16 things to do with the kids this October half-term in and around Liverpool

October half-term is here already and we’ve lined up plenty of fun for you and the kids in and around Liverpool City Region.

What – holidays again? They seem to come around think and fast but don’t worry about what to do with the kids or coming up with ideas for family days out this October half-term.

There’s tons going on across Merseyside, from frighteningly good fun and all things Hallowe’en, to craft activities, pantos, and animal magic. 

Join the circus at The Albert Dock

Picture – Albert Dock

The circus returns to the Royal Albert Dock this half-term with fun classes in juggling, plate-spinning and more. You can also tuck into a host of family-dining menus at the likes of What’s Cooking and Gusto, take a ride on the Victoria Carousel, or see if you and the family can find your way out of Escape Hunt. Also check out the new spooky shop front of The Nest, where you’ll be sure to find the perfect Halloween gifts for your kids.

It’s Eek! Week at WWT Martin Mere

Picture – Martin Mere

You can discover an eek!citing and mysterious world of wetland nature this October half-term, and put your spookometer to the test with interactive activities – will you dare to put your hand in a snake box? – spooky arts and crafts, a Canoe Scarefari, pumpkin carving, and more. It’s Eek! Week from Saturday, October 22 to Sunday, October 30 … are you brave enough to wade in?!

Find out more here.

The alpacas and their furry friends are back

Picture – Beechley Stables

Beechley Stables in Allerton is inviting you to have plenty of pats and cuddles with the alpacas and other furry friends on Wednesday, October 26. There are four sessions: 1-1.45pm, 1.45-2.30pm, 2.30-3.15pm, and 3.15-4pm, and tickets are £10 each. Under-5s are free but you’ll need to book as places are limited.

Email: beechleyrda@hotmail.com

Swashbuckling shenanigans at Imagine That!

There’s a host of pirate-themed activities at Imagine That! with swashbuckling fun and sea monster ‘snot’ slime to keep the kids entertained. Pirates Revenge will see young visitors become members of the crew and help solve puzzles leading to missing treasure, and other activities include making (and tasting) some child-friendly ‘pirate grog’, mermaid tail bubbles, mermaid crafts, and fridge magnets.

www.imaginethat.org.uk

Spook-tacular theatre at Speke Hall

Picture – Speke Hall

Book your tickets for a spook-tacular theatre experience for families this October half term, with an action-packed show about a playful ghost who haunts Speke Hall. Scenic Outdoor Theatre has got performances at 11am and 3pm on October 24, 25, 28, 29 and 30. And, once you’ve enjoyed that you can enjoy loads of other things at Speke Hall including tackling the hedge maze, making a woodland den, or spotting the signs of Autumn. AND between now and November 30, you can Escape Into Autumn with a free single-use family pass for any National Trust venue.

Find out more here.

See The Wizard of Oz at the Epstein Theatre

We’re off to see the Wizard… Join Dorothy and Toto as they follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City,so Dorothy can ask the Wizard to help her get home, and meet the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion who all have something special to ask too. Regal Entertainment’s fab production is filled with song and dance, and hilarious comedy, and it’s on from Friday, October 21 to Sunday, October 30.

Book your tickets here.

Spooktacular Safari Trail at Knowsley 

Families can enjoy a Hallowe’en animal-themed scavenger hunt on the Foot Safari this half-term, where among real-life Amur Tigers, Miron and Sinda, visitors will follow a trail of interactive activities like blindfolded ‘guess the potion’ games, counting pumpkins in the pumpkin patch, and the bravest guests can take a selfie with a ghost! The Spooktacular Safari Trail is included in the general admission price, with tickets starting from £48 for a family of four. 

Visit www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk to book tickets online.

Hallowe’en delights at Liverpool ONE

Picture – Katumba/ Liverpool ONE

Head down to Liverpool ONE for an especially spooky Hallowe’en this half term with a Hallowe’en Party planned for Sunday, October 30, between 12 noon and 5pm, with tricks, treats and terrific offers.  There’ll be fancy dress competitions, a street parade, and even a giant spider.

Or, throughout half-term week, you could enjoy the latest flicks at the ODEON, a round of crazy golf at Junkyard Golf Club, try to break out of Escape Live, or set out on Liverpool ONE’s Heritage Trail.

Find out more here.

River of Light

Picture – Visit Liverpool/ Liverpool City Council

See the city shine as the River of Light trail returns to the waterfront during October half-term. It runs for 17 nights from Friday 21 October to Sunday 6 November, and will showcase ten artworks, all really engaging and perfect for the kids.

Find out more here.

It’s Drama Week at the Everyman

Picture – Everyman Theatre

Run by its experienced youth theatre directors, children are introduced to a theme for the week and build on it using imagination, storytelling, improvisation, and drama skills. The fun-filled week culminates in a performance – completely of their own creation – in the studio space on Friday afternoon. It costs £100 for the week – October 24-28 – with discounts if you’ve got more than one child.

Book here.

The Smartest Giant’s at the Liverpool Playhouse

A heart-warming tale about friendship and helping those in need is brought to life in a musical, puppet-filled adventure at the Playhouse between Tuesday, October 25 and Saturday, October 29. The Smartest Giant in Town is based on the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and tells the story of George who decides it’s time for a new, smart look… until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes!

Book your tickets here.

Farmer Ted’s Pumpkin Festival

Picture – Farmer Teds

Farmer Ted’s Pumpkin Festival is on every weekend in October and all half-term week from Monday, October 24, with special spooky activities to keep your little terrors entertained, including Ghost Hunter’s Paintball, pumpkin carving, fancy dress competitions, and spooky stories. And don’t forget to lookout for Witch Wendy.

Find out more here.

Ottersghoul

Picture – Otterspool Adventure

Celebrate The Spooky Season with Otterspool Adventure’s spine-tingling tricks and treats between Saturday, October 22 to Monday, October 31. New this year, you can unlock the door to the abandoned Hocus Pocus House to see what spooky secrets lie within, or enter the hallowed grounds of Old Burial Hill where a Tombstone Trail awaits. There’s a live production show starring witchy sisters and their ghoulish guests and it’s just bubbling to the brim with Hallowe’en songs, magic and more, as well as a Pumpkin Party Parade.

Find out more here.

Discover your Heroes and Heroines with Derby Mouse at Liverpool Cathedral

Join the cathedral’s education team for Heroes and Heroines-themed craft activities during the October half-term holiday. There are three family-friendly sessions each day from Monday, October 24 to Wednesday, October 26, and they last 45 minutes, starting at 11am, 1pm, and 2pm. 

The sessions are free but must be pre-booked.

Find out more here.

Help Sleeping Beauty break the spell at Theatre Royal, St Helens

One of the most spell-binding pantos, Sleeping Beauty tells the story of Princess Aurora who’s cursed by the evil fairy Carabose. Aurora pricks her finger on a spinning wheel and is destined to slumber forever – unless a handsome prince arrives to break the spell. So will he, or won’t he? 

Sleeping Beauty is on from Saturday, October 22 to Sunday, October 30.

Book tickets here.

Ghostly games at The Storybarn

Picture – Storybarn

Get into the spooky spirit and enjoy ghostly games and creepy crafts as the Storybarn in Calderstones Park explores a delightful story by Riel Nason, The Little Ghost Who Was A Quilt.

Sessions last around 90 mins and are perfect for children aged 4 – 9. Tickets are £4 per person (under 1s are free but will still need a ticket!) Fancy dress is welcome for this special seasonal event which runs from Saturday, October 22 to Sunday, October 30.

 Find out more here.