7 budget-friendly Summer activities you can do with the family

The Summer holidays can be an expensive time for parents trying to keep the kids entertained while they are off school.

The good news is, there’s loads happening across Merseyside that won’t break the bank and will be a load of fun for you and the whole family.

Here are seven things to do this Summer.

Enjoy a beach walk and picnic

Merseyside has some of the best beaches in the country and they can provide the perfect day out with the family.

Jump on the train rather than spending a fortune on parking and get active on our beautiful coastline.

In Sefton, Crosby beach is a must with the Iron Men an added extra interest for your day out. Perfect for family selfies.

Further up the coast, catch the train to Formby, Ainsdale or Southport and head to the open spaces, have a paddle in the sea and enjoy the views across to Blackpool one way and North Wales the other. (Please note the Victoria Road carpark and entrance to the beach at Freshfield is closed this summer.)

In Wirral take a wander down the Wirral Way, or head to Parkgate for its unique surroundings. West Kirby has the brilliant Marine Lake to enjoy as well as the beach and New Brighton has the history to accompany its stunning surroundings and views.

Pack a picnic to avoid expensive food outlets but just remember to take your rubbish home with you and keep our coastlines clean.

Active Sefton’s Park Nights 

Active Sefton’s popular Park Nights are back this summer, offering free, fun-packed evenings for young people across the borough.

Running every weekday evening from 7th July to 29th August, Park Nights will bring sports and activities to local parks throughout Sefton, giving young people a safe and positive way to spend their summer evenings outdoors.

Park Nights are free activity sessions held from 5–7pm, designed to keep young people active, help them try new sports, and provide fun close to home.

Each session offers a mix of activities including inflatable sports, archery, crazy golf and more.

Youngsters can enjoy Park Nights every week night until August 29, except bank holiday Monday.

The kids can enjoy Park Nights here: 

Mondays

• Duke Street Park, Formby
• Marian Gardens, Netherton

Tuesdays

• Kirkstone Park, Litherland
• Bedford Park, Birkdale

Wednesdays

• King George V Playing Fields, Maghull
• Linacre Bridge Community Hub, Bootle

Thursdays

• Poets Park, Bootle
• Hesketh Park, Southport

Fridays

• Canning Road Recreation Ground, Southport
• Coronation Park, Crosby

There’s no need to book, just turn up.

Find out more here or by calling 0151 288 6286.

Grand parade of the bees and bee activities at the World Museum (19 July, 11am, 1pm and 2pm)

Queen Beeatrice is on a royal visit with her two beautiful worker bees. She will knight the common grubs she meets with her flower staff and grace the museum visit with her presence at 11am and 1pm.

The award-winning world dance group Movema will then be inviting you to join them outside the museum at 2pm for a bee parade.

All families are welcome and please wear suitable clothing for being outdoors if you attend the Movema event.

There is a £2 fee for the bee costume making sessions.

Find out more and book costume making sessions here.

Stories of Nature in Wirral (From July 21)

Art and nature are combining in a creative and exciting way this summer as Wirral libraries host a programme of activities and workshops aimed at young people and their families.

Stories of Nature will take young people on a wild journey covering much of what Wirral’s diverse environments have to offer. From the extensive coastline and famous parks to woodlands and urban expanses.

More than 40 events – all free, but which need to be booked in advance – are planned until August 29.

Not all events and workshops are suitable for all ages. Age guidance is given on the booking page. 

Find out more about the programme and book sessions here.

Southport Market’s birthday party (July 23, 3pm)

The kids can enjoy the StarKidz Superheroes vs Princess Party with fun, games, and magical moments as the gorgeous market turns four.

Tickets are free but pre-booking is recommended.

There will also be free birthday cake in the Main Hall from 6.30pm as the party continues.

Find out more and book here.

Wirral Code Club (Every Thursday from July 24, 5pm)

Wirral Code Club is a series of Free volunteer led sessions allowing kids aged eight to 13 to learn how to code.

Young coders can choose to follow either Scratch, Python, Microbit, HTML & CSS project pathways.

The volunteers try to make the sessions as fun and engaging as possible and parents or guardians are invited to stay to watch and learn.

Find out more and book a free place here.

Garden party, Lady Lever Art Gallery (July 24 and 25, 1-4pm)

Enjoy a laid-back family afternoon in the gallery garden, where there will be story time, crafts and sand play.

As the event is outdoors, please remember to dress appropriately. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, the activities will take place inside.

Find out more here.

Find out the latest in Liverpool 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.