Things to Do in Liverpool During the Summer Holidays 2026

Published July 27, 2026
Last Updated July 27, 2026
By Editor

The school summer holidays are here, and Liverpool City Region has plenty happening to keep children and families entertained.

From free crafts, outdoor play and dinosaur encounters to indoor funfairs, football activities and days out across the region, there are options for different ages, interests and budgets.

Here are some of the things families can enjoy in Liverpool and the surrounding areas during the summer holidays.

Enjoy Beach Fest at Liverpool ONE

Liverpool ONE, 5 Wall St, Liverpool L1 8JQ

Things to Do in Liverpool During the Summer Holidays 2026 — Credit: Liverpool ONE

Chavasse Park has been transformed into a city-centre summer destination as Beach Fest returns to Liverpool ONE.

Running until Monday 31 August, the event features an urban sandy beach, family-friendly rides and six weeks of entertainment and activities. It is a handy option for families looking to combine an activity with shopping, food or a walk around the waterfront.

Visitors can also look out for the colourful street pianos taking part in Tickle the Ivories and follow the Minton Tile Trail, which runs across the city until Wednesday 2 September.

When: Until 31 August 2026
Where: Chavasse Park, Liverpool ONE

Meet the Dinosaurs at World Museum

William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EN37 Otterspool Dr, Liverpool L17 5AL

Dinosaurs have taken over World Museum every Wednesday and Thursday throughout the school holidays.

Families can meet life-like dinosaur puppets, including giant prehistoric creatures and baby dinosaurs, alongside storytelling, crafts, sensory play and sessions with museum experts.

Many of the activities are free, including Meet the Dinosaurs, Junk-a-Saurus Crafts and Squish-a-Saurus Crafts. Little Dinosaurs sensory sessions cost £2 per child, while a relaxed after-hours Dino Dig will take place on Thursday 13 August for families who may prefer a quieter museum experience.

The programme runs until Thursday 27 August and coincides with the reopening of the museum’s Wild World: Dinosaurs and Natural History gallery. Some sessions require advance booking.

When: Wednesdays and Thursdays until 27 August 2026
Where: World Museum, William Brown Street
Price: Many activities are free, with selected sessions costing £2 per child

Spend the Day at Otterspool Adventure’s Summer Festival

37 Otterspool Dr, Liverpool L17 5AL

Otterspool Adventure is hosting a daily Summer Festival throughout the school holidays, with outdoor games, adventure activities and its popular Foam Party and Disco.

Entry includes access to a range of attractions, including the outdoor playground, Adventure Farm, Adventure Golf, Go Karts, the Bouncing Pillow, Racing Rangers and the Boat Ride. Some activities may be weather-dependent.

Families planning several visits can also purchase a Summer Pass, offering unlimited entry until Sunday 30 August.

When: Daily until 31 August 2026, 10am–6pm
Where: Otterspool Adventure
Price: Summer Festival tickets cost £20 for children, £10 for adults and £8 for concessions. Under-ones go free

Click here to book.

Follow the Pokémon Trail at Speke Hall

The Walk, Speke, Liverpool L24 1XD

Pokémon fans can head to Speke Hall for a new outdoor adventure trail during the National Trust’s Summer of Play.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail invites families to search for ten Mega Evolution Pokémon across ten activity points. Each stop includes a physical or creative challenge inspired by a different character.

Families can also enjoy outdoor play, nature activities and a special Pokémon and National Trust sticker book during their visit.

Normal admission charges apply, while National Trust members can enter free of charge.

When: Throughout the summer holidays
Where: Speke Hall, The Walk, Speke

Get Back to Play at Strawberry Field

Beaconsfield Rd, Liverpool L25 6EJ

Strawberry Field is opening its famous gardens for free family play sessions every Tuesday during the school holidays.

Get Back to Play is designed for children aged four to 11 and includes eco-friendly arts and crafts, outdoor toys and time to explore the gardens. Younger siblings are also welcome, although all children must be accompanied by an adult.

The final summer session will also include a ukulele singalong. Attendance is free, but families are asked to register in advance.

Dates: 28 July and 4, 11, 18 and 25 August 2026
Where: Strawberry Field, Beaconsfield Road
Price: Free

Register your attendance here.

Visit the New Family Fan Zone at Anfield

Anfield Rd, Anfield, Liverpool L4 0TH

Families taking an LFC Stadium Tour can extend their day out with a visit to Anfield’s new summer Fan Zone.

Open daily from 12pm until 5pm, the Fan Zone includes a four-a-side football pitch, target cage, fast feet challenge and a children’s corner with giant Jenga, table football and Connect 4.

There will also be live music, competitions and football-themed entertainment throughout the day.

Entry is included with LFC Stadium Tour and Legends Q&A tickets during the summer, excluding matchdays and selected dates. Children’s Stadium Tour tickets are available from £14 when booked before 1 September.

When: Until 31 August 2026, 12pm–5pm
Where: Anfield Stadium

Found out more here.

Go Swimming for Free in Knowsley

Multiple locations

Children and young people under the age of 16 can swim free of charge at selected Volair leisure centres during public swimming sessions this summer.

Free swimming is available at Volair Huyton, Volair Kirkby and Volair Stockbridge until Monday 31 August. Sessions are also available at Volair Halewood until Monday 10 August, when the pool is due to close for refurbishment.

Children under eight must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and families should check the latest public swimming timetable before travelling.

Free SEN swimming sessions are also available at Volair Stockbridge Village on Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm until 3pm.

When: Until 31 August 2026
Price: Free for under-16s during eligible sessions

More information can be found here.

Get Creative at Kirkby Gallery

The Kirkby Centre, Norwich Way, Kirkby L32 8XY

Kirkby Gallery is offering free family craft sessions throughout the school holidays.

The Random Craft Club runs every Monday to Friday from 11am until 3pm, with an additional Saturday session from 11am until 12pm. Activities change throughout the summer, giving children the opportunity to experiment with different materials and creative ideas.

The sessions are free and no booking is required.

There will also be free artist-led sculpture workshops on Monday 3 August and Thursday 6 August, although places for these sessions must be booked in advance.

When: Random Craft Club begins 27 July 2026
Where: Kirkby Gallery
Price: Free

Enjoy Outdoor Theatre and Family Events at Calderstones Park

Mansion House, Calderstones Park, Liverpool, L18 3JB

The Reader has several family-friendly events taking place within the grounds of Calderstones Park during August.

Outdoor theatre company Illyria will bring a family production of The Three Musketeers to the Garden Theatre on Thursday 6 August.

A free Garden Party will follow on Sunday 16 August, where families can bring a picnic blanket or deckchair and enjoy live music, activities and the Library on the Lawn.

The summer programme concludes with Storybarn Fest on Sunday 30 August, featuring an outdoor courtyard takeover, face painting and a barbecue.

Where: The Mansion House, Calderstones Park
Dates: 6, 16 and 30 August 2026
Price: Garden Party is free; theatre and selected activities may be ticketed

Join the Bluecoat’s Free Family Weekend

School Ln, Liverpool L1 3BX

The Bluecoat’s popular Family Weekend returns for two afternoons of free creative activities.

Inspired by Debjani Banerjee’s colourful Jalsaghar exhibition, families can try badge making, block printing and textile activities. Children will also be encouraged to explore their dreams and create their own handmade journal.

The event is suitable for all ages and families can drop in without booking.

When: Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August 2026, 1pm–4pm
Where: The Bluecoat, School Lane
Price: Free

Ride All Day at Liverpool Indoor Funfair

King’s Dock, Port of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 4FP

Liverpool Indoor Funfair returns to Exhibition Centre Liverpool with rides and attractions for younger children, families and thrill-seekers.

The entire event takes place indoors in a climate-controlled venue, making it a useful choice when the Liverpool weather is not on your side.

Visitors book a three-hour session, with start times available at 10am, 2pm and 6pm. A quieter session with adjustments to capacity, sound and lighting will take place at 10am on Saturday 15 August.

When: 14–24 August 2026
Where: Exhibition Centre Liverpool
Price: Online rider tickets from £13.99

Book your tickets here.

Experience Southport Flower Show

Victoria Park Rotten Row, Southport PR8 2BZ

Southport Flower Show returns to Victoria Park for four days of gardens, entertainment, food, activities and family attractions.

Alongside the show gardens and floral displays, families can enjoy a children’s trail, alpacas, a doodle wall, children’s yoga, tennis skills, live music and arena entertainment.

This year’s guests include children’s entertainers Andy Day and Justin Fletcher, alongside wildlife presenters, chefs, gardeners and television personalities.

Children under 16 can enter free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.

When: 20–23 August 2026
Where: Victoria Park, Southport
Price: Children under 16 go free with a paying adult

Meet Retired Racehorses at Liverpool ONE

5 Wall St, Liverpool L1 8JQ

Retired racehorses will visit Liverpool ONE as part of a free National Racehorse Week pop-up event.

Families will be able to meet the horses, watch live farrier demonstrations, try a mechanical horse and learn about the people responsible for caring for Thoroughbreds during and after their racing careers.

The event will also include talks, question-and-answer sessions, prizes and special guests.

When: Saturday 22 August 2026
Where: Liverpool ONE, Wall Street
Price: Free

Watch a Film at the Waterfront Drive-In Cinema

Hill Dickinson Stadium, Regent Rd, Liverpool L3 0BW

The area around Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium will be transformed into a waterfront drive-in cinema over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Movies on the Mersey begins with a family screening of Finding Nemo on Saturday 29 August, followed by Mamma Mia! later that evening. The weekend also includes Grease, Back to the Future and a fundraising screening of the Everton documentary Howard’s Way.

Visitors can watch from their cars and hear the film through their car radio, while a lawn area will be available for those attending without a vehicle.

When: 29–31 August 2026
Where: Hill Dickinson Stadium waterfront
Price: £30 per vehicle or £10 per person for the lawn area

Book now here.

Make Family Meals More Affordable

A full day out can quickly add up, but families can also take advantage of dining offers running during the school holidays.

Hanover Street Social is offering children a free two-course meal with the purchase of an adult main course from its à la carte or set menu. The offer is available until Tuesday 1 September.

Booking ahead is recommended for restaurants, attractions and limited-capacity activities, particularly during weekends and the August Bank Holiday.