Top 10 Kids Activities in Liverpool & Merseyside You Haven't Tried Yet

If you’re a parent in Liverpool or Merseyside, you’ve probably done the big museums and the usual park trips more times than you can count. We get it — finding fresh, exciting things to do with the kids can feel like a never-ending quest, especially when you hear “I’m bored” for the third time before lunch.

Good news: there’s far more on offer across Liverpool and Merseyside than most families realise. From world-class indoor play to hidden coastal gems, we’ve pulled together 10 brilliant kids activities that deserve a spot on your family to-do list. Some you might know, others will be completely new — and all of them are genuinely worth the trip.

1. Explore 30+ World-Themed Zones at Bubbles World of Play

Best for: Ages 0–12 | Time needed: 2–4 hours | Cost: Check latest prices online

Let’s start with one that locals absolutely rave about. Bubbles World of Play in Wirral isn’t your average soft play centre — it’s the UK’s largest, spanning a staggering 70,000 square feet of themed play zones that take children on an adventure around the world.

What Makes It Special

Unlike a standard soft play with one climbing frame and a ball pit, Bubbles features over 30 distinct themed areas. Children can explore everything from jungle adventures to space missions, each zone designed with different age groups in mind. There’s a dedicated toddler area for little ones under three, so even the smallest explorers can play safely whilst older siblings tackle the epic main play frame with its towering slides, zip lines, and aerial challenges.

Why Parents Love It

The sheer scale means kids can genuinely spend hours here without getting bored — and that’s not something you can say about many places. There’s a comfortable on-site cafe where you can sit with a proper coffee and actually relax (yes, really), knowing your children are happily occupied and safe.

Top Tip: Book your admission tickets online to guarantee entry, especially during weekends and school holidays. Weekday mornings tend to be the quietest if you prefer a calmer visit with toddlers.

2. Discover the Wirral Way on Two Wheels

Best for: Ages 4+ (with balance bikes or tagalongs) | Time needed: 1–3 hours | Cost: Free (bike hire available locally)

The Wirral Way is a 12-mile traffic-free path running from West Kirby to Hooton along a disused railway line. It’s flat, well-surfaced, and perfect for family cycling — yet surprisingly many Liverpool families haven’t discovered it.

What to Expect

The route passes through beautiful countryside, with bluebells in spring and golden leaves in autumn. Stop at Thurstaston Visitor Centre for a snack and a wander around the nature reserve, or carry on to the coast for sea views across to Wales.

Making It Work with Young Children

You don’t need to tackle the whole route. A gentle out-and-back ride from Thurstaston or Heswall is just right for younger children. Pack a picnic and make a morning of it.

Top Tip: Arrive early on sunny weekends — the car parks at Thurstaston fill up fast.

3. Get Hands-On at the World Museum Liverpool

Best for: Ages 3–12 | Time needed: 2–3 hours | Cost: Free

Tucked away on William Brown Street, the World Museum is one of Liverpool’s best-kept secrets for families. Most visitors head straight for the more famous museums on the waterfront, but this one deserves far more attention.

Highlights for Children

The Bug House is an absolute favourite with kids — live insects, spiders, and creepy crawlies that fascinate even the most reluctant museum-goer. The aquarium downstairs is small but brilliant, and the planetarium (small charge applies) is genuinely awe-inspiring for children who’ve never experienced one.

Why It’s Underrated

The natural history galleries on the upper floors are wonderfully old-fashioned in the best possible way, with dinosaur skeletons and Egyptian mummies that never fail to capture imaginations. It’s the kind of museum where children ask “Can we stay longer?” rather than “Can we go now?”

Top Tip: Check the museum website for special family workshops and events during school holidays. They’re often free but need booking in advance.

4. Rock Pooling at New Brighton and Hilbre Island

Best for: Ages 3+ | Time needed: Half a day | Cost: Free

Rock pooling is one of those gloriously simple activities that children absolutely love, and the Merseyside coastline offers some brilliant spots that many families overlook in favour of the sandy beaches.

Best Spots

New Brighton has some excellent rock pools at low tide along the promenade. It’s easily accessible and you can combine it with fish and chips afterwards.

For something more adventurous, Hilbre Island off West Kirby is truly special. You can walk out to this tidal island at low tide (check tide times carefully!) and spot seals, seabirds, and incredible rock pool life. It feels like a proper expedition for children.

What You’ll Need

Wellington boots, a bucket, and a simple identification chart (free ones are available online). That’s genuinely all it takes for an unforgettable afternoon.

Top Tip: Always check tide times before heading out, and never attempt the Hilbre Island crossing without allowing plenty of time for the return walk.

5. Croxteth Hall and Country Park

Best for: Ages 2–10 | Time needed: 2–4 hours | Cost: Free entry to park, small charge for hall and farm

This Edwardian estate in the north of Liverpool is a hidden gem that many Merseyside families drive straight past. The 500-acre country park has woodland walks, a Victorian walled garden, and — the bit children love most — a working home farm.

The Home Farm

Children can meet goats, pigs, sheep, donkeys, and more. During lambing season (spring), it’s particularly magical for little ones. The farm is small enough that toddlers can manage it comfortably, but engaging enough to hold older children’s attention too.

The Country Park

Beyond the farm, the park itself is perfect for den-building, nature hunts, and good old-fashioned running about. There’s a playground too, and the woodland trails are pushchair-friendly on the main paths.

Top Tip: Combine a morning at the farm with a picnic in the grounds. The estate has a lovely cafe, but packing your own lunch means you can eat surrounded by countryside.

6. Spaceport at Seacombe Ferry Terminal

Best for: Ages 5–12 | Time needed: 1.5–2 hours | Cost: Can be combined with a Mersey Ferry ticket

Here’s one that even many locals forget about. Spaceport, located at the Seacombe Ferry Terminal in Wallasey, is an interactive space-themed visitor centre that children with any interest in the universe will find absolutely thrilling.

What’s Inside

There’s a full-dome planetarium, hands-on exhibits about space exploration, and interactive displays that let children pilot spacecraft and explore the solar system. It’s educational without feeling like a lesson — the kind of place where children learn without realising they’re doing it.

Why It’s Worth the Trip

Combine it with a ride on the Mersey Ferry for a brilliant half-day out. Children love the ferry crossing itself, and arriving at Spaceport by boat makes the whole experience feel like an adventure.

Top Tip: Check for special events and themed days, particularly around school holidays and significant space anniversaries.

7. Formby Red Squirrel Reserve

Best for: All ages | Time needed: 2–3 hours | Cost: Free (National Trust car park charges apply for non-members)

Spotting a red squirrel in the wild is one of those experiences that genuinely delights children (and adults, if we’re honest). Formby’s pine woods are one of the best places in England to see these endangered creatures, and the coastal walk through the dunes to the beach is stunning.

Making the Most of Your Visit

Red squirrels are most active in the morning, so arrive early for the best chance of a sighting. Walk quietly along the marked trails and keep eyes peeled in the treetops — children become surprisingly focused when there’s wildlife to spot.

Beyond the Squirrels

The Formby sand dunes are spectacular in their own right. The beach is wide and wild, perfect for kite flying, sandcastle building, or simply running in the wind. In summer, you might spot natterjack toads in the dune slacks — another wildlife tick for young nature enthusiasts.

Top Tip: Wear sturdy shoes or wellies. The paths through the woods can be muddy, and the dune walk to the beach is sandy (obviously!) and can be tricky in sandals.

8. Southport Eco Centre and Marine Lake

Best for: Ages 3–10 | Time needed: Half a day | Cost: Eco Centre is free, boat hire on Marine Lake is affordable

Southport’s Marine Lake is a brilliant spot for family fun that often gets overshadowed by the town’s more famous pier and funfair. You can hire pedalos, kayaks, or small sailing boats on the lake — it’s sheltered and safe, making it ideal for young children having their first go on the water.

The Eco Centre

Adjacent to the lake, the Eco Centre is a lovely little free attraction with wildlife gardens, a pond-dipping area, and information about local ecology. It’s small but perfectly formed for curious young minds, and the staff are wonderful with children.

Combining Activities

Start at the Eco Centre, then head to the lake for some time on the water, followed by an ice cream on the promenade. It’s a proper old-fashioned seaside day that doesn’t cost the earth.

Top Tip: The Marine Lake is tidal so check beforehand whether water levels are suitable for boat hire on the day you plan to visit.

9. Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm, Bidston

Best for: Ages 1–8 | Time needed: 1–2 hours | Cost: Free (donations welcome)

This community farm in Bidston, Birkenhead, is a proper little treasure that even many Wirral families don’t know about. It’s small, friendly, and completely free — making it perfect for a casual morning out with young children.

What Children Love

There are pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and more. The farm has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, and children can often help with feeding times. It’s the kind of place where toddlers can toddle about safely and develop confidence around animals.

Why It Works So Well

Because it’s small, it doesn’t overwhelm younger children the way larger attractions sometimes can. You can visit for an hour, combine it with a walk on Bidston Hill (which has a gorgeous viewpoint and an ancient observatory), and still be home for lunch.

Top Tip: Check their social media pages for details of seasonal events, lambing days, and special family activities throughout the year.

10. Otterspool Promenade and Festival Gardens

Best for: All ages | Time needed: 1–3 hours | Cost: Free

Running along the south Liverpool waterfront from Otterspool to the Festival Gardens, this riverside path is one of the city’s finest spots for a family walk or cycle — and it’s surprisingly under-visited given how gorgeous it is.

What Makes It Special

The views across the Mersey to the Wirral are beautiful at any time of day, but particularly at sunset. The promenade is flat and fully paved, making it perfect for pushchairs, scooters, and bikes. The Festival Gardens at the southern end have open green spaces, a playground, and plenty of room for ball games and kite flying.

A Hidden Liverpool Gem

Most families heading for a waterfront walk go to the Albert Dock area, which is lovely but crowded. Otterspool offers the same riverside setting with a fraction of the footfall. On a sunny afternoon, it genuinely feels like you’ve discovered somewhere secret.

Top Tip: There’s a great little cafe at the Otterspool Adventure Centre (near the car park) for drinks and snacks. Or pack a flask and a picnic blanket and find your own spot along the prom.

Planning Your Family Days Out in Liverpool & Merseyside

With so many brilliant activities to choose from, here are a few practical tips to help you make the most of them:

Mix Indoor and Outdoor

British weather being what it is, it’s always wise to have a backup plan. If you’ve planned a day at Formby but the rain sets in, Bubbles World of Play is just a short drive away and requires zero sunshine to deliver a brilliant day out. Having one indoor and one outdoor option on your radar means you’ll never be caught out.

Think Beyond Weekends

Many of these activities are at their best during weekday visits when they’re quieter. If you can visit during term time or on a weekday during the holidays, you’ll often have a much more relaxed experience — and shorter queues where applicable.

Check Before You Go

Opening times, prices, and availability can change, particularly for smaller attractions. A quick check online before you head out saves disappointment on arrival.

Let the Kids Choose

Show your children the list and let them pick. Giving children ownership over the choice makes them far more enthusiastic about the day — and you might be surprised by what catches their interest.

Ready for Your Next Family Adventure?

Liverpool and Merseyside truly are brilliant places to raise a family. From world-class indoor play to wild coastlines and hidden farms, there’s something new to discover every weekend.

If you’re looking for a guaranteed great day out whatever the weather, book your visit to Bubbles World of Play and let the kids explore over 30 world-themed zones in the UK’s largest indoor play centre. With dedicated areas for every age group from babies to tweens, it’s the kind of place where the whole family leaves happy — and thoroughly worn out.

What’s your favourite hidden gem in Liverpool and Merseyside? We’d love to hear about the places your family keeps coming back to.