Things to do in Liverpool with kids

**Collaborative post**

I am all for staycations while the kids are still young – this has a lot to do with not being brave enough to take them abroad just yet and a little to do with there being so many UK locations we haven’t visited yet.

With so many new places we have to still visit I’ve begun planning and looking at things to do while on a staycation with kids.

Before booking a staycation I like to look around to see just what there is to do in that area for kids, and asking friends for their recommendations is the best way to do this – after all who knows an area better than those who live there or have visited recently?

Here are some of the recommendations for child-friendly activities and days out in Liverpool:

World Museum

Laura (Five Little Doves) says “My children love it here, especially the planetarium and the aquarium! Even better, it’s free!”

With lots going on for everyone daily there is something for all ages groups to enjoy. There’s the Planetarium, workshops, story-telling and experiments. You can also see the Aquarium, Bug House, Dinosaur gallery, a discovery centre, as well as space and time, world cultures and natural world exhibitions.

Nicola (Mummy to Dex) recommends the Tiny Liverpool sessions on a Saturday and Tuesday which is a singing and play session for babies and parents.

The museum is in the city centre so easy to get to and close to the train station.

Yellow Sub Soft Play centre

For younger children this play centre is located in Brunswick Industrial Estate so is easily accessed by foot, train, bus or car. The centre houses a host of unique attractions that are second to none; including a large and small play frame, arcade, football pitch and brand new sensory area. Our state of the art party rooms including, animation wall, disco lighting and music. You can read Nicola’s review here.

Albert Dock

As recommended by Hayley – Sparkles and Stretchmarks

“The Albert Dock in the heart of Liverpool is one of my favourite places to spend time as a family – there is just so much to do there no matter what mood you might be in! The restaurants and bars are on trend, super stylish but also super friendly and reasonably priced – from Circo to Pan Am and every thing in between, there is something for every taste.
There’s also the Tate Art Gallery and Liverpool museum a short stroll away (which has a great Little Liverpool area for younger children), and the fabulous Beatles Story museum telling the story of the city’s favourite sons – but even if you don’t fancy any of these things, a simple stroll around the pretty docklands, a browse of the shops (which range from antique shops, to sweet shops and milkshake bars) and a bag of chips makes for a perfect afternoon!”

Mattel Play

Mattel Play is also on the Albert Docks and is great for kids – with soft play, games, activities, trains, slides all around Thomas the Tank Engine , Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam. Great from toddler to around 8 I’d say as there’s things to do on different levels at every stage.

There is a whole room dedicated to Thomas & Friends which includes life size climb aboard trains, mini engines for the children to ride around, coal sheds and a Harold Helicopter ball pond. There are also different rooms dedicated to Fireman Sam’s Pontypandy and Bob The Builders Work Yard.  This looks so much fun for kids and I know Harry would just love it.

Underwater Street

“Underwater street is a children’s play centre with a difference – from the outside it may look like any other play centre but inside its a mini world where kids are in charge! They can put on their builders vests and hard hats before setting to work on the building site, or get their aprons on and paint a REAL full sized car!

There are pizza shops to work in, a pet grooming store, a fancy dress shop, panning for gold and so much more – they can even have a go at being news reporters with the live camera system. The fun science  areas allow them to stand inside a giant bubble or conduct lots of cool experiments (including an air tunnel that my boys love standing in front of!), and every 20 minutes or so there is a new Arts & Crafts activities announced over the tannoy which they can go and join in with if they want – making something to take home with them!

Underwater Street is always the first place my kids ask to visit when we head to Liverpool.” recommended by Hayley – Sparkles Suitcase

This sounds great fun and knowing just how much fun my children have at KidZania I just know they would love it here.

Eating out

When on a family day out we often find it is best to have a large choice available as restaurants can get busy, children change their mind on what they would like to eat and lets face it – its just good to have a variety to choose from depending on your mood. Liverpool ONE has a vast range of restaurants to choose from so its easy to find something suitable for everyone.

Of course, not only great for eating out but a huge shopping centre too with a cinema!

Knowsley Safari Park

Just a short drive away the Safari Park is home to over 750 animals and home to the longest wild animal safari drive in the UK (an impressive 5-miles),  take the car in and drive around some of the animals then park up and see the others on foot.  There’s something for everyone and you can easily spend a whole day.  Keep an eye on the website for special deals – currently Mum’s go free on Mother’s Day and if you visit Mid week in March the cost is just £15 per car (if you’ve a 7 seater then 7 of you will enter for that price).

The Anfield Stadium Tour

“This is a must for a Liverpool FC fans, young or old! My husband enjoyed it just as much as my son and even my daughter who isn’t a football fan says she had a great day. We went behind the scenes in the dressing rooms, sat in the dug out and in the famous Kop stand and it was a brilliant afternoon for us all.”  Frugal Family

Beaches

The Sandhills at Formby Beach are perfect for exploring with young adventurers! Some amazing views from the top and you can even slide down on your bottom! – My Mummy’s Pennies

Crosby Beach is now the permanent home to ‘Another Place’, the sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist, Antony Gormley.

The beach has been awarded the Quality Coast Award by Keep Britain Tidy.

For other things to do in Liverpool which don’t necessarily involve children check out this article on top 5 things to do in and see in Liverpool