10 family-friendly end of summer activities across Liverpool

It is almost the end of the school summer holiday, but there is still plenty of time to enjoy some family-friendly activities in Merseyside.

With schools very close to opening their doors for a fresh start this September, you might have exhausted your list of fun activities.

However, there is so much to do here in and around Merseyside, that we have got you covered.

This is our list of activities and excursions you can do right now, to keep the whole family entertained before the end of summer.

Nature trail Liverpool ONE

The Liverpool ONE Nature Trail is a great way for children aged 4 to 11 to learn about the natural environment in Chavasse Park.

Following the trail map, you will find hidden signposts in the undergrowth and be prompted to do some colouring along the way.

You can download the trail activity booklet for free and take the whole family on the walk whenever suits you.

The trail starts and ends on Thomas Steers Way in L1 and is a fantastic way to get out and about whilst entertaining the little ones.

To find out more and download the Nature Trail booklet, click here.

Knowsley Safari Park

The Safari Park has the UK’s longest safari drive, with a massive 550 acres of animals from all over the world including lions, rhinos and buffalo.

The park has over 500 species in total, with giraffes and meerkats you can meet on foot too.

There is also a long list of activities including the woodland walk, amusement rides and their ‘Wild Trail’.

Located in Knowsley, the park is open from 10.30am to 7pm and costs £19 for adults and £15 for children, though those under 3 go free.

To book your day out, follow this link.

Crosby Beach

Crosby Beach stretches across approximately 2.5 miles, making it ideal for a free family day out.

There are plenty of ways to pass the time here, dipping your feet in the sea, or building a sandcastle on the shore.

One of the best features of Crosby Beach is the famous installation of cast iron statues named ‘Another Place’ by Antony Gormley.

After a day at the beach pop along to the independent coffee roasters, Crosby Coffee, for a warming cuppa.

For more details about Crosby beach, click here.

Martin Mere Wetland Centre

Get stuck into nature by visiting Martin Mere Wetland centre which offers 800 acres of space for children to explore.

Spend the day watching the family of otters, pond dipping, or even getting up close to the birds who will eat straight from your hand.

This summer, they have a giant duck trail you can join for just £1 and you even get the chance to win a tasty treat if you find all 25 of them.

The centre is in Burscough and tickets cost £8.30 for children 4-16 years old and £15.50 for adults.

Book your trip to Martin Mere here.

Bluecoat

Liverpool’s Bluecoat is an interactive arts centre with plenty for children and families to get involved with.

This summer, they have music, storytelling and dedicated family friendly spaces making it an ideal place to go to before the end of summer.

They are open from 11am to 5pm between Wednesday and Sunday and keep their website updated with activities to try.

They are located in L1 and even have a cafe to start or end your visit, with kids lunch boxes and ice cream on offer.

Find out what’s on by clicking here.

Southport Pleasureland

Southport offers a full day out with plenty to do and the Pleasureland is a great place for those who are looking for added excitement.

They have all of the classics you would expect to find at the funfair including dodgems, a funhouse and even a log flume. 

They are open 11am to 5pm through the week and until 6pm at weekends with admission costing £24.50, or £8 for those who don’t want to go on rides.

There are also themed weekends, with August offering an Alice in Wonderland theatre show at £12 for children and just £3 for adults.

Find out about attractions and tickets by visiting their website here.

Murder Mystery Home of The Beatles Treasure Trail

This self-guided murder mystery lets you and the family solve a mysterious ‘murder’ case whilst discovering the historic streets of Liverpool.

Working together at your own pace to discover the truth, with the help of clues if needed, there are plenty of Beatles puns along the way.

The trail costs £9.99 to download and takes between 2 and 3 hours to complete, making it ideal for those aged 6 and up.

It starts on Gower Street on the Albert Dock and follows a 3-mile loop back to the start.

To find out more, head to their website here.

Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm

Farmer Ted’s combines outdoor and indoor fun with farm animals and mini-beasts to keep the whole family entertained.

The all-inclusive entrance fee lets you into the indoor and outdoor play areas, toboggan run and even all of the animal demonstrations.

There is the unusual activity of ferret racing and the farm is also home to the UK’s only Shaun the Sheep Farm Adventure.

Prices run between £8 and £15.50 depending on your age and the dates you want to visit and you can find the farm in Ormskirk.

Check out their website here.

Imagine That! Science and Discovery Centre

Combining learning and fun, Imagine That! give children the chance to get artistic, active and even scientific.

Get involved with some digital graffiti, learn about construction and experiment with wind, electricity and magnets whilst there.

The centre, which is located in Wavertree Technology Park, even gives you the opportunity to make your own slime.

The prices for the 3 hour sessions range from £12.95 to £14.95 for children and £7.95 for adults.

To book this activity, click here.

Southport Model Railway Village

This attraction has been around since 1996 and boasts panoramic views of the miniature landscape and railway.

The Model Railway Village is a great activity for adults and children to bond whilst exploring the model village with intricate railway features.

Parents and grandparents can take their time to enjoy 1.5 acres of the tiny landscape and make it a full day out with a picnic.

The village is open from 10.30am to 5pm and costs £5.50 for adults and £4.50 for children over 3 years old.

Find out more about the Model Railway Village here.