9 ways to spend the summer holidays in Sefton and West Lancashire

The summer holidays are almost upon us and it is time to make sure you have plenty to keep the kids occupied.

Here are nine ideas for family days out in Sefton and West Lancashire.

Dragonfly Festival

Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Burscough

June 21 to September 22

From pond dipping, to water play, or even a canoe paddle (for an extra charge), it’s all about the dragonflies at Martin Mere this summer.

There are dragonfly shows, hunts, walks and a photography competition.

You can save 10 per cent on the entry fee to Martin Mere if you book online, and prices vary for activities.

Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Burscough, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 0TA.

Prices from £10.58 for juniors. There are other concessions available.

Find out more, see full prices, and book tickets here.

Liverpool Brick Festival

Aintree Racecourse, July 19

10am-4pm

A great day for families, collectors, adult builders and every other kind of LEGO fan. There will be speed building competitions, displays, other activities and traders selling loose bricks, sets, minifigures and accessories. There will also be a dedicated building area.

Early entry is from 10am and priced at £13 per person. 

Standard entry is from the time indicated in the ticket description; Adults £7, Children £5, Family Ticket (two Adults, two Children) £18.

Aintree Racecourse, Aintree.

Find out more and book tickets here.

The Fourth Birthday Party with StarKidz

Southport Market, July 23rd 

3pm-8pm

Celebrate in style as Southport Market turns four.

From 3pm there will be a free StarKidz Superheroes vs Princess Party – perfect for the little ones. Expect fun, games, and magical moments.

Then from 6.30pm in the Main Hall there will be be live music into the evening with cake, balloons and giveaways.

Southport Market, King Street, Southport, PR8 1LA.

Find out more and book tickets here.

Craft Workshop

The Atkinson, Lord Street, Jul 23, August 7, 14, 21, 28

11am-3pm

Free

Join The Atkinson’s Art Box for an arts and crafts workshop suitable for all the family. There’s something for all ages, with all materials supplied and all for free.

Drop-in any time between 11am – 3pm and get creative.

Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult.

First come first served. You may be expected to wait until a space at a craft table becomes available.

The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB.

Find out more here.

Flowers & Friendship Bracelets

The Atkinson, Lord Street, August 1

2-3pm

Tickets from £22.50

With the hits of Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Olivia Rodrigo, this musical extravaganza is a must for all pop fans.

Flowers and Friendship Bracelets creates unforgettable memories for children and families.

The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport PR8 1DB.

Find out more and book tickets here.

Mini Sip and Sow

Design by Gavriela, Wayfarers Shopping Arcade Southport

August 9 and 16, 1-3pm

Tickets £15 per child

Two hours of embroidery tuition with mocktails, fruit kebabs and cup cakes. Make and take home your very own pencil case to embroider.

Wayfarers Arcade, Lord Street

For tickets call 07932 891 756.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Lunt Meadows, August 28

10am-12 noon

Meet at the Learning Centre

The Lunt Meadows Teddy Bears invite you to a picnic full of furry fun, frolics and feasting.

There will be teddy ears, face paint, a bear hunt in the wildflower garden and a mud pie feast.

Don’t forget to bring your picnic and best teddy friend along for the party.

Tickets are £9 per child. Accompanying adults and children over 12 but please still book a ticket.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Lunt Road, Liverpool, Merseyside, L29 8YA.

Find out more and book here.

Community and Cohesion Fair

Wayfarers Arcade, Southport, August 30

1-4pm

An exciting day of cultural celebration where you can experience African and Caribbean traditions with market stalls, food and activities.

Wayfarer’s Arcade, Lord Street, Southport.

Classic films at Southport Bijou Cinema

From Peter Pan to Pinocchio and Bambi, there are loads of classic children’s films being shown at this unique cinema throughout the summer.

So if the weather takes a turn for the worse, you can keep the kids entertained for a few hours.

8 Post Office Avenue, PR9 0US, off Lord Street.

Find out more and book tickets here.

Find 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.