol-free bar and cafe in the heart of Northern Quarter. Serving mocktails, 0% beer and all your alcohol free favourites.

ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena
Leeds
Hotel
Ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena

ibis Leeds City Centre Arena is a hotel that’s Yorkshire through and through. Brewed with the very best of Leeds and Yorkshire, this hotel’s bustling and modern like the city.

Welcome to Yorkshire and Oulton Hall & Spa. Perfectly located to explore the whole of Yorkshire, situated only 2 miles from junction 30 off the M62 or Junction 44 off the M1. Standing within the beautiful Yorkshire countryside close to Leeds, Oulton Hall combines all the elegance of a mid 18th century mansion with the modern facilities you would expect for business and leisure, including, Champagne Bar, Drawing Room serving traditional afternoon tea, 2 restaurants, not to mention the 7 individually designed suites and the conference and banqueting facilities for up to 350 guests.

An incredible, mid 18th century mansion with breathtaking gardens, that has been lovingly restored and extended to create a hotel with a traditional character and unique charm offering everything a guest needs to ease the stresses of everyday life. Golfers will relish the challenge of the championship Calverley course, or why not treat yourself to a relaxing health and beauty treatment in the Spa at the Oul
Leeds
Hotel
Oulton Hall and Spa

Welcome to Yorkshire and Oulton Hall & Spa. Perfectly located to explore the whole of Yorkshire, standing within the beautiful Yorkshire countryside close to Leeds.

Comprising 147 sophisticated rooms and suites, this Leeds accommodation offers the desirable combination of a city centre location and historical character. All rooms and suites include premium amenities such as free high-speed, wireless Internet, a mini bar, a flat-screen television, air conditioning, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Accessible, interconnecting and family rooms are available as well.Welcome to a brand new concept right on your doorstep. Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail Bar boasts a Yorkshire style infused menu with a twist. The Grill House and Cocktail Bar serves guests in the heart of Leeds city centre at the Radisson Blu Hotel Leeds. Come absorb the comforting surroundings, coupled with the enchanting smells and woodiness of flavours coming from the kitchen. Enjoy your meal with expertly blended drinks from the cocktail waiters that will take you through the night. Experience an unparalleled dining experience at Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail Bar. The
Leeds
Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel Leeds

Comprising 147 sophisticated rooms and suites, this Leeds accommodation offers the desirable combination of a city centre location and historical character.

Hotel entrance
Leeds
Hotel
Hampton by Hilton Leeds City Centre

Conveniently situated in the centre of Leeds, Hampton By Hilton Leeds City Centre provides air-conditioned rooms, a gym, free WiFi and a shared lounge. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a business centre.

Jurys Inn Leeds
Leeds
Hotel
Leonardo Hotel

At the Leonardo Hotel Leeds they aim to make your stay exceptional. It starts as soon as you step inside the hotel, from the welcoming bar atmosphere and comfortable Costa Coffee lounge, to the relaxed quality of their restaurant.

Originally built as the country retreat for the Vavasour family, Wood Hall still remains a place where today's pressures seem an age away. Set down a long private drive Wood Hall is perched high on the hill set amongst 100 acres, with fine views of the surrounding area.Set apart from the distractions of the office, Wood Hall is the ideal spot for business events, or simply some fresh thinking. The 2 AA Rosette Georgian Restaurant at Wood Hall Hotel creates a special atmosphere in which to enjoy a fine dining experience to mark a special occasion or just for the pleasure of it!Unwind in the spa, tone up in the gym, or step out and make the most of the beautiful Yorkshire surroundings. On sunny days you can dine al fresco with a specailly prepared picnic hamper in the Italian Gardens.
Leeds
Hotel
Wood Hall Hotel

Originally built as the country retreat for the Vavasour family, Wood Hall is set amongst 100 acres, with fine views of the surrounding area.

Gallery
Leeds
Gallery
BLANK_

BLANK_is a Leeds-based gallery, run by the School of Creative Arts at University Centre Leeds. It encompasses a physical exhibition space and a publication that showcases new contemporary visual art…

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Spotlight on

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Take me there

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Mohair Man, 1991, by Dave Swindells
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