8 Family friendly things to do before New Year’s Eve in Liverpool

Get the kids up and out in their Christmas trainies for some fresh air this week.

Come on, hands up….who’s kids have said they’re bored already? It’ll soon be New Year’s Eve in Liverpool and you’ve got almost a week to keep the little ones entertained until then. We’re lining up some fresh air, family fun to get you out and about and put those new trainies to good use! From thrill rides for the teens to pre-school fun for the toddlers, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s 8 family friendly things to do before New Year’s Eve in Liverpool…..

1 – Shop the Sales

Have your kids got Christmas money and vouchers burning a hole in their pockets? Well Liverpool ONE, MetQuarter and St John’s Shopping Centre are all open this week from 9 and 9:30 so you can go wild in the aisles picking up those must have games, tech and maybe even more chocolate! You can never have to many selection boxes! Got your eye on a Boxing Day treat for yourself? Click & Collect it at Liverpool ONE, more info here.

2 – Skate Park Fun

Did Santa bring new skates, scooters or bikes to your house this year? Why not load the car up and head down to Otterspool skate park or Knowsley Leisure Centre skate park and show off your skills? With miles of path ways and plenty of grassy hills and swings and slides for those still learning to enjoy, there’s loads of free, fresh air fun that thoroughly deserves another selection box when you get home! More on parks and winter fun here.

3 – Big Screen Action

The Liverpool cinemas are showing loads of great family films this week including Jumani, Ferdinand, Paddington 2, The Greatest Showman and of course, Star Wars: The Last Jedi. From the Liverpool ONE Odeon to Crosby Plaza Cinema, Woolton Picture House and FACT, there’s tickets available from a mere £4 so a trip to see a blockbuster needn’t break the bank. Popcorn and a slushie anyone? Listings info available here.

4 – Panto Madness

There are so many panto’s to choose from to treat the whole family this Christmas and new year week, we’re struggling to fit them all in! For a big dose of slapstick comedy, belly laughs and a local legend thrown in, we’re heading to St Helens Theatre Royal to watch the drama unfold in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, starring Johnny Vegas as the magic mirror. Closer to home you can catch Peter Pan with our very own Claire Simmo at the Epstein Theatre, The Little Mermaid Rock n Roll panto at the Everyman and Cinderella at the Liverpool Empire too. Click here for our full round up.

5 – Ice Festival Thrills

The Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival continues to roll out the icy fun until 7th January and if you’re into thrill rides, tasty food, gliding on the ice while busting some moves, this is the attraction for you. The Ice Jet and Ice Slide rides will defo give you rosy cheeks while the smaller, merry-go-round type rides are perfect for little ones. Grab a bite to eat with frankfurters, crepes and sweet treats from the food market before warming through at the Apres Ski bar or wrap up for a shot in the ice bar! Loads to see and do, and it looks boss after dark when all lit up! More info and booking here.

6 – Big Fun for Little Ones at Mattel Play!

Freddie at Mattel Play Liverpool Albert Dock

The Albert Dock is continuing the festive cheer with plenty of activities for the kids. From trails and craft fun at Tate Liverpool and the Slavery Museum to Puffle Waffle warming treats, make your own pizzas at Gusto and hours of fun at Mattel Play with everyone’s favourite pre-school stars, Bob the Builder, Thomas the Tank Engine and Fireman Sam. With lots of hands on activities and a café serving up tasty treats, this is a great way to get the little ones to burn off some energy, whatever the weather. More info and booking here.

7 – Liverpool International Horse Show

Did you know that the Liverpool International Horse Show is not just for horse enthusiasts? Three days of high-octane action comes to the city from 28th December and features a unique host of family-friendly entertainment. Watch as Motocross Freestylers or ‘FMX riders’ showcase knuckle-biting bike stunts and expertly executed tricks, while the most famous and celebrated UK riders and horses compete and music acts provide a top class sound track. Click here to find out more and book your tickets.

8 – Sweet Treats at Queen Square with Icestone Gelato

If you’re having a little shopping trip into town, or even before the panto or cinema, why not treat the kids (and yourself) to a sweet treat from Icestone Gelato at Queen Square. Located above Five Guys, this dessert emporium lines up more flavours and colours of gelato than you can shake a desser spoon at! Along side delicious sundaes, waffles, baked cookie dough and shakes, you can indulge in old school puddings too such as jam roly poly and apple crumble! Find out more and grab a booth here.

What are you up to with your kids this week? Send us your events or suggestions to @TheGuideLpool or info@theguideliverpool.com and we’ll share the love across our socials.