Liverpool Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Liverpool
This weekend itinerary for Liverpool families focuses on a smart mix of free and ticketed activities perfect for children aged 3-12. We've included interactive museums, engaging outdoor spaces, and exciting indoor attractions, all while keeping budget in mind and ensuring convenient timings for families with young children.
Friday Evening - Creative Beginnings & Waterfront Wonders
Friday, January 2Family Museum Visit
Explore the World Museum Liverpool, which offers a variety of engaging galleries suitable for families, including the Ancient Egypt gallery, Dinosaurs and Natural World, and a fascinating Bug House.
The museum often runs free, drop-in family activities or trails, especially during school holidays or special periods like the New Year. Check their website closer to the date for specific event listings.
Excellent for curious minds, kids will love the dinosaur skeletons and mummies. The museum is well-equipped with family facilities, including baby changing rooms and accessible toilets. Stroller-friendly throughout. Plan for about 1.5-2 hours. Look out for any 'Winter Wonders' or 'New Year' themed free activities. Suitable for ages 3-12.
Located in the city centre, easily accessible by public transport. Limited street parking nearby, but several multi-storey car parks are within walking distance (e.g., Queen Square Car Park). Stroller-friendly public transport options available.
Docks Lights Stroll & Dinner
Enjoy a magical early evening stroll around the Royal Albert Dock.
The historic dockside is beautifully lit, offering a scenic walk. Afterwards, grab an early dinner at one of the family-friendly restaurants like The Smuggler's Cove or Pizza Express, which often have kids' menus and a lively atmosphere.
Kids will enjoy seeing the boats, perhaps spotting the 'Liverpool Mountain' art installation (if still present), and the general buzz of the waterfront. The dock is flat and easy for strollers. Numerous dining options cater to children with early timings perfect for bedtimes. Many restaurants offer high chairs and child-friendly facilities. Suitable for all ages.
The Albert Dock is walkable from the city centre and World Museum (approx. 15-20 min walk). Public transport (buses) serves the area. Several paid car parks are available nearby, including the multi-storey Q-Park Liverpool ONE and ACC Liverpool car park. Flat, accessible paths for strollers.
Saturday - Wild Wonders & Imaginative Play
Saturday, January 3Safari Park Adventure
Embark on a wild adventure at Knowsley Safari Park.
Drive through the safari to see lions, rhinos, and giraffes, then explore the Foot Safari with sea lions, meerkats, and a fantastic Amur Tiger Trail. There are also rides and an outdoor play area for younger children.
This is a highlight for kids of all ages (especially 3-12). The drive-through offers an up-close animal experience, and the foot safari provides interactive fun. Facilities include toilets, baby changing, and picnic areas. Allow 4-5 hours for a full visit.
Knowsley Safari Park is located outside central Liverpool, accessible by car (approx. 30-40 min drive). Ample free parking is available on-site. The safari drive is pram-friendly if kids stay in the car; the Foot Safari is mostly accessible. Public transport options are limited, so driving is recommended for families.
Safari Park Lunch
Have lunch within Knowsley Safari Park.
They offer various catering options, from casual cafes and snack bars to a larger restaurant with kid-friendly meals. Alternatively, pack a picnic to enjoy at one of their designated picnic areas to save on costs.
Kids will find familiar food options like sandwiches, pizzas, and snacks. Picnic areas are a great budget-friendly option and allow kids to stretch their legs. Restrooms are readily available.
Located within the safari park, no additional travel needed.
Imagine That! Play
Head back towards Liverpool city for an afternoon of creative and scientific play at Imagine That!
Science and Discovery Centre. This interactive attraction features a science zone, an imagination village, and an arts and crafts area, perfect for hands-on learning and fun for younger children.
Specifically designed for children aged 10 and under, this centre is fantastic for imaginative play and burning off energy. Kids will love the role-play areas, slime-making, and science experiments. Facilities include accessible toilets and a cafe. Allow 2-3 hours.
Located in the city centre, close to Baltic Triangle. Public transport is excellent. Paid parking is available at nearby car parks like Q-Park Liverpool ONE or smaller independent car parks in the Baltic Triangle. Stroller accessible.
Baltic Market Treats
Finish the day with some delicious and diverse food options at the Baltic Market.
This vibrant food hall offers a range of street food vendors, providing something for everyone, including kid-friendly choices. It has a lively atmosphere perfect for an early evening family meal.
Kids will enjoy the casual, bustling environment and the variety of food to choose from (pizza, noodles, burgers, desserts). Plenty of seating. Bathrooms available. It can get busy, so an earlier visit is recommended for families. Suitable for all ages.
Short walk from Imagine That!. Public transport is available. Limited street parking nearby, but paid car parks are in the vicinity. Stroller-friendly with accessible pathways.
Sunday - Relaxed Explorations & Green Escapes
Sunday, January 4Park Play & Brunch
Spend a relaxing morning at Sefton Park, one of Liverpool's most beautiful public parks.
Kids can enjoy the large playground, explore the Palm House (check for opening times and any free events), or simply run around the open green spaces. Bring a picnic brunch or visit a local cafe nearby for a relaxed meal.
Perfect for energetic kids to burn off steam. The playground is well-maintained and suitable for various ages. The Palm House is stunning and often has free entry, offering a warm escape on a cooler day. Toilets and cafes are usually available within or very close to the park. Suitable for all ages.
Easily accessible by car with free street parking around the perimeter of the park. Several bus routes also serve the park. Flat paths suitable for strollers and bikes.
Maritime Museum Discoveries
Visit the Merseyside Maritime Museum at the Albert Dock.
It's free to enter and offers fascinating exhibits about Liverpool's seafaring history, including the Titanic and Lusitania stories, and smuggling. There are often interactive elements and family trails available.
Engaging for older children (6-12) with real artifacts and stories. Younger children might enjoy the ship models and general atmosphere. The museum is stroller-friendly with lifts to all floors, and accessible toilets are available. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Located at the Albert Dock, easy to reach from Sefton Park by bus or car (approx. 15-20 min drive). Paid parking available at nearby Q-Park Liverpool ONE or ACC Liverpool car park. Flat, accessible paths for strollers.
Playground Fun & Early Dinner
Wrap up the weekend with some final playground fun at a local park, or if weather permits, a stroll along the waterfront.
For an early dinner, consider a casual family-friendly pub or cafe near your home or the city centre that offers a relaxed atmosphere and kid-friendly menus, allowing for an early return home before the school week begins. Many pubs offer good value Sunday roasts or early bird deals.
A simple playground visit allows kids to get their last bit of energy out. An early, relaxed dinner helps wind down the weekend. Look for places with high chairs and kids' menu options. Suitable for all ages.
Easy access depending on chosen location. Chavasse Park is in Liverpool ONE with ample parking. Local parks will have varying parking options. Public transport is readily available in the city centre.
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