15 things you can do this May half term in Liverpool

If you’re stuck for ideas here’s 15 things you can do this half term in and around Liverpool

If you can’t believe it’s half term again, then join the club!

It does seem to come around too quickly, but if you’re stuck for ideas of what to do with you and your crew, you’d be amazed at what’s going on in and around the city.

What about this little lot for starters?

Knowsley Safari Seaside Carnival

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside, and it seems the seaside has come to us, or at least Knowsley Safari where throughout May half-term, it’s carnival time. From May 27-June 4 you can enjoy acrobatic skills workshops, pier-themed games stalls – how about trying the coconut shy or Beat the Buzzer? – and sit and relax in giant striped deckchairs, and more, and it’s all in the general admission price. And, of course, they’ve got ice cream! More info here.

Zog at the Playhouse

Everyone’s favourite accident-prone dragon is back in Liverpool courtesy of Freckle Productions, who’ve brought their stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s book to the Playhouse. From Tuesday, May 30 to Saturday, June 3, you can find out how Zog’s getting on in his attempts to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s School, and his duel with Sir Gadabout the Great. Book tickets here.

Family Day this weekend at the Comedy Weekender at Salt and Tar

Comedian Brendan Riley will be calling out the numbers for Comedy Bingo and Martin ‘Bigpig’ Mor will be presenting ‘Funny Stuff For Happy People’ in the family fun day which is part of the Comedy Weekender at Salt and Tar in Bootle. So if kids need somewhere to take the adults to stop them getting bored, this could be the one! There’s comedy, storytelling, circus stuff, poetry, and stupid science. Book tickets here.

Flower Fairies at Lady Lever Art Gallery

To mark the 100-year anniversary of Cicely Mary Barker’s first book, Flower Fairies of the Spring, this exhibition at Lady Lever features around 45 original illustrations, with digital projections and costumes inspired by the fairies, designed by Vin Burnham.  You can find out what inspired the author’s paintings, and explore the flora and fauna featured in her work through National Museum Liverpool’s botanical collections – as well as have a fun trip to Port Sunlight. Find out more here.

Enjoy Liverpool ONE 

There’s always loads going on at Liverpool ONE these days and this half-term is no exception. What about treating yourself to Bottomless Pancakes at Bills, having a game of ping pong – there are two tables in Paradise Place by Utility, and another two in Chavasse Park by The Club House –  going on the Nature Trail to learn all about what grows and lives in Chavasse Park, or getting the popcorn in and watching The Little Mermaid at the ODEON, where adults pay half price this half-term? Visit the website here.

Take a canoe safari at Martin Mere

Pick up your paddle and canoe your way around Martin Mere’s award-winning Canadian canoe trail … it’s a great way of exploring parts of the wetlands centre that you can’t get to on foot. Keep your eyes open and see what you can spot as you venture around the twists and turns of the waterways – there should be dragonflies, kingfishers, and water voles… so what will you discover? Get more info here.

How about a ride on the Mersey Ferry?

You don’t need a yellow submarine to enjoy a view of Liverpool from the water, just soak up the city’s impressive historical architecture and fantastic Mersey River waterfront aboard the 50-minute River Explorer Cruise.  While you’re doing that you can find out loads about the city’s rich musical heritage, learn how the ferries played their part in the First World War, and hear more about Liverpool’s maritime history from the expert recorded commentary which plays throughout the cruise. Visit the website here.

See the city from above at RLB360

Get a Liver Bird’s Eye View of the city and learn more about one of the city’s most iconic attractions, The Royal Liver Building. Taking pride of place at the heart of the famous waterfront, it’s a symbol of Liverpool, its history, and its people, and the RLB360 tour can help you find out more about the famous landmark  and its place in local heritage. After you’ve viewed the exhibition, you take a guided tour to the 10th and 15th floors to enjoy a state-of-the-art projection inside the historic clock tower and spectacular 360° views of the Liverpool skyline. Now that’s a view! Visit the website here.

Check out new city centre gaming venue, leveltap

Get your gaming head on for the city’s first competitive Esports venue. It’s got eight console stations and more than a hundred games, so there’s plenty of entertainment to choose from. You can even get food and drinks delivered straight to your seat, and kids are welcome between 4pm and 8pm.

Return of the Gods at World Museum

From Wonder Woman to Hercules our TV and cinema screens have been dominated by chiselled superheroes wielding their power – and this family-friendly exhibition dives into ancient Greek and Roman mythology to find out where the inspiration came from. From slaying snakes to turning men to stone, these heroes would stop at nothing. Return of the Gods has got more than 100 sculptures and objects, and you can experience the luxury of a Roman villa before journeying into the underworld to meet Hades. More info here.

Learn an instrument at the Gibson Studio at the British Music Experience

You might never be Eric Clapton or Brian May – but you can dream, and this fully interactive part of the British Music Experience gives you the chance to learn and play on a whole range of amazing instruments. You’ll find electric, acoustic and bass guitars, including Les Pauls, SGs and 335s, as well as Roland drums, synthesisers and keyboards, just waiting for you to give them a go. And regardless of your age or ability, the Gibson App allows you to learn songs through video lessons. Two-three-four…!

Dinostorybarn at The Reader in Calderstones

The Reader at Calderstones is set to have loads of fun this half-term, and you can join them. Step into a prehistoric world to help discover the fossils of one of the oldest dinosaurs ever found in a story, have a roaring good time with play and storytelling, and even take home dino-inspired craft. It’s best suited for children aged 4 – 9 but everyone’s welcome and session running times are 90 minutes.

Southport Food and Drink Festival

Southport Food and Drink Festival’s one of those events we all look forward to and this year it’s on from Friday, June 2 to Sunday, June 4 at Victoria Park. Admission is free and you can stimulate your senses with food from different cultures from the street food stalls – crepes, gourmet burgers, hot wings, churros, spiral potatoes, paella and curry –  sample produce including handmade cheeses, sausages, sweet and savoury pies, chutneys and pickles, and all while listening to music and more from the entertainment arena.

Disney100: The Concert at M&S Bank Arena

Strictly star and Disney super-fan Janette Manrara is hosting this brand-new concert in celebration of 100 years of Disney. Arriving at the waterfront arena on Friday, June 2, it’s a multimedia experience featuring legendary film scenes on a giant screen, while the magical musical moments are brought to life by the Hollywood Sound Orchestra and star soloists. You can expect songs from The Lion King, Aladdin, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Encanto, and more; as well as highlights from the worlds of Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel. Book tickets here.

Play I spy at Imagine That!

This half term kids at Imagine That! will be on a mission to seek out a double agent by puzzle solving and unravelling clues at the attraction. Highlights will include spy workshops like invisible ink, code cracking and fingerprinting, as well as all the usual fun.  So, there’ll be spy activities, science, and enough stretchy slime for kids to roll up their sleeves and get messy in. 

Get more days out and half term inspiration for Liverpool HERE.