10 things to do at the Albert Dock this half-term

Half-term’s just around the corner but if you’re still wondering what to do with the kids, there’s no need to get stressed.

There’s tons of stuff going on in the city, and the Royal Albert Dock is the first place to weigh anchor if you’re looking for ideas for a fab family-day out.

Circus Skills

Roll up, roll up, and have an amazing time learning loads of big top skills at Royal Albert Dock from plate spinning to ribbon dancing, and the trapeze to the thrilling aerial hoop. Circus skills sessions are being held across four days during the half-term holidays in the Grand Hall (next to Peaberry Coffee House & Kitchen on the inner quay) and they’re all free but you’ll need to book.

More info here.

Pumpkin Carving

Kids can release their inner artist by designing and carving their own pumpkin with free sessions, again available in the Grand Hall. It’s suitable for children over six and they can be a pumpkin pro or first-time carver but a responsible adult must be with them!  And… if you want a chance to win a £70 voucher to Peaberry Coffee House & Kitchen, get your little monsters to don their best fancy dress outfit and grab a pic in front of one of the Halloween huts in the Grand Hall, tagging @albertdock on Instagram.

More info here.

Halloween Workshops

No trick, it’s just a treat for youngsters who can make monster masks or ghoulish garlands in a spookily good Halloween Arts and Crafts Workshop. They can use them to put the finishing touches to their Halloween costumes, or decorate their home to make it look frighteningly freaky. 

More info here.

Family dining – What’s Cooking?/ Gusto/ Rosa’s Thai

From pizzas and pasta, to brilliant burgers and tasty Thai food, there’s loads of amazing restaurants at the Dock for when the kids need to refuel or you want a lovely family meal and the chance to enjoy the stunning views of the city waterfront. A little tip or two? Try What’s Cooking?’s fall-off-the-bone barbecued pork ribs which’ll really make your mouth water, Gusto’s ‘Nduja & Mascarpone’ perfect pizza with a white garlic base and topped with nduja and mascarpone and drizzled with honey, or Rosa’s hand-rolled crispy spring rolls. Hungry now?!

Tate – Inspire them at the Turner

It’s what art fans have been waiting for, but you don’t even need to know much about art to see what the Turner Prize is all about. With the world’s eyes already on it, Tate Liverpool’s presenting a free exhibition of work by the four shortlisted artists – the winner will be announced in December – and it’s open now until March next year.

Maritime Museum

As always there’s no shortage of things going on at all the city’s museums and galleries, and especially now at the Maritime Museum. You can see if you can find ‘Matt’ in the Seized gallery, make a hat at one of the Joseph Johnson’s hat-craft sessions, and settle down for storytime to hear all about Polar, the Titanic Bear. October is also Black History Month and there’s an inspirational new exhibition of artwork by Merseyside schoolchildren celebrating great Black Britons at the International Slavery Museum on the third floor.

Beatles Story

It’s the biggest Beatles Exhibition in the world and you can learn all about John, Paul, George and Ringo. There’s a replica Cavern, a fab shop, the Fab Four Café and the upgraded Discovery Zone – the family friendly space where there’s a NEMS Record Shop and kids can dress up in outfits from the 60s, do their own pop art or have a go at karaoke with their favourite Beatles song. This half-term there are special workshops too, from creating your own blackbird to designing your own record sleeve, along with Happy Halloween fun.

Book your visit here.

River of Light

There’s nothing like it when the city is a-glow! The River of Light trail has become one of Liverpool’s favourite things to do as the dark nights draw in and the city lights up. This year’s theme is Unexpected Twist, to tie in with the World Gymnastic Championships that’s also on in the city at the same time, and it features 10 different illuminated artworks along a 2km route taking in the city centre and waterfront. It’s on until November 6.

Our Place in Space

It’s not just about the Albert Dock – you can travel to the moon and back this half-term! Our Place in Space offers more fantastic public art to see for free and lets you blast off on your own intergalactic adventure. Our Place in Space is a scale model trail of the solar system which starts on Church Street with the Sun, and goes along the waterfront and on to Otterspool where you’ll find Pluto. It’s on now until November 6 and there’s an app you can download to learn more on your mission.

Gifts at The Nest

Ooh, you’ll find loads of lovely things in here, with a collection of handmade goodies from Liverpool and the surrounding regions – so if you want to do a spot of shopping this half-term this is the perfect place to start. You can support local independent businesses and find loads of great things from colourful prints, jewellery, dried flower bouquets, greetings cards and more.

When you visit you’ll find Halloween decorations, brilliant Halloween-inspired art by local artists and much more.