33 Family Things to Do During the Summer Holidays
School is out and that can only mean one thing: it is time to occupy the kids. Well, we here at Signature’s Liverpool are here to help. Here’s how you can keep the little ones busy with some fun family activities during the school summer holidays.
1. Pet the Animals at Acorn Farm
source: www.newslocker.com
The kids will love Acorn Farm, which cares for sheep, cows, pigs, horses, goats, rabbits and even meerkats. The kids will not be able to contain their excitement when they set their sights on baby animals, such as lambs, piglets, goat kids and chicks.
What’s more, during the summer holidays and weekends, Acorn Farm offers small animal petting sessions, which will ensure your little one grins from ear to ear. Open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm, it’s a great way to keep the children busy during the summer holidays.
2. Treat the Kids to a Freak Shake
source: barleyandbeans.co.uk
The kids will want to gobble up a Freak Shake the minute they set eyes on one at Barley & Beans in Hatton Garden. This is no ordinary milkshake. It is all their favourite treats put into one unbelievable shake.
Stuffed with your choice of Nutella, banana, strawberry or smooth peanut butter, topped with cakes, sweets, chocolate and biscuits, they won’t be able to get enough of these tasty shakes. So, if they have had a glowing school report this year, maybe treat them to this sugar-filled jam jar as a one-off treat.
3. Take a Trip on the U-Boat Story
source: www.u-boatstory.co.uk
Your children can discover what life on board the U-534 submarine would have been like. Look straight into the U-Boat through glass viewing partitions, whilst learning more about its fascinating history. A fun and educational trip for the kids, as well as Mum and Dad.
4. Enjoy a Day Out at Mattel Play! Liverpool
source: www.radiocity.co.uk
Does your little boy or girl love Bob the Builder, Thomas the Tank Engine or Fireman Sam? Well, they will absolutely adore Mattel Play! Liverpool. Located in the Albert Dock, children can experience a superb day of interactive adventure play, inspired by their favourite animated characters.
5. Catch the BFG in Cinemas
source: www.youtube.com
Roald Dahl’s BFG has finally arrived on the big screen, and is showing at many cinemas across the city. So, if you want a quiet afternoon with the kids, take them along to the cinema for a fun day that will capture their imagination.
6. Animation Magic at Underwater Street
source: www.tripadvisor.co.uk
Kids will love Underwater Street at The Cunard Building, which offers 50 interactive exhibits, 3 craft tables and themed zones. Coming to Underwater Street from 23rd July 2016 is Animation Magic, which offers workshops and craft tables, and will feature their favourite superheroes and princesses, such Batman, Spiderman, Frozen, Despicable Me, Disney princesses, Buzz Lightyear and more.
7. Play Some Ping Pong at Liverpool One
source: Liverpool One Twitter
Located outside Utility at Liverpool One are ping pong tables that are free to use. If you’d like to play a game or two with the children, simply pick up the bats and ball from Utility and have some fun with the family.
8. Hunt for Pokemon
A great way to keep the children busy this summer is to go hunting for Pokemon, obviously. You can go in search of the little monsters – all in the hope of catching more than a hundred of the colourful characters.
9. Pick a Book at Liverpool Central Library
Your child’s education doesn’t have to stop now that school is out, which is why you can trigger their imagination at Liverpool Central Library. From the 25th July to the 2nd September, children can enjoy a number of superb activities filled with music, magic, adventure and, of course, stories. With magical, musical and imaginative performances and readings, it’s a great way to educate and entertain your children this summer.
10. Pick Your Own at Sandhill Strawberry Farm
A perfect way to spend a summer’s day has be strawberry picking at Sandhill Strawberry Farm in Rainhill. The whole family can join in on the activity, selecting the freshest, sweetest strawberries the farm has to offer, before enjoying their fruity taste in the comfort of your own home.
11. A Week of Drama with Summer School at the Everyman 2016
source: www.everymanplayhouse.com
Does your little one love to perform? Why not sign them up for a week of fantastic drama activities, games and performances with Summer School at the Everyman. Experienced workshop leaders will work with the children to build on improvisation and enjoy drama games – and the week will finish with a performance of their own creation in the theatre’s studio space.
12. Spoil the Kids with a Stay at The Shankly Hotel
If you are hoping to take the kids along to one or more of the activities in this article, you could always make their day out extra special with a stay at The Shankly Hotel, which offers large group accommodation that’s ideal for families.
So, after a busy day playing ping pong, hunting for Pokemon or exploring the city, you can treat them to a relaxing stay at The Shankly Hotel. Also, if your little boy is a football fan, they’ll be thrilled to browse genuine Bill Shankly memorabilia in the onsite Bastion Bar & Restaurant – which offers the only football museum in the city centre.
13. View Liverpool from Radio City Tower
St John’s Beacon, or Radio City Tower as it affectionately coined by locals, allows visitors to step inside the viewing gallery, which is 400 feet above the city centre. You can therefore guarantee impressive views of our beautiful city, and you can see as far away as the Lake District and Blackpool. What’s more, under 5s can enter for free – whilst a family ticket for 2 adults and up to 3 children is £15.
14. Bounce About at Spring City
source: www.tripadvisor.co.uk
The kids will jump up and down at the thought of Spring City, which is a trampoline park located on Brunswick Docks. The park offers 100 trampolines, basketball nets, dodgeball courts and a large café – so there is plenty of fun things to do for all ages. Be sure to check their timetable as they offer a number of Spring Tots, Springercise, Open Bounce, Family Time and Autism friendly sessions.
15. Reach New Heights at Awesome Walls Climbing Centre
source: www.awesomewalls.co.uk
From small top rope walls to 17.5 metre lead walls, there is a wall to suit every age and skill at Awesome Walls Climbing Centre. There are hundreds of routes to choose from that are ideal for beginners to outdoor climbers. Located in the 150 year old St Albans Church, Awesome Walls Climbing Centre provides a fun, friendly and safe environment for everyone.
16. Celebrate Liverpool Pride 2016
Why stay in the house to play games such as Connect 4 or chess, because you can play giant versions at Liverpool Pride 2016. The event will also offer a family crafts zone, bungee trampolines, face painting and glitter tattoos, walking characters and so much more. Do not miss this amazing event, which takes place on Sunday 31st July 2016 at St George’s Quarter from 10am to 5pm.
17. Yellow Sub
source: www.liverpoolconfidential.co.uk
With large and small play frames, an arcade, football pitch and a sensory area, kids will have plenty of fun at Yellow Sub. Situated on the Albert Dock, it’s the perfect place for kids to spend their days during the summer holidays.
18. Jumble Rumble Adventure Golf
source: junglerumble.co.uk
Jumble Rumble Adventure Golf isn’t your average game of mini golf, as the 18 hole course features live volcanoes and plenty of special effects. You can make your way across the jungle to pot the golf ball, walking through tribal huts and Aztec surroundings.
19. A Summer of Sport at Chavasse Park
source: Liverpool One Twitter
In celebration of the Rio Olympics taking place this Summer, Liverpool One is providing A Summer of Sport at Chavasse Park, which features a mini sporting village. All the clan can participate in a variety of activities, such as athletics, basketball, cycling, table tennis, football and picnic sailing points, plus more. You can even compete against your friends before standing on the Winner’s Podium.
Please note: sports are suitable for children over the age of 3 and children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
20. Visit The Piermaster’s House
source: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Step inside The Piermaster’s House, which was transformed back into a wartime house in 2003. The building was one of four buildings left standing following the Liverpool Blitz 1941, and so provides tourists with an insight into what life would have been like during the Second World War. The Piermaster’s House is open every day from 10am to 4.30pm and is free of charge.
21. Fun for All Ages at Liverpool Village
Want something to do every day of the summer holidays? You’ll be delighted to learn there is a three month festival taking place on the Pier Head. The Liverpool Village – A Festival of Things offers everything from a Total Wipeout style assault course, Segway racing, Crazy Golf and mini bungees, plus so much more.
22. See the Iron Men on Crosby Beach
Whether the weather is cracking the flags or the rain is pouring down, Antony Gormley’s Another Place at Crosby Beach is always worth a visit. The kids are bound to be fascinated by the 100 cast iron men spread out across the beach, which offers a beautiful view that both the young and old can appreciate.
23. Step Aboard a Mersey Ferry
It’s not a perfect summer in Liverpool if you haven’t stepped aboard a Mersey Ferry. Enjoy the beautiful view of the Liverpool Waterfront whilst learning more about the city’s history, and you can even hop off the ferry for a fun day out in Birkenhead.
24. Meet a Pirate at Shiver Me Timbers
source: www.albertdock.com
The Merseyside Maritime Museum is offering the chance for the family to come along and meet a pirate on 3rd and 16th August. Learn about life on the high seas, where children can learn whether the swashbuckling life is as amazing as it sounds. The event is free and you can meet a pirate at 1.30pm, 2.30pm or 3.30pm.
25. Take a Ride on the Wheel of Liverpool
If you want to show your children how beautiful their city is, we recommend a ride on The Wheel of Liverpool. The kids are bound to be wowed by the amazing panoramic views of the city skyline, which feature the city’s famous landmarks.
26. Children’s Afternoon Tea at Panoramic 34
source: Panoramic34 Facebook
If you’re kids have been well-behaved all year, a spot of children’s afternoon tea at Panoramic 34 might just be the perfect reward. Your little one can tuck into a selection of pastries, profiteroles, brownies and banana and toffee cake. Yum!
27. Sing and Dance at Lazy Town Live 2016
source: www.londontown.com
Lazy Town lovers have to make their way to the live stage show at the Liverpool Empire Theatre, which will take place from 11th to 13th August. Expect music, dancing, singing and spectacular acrobatics, and will feature all the kids’ favourite characters, such as Sportacus, Stephanie, Ziggy and Robbie Rotten!
28. Skate Away at Summer on the Dock Roller Disco
source: The Albert Dock Facebook
Grab your skates and make your way to the Albert Dock, because you won’t want to miss the Summer on the Dock Roller Disco! During the school summer holidays, you and the kids can strut your stuff on the roller skating rink, which is open every day from 22nd to 31st July from 10am until 6pm. There will also be a special later night opening on 29th July.
29. Meet the Red Ranger at The Entertainer
source: www.superherohype.com
Does your little boy or girl love Power Rangers? If so, you just have to take them to meet the Red Ranger at The Entertainer. They will have the chance to meet their hero, who will be happy to say hello and entertain children on 3rd September from 10am to 3pm. They’ll love it!
30. Make the Kids Smile with Finding Dory
source: www.youtube.com
Dory has made her way back to cinemas this July – and this time is the star of her very own movie. Kids will love Finding Dory, which will be shown across cinemas across the city from 29th July 2016. Watch Dory set off on a new adventure in search of the family she’s somehow managed to forget.
31. Calderstones Beach
It’s time to whip out the bucket and spade and head to Calderstones Beach, which is covered in ten tons of sand and comfortable deckchairs that are free to use. There are also beach-themed bouncy castles, children’s fairground rides and mini golf. Due to popular demand, the bungee jump trampolines have also made their return and, for the very first time, you can take your little ones to the new toddler beach. So, from 23rd July to 4th September, you have the chance to take the kids out for a fun day out in a beautiful park. You know that sounds good.
32. Family Fun at Liverpool Loves
source: www.theguideliverpool.com
Come and discover the very best of Liverpool at Liverpool Loves. From the 4th to 6th August 2016, you can explore our cultural heritage, fantastic food and drink, amazing organisations and more
There will be performances by talented local artists, such as the Merseybeats, and food and drink from companies such as Little Furnace Pizza, Cheshire Farm Ice Cream, Gourmet Grill, Boston Shakers and more.
33. Dance ‘Til You Drop at Fusion Festival
source: www.capitalfm.com
It’s not every day you get to see many world famous artists perform in your own city. That’s why you will not want to miss Fusion Festival on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September. There will be performances by Jason Derulo, Tinie Tempah, Olly Murs, Labrinth, The Vamps, Craig David, Sigma, Ella Henderson, Fleur East and more. The perfect way to end the school summer holidays!
One amazing event that’s also happening this July is, of course, Liverpool Pride.
