8 free or low cost things you can do with the kids this half-term across Liverpool

It feels like the children have only just gone back to school but October half-term is here already.

With Christmas just around the corner and the cost of living higher than ever, it’s getting more difficult to keep the kids occupied without spending a fortune.

We’ve rounded up eight of the best free or good value half term activities in and around Liverpool city region this half-term.

Acorn Farm, Depot Road, Kirkby

Acorn Farm is an award-winning family attraction in Kirkby and they have lots of half term fun lined up this half-term.

There are small animal petting sessions and horse rides taking place daily from Saturday 22^nd October until Sunday 30^th October.

There will also be a Halloween fun day on Friday, 28^th October with games, a spooky haunted house and fancy-dress competition.

Admission: £3.50, children £2.50, under 12 months free. The Haunted House is £1 to enter, and the small animal petting is £2 per person for a half hour session.

See their website for more information.

Ainsdale and Birkdale Sandhills Nature Reserve

Get wrapped up warm for a trip to the beach and head to one of the largest areas of wild dune left in Britain.

The nature reserve was established in 1980 and covers an area of 988 hectares – so there is plenty of walking to do!

Follow the Velvet Trail, a circular route from Weld Road that winds through the dunes. At this time of the year, you might spot some migrating geese flying overhead on their way to warmer climes.

You can park at Ainsdale Discovery Centre on the prom or catch the train and walk to the beach if you’re feeling a bit more energetic.

Take a packed lunch or make your way to Ainsdale village and visit one of the many cafes or pubs. There are plenty to choose from but one of our favourites is The Squirrel Tea Room, who used to have a stand at Formby Beach, but now have their café in Station Road. They serve lovely home baking and great coffee.

Find out more here.

Rice Lane City Farm

Rice Lane City Farm has been established for more than 40 years and is tucked away at the end of Rawcliffe Road.

You will find most of the usual farmyard animals and some rare breeds including Ryeland sheep and Berkshire pigs.

There is a woodland walk and a play area and the volunteers are always working hard to keep the farm in working order but warn there are sometimes improvement works taking place.

There is no charge for entrance to the farm unless there is an event taking place when an admission charge might be in place. The farm is usually open from 10am-3.30pm every day.

On Saturday 29^th October there will be a Halloween event from 5pm including a ‘haunted’ walk through the woods at 6.30pm. Admission to the event is £5 for adults and £2 for children.

See the website for more details.

Liverpool Irish Festival Family Day, Museum of Liverpool

The Liverpool Irish Festival runs from 20^th-30^th October to celebrate the Irish contribution to Liverpool’s cultural identity and heritage.

There is a full schedule of arts and culture events and on Saturday 29^th October there is a family day at the Museum of Liverpool, Pier Head, with free admission.

There will be all manner of family activities to entertain and engage kids of all ages, sometimes with a spooky twist for this time of year.

See the website for more details.

Wirral Tramway and Transport Museum

Enjoy the sights and sounds of yesteryear at this museum where volunteers have brought back to life the transport of the past.

There is a collection of trams, buses, cars, motorbikes and bikes from history and your kids will get a real insight into the way their grandparents and great-grandparents used to get around.

The museum, in Taylor Street, is free to visit and opens during the Wirral school half-term from Wednesday onwards from 1pm-4.30pm, so check first before you visit to avoid disappointment.

If trams are operating, trips cost £2 for adults and £1 for children aged five-15.

Call 0151 647 2128 to check opening times.

New Brighton

Get wrapped up and enjoy a walk to blow away the cobwebs in New Brighton.

Visit the Fairy Village in Vale Park and head to the Black Pearl on the beach.

On Monday 31^st October, the Official Joytime Halloween Party in the Dark takes place from 5.30pm-7pm at the bandstand, admission £1. The Vale Coffee Roast will be open for treats.

See the @officialjoytime Facebook page for more.

Liverpool Cathedral

Join the education team for the Heroes and Heroines themed craft activities during the half-term holiday.

Each family friendly session is free and lasts up to 45 minutes. All sessions must be pre-booked, and each person attending is required to have a ticket. Sessions start at 11:00am, 1:00pm and 2:00pm.

Liverpool Cathedral is free to enter and you will also be able to explore the amazing building as well.

You can also enjoy a snack or some lunch at The Welsford Bistro.

Book your tickets here.

Calderstones Park

Enjoy a family walk at Calderstones before the little ones enjoy a spooktacular trip to The Reader at Storybarn.

They can enjoy games and creepy crafts before hearing The Little Ghost Who was A Quilt, a story by Riel Nason.

Sessions last for around 90 minutes and are for kids aged four-nine. Tickets are £4 per person and under ones are free but still need a ticket.

The sessions run at various times from Saturday 22 – Monday 31 October.

Book here.