School is officially out for the summer and parents will be looking for ways to keep the kids entertainedThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
This summer Liverpool will welcome the prestigious 2025 British Chess Championships
Schools are out for summer across Merseyside which means parents throughout our region will be searching for fun ways to fill the days – without breaking the bank. Luckily there are plenty of activities taking place in Liverpool and beyond, from museum fun days to open air cinema screenings, late night zoo events and much more.
Lots of families know how quickly the cost of summer holiday activities can add up – but thankfully there are lots of free family fun days around Liverpool to get involved in. Others are charged on a ‘pay what you can’ basis, while other activities have special ticket prices for families.
We’ve rounded up some of the best events and activities taking place during the school holidays across Merseyside and within driving distance of our region.
Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh
Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet are running at Exhibition Centre Liverpool until Friday, August 15. The multimedia attractions are being staged on separate days throughout the four-and-a-half-week residency at the waterfront landmark.
And in addition to Beyond Monet receiving its European premiere in the city, both experiences feature enchanting new ‘exit rooms’ never seen anywhere else in the world before.
Produced by Annerin Productions and Paquin Entertainment Group, Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience has been enjoyed by thousands of people at venues in North America, and now it has come to the UK. Following Liverpool it will be staged in Edinburgh this Christmas.
Visitors can explore Monet’s famous Water Lily Pond painting in a new and innovative way(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
In the immersive impressionist extravaganza, cutting-edge technology breathes new life into more than 400 of the legendary French painter’s artworks, taking visitors on a spectacular and unforgettable audio-visual journey through his captivating and colourful world.
Beyond Monet brings together some of the artist’s most famous canvases – including Poppies, Impression: Sunrise and his exquisite Water Lilies series – with lesser-known works which all swirl around the space, offering a fresh and exciting new look at much-loved masterpieces and a deeper connection with Monet, his subjects and his innovative technique.
Meanwhile Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience brings together more than 300 of the post-Impressionist icon’s paintings blended with cutting-edge technology and a specially curated musical soundtrack to tell the story of one of history’s most influential artists, with people able to wander through iconic works – including The Starry Night, Sunflowers and Terrace of a Café at Night – as they come alive around them.
It received its UK premiere in Liverpool in 2024, where it was a huge success, and has been seen by a total of seven million people worldwide.
Sefton Park Palm House
There’s a huge programme of events taking place at Sefton Park Palm House this summer – and they are all free (or pay what you can afford).
It might not be the Maldives, but the Palm House in Sefton Park offers its own little slice of the tropics, especially in the summer months when Liverpool’s famed ‘giant conservatory’ is naturally warmed to balmy holiday temperatures. Even when the sun doesn’t show its face outside, there’s a raft of things to enjoy ‘under the palms’ over the summer holidays, for all ages.
Whether visitors want to craft, create, relax, meditate, learn something new or just enjoy an evening of good food and entertainment, the team at the Palm house has worked with other organisations across the city to curate a steady stream of events and activities to suit everyone.
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival is hosting a family fun day at Sefton Park Palm House(Image: AB Photography/LAAF)
The summer programme kicks off with Liverpool Arab Arts Festival on Saturday, July 20, and also includes the Japanese Society North West’s Summer Matsuri on August 31, bringing the spirit of Japan to Liverpool in this extraordinary festival.
Here’s a summary of some of the events taking place at the Palm House this summer:
- Liverpool Arab Arts Festival – Family Day. Sunday, July 20. 12 – 5pm. Free. Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF) Family Day is an unmissable highlight in Liverpool’s cultural calendar. Immerse yourself in a free afternoon of authentic Arab art, culture and community during this joyful celebration, featuring music and performance by leading musicians. The Family Day also brings an array of creative workshops, mouthwatering cuisine, exciting children’s activities and more than 20 stalls featuring authentic crafts and traders.
- Craft Club – July 29, August 19, September 28. 1 – 3pm. Free, drop-in event. Suitable for all. Families are welcome to come, make and create under the palms together. Artist-led drop-in session as part of the Palm House’s family programme of events.
- Rooted at the Palm House – July 30, August 6, August 13, August 20. 1 – 3pm. Free. Suitable for young people age 12+ and adults – pre-booking required. These four hands-on workshop sessions, funded by the Ulrike Michal Foundation for the Arts, will journey through a range of creative processes including drawing, printmaking, sculpture and painting. Inspired by the natural world, inspiration will be taken from the beautiful surroundings of the Palm House, with each session having a different focus to build creative skills through colour, pattern, shape, texture and materials. All materials are provided, and a collaborative artwork will be created at each session, which will then be displayed at the Palm House. Places are limited and pre-booking is essential. Link to book.
- Yoga Bears in the Garden – Tuesday, August 5. 10 – 11am. Free. Children aged 3 – 9 years old. Join a family YogaBears class in the garden outside the Palm House for a fun-filled magical hour of breathing, movement, games, relaxation and meditation. A wonderful way to begin the day with little ones. Participants are advised to dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat if they have one. No need to book.
- Teddy Bears Picnic – Tuesday, August 12. 1 – 3pm. Free. Children aged 0 – 6 years old. The in-house story time team from the Palm House will be welcoming younger visitors for a special Teddy Bear’s picnic on the grass surrounding the Palm House. Children are asked to bring their teddies, family, friends and a picnic for a fun-filled couple of hours of stories and songs. Bring rugs, folding chairs and food, or stock up on sandwiches and refreshments from the café to enjoy on the grass. There might even be time for an ice cream!
- Story time – August 26 and September 16. 11am and 1pm. Free. Children aged 0 – 5 years old. Sharing stories and rhymes with children from a young age is great for their development and communication skills. The team at the Palm House are experts at delivering these popular sessions for little ones, so spend an hour with them enjoying stories followed by some crafting.
For more information on what’s going on over the summer at the Palm House, visit the website.
British Chess Championships
This summer Liverpool will welcome the prestigious 2025 British Chess Championships. The English Chess Federation’s flagship event will take over St George’s Hall from July 31 to August 10, with the celebrations extending across the city with an exciting programme of community events.
In the run up to and throughout the duration of the tournament, public spaces, parks, libraries and iconic venues will play host to a number of activities.
This summer Liverpool will welcome the prestigious 2025 British Chess Championships
Visitors can join in no matter their skill level, with the entire line-up free to attend and enjoy, although some events require pre-registration.
There are more than 20 events taking place, and highlights include:
- ChessFest at Liverpool ONE: Sunday, July 20, 11am–4pm. Enjoy giant outdoor chess, free lessons, and the chance to play against a master in Chavasse Park.
- Grand Opening Simul at Williamson Square: Friday, August 1, 1pm–5pm, Registration required. Take on Grandmasters like Simon Williams and Danny Gormally in a thrilling simultaneous display.
- Chess Coaching at Central Library: Saturday, August 2, 11am–3pm. Learn from expert coaches and sharpen your skills in this welcoming environment.
- Street Fest on Castle Street/Liverpool Town Hall: Sunday, August 3, 11am-5pm, Registration required. As part of this vibrant festival, enjoy special chess events including a giant chess board on Castle Street or casual play, coaching, and expert lectures at Liverpool Town Hall.
- Blitz Challenge at Our Lady and St Nicholas Church: Monday, August 4, 6-9pm, Registration required. A rapid-play chess tournament for dedicated players of all levels is the perfect event for those passionate about the game and eager for a challenge.
- Pop Up Challenge at Walker Art Gallery: Thursday, August 7, 11am-4pm
In the Walker Art Gallery, participants will have the opportunity to challenge some of the region’s most skilled local chess players, including FIDE Master Jonathan Blackburn.
Calderstones Park and Mansion House
The Calderstones Park Beach and Family Fun Fair returns on Saturday, July 19, and every day onwards from 11am. Unlimited ride wristbands are also available with no booking is required – simply turn up and enjoy. Single ride tokens are available for non-wristband holders.
The event will also offer weekly SEN sessions every Wednesdays 4-6pm, which do need to be booked. You can contact the organisers to book your SEN session here.
Eight films will also be shown in Calderstones Park in Allerton this summer. The films range from literary adaptations to feel-good classics and family-friendly favourites. These will all be screened between Wednesday July 30 and Thursday August 28.
There will be a showing of the 2022 version of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, an adaptation of the RSC’s Tony and Olivier Award-winning stage performance, on Wednesday August 27, 8.15pm. Secondly, the 2024 blockbuster musical Wicked will be screened on Thursday August 28 at 8.15pm starring Cynthia Arivo and Ariana Grande.
Croxteth Hall Walled Garden
One of Liverpool’s most beautiful green gems is welcoming visitors this summer with a vibrant programme of events celebrating its heritage, creativity, and community.
From immersive storytelling and jazz under the stars, to hands-on botanic tours and Shakespeare with a twist, there’s something for everyone at Croxteth Hall’s Walled Garden this summer.
Highlights include:
- Private Botanic and Heritage Tours, every Tuesday & Sunday in July and August, mix of ticketed and free tours, prices start from £16.50. Explore the hidden beauty of Croxteth’s walled garden with expert-led tours, seasonal highlights, and the chance to meet the gardeners who care for this historic gem.
- The Giant’s Blanket, 23rd July – 11:00am & 2:00pm, £7.70. A heart-warming storytelling performance by artist Claire Weetman, creating the world of a kind-hearted giant who helps her neighbours with nothing but her soft blue blankets. It is followed by imaginative play with the Giant’s soft blue blankets and is perfect family-friendly fun.
- Tap & Jazz on the Lawn 30th July & 27th August – 6pm to 7:30pm, FREE. Enjoy an evening of live jazz and tap dance with Sole Rebel and a jazz trio. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and soak up the summer vibes.
- Rubbish Shakespeare: Romeo & Juliet, 28th August – 2pm & 6pm, £10 / £7 concession (under 5s FREE). A hilariously chaotic, family-friendly take on Shakespeare’s classic by the Rubbish Shakespeare Company. Expect silly wigs, people playing balconies, flying sausage rolls, and a lot of audience interaction. Spaces are limited so book early.
- Family Open Days, 7th, 14th & 21st August – 10am to 3pm, FREE. Expect walkabout entertainment, character encounters, and fun activities for all ages.
All proceeds from ticketed events go directly toward the ongoing preservation and care of the Croxteth Hall Walled Garden. To find out more about all the activities, visit the Liverpool City Halls website.
Liverpool holiday activity hub
During school holidays children and young people aged five to 16 years old, including children with SEND or additional needs, can access free activities and a meal.
The Summer HAF programme is for children and young people from reception age to 16 who receive benefits-related free school meals, but places are available for other children too. It starts on Monday, July 21.
There’s a great range of free activities on offer across the city including cultural storytelling, pamper sessions, sewing, trips out, dance, mindfulness, swimming, football, board games, water sports, skateboarding, cycling, gymnastics, nature walks and dodgeball.
A meal is included for every child who attends and there’s also provision for children with SEND or additional needs at no cost.
You can use this link to search for and book an activity near you.
Liverpool Watersports Centre
Liverpool Watersports Centre has brought back the city’s giant inflatable aqua park for a new summer season. This summer families can enjoy a range of fun activities, all set against the backdrop of stunning waterfront views.
Visitors to the centre will be able to enjoy the huge inflatable aqua park, as well as sports like paddle boarding and canoeing, among other water sports. Operated by local charity Local Solutions, and located on Queens Dock with spectacular views of the River Mersey, the centre offers a wide range of water-based activities suitable for all ages and abilities.
Liverpool Watersports Centre
From conquering the thrill of the Aqua Park to paddleboarding, canoeing, open-water swimming and even powerboat courses – there’s something to suit every level of experience and appetite for adventure.
Indoor funfair
This August, Indoor Funfair will make its return for a funfair extravaganza at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool from August 19 – 31. The perfect experience for unforgettable fun under one roof, the indoor funfair promises excitement for all ages with over 30 thrilling rides, featuring some of the nation’s favourites including Ferris Wheel, Dodgems and Waltzers.
With decades of experience, Indoor Funfair brings together the UK’s best rides to cities across the UK. Designed to deliver fun, excitement, and great value – it’s the ultimate entertainment at an affordable price for families looking to make lasting memories no matter the weather.
Liverpool Indoor Funfair
That’s not all – the fun continues with trampolines, inflatable slides, bouncy castles, and soft play areas for the younger children plus exciting rides like Jumping Jack, Go Gator and the Runaway Train. With something for everyone, it’s full of thrills for the whole family
John Lowery, Chief Operating Officer at Indoor Funfair, said: “Indoor Funfair is the only event of its kind in the UK, which delivers three hours of unlimited fun and we’ve created a safe and enjoyable environment for families to experience the thrill of funfair rides. We love bringing the indoor funfair to Liverpool and we can’t wait to return this August!”.
Tickets for this year’s event are available to purchase now with more information regarding online and on the door, pricing found via the link here. There is also food available and baby changing facilities on site.
Summer festival at Otterspool Adventure
Expect a foam party, swimming, and more, making it the perfect day out for the whole family.
Families can join any time from 10am until 6pm.
Knowsley Safari
Knowsley Safari has revealed its 2025 summer plans and not only is it going to be an interactive, skills-building, bug-eating adventure for the whole family, with some sleuth special agent antics thrown in – there’s 20% off the regular admission price when booking online in advance, for visits between July 19 and August 31.
The Safari has partnered with popular Netflix children’s animation, The Creature Cases, for the start of the school summer holidays, between July 19 and August 3. Young adventurers can step into the shoes of animal detectives Kit Casey, a kit fox, and Sam Snow, a snow leopard, to solve animal-themed mysteries, crack codes and collect clues at themed activity stations on Knowsley’s Foot Safari.
From August 4 to 31, Knowsley Safari will be transformed into Camp Knowsley
The Creature Cases trail will also include creative crafts, including badge making, as well as photo opportunities. Plus, the Foot Safari is home to Amur tigers, Yuki and Makari; Andean bears, Bahia and Chui; giraffes Alex and Orbit, as well as meerkats, bush dogs and much more, so there’s plenty to keep all members of the family entertained.
And from August 4 to 31, Knowsley Safari will be transformed into Camp Knowsley, which will enable younger guests, aged 4 to 10 years, to roll their sleeves up in the great outdoors and try a wide range of survival-themed activities, including shelter building, fire lighting, stone age tool crafting and water purifying, as well as rescue and first aid.
The Safari’s tipi will host skills workshops under canvas, adding to the camp vibe, and the smell of adventure will be well and truly in the air while the camp cooking sessions are underway.
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo has revealed plans for its “biggest ever” evening event this summer, with the attractions set to stay open until sunset across two special weeks in August. The zoo has announced the return of its popular Afterglow event – offering visitors the rare opportunity to explore the zoo and its 37,000 animals after hours.
The special summer evenings will run on exclusive dates between August 1 to 17, from 3pm until 8pm, and will see the zoo transformed into five lively, themed zones – each packed with entertainment, food and immersive experiences.
Theatrical performances, acrobats, jugglers and stilt walkers will roam the zoo during Afterglow
Similar to previous sell-out years, Afterglow will offer guests the unique chance to encounter some of the world’s most endangered species during golden hour, which, for many animals, is one of their most active periods.
This year, life-sized prehistoric dinosaur puppets will roam the zoo with full theatrical performances and interactive meet-and-greets throughout each evening, while other new additions this year include a silent disco, giant inflatables, a Master Lego Builder experience, and an array of roaming performers.
The roaming performances will include acrobats, jugglers and stilt walkers. For those who prefer tranquillity and want to take in the natural sounds and sights around them, there will be a self-led wellbeing trail and guided meditation sessions.
The evenings will also feature competitions and giveaways, alongside themed food and drink – including loaded nachos, daiquiris, frozen colas, churro caramel sundaes, cupcakes and hotdogs, freshly prepared and served across the zoo.
Speke Hall National Trust site
The National Trust’s Summer of Play is a chance to discover a world of adventure and play at seven National Trust places across the North West, and over 175 nationwide – including Liverpool’s own Speke Hall.
Visitors can enjoy soft play, nature games, self-led trails, fancy dress, pop-up sports days and more, with no need to pre-book. Entry is free to under 5s, carers and National Trust members.
Keep the kids entertained this summer holidays(Image: National Trust)
Kicking off in July and taking place over the summer holidays, Summer of Play activities will have a family-festival feel set against the backdrop of the National Trust’s historic houses and beautiful gardens
Designed for families, Summer of Play activities will be dotted around large meadows, woodlands and garden areas, so there’ll be plenty of space to enjoy the games and activities as well as picnicking spots, shady rest areas and of course, toilets, cafés and pop-ups offering food and drink.
To find out more or plan a visit head to the national trust website for Liverpool
Vue Cinema
Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to Vue’s across Merseyside this summer, offering ample opportunity for families to make the most of the summer holidays together.
One of the most anticipated summer releases is director James Gunn’s reimagined take on Superman, bringing DC Comics’ iconic hero to the big screen once more. The Man of Steel returns to battle foes like Lex Luthor while teaming up with classic characters Lois Lane, Green Lantern and his trusty pal Krypto the Superdog.
Meanwhile, fans can expect something new (and something blue) with the latest animated outing of Smurfs.
For the opportunity to catch recent family favourites on the big screen for a bargain price, Vue’s Mighty Mornings screenings will be taking place every day across the break.
Ideal for kids between four and 11, families can catch recent favourites such as Lilo & Stitch, A Minecraft Movie, How to Train Your Dragon and Elio, with prices from just £2.49 a ticket when booked online.
For younger audiences, Vue will also be bringing some of the most popular children’s characters back as part of their Big Shorts series. Aimed at younger children between one and four, the screenings are hosted in a relaxed environment with dimmed lighting. This summer, younger viewers can look forward to a special bumper screening of the highly anticipated CBeebies Musical: The Great Ice Cream Hunt.
Tony Bywood, General Manager at Vue in Birkenhead, said: “As we head into the school holidays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Vue. From super heroic stories to animated adventures, it’s the perfect destination for families to escape, unwind, and get lost in great stories on the big screen.”
To find out more, visit the website.
Liverpool Pride
Liverpool’s 2025 city-wide Pride celebrations will look slightly different from usual. The event and march were initially cancelled for the year, with the organisers citing “significant financial and organisational challenges” and insisting they “listened to the community” by cutting ties with sponsor Barclays.
However, Sahir, the city’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity, has now managed “to turn things around” after stepping in to facilitate the event at seven weeks’ notice. Alongside Sahir’s staging, the Museum of Liverpool will be supporting with a host of events across the weekend.
On Saturday, July 27, the Museum of Liverpool will host a family-friendly festival that “celebrates love in all its forms”. Activities include performances, craft sessions and storytelling.
The 2024 Liverpool Pride march
Sahir has stepped in to help facilitate and coordinate the community-led Pride. However, with only a few weeks’ notice, the charity has created a GoFundMe to help with the costs. The target is £60,000 to deliver the celebrations, with any surplus of the funds raised being used to protect the life-changing work Sahir does all year round. You can donate here.
Sahir has announced its summer programme of events. The various venues throughout the city will host a range of family-friendly events, including a dinosaur workshop takeover.
Sudley House’s handmade market, a teddy bears’ picnic, a summer bug hunt, and a grand parade of bees are also happening. You can see them in full on their website.
Carden Park
Cheshire’s Carden Park has revealed its summer activity programme just in time for the summer holidays. Perfect for those seeking a staycation and locals alike, Carden Park offers day and overnight experiences for families this summer.
Home to its own activity centre Pursuits, Carden Park offers thrilling activities including axe throwing, ziplines, archery and much more. Carden Park also boasts two championship golf courses, a sculpture garden and vineyard perfect for adventurers this summer.
Carden Park has also revealed its Summer Activity Wristband offering access to indoor play zones, inflatables, gaming, golf activities and more for just £12.50 for overnight guests and £15 per day visitors.
Carden Park has also teamed up with Chester Zoo providing the perfect package for animal lovers looking explore the exotic wonders of one of the UK’s largest zoos plus indulge in the tranquillity of the great British countryside with an overnight stay at Carden Park. With packages for families and couples, everyone can enjoy a dose of adventure.
Labubu Live
A Labubu Live event will see the colourful viral characters take centre stage in a fun-filled day of mischief, crafts and activities. On Friday, August 8, the Metquarter’s Mini Madams Spa will host an all day celebration of the dolls with no booking required.
Labubu Live will be at the Metquarter from 10am with a full day of Labubu fun. Guests can enjoy Labubu themed crafts, tattoos, monster face art, bunny and rainbow hairstyles and Labubu games.
There will also be photo opportunities and a meet and great with Labubu Mokoko. Prices start at £3 and no booking is required – simply show up and enjoy. The Metquarter’s new food hall, VSC, will offer a free kids meal with every adult meal purchased while the event takes place.
Liverpool Biennial
Liverpool Biennial is looking forward to welcoming families to join in free, fun-filled workshops every Saturday at the Discovery Room in Liverpool Central Library for a summer of creativity.
Starting Saturday, July 19 and running every Saturday from 12–4pm throughout the school holidays, these drop-in sessions are perfect for budding artists of all ages – or anyone looking for an imaginative way to spend an afternoon together.
Each workshop promises a playful atmosphere packed with colour, curiosity, and community spirit. And it’s for everyone, no booking needed — just bring your imagination and drop in any time.
Victoria Park Experience
Warrington’s much-loved family event, VPX, is making a welcome return this summer – and this time, it’s going on tour. The popular series of free family fun days, originally held in Victoria Park, will roll out across four locations throughout August, including three major dates in Warrington Town Centre backed by Warrington Business Improvement District (BID).
VPX will bring together activities, entertainment and community engagement designed to give families across the borough something special to enjoy during the summer holidays. Organised by Warrington Youth Zone and Cheshire Police, the 2025 series will relaunch on Wednesday, August 6, in Bank Park to coincide with National Play Day.
A week later, on Wednesday, August 13, the event will head into the heart of Warrington, transforming Market Gate and Time Square into an energetic hub of activity thanks to support from Warrington BID, Golden Square Shopping Centre and Warrington Borough Council.
On Wednesday, August 20, VPX returns to its original home of Victoria Park for the first time in six years, before concluding on Wednesday, August 27 at Warrington Youth Zone on Dallam Lane.
Each event is completely free to attend and open to families from across Warrington. Activities will range from creative workshops and sports to live music, games and more – delivered with the support of local organisations including Warrington Wolves Foundation, LiveWire, and a wide range of community groups.
Pets at home
The summer holidays mark the return of the free My Pet Pals workshops at Pets at Home. During the summer holidays, children are invited to their local Pet Care Centre to take part in these interactive sessions, where they can enjoy a variety of free activities, including completing a pocketbook full of fun tasks, collecting a different sticker each week, and learning the five welfare needs of pets through themed workshops. Kids will also have the chance to meet some of the friendly animals and learn how to care for them responsibly with the help of the store’s pet experts.
At the end of each interactive session, children will receive a My Pet Pals certificate, a sticker, and work toward earning a special badge – all completely free.