7 free family days out to enjoy across Merseyside this summer

The summer holidays are here and there are weeks to keep the children entertained.

Family fun doesn’t always have to cost a fortune though, and there are lots of free and low-cost attractions to enjoy in the region.

Here are seven attractions on your doorstep that won’t break the bank this summer.

Vale Park, New Brighton 

Vale Park is a great place to spend a few hours and there are lots of reasons to head to the New Brighton attraction this summer with the kids.

Let your children’s imagination run wild in the Fairy Gardens, where leftover driftwood from the Black Pearl has been used to create a magical trail to explore.

Take a picnic and enjoy the views across the River Mersey, let the kids enjoy the play area and have a kick about on the pitch while you admire the gorgeous gardens.

During July and August there will be free weekend performances, including Ukecan and Friends on 9^th August, and the Heswall Brass Band on 16^th August.

This August is the 100-year anniversary of the band stand and there will be celebrations with music, food stalls and other entertainment from 23^rd-24^th August.

Find out more here.

Tam O’Shanter Farm, Bidston

Open every day, with free entry, this urban farm sits on Bidston Hill and is a great way for the family to connect with nature.

The Tam O’Shanter cottage and farm is a charitable trust and offers educational entertainment for children.

The kids can get up close with the sheep and pigs, feed them and learn more about rural life.

Find out more here or call 0151 653 9332.

The railway at Royden Park, Frankby

Run by the volunteers from the Wirral Model Engineering Society, the railway at Royden Park is a fun experience for the kids to enjoy this summer.

They ask for donations only, and you can enjoy the ride after a stroll through this gorgeous Wirral Park which also has a lake, walled gardens, and woodland walks.

Find out more here. 

Another Place, Crosby Beach

More popularly knows as the iron men, the 100 cast-iron figures looking out the Irish Sea have attracted visitors from all over the world since they first popped up on the sand in 20

Come rain or shine, a walk among the statues on the beach in Crosby is always good fun.

So, get your trainers or wellies on, watch out for the incoming tide and take yourself to see one of the country’s best outdoor art installations.

And the best thing? You can get the train to Waterloo and take the short walk to the beach. If the weather is good, pack a picnic and make it a fun family day out.

Formby woods and beach

Formby beach is one of the most breathtaking outdoor spaces in Merseyside with miles of sand and unrivalled views of Lancashire and north Wales.

The National Trust entrance and car park at Victoria Road in Freshfield is now fully open again after a year long renovation.

The old car park has been reclaimed and forms a wide sandy entrance to the dunes and beach beyond.

Catch the train to Formby or Freshfield and make the short walk to beach as parking in the area can get very busy during the summer and there was traffic chaos over the May bank holiday weekend.

If you get there early before the crowds and you’re lucky, you might even spot a red squirrel in the woods.

RSPB Marshside, Southport

Head to the seafront on the north side of Southport and enjoy getting up close with the coastline’s wildlife.

This wetland nature reserve is one of the best spots in the region for bird watching with its freshwater pools, grazing marsh and saltmarsh.

You might spot pink footed geese, hen harriers and many other birds that visit Marshside.

The Marine Drive site is around 1.5 miles from the town centre. It is free to enter but there is a parking charge unless you’re a member of the RSPB.

You can take a picnic or wander down to the nearby village of Churchtown for a bite to eat.

Find out more here. 

Dream, Sutton Manor, St Helens

Unveiled in 2009, Dream is a 20-metre-high sculpture created by artist Jaume Plensa in Sutton Manor.

It stands in the former Sutton Manor colliery which has been transformed into a community woodland and is a lovely place for a walk.

If it’s a clear day, you will be able to enjoy views across Merseyside and Cheshire and enjoy a great walk for all the family.

Find out more here. 

Find even more things to do across Liverpool this summer 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.