Look at all the things you and the kids can do at Liverpool ONE this Summer

We’re stepping into summer and now the kids have broken up from school we’re all looking for places to visit – and you don’t have to look too far!

Liverpool ONE is an amazing shopping and leisure destination in the heart of the city, and it’s not just about great stores. Here’s 11 reasons for you and the kids to visit Liverpool ONE…

Tickle the Ivories Piano Festival

We all love this piano festival and it’s great to know it’s filling Liverpool ONE with the sound of music throughout summer again – so you can Tickle The Ivories yourself or enjoy listening to some of Merseyside’s great musicians. Now in its 11^th year, it’ll run until August 30 and is open to anyone who wants to book a busking slot or just turn up and play.

The Chavasse Park Nature Trail and Bug Hotel

Definitely one to check out – or check into! The Nature Trail is a self-guided tour aimed at 4-11 year olds who can download a trail leaflet and check off the flora and fauna, or discover how many bugs are in the new insect des-res. The trail begins on Thomas Steers Way with signposts hidden in the undergrowth giving young adventurers fun tasks to do. 

Ice cream from Hotel Chocolat

Nothings says summer like ice cream and there’s something special on offer at Hotel Chocolat in Peter’s Lane. Its Ice Cream of the Gods chocolate ice cream is infused with pure roasted cacao, and you can indulge with a cone, a tub or a delicious sundae, and choose sauces and toppings like the seasonal shard or crispy pearls.

Shopping at Smiggle

It’s always great fun stocking up on supplies to go back to school (we know you’ve just finished but bear with us) and it’s just got better with this super stationery store from Down Under. They’ve got everything from bags to bottles, and pens and pencils to more techy stuff, and there’s some superb offers just now.

Ping is back with ping pong tables dotted around the estate

We’re all feeling a little bit sporty after watching the Olympics and this is guaranteed to get you moving and having a laugh. Paddles and balls are supplied, and you can get pinging and ponging in Chavasse Park and just outside Utility.

Check out the huge John Lewis toy department 

It’s beginning look a lot like Christ… okay well maybe it isn’t just yet – but it will feel like it if you take a peek in the toy section in Liverpool ONE’s top department store. There are games and toys for teenies and tinies, to older kids (and adults) and we all deserve a treat right now. So what about a great board game for a family get-together?

The Old Dock Tours

One of the best tours that shows Liverpool’s always been ahead of its time. Organised by National Museums Liverpool, it’s the story of the world’s first commercial enclosed wet dock – revealed during excavations on the site in 2001 – and how a brave idea and an innovative feat of engineering shaped Liverpool’s destiny.

The LEGO store 

Limited only by imagination, we all love a bit of brickying and the best bit is you can be as basic or as brilliant as you want. There are so many sets and different designs to fire up ideas and give you a challenge, from iconic buildings like The Colosseum, to scenes from Harry Potter and the apartment sets from Friends. Could it BE any more brilliant?

Lots of tasty food for the kids from Byron Burger, TGI’s, Pizza Hut and more

All the exploring and excitement is bound to work up an appetite and there’s no shortage of food options from the best burgers at Byron, to a taste of Italy with pizzas and pasta at Pizza Express. In fact, there are cuisines from all around the world including France, Mexico, Thailand and Japan – the only problem is deciding which one you fancy…

Gin Dolly is open in Peter’s Square for Mum and Dad

Trot along to Peter’s Square next to Ted Baker and Hotel Chocolat to sample the Gin Dolly’s exquisite and extensive selection of gins.  You can try a house G&T or sample the daily gin cocktail. It’s open every day, just look out for the converted horse trailer bar and see the opening times below:

• Mon – Th 1pm – 7pm
• Fri & Sat 12pm – 9pm
• Sun 12pm to 6pm

Waterstones is filled with children’s books and activities

Picture – Visit Liverpool

There’s always something going on at Waterstones and you’re always welcome to pop along and browse. The children’s section in Liverpool is the largest in the north west, featuring a great young adult section, so you’ve got everything from Peppa Pig to John Green.

Keep up top date with Liverpool ONE and what’s on this summer on their website here.