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With the summer holidays drawing ever closer, parents around the UK are on the look out for fun, free things to do with the kids this summer.
The holidays can be an expensive time, but luckily Liverpool is bursting with great free things to do with the kids this summer.
See how many of these you can get done before the start of a new school year!
Table of Contents
Have a Picnic in Sefton Park
When: Anytime
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Sefton Park is a magnificent 235 acre Grade I historic park in the Sefton district of Liverpool and it’s perfect for a summer picnic.
The huge park features large grassy fields, perfect for playing some outdoor sports, enclosed secret pathways, rock gardens, ponds and mini streams that will keep the children occupied for hours.
In the centre, there is a cafe and visitor centre and plenty of places to buy an ice cream – plus don’t forget to check out the magnificent Palm House.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a nice stroll in a picturesque location or you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids to feed the ducks, Sefton Park is the ideal spot.
Check out the Baltic Market
When: Thursday – Sunday every week
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This unique market is dedicated to food and drink, with live music and unique markets on every week.
You and the kids can indulge in everything from hot dogs to shakes and cakes from Midnight Delivery.
Visit the Aquarium or the Planetarium
When: 10am-5pm
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Blast off on a journey through time and space with the World Museum’s mesmerising Planetarium exhibition.
This wonderful free event helps kids learn about the Universe, with fun space facts, friendly friends like Astronaut George and loads of great activities for the entire family to enjoy.
Or maybe you’re more into your fish? The World Museum also offers a delightful underwater experience in their Aquarium section.
The aquarium combines fish from Australia to Anglesey with the very latest technology, you’ll be able to see a variety of fish from tropical, mangrove and native.
Be immersed in a watery world of wonder!
Spend the Morning at a Farmers Market
When: The 4th Saturday of every month
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If you’re looking for a relaxing free day out, perusing a farmer’s market on a beautiful summers morning sounds about right.
Make your way down to Lark Lane on the fourth Saturday of the month and be treated to a whole host of butchers, baristas, cheese mongers, chocolatiers and much more.
You’ll be able to have a look through some beautiful craft work and paintings, smell the sweet delights of freshly baked bread and cakes and see some gorgeous plants and flower arrangements.
It’s a great opportunity to support local business – plus lots of these stalls offer free tasters of their products, so you can really indulge!
Go to a Free Event at LEAF
When: Most weeks
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LEAF on Bold Street is a well known haven for all things cultural, plus they have an excellent choice of teas.
With regular free gigs, open MIC nights and an evening called Ignite, in which people are invited to enlighten the audience with a 5 minute presentation on a subject of their choice, this quirky cafe is a great place to bring the kids.
The atmosphere is always very friendly and relaxed and the food is delicious.
Explore the Cathedrals
When: Anytime
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Liverpool is home to not just one but two spectacular Cathedrals and they are a fabulous place to take the kids.
Walk towards Hope Street and you’ll come across the breath-taking Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, or ‘Paddy’s Wigwam’ – as it’s known by the locals.
You can explore the majestic exteriors and interiors of the Grade II listed building for free, join in a service, take a guided tour or even catch a live show, which is nothing short of spectacular. Don’t forget to look up and marvel at the stunning stained glass windows which make up the roof.
After that, walk down Hope Street and you will come across Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, Britain’s biggest and the 5th largest in Europe. The grounds surrounding the Cathedral are great for a walk and you can take in the huge site whilst you do it.
Dance at Liverpool Pride
When: 27th July- 28th July
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This wonderful festival returns to Liverpool for another weekend of colourful fun and festivities.
At the heart of this vibrant event is the famous Pride March which attracts thousands of people to the streets of Liverpool, but the entire festival runs over two days, with a number of amazing events.
The theme of this summer’s festival centres around inclusion, with Pride organisers looking to work with partners, businesses and Merseyside’s twin towns and cities to help spread the message far and wide.
It’s a important and fun, free day out.
See the Iron Men at Crosby Beach
When: Anytime
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One of the best free things to do with the kids this summer is visit a beach and there’s no better beach to soak up the scouse sunshine than Crosby.
Stretching 2.5 miles, your little ones will easily be kept occupied with the sand, sea, shells and sculptures.
Anthony Gormley’s famous Iron Men stand proud all along the beach – in total there are 100 cast-iron figures spread along three kilometres of the shoreline.
They’re also great for taking a selfie with!
Visit Rice Lane Farm
When: 10am-3.30pm
Boasting 24 acres of beautiful countryside and a range of animals, from pigs, sheep, goats and ponies, Rice Lane Farm is the perfect summers day out.
You and the kids can learn about animal husbandry at this unique farming experience within the city of Liverpool.
Meet farmyard favourites in the petting area, explore the nature trail and run wild on the adventure playground.
If they don’t go straight to sleep after a visit to Rice Lane Farm, we’ll be very surprised.
Take a stroll down Liverpool’s Waterfront
When: Anytime
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One of the city’s most beautiful attractions is sitting right in the city centre, and you won’t have to put your hand in your pocket to experience it. We’re talking about the Liverpool waterfront, of course.
It looks fabulous in the sunshine or when it’s lit up in the evening, there’s no greater waterfront in the UK.
Marvel at the beauty of the Three Graces, the history of the Albert Dock or catch a glimpse of stunning buildings such as 30 James Street – which was RMS Titanic’s port of registry.
Don’t forget to stop and snap a selfie with the Beatles statues on the Pier Head.
Slide Down a Sand Dune
When: When the sun is shining
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Head to Formby Beach and check out the amazing sand dunes. Play hide and seek, make some sandcastles or search for some of the famous pre-historic footprints of animals and people from the distant past.
This beach is one of the most beautiful around and features loads of activities that are sure to be a firm favourite with the little ones.
This glorious beach is also surrounded by sweeping coastal pinewoods.
Go to a Gallery
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When: 10am-5pm
Whether it’s the Tate, the Walker Gallery or maybe the Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool’s art offerings are always impressive.
Or take a look at some modern art in the Tate on the Albert Dock. This gallery stages a changing programme of special exhibitions throughout the year, which bring together artworks from all over the world.
In recent years, artists featured in Tate Liverpool’s special exhibitions have included Gustav Klimt, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Claude Monet.
All of these are worth a visit with the kids.
Enjoy a Walk Along Otterspool Promenade
When: Anytime
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Enjoy a fantastic riverside walk along Otterspool Promenade in Aigburth and stroll along the banks of the River Mersey.
You can wander through the narrow footpath or cycle to the Albert Dock along the cycleway, it also offers one of the most beautiful sunsets in Liverpool.
Children can also spend hours of fun at the spacious children’s playground, and you can enjoy a spot of kite flying on the hills and parkland.
Merseyside Maritime Museum
When: 10am-5pm
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Boats, paintings, ship models, ship wrecked objects, uniforms and more bring Liverpool’s nautical history to life in the Merseyside Maritime Museum.
Discover the city’s pivotal role as the gateway to the new world with highlights including the Life at Sea display, telling the story of the merchant navy and the story of Liverpool’s role in The Battle of the Atlantic during World War Two. This is truly one of the best, free things to do with the kids this summer.
Or kids can meet polar the titanic bear, based on a story originally written by Titanic survivor Daisy Corning Stone Spedden for her son, Douglas, this magical story will have your children mesmerised.
Seek Out Some Street Art
When: Anytime
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Liverpool has always been a go-to destination for art-lovers. And, if you’re looking for free things to do with the kids this summer, then why don’t you check out some of the amazing street art Liverpool has to offer.
From Paul Curtis’ murals in the Baltic Triangle to Finbar McHugh’s work on London Road, Liverpool is one of the best places to spot the next Banksy.
It’s official, Liverpool has it all! Stunning architecture, amazing attractions, fun and free events and some pretty amazing people.
If you think we’ve missed anything off our best free things to do with the kids this summer list, let us know in the comments.
Still looking for summery activities? Check out our guide to the best family friendly activities in Merseyside.
