Keep the kids entertained this Christmas on a budget

With all the presents, clothes, food and nights out to pay for, this time of year can strain your finances. 

But it doesn’t have to be expensive every day of the holidays. There are plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained this Christmas on a budget.

Check out these fun-filled family activities across Merseyside that won’t damage the bank balance too much. 

Southport’s Bear and Reindeer Christmas Trail – Free

Two larger-than-life visitors have arrived in Southport Christmas, in the shape of an 18-foot bear and a 13-foot reindeer. 

Sitting beneath the stunning LED Christmas tree, the illuminated figures are the must-see inspiration for The Bear and The Reindeer Christmas Trail. 

Gather the kids, grab a map and spot character artwork in shop windows throughout the town centre. You could win a Nintendo Switch bundle from GAME Southport. 

The Trail takes place from Saturday December 2nd, until Sunday December 31st.  

Find more info and your downloadable map here. 

Blackler’s Santa at Museum of Liverpool – Free

Seeing the giant Blackler’s Santa is a core childhood memory for people of a certain age. 

Once the main attraction at the department store’s Winter Wonderland Grotto, the lovingly restored 18ft Father Christmas now takes pride of place in the Museum of Liverpool’s atrium.

Take the new generation to meet a Liverpool icon this Christmas and make your own memories. 

Santa is on display until 7 January, 2024.

Find what’s on at National Museums Liverpool here. 

Flip Out Liverpool City Centre – from £8.95 for two hours

For flipping good value this Christmas, head to Flip Out Liverpool. 

With three floors of all-inclusive attractions like Laser Quest, Bumper Cars, Battle Cannon Arena, and a Ninja Playground, Flip Out is a the ideal place to let the little ones burn off their Christmas energy. 

Tickets start from £8.95 for two hours. 

Calderstones Park Christmas Trail Family ticket – £12.99

Wrap up warmly and explore the story of Emily, who loves all things Christmas – except Santa! 

This year the Calderstones Park Christmas trail brings to life the much-loved children’s book A Message For Santa. 

Complete activities to help Santa redeem himself in Emily’s eyes on this self-led adventure through the park. 

The Trail lasts 60 minutes, with each family receiving a copy of the book as a Christmas keepsake. 

Tickets are £12.99 per family until December 23rd. Walk-ups welcome. 

Storytime with Santa at Liverpool Town Hall – one adult and one child £20

Father Christmas and Buddy the Elf are at Liverpool Town Hall, sharing magical stories and singing festive tunes.

Sit by the cosy log fire as the kids share their wish list with Father Christmas in this spellbinding experience for all true believers. 

Each 45-minute session accommodates a maximum of 20 children. 

Book early to make sure your little ones get face-to-face time with the big man. 

Available until Christmas Eve. This way for tickets. 

Indoor Funfair at Exhibition Centre – Online tickets from £9.99, unlimited rides for three hours

Opening just in time to keep the kids entertained during the holidays, the Indoor Funfair at the Exhibition Centre is the ultimate family day out.

Expect jaw-dropping rides and amazing attractions for kids of all ages. 

Quiet sessions for those who prefer a more peaceful funfair experience are also available. 

From December 23rd until January 7th. 

Online Rider’s tickets start from £9.99; prebook to save nearly £2 per ticket.   

Magical Christmas movies at Southport Market – Free

Enjoy festive films in the Extravaganza space at Southport Market – for free – perfect for way to keep you and the kids entertained this Christmas on a budget.

Bringing all your favourites to keep you in the holiday spirit, this lineup of Christmas and classic movies is a fab way to amuse the kids for a few hours. 

See Elf, The Grinch, Home Alone and more festive flicks, or check out The Greatest Showman, Matilda the Musical and Grease if you fancy a Christmas singalong. 

The food and drink here are delicious too. 

Magical Christmas Movies runs throughout December & January in partnership with Bijou Cinema. Entry is free on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Little Liverpool Christmas Special at Museum of Liverpool – Adults go free, children £2

Crammed with activities for children under six to play and learn, the Little Liverpool Christmas Special is the perfect way to introduce little ones to the Museum of Liverpool. 

Explore festive fun every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings and Friday and Sunday afternoons from December 1st to December 21st. 

This way for all the info. 

Party Animals Garden Trail at the Bluecoat – Free

A penguin on a bike, an octopus with a present and a tiger in pixie boots.

This isn’t the start of a Christmas cracker joke. It’s an invitation to get together and discover the festive characters hidden in the Bluecoat’s secret garden. 

Pick up a free trail sheet at the Bluecoat’s Children’s Corner and see how many Party Animals you can spot. 

The free event runs daily from 11am until 5pm. 

Royal Albert Dock Light trail – free 

With over 1 million twinkling lights, the Royal Albert Dock Light Trail is an enchanting way to spend a winter’s evening. 

Meet Neptune and Poseidon at the dock’s entrance, then get set for a fun, free adventure around one of Liverpool’s most stunning landmarks. 

Complete the Trail, then head to one of the dock’s fantastic bars and restaurants to warm up. Hot chocolate for the kids, mulled wine for Mum and Dad. 

The family-friendly trail is on until December 22nd. 

Liverpool ONE Light Trail – Free

Head to Liverpool ONE and follow the clues to find magical installations and Christmas characters. 

Every child gets a free sticker sheet to complete, and you’ll also have the chance to win a £250 Liverpool ONE Shopping voucher. 

With world-class shops and restaurants across the estate, you can pick up last-minute bits or have a bite as well as entertain the children. 

Find more info and your downloadable map here. 

Merseyrail family ticket – £13 for a family of up to five people

Leave the car at home and make a day of it with a Merseyrail Family Ticket. 

For £13 per family, you can jump on and hop off the network all day and take in festive attractions across Merseyside to your heart’s content. 

Have fun! 

Get the latest Christmas news for Liverpool HERE and visit our calendar to see what’s on across the city region as the countdown continues HERE.