14 things to do with the kids across Merseyside this May half term

May half term is nearly here, which means it’s time to start planning ahead for things to keep the kids entertained.

Our City Region’s got a great line-up of family-friendly events and places to go this half term, so you won’t be short of ideas for trips and activities, and if you hop on a Merseyrail train it couldn’t be simpler to get there.

You can cut out the hassle of parking or traffic and just sit back and enjoy a comfortable journey. And if you’ve got babies or toddlers, don’t worry because all trains have tip-up seats for prams and USB and plug phone charging so you’ll arrive fully-charged and ready to go!

With stations so close to the action, everything’s just a short walk away, and if it makes life easier you can take advantage of free car parking at more than 40 stations.

Merseyrail isn’t only a stress-free fast option for travelling, it’s affordable for families too. A Family Ticket for up to 5 people (2 adults and 3 children aged 5-15yrs) costs just £14 and children under 5 travel FREE.

Or you could get all-day travel any time outside peak hours (6.31am-9.29am), with an Adult/Child Day Saver Ticket. A child’s ticket is £2.40 for one area or £3.20 for all areas, and adult tickets are £4.80 for one area or £6.40 for all areas.

If you want to save time and skip ticket queues, Tap & Go with bank card or smart device (adults) or MetroCard (children) at the start and end of your journey and the system automatically works out your best fare. 

So, get your family outings sorted with Merseyrail and discover what’s happening this half term …

Southport Food and Drink Festival (May 29-31)

Foodies of all ages will love street food stalls, tasty products to buy and sample, plus live music and a Children’s Festival including arts & crafts, storytelling, face painting and bouncy castles. Merseyrail network £2 travel offer (£1 for children) – more info here.

Nearest station: Southport.

Liverpool ONE – Shaun the Sheep: Fun with the Flock AR Trail (May 1-31)

Go on an interactive adventure by following the trail using the Fun with the Flock AR app. Find locations, unlock animated scenes, complete Bitzer the dog’s fun challenges, and interact with Shaun and his farmyard friends.

Nearest station: Liverpool Central.

Otterspool Adventure half term events:

Miss Katy Experience (May 23 & 27), Richie A Blippi Tribute (May 24 & 29), Magic & Mishaps with Merlin the Marvellous (May 26 & 30), Barbie’s Dream Disco (May 25 & 28).

Nearest station: Aigburth.

FREE Story time and Writing on the Wall children’s storytelling at the Palm House in Sefton Park (May 26 & 27)

The Palm House team and Writing on the Wall will be getting little imaginations going with free story and rhyme sessions in one of Liverpool’s most stunning venues.

Nearest station: St Michaels.

Ice Age Adventure (29 May) and The Utterly Revolting Science Show (30 May) at The Atkinson

Take a mammoth journey back in time to meet prehistoric animals and cool cavemen in the frozen world of Ice Age Adventure Live! or go on a revolting trip through the human body in a funny science stunt show.

Nearest station: Southport

The Dinosaur That Pooped (May 26-30) at Liverpool Playhouse.

Based on the bestselling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, this family-friendly stage show features new songs, lots of laughs, and even more dino-sized poop!

Nearest station: Liverpool Central

Gravity MAX, Liverpool ONE

High-energy entertainment including AR bowling, e-karting and urban street golf.

Nearest station: Liverpool Central

Slimeville

Indoor slime adventures, soft play and interactive games.

Nearest station: Liverpool Central

Bounce House

An inflatable theme park guaranteed to burn off kids’ excess energy!

Nearest station: Brunswick

Bubbles’ World of Play

With over 30 different indoor themed soft play zones for children aged 0-11.

Nearest station: New Brighton

VIP soft play

Kids can explore, climb, and play in zones for each age including a Ninja Assault Course for 6+.

Nearest station: Birkdale

Sefton Park (St Michaels), Crosby beach (Waterloo), Formby beach (Freshfield)

Pack a picnic and have a free day out in nature at one of our gorgeous parks or beaches.

Royal Albert Dock

Enjoy one of Liverpool’s most beautiful historic attractions, with great independent shopping, eateries and family-friendly visitor experiences.

Nearest stations: James Street for Wirral lines/Liverpool Central for Northern lines) 

Museums (Liverpool city centre stations), Lady Lever (Bebington)

There’s always so much to see and do for families at all of our museums including the Planetarium, dinosaurs and natural history at World Museum, Big Art sessions at the Walker and Little Liverpool at the Museum of Liverpool, as well as lots of half term activities. 

Find out more on the Merseyrail website.

Find out what’s on in Liverpool this week here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.