12 things to do with the kids this May Bank Holiday and Half Term

With the Bank Holiday and school half-term coming up, we’ll forgive you if you’re tearing your hair out wondering what you’re going do with the kids this month and next.

But once you’ve wished Her Majesty a happy anniversary and had a few sarnies in the street with your Platinum Jubilee party, there’s still plenty you can do to keep them happy.

Here’s 12 ideas for a start…

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder – World Museum Liverpool (May 27 – October 30)

With daleks, sonic screwdrivers and crazy costumes, this world premiere exhibition brings science to life in the most fun way ever, exploring some of the Doctor’s adventures and encounters through space and time. There are original artefacts, sets, and more from the longest-running sci-fi TV show in the world.

More info here.

Alice’s Adventure – Storyhouse Chester at Grosvenor Park (25 May – June 10)

Get your skates on if you want to go to this great storytelling experience in Grosvenor Park, Chester, this May Bank Holiday because tickets are – not surprisingly – selling out fast. Setting off from the pavilion, it’s perfect for all ages, as you wander through the park collecting stamps and meeting a host of characters along the way. You’ll be invited to a tea party with Alice, and a sing-song with White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter.

More info here.

Southport Food and Drink Festival (June 2 – 5)

If you love food, this free four-day festival celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee is definitely one for the diary. You can try food from different cultures – think crepes, churros, paella and curry from the Street Food stalls – and sample loads of local produce, including ice cream from the local dairy. Throughout the weekend, the entertainment arena will be home to local bands and musicians.

More info here.

Storybarn – The Reader at Calderstones Park – Bathe the Cat (May 30 – June 5)

There will be silly challenges, cat-themed crafts, and reading aloud from this brilliant new book by Alice B. McGinty. Tickets are £4 per person (under 1s are free but still need a ticket)

More info here.

Storybarn Welly Walk – Bogs, Newts and Hullabaloo! (Monday, May 30)

Still at Calderstones Park and The Reader, it’s messy and mucky, so what’s not to love?! Head over to its monstrously muddy bog on the lookout for newts – and more – and dig to see if you can spot anything creeping or crawling in the swampy soil. Pack your binoculars, pull on your wellies and get ready to go on a messy adventure, with 10am, 11.30an and 2pm slots.

More info here.

Otterspool Adventure’s Greatest Show on Earth (June 2 – 5)

Who doesn’t love a circus, so roll up, roll up as Otterspool presents all the fun of the Big Top. There’s a sing along show, a circus school where kids can try out their skills and, twice a day, a fab parade where you can follow your favourite characters around the park.

More info here.

The Atkinson Theatre – Jubilee Art Activity (Wednesday, June 1 – 11am-3pm)

Get crafty at the Atkinson. As we get ready to celebrate 70 years of HM The Queen, it’s welcoming little visitors to join them on them on the museum landing for an arts and craft session. There’s no booking need, just drop-in and everything you need to create a right royal masterpiece will be provided. 

More info here.

Bug Week at Martin Mere (May 28 – June 5)

There’s tons going on at Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetlands centre in Ormskirk over the half term, much of which revolves around creepy crawlies because it’s Bug Week. You can Join National Exotics Animal Rescue Services every day to get up close and personal to a variety of bugs and insects including spiders, stick insects, snakes, cockroaches, scorpions and leeches; meet Martin Mere’s giant bugs on the canoe safari, take part in daily bug hunts, go pond dipping, enjoy bug-theme crafts, and more.

More info here.

Half term family fun with Derby Mouse at Liverpool Cathedral (May 30 – June 1)

As always, there’s free arts and crafts activities during the half-term holidays and at the Cathedral this May half term the themes are the Jubilee and Pentecost. Each family-friendly session is free and lasts up to 45 minutes, with all sessions – 11am, 1pm and 2pm on each day – needing to be pre-booked.

More info here.

Taste Liverpool, Drink Bordeaux – Liverpool city centre (June 2 – 5)

Definitely one everyone in the family’s going to love, Taste Liverpool, Drink Bordeaux, is a brand-new festival taking place to coincide with the Jubilee celebrations. Some of Liverpool’s best-known chefs and restaurateurs will be taking over three of the city’s foodie destinations – Hope Street, Bold Street and Castle Street – with cookery demonstrations, food-inspired cultural events, and special festival menus. There’s even a kitchen disco at the Bombed Out Church and a producers’ market.

More info here.

GPO Food Hall & Bar, Metquarter – Jubilee Breakfast (Monday, May 30)

Celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee with a delicious breakfast and a visit from your favourite princesses!  There’ll be dancing, games, food, arts & crafts and more.

And still at the GPO, on Wednesday, June 1 there’s an exciting new children’s event, AmazeLab Presents:  Rockets Workshop. Aimed at 5-11 year olds, your would-be astronaut or scientist can design and build a rocket in the workshop before testing whose will fly the furthest! 

More info here.