Families looking to keep the children entertained over the upcoming school holidays have a huge programme of activities to look forward to right in the heart of the city centre.
Liverpool ONE is set for a summer of free family fun with a packed programme of events, activities and attractions running throughout the school holidays.
From Beach Fest at Chavasse Park to the return of the iconic Tickle the Ivories piano festival, families can enjoy free events, interactive experiences, al fresco dining and city centre entertainment all summer long.
The multi-week campaign features a mix of interactive outdoor installations, historical exploration trails, and dining discounts designed to make a day out in the city highly accessible.
Chavasse Park Transformed for Beach Fest and Giant Chess
The main green space within the complex will become the primary hub for the seasonal activations, offering a seaside escape without leaving the city.
Beach Fest runs from 18th July to 31st August 2026. Chavasse Park will be transformed into a vibrant summer destination, featuring an urban sandy beach, family-friendly rides and 6 weeks of entertainment and activities for visitors of all ages.
The seasonal attraction will create a fun-filled city centre escape, bringing a taste of the seaside to Liverpool ONE and offering visitors the perfect place to relax, play and make summer memories.
Later in the month, the park will also host ChessFest on 19th July.
Visitors can enjoy giant outdoor chess boards, live demonstrations and interactive sessions, suitable for all ages, from total beginners to pro players.
Tickle the Ivories and Minton Tile Trail Return
Live music and public art installations will stretch across the streets, giving local musicians and creatives a platform to showcase their talents.
The Tickle the Ivories Piano Festival runs from 10th July to 11th September 2026. Liverpool ONE’s much-loved piano festival is back for its 16th year.
The 9-week-long piano festival offers a chance for both amateur and professional pianists to perform on any of the street pianos located across Liverpool ONE.
This year’s festival will see the return of the Brad Kella-themed piano, alongside brand-new designs created in collaboration with local artists around the theme “Music and Memories”.
A special piano will also honour Gerry Jones, a long-standing supporter of Tickle who sadly passed away in 2026.
Running alongside the music is the Minton Tile Trail from 17th July to 2nd September 2026. Liverpool ONE is part of the Minton Tile Trail across the city to mark the Minton Tile Reveal at St George’s Hall.
Visitors can visit the Liverpool ONE Information Centre to see a specially commissioned artwork on the window, pick up a trail map, uncover each location, and bring a historic design to life as you go.
Those who complete their tile will see their creation showcased at St George’s Hall this summer.
Free Self Guided Trails and Character Sightings
For those looking to explore at their own pace, several low-cost and free static attractions are set up across the complex.
Guests can find a Paddington Bear statue welcoming visitors at his bench on College Lane for a quick selfie opportunity.
The Heritage Trail & Nature Trail offer self-guided routes covering more than 300 years of Liverpool’s fascinating history, alongside the plants and wildlife of Chavasse Park that thrive in the heart of the city.
Both trails are fully accessible and available via the Liverpool ONE app, online, or by picking up a map from the Information Centre on Wall Street.
For a deeper look into the past, The Old Dock Tour offers a 60-minute guided experience uncovering Liverpool’s historic dock beneath Liverpool ONE. The tour is free for under 5s, with other tickets starting from £5.
Kids Eat Free Deals and Indoor Entertainment Hubs
To help families manage costs during the holiday period, a variety of prominent hospitality brands within the complex are running targeted dining promotions.
The Kids Eat Free or for Less initiative allows families to enjoy a range of free or discounted kids’ meal offers across participating restaurants this summer, with deals from the likes of TGI Fridays, Zizzi, Smoke & Dough, Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, The Real Greek, Las Iguanas and Turtle Bay.
If the British weather takes a turn, a selection of indoor leisure concepts remain open for non-stop family fun.
Options range from VR experiences, e-karting, e-bowling and arcade games at Gravity MAX, to themed mini golf at Junkyard Golf Club, the latest blockbusters at ODEON, and the Upside Down House for a quirky photo opportunity.
To check opening times and specific event schedules for all the summer activities at Liverpool ONE, click here.
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