The ECHO has compiled a list of the most exciting, fun and colourful activities that kids will loveYou can play a range of video games at Gravity Max in Liverpool city centre You can play a range of video games at Gravity Max in Liverpool city centre (Image: Liverpool Echo)

The school summer holidays have finally arrived and children are eager to get out and enjoy themselves. Fortunately, Merseyside is brimming with exciting activities for all ages, from toddlers to older children.

Attractions such as the Ninja Warrior Course will keep the kids active, while Splash Art offers a chance for them to express their creativity. For the gaming enthusiasts and older crowd, Gravity MAX provides a variety of VR and electronic stations for immersive fun. While there’s an abundance of outdoor events across the region, don’t fret if the weather takes a turn; there are plenty of indoor water parks and themed areas to explore.

Here are 50 fun, thrilling and unique ideas for children to make the most of this school summer holiday.

Ninja Warrior course

Adventure seekers can expect to encounter duelling podiums, as well as tackle the famous Warped Wall and obstacles. These courses are not for the faint-hearted, although unlike on the show, people trying out the course won’t soaked if they fall.

Address: Unit L3, New Mersey Retail Park Speke, Speke Rd, Speke, Liverpool L24 8QB

Booking information: Here

Imagine That!

In each zone – the Imagination Village, Artbeatz, Bright Sparks and Slime Factory – visitors can enjoy a range of activities, shows and workshops guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained. Children can take home everything they make including their fridge magnet, crafts, never-melting snow, souvenir photos and a pot of gooey slime.

Address: 26-32 Faraday Rd, Liverpool L13 1EH

Booking information: Here

Splash Art

Kids can run rampant at creative painting facility Splash Art which includes a dart art game and a spin art experience with an opportunity to blast each other in the dark with neon paint-filled guns. Everybody also leaves with two canvases each.

If you want to enjoy all the benefits of painting, making a mess, and letting your creativity loose without any of the cleanup, Splash Art is the place to be.

Address: 78 Duke St, Liverpool L1 5AA

Booking information: Here

Gravity MaxInside the new Gravity Max in Liverpool city centre which is due to open in AugustInside the new Gravity Max in Liverpool city centre which is due to open in August

Families can go head-to-head on the multi-level E-Karting track, enjoy augmented reality (AR) bowling or darts, or take on 18 holes of Urban Street Golf, plus many more activities for all ages.

The food hall on the first floor has enough delicious options to keep everyone satisfied whether it’s for a quick break or to fuel up for the day.

Address: Chavasse Park, Liverpool L1 3DF

Booking information: Here

Knowsley Safari

The star of the Channel 4 ‘Secret Life of the Safari Park’ docuseries is inviting guests to experience the lions, buffalo and baboons first-hand alongside hundreds of other animals that call the park home.

A great rainy day activity as families can remain in their cars to experience the animals in their natural habitats. In case you’re worried about the baboons damaging your car, a specially equipped bus covered in ropes and ladders is available too.

Address: Prescot L34 4AN

Booking information: Here

Duke Street Market

This summer, Duke Street Market is the place for family-friendly fun with a series of engaging kids’ workshops that will be running throughout the summer holidays, offering everything from creative crafts to life skills and artistic adventures. Plus all guests can enjoy 20% off all food and drink every Monday – Wednesday, making Duke Street Market the perfect place to entertain the kids this summer.

Address: 46 Duke St, Liverpool L1 5AS

Booking information: Here

Planet Ice

Show off your ice skating skills on the rink at Planet Ice in Widnes. There are various events during the week including family skate, disco skate and parent and toddler skate.

They often have special offers during school holidays.

Address: The Hive, Earle Road, Widnes WA8 0TA

Booking information: Here

Blue Planet Aquarium

Visit the Blue Planet Aquarium and get up close to sharks, starfish and seahorses. Take an all-access tour or see animals including otters being fed.

There’s so much to do with daily talks and shows in the Aquatheatre that are bound to keep all of the family entertained.

Address: Blue Planet Aquarium, Cheshire Oaks, Cheshire

Booking information: Here

Little Acorns

Little Acorns of Formby is a soft play centre and sensory room designed for children under the age of five. There is also a cafe which has a range of food and drink available to purchase.

Tickets for one child and one adult are £8.50, with a range of add-ons available.

Address: Redgate, Formby, L37 4EN

Booking information: Here

Bounce Tots

Bounce Tots in Speke is hosted by a qualified coach for preschool children (0-four years). The class is designed to help enhance infants’ early-stage motor-skill development through exposure to new body movements, sights, sounds and touch in a fun and safe gymnastic environment.

Parents can book online and enjoy some time with their tots.

Address: Liverpool Trampoline Gymnastics Academy, Viscount Centre, Gaskill Road, Hunts Cross, L24 9GS

Booking information: Here

Kidzcove

This is an under-fives-only play area. At Kidzcove there are sand pits, messy play, homes corner, roll play area and sensory corner.

There is also a story corner, ball out, bouncy castle and slide for children to enjoy. Food and drink are available for both children and parents if they need a break from all the play.

Address: Unit 5, Cheshire Lines, 100 Sefton Lane, L31 8BT

Booking information: Here

The StorybarnThe Storybarn in Calderstones Park The Storybarn in Calderstones Park

The Storybarn is a multi-purpose family space at The Reader’s home in Calderstones Park.

Perfectly positioned in the heart of the park (and crucially, next to the Ice Cream Parlour), the Storybarn is a one-of-a-kind reading retreat for children and their grown-ups. Little ones can let their imaginations run wild, discovering new stories to share, and taking part in unique experiences, alongside arts and crafts.

The Storybarn is where you’ll find Tiny Acorns, Incy Wincy Rhymers, Storybarn School Holiday Club and Open House, as well as lots of other seasonal events.

Address: The Storybarn, Calderstones Park, L18 3JB

Booking information: Here

Little Legends

Little Legend’s Playhouse is an under-five play centre and café. The play area has lots of different activities, including a soft play climbing frames, role-play areas and a dedicated baby area.

There is also a sensory room filled with lots of different sensory equipment to help aid play and development. The sensory room is also the space used to host baby and toddler classes provided by both Little Legend’s Playhouse and also outside baby and toddler classes such as Moo Music.

Address: 2 High Street, Prescot, L34 3LD

Booking information: Here

Awesome Walls

Awesome Walls in Liverpool can be found in a former 150-year-old church with over 1,000 square metres of climbing with hundreds of routes. Whether you’re an absolute beginner wanting to learn how to climb or an experienced outdoor climber Awesome Walls has lots to offer.

Address: St Albans Church, Athol Street, Liverpool.

Booking information: Here

Camp Knowsley

Exciting new outdoor experience Camp Knowsley will be running from August 4 to August 31. Knowsley Safari have teamed up with The Outdoors People to bring visitors a mix of drop-in and scheduled activities, teaching a range of survival skills and more.

Address: Prescot L34 4AN

Booking information: Here

Velocity Inflatable Park

The park has transformed from an indoor trampoline park to the UK’s biggest indoor inflatable arena spanning 15,000 square feet. The inflatable park features two extreme drop slides, a giant slide into the UK’s largest ball pool, a gladiator arena with podiums to battle from, high climbing wall and Total Wipeout-style giant bouncing balls.

There is also a dedicated arena for under fours which includes a slide and a ball pool. There’s also a large and spacious café to watch the kids having fun while enjoying a coffee and a snack or try the full menu for hot food and cold drinks.

Address: Unit 1, Easter Park, Bennetts Lane, Shell Green, Widnes

Booking information: Here

Summer on the Park

From July 24 until August 31, families will be able to visit Summer on the Park in Liverpool ONE. Summer on the Park will host family fun including a beach, summer children’s rides and free sporting sessions.

There will also be a selection of treats including churros, waffles and slushies.

Address: Chavasse Park, Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool L1 8LW

Information: Here

World MuseumTotem Pole inside the World Museum, LiverpoolTotem Pole inside the World Museum, Liverpool

The World Museum in Liverpool is an ideal day out for the family with plenty to see, do and get your hands on including different events.

The museum has extensive collections covering world cultures, sciences, animals and bugs. With everything from dinosaur exhibits and aquariums to sections about Ancient Egypt, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Address: World Museum, William Brown Street, Liverpool.

Booking information: Here

New Palace & Adventureland

Take a ride out to New Brighton in Wirral for fun and games at this indoor arcade and children’s adventure and soft play centre.

You’ll also find a bouncy castle, ball pond and climbing wall plus an outside fairground at New Palace and Adventureland. There’s also a separate disco room with music smoke and laser lighting, a football area to shoot and score goals and giant inflatables including a huge bouncy rainbow slide and a ship being wrestled by a giant octopus.

You’ll have lots of fun in the big, bright and colourful amusement arcade too.

Address: New Palace & Adventureland, Marine Promenade, New Brighton

Booking information: Here

Croxteth Hall

There is plenty to see at Croxteth Hall from a working farm to some gorgeous flowers in the Victorian walled garden or learn how the Earls of Sefton, their families and servants, lived in the hall in Edwardian times. There are also various events throughout the year.

When the weather is nice, check out the local wildlife and explore woodlands, pastures and ponds in Croxteth Local Nature Reserve.

Address: Off Muirhead Avenue East, Liverpool

Booking information: Here

The World of Glass

Try your hand at being a sculptor at The World of Glass in St Helens and watch expect glass blowers create some fantastic pieces.

The contemporary and innovative building houses the history of the glass industry and allows you walk back in time through its two galleries to the world of St Helens during the Victorian times.

Address: Chalon Way East, St Helens

Booking information: Here

Hollywood BowlHollywood Bowl Liverpool Edge LaneHollywood Bowl Liverpool Edge Lane

You can’t beat a few games of ten-pin bowling to while a way a few hours on a rainy afternoon.

Hollywood Bowl has amusements too, so if you get tired of throwing a ball you can take to the wheel and go head-to-head on the latest racing games, try and get your score to the top of the arcade leader boards, or even challenge members of your family to the incredibly fast-paced ‘Pacman Smash’

Address: Edge Lane Retail Park, Montrose Way, Wavertree, L13 1EW

Booking information: Here

The Climbing Hangar

The Climbing Hangar is for children aged four to seven but younger kids can still join in on the fun. In addition to the beginner’s climbing wall, there’s a pirate ship, crawling tunnels and slides to explore. The centre also offers children’s climbing classes taken by a professional instructor, don’t miss it.

Address: 6 Birchall St, Liverpool L20 8PD

Booking information: Here

Liverpool Cathedral

There is plenty of incredible artwork for visitors to enjoy, ranging from bright and colourful inspirations to artist displays, all with a regular turnover.

Address: St James’ Mount, Liverpool, L1 7AZ.

Booking information: Here

Bubbles’ World of Play

The indoor play centre provides hours of fun for kids up to 11. Themed areas include the Wild West, Central Park New York, and Dinoland. There’s also an outdoor water area to enjoy during the summer.

Address: Marine Point, King’s Parade, Wallasey CH45 2HZ

Booking information: Here

ODEON Kids Club at Liverpool ONE

The Odeon kids screenings runs every Saturday and Sunday and every day during the summer holidays. Tickets are priced at just £2.75 for both kids and adults with films changing every six – eight weeks.

Address: 14 Paradise St, Liverpool L1 8JF

Booking information: Here

The Everyman Theatre

The theatre offers a range of family-friendly shows for all ages including modern big hitters and familiar classics.

Address: 5-11 Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BH

Booking information: Here

Otterspool Adventure

The outdoor adventure play area is free for kids to use with no tickets required. If you purchase an adventure pass you will get discounted entry to the four chargeable attractions, including the bouncing pillow, mini-quad bikes race course, volvo diggers and the maze.

Address: 37 Otterspool Dr, Liverpool. L17 5AL

Booking information: Here

New Brighton BeachSunsets across Liverpool Bay at New Brighton BeachSunsets across Liverpool Bay at New Brighton Beach

New Brighton is a fantastic and classic option for a family day out. A range of attractions are available alongside the mile-long stunning sandy beach with gorgeous views as far as the eye can see.

Address: New Brighton Beach, Wallasey. CH45 3PZ

Booking information: N/a

Wild Shore Delamere

Just a short drive from Liverpool, Wild Shore Delamere is a water-based adventure hub, offering fun and exciting outdoor activities. The site has an Aqua Park, Wakeboarding, Paddleboarding and Open Water Swimming. It also offers Aqua Chimp, which Wild Shore claims in a world first. Aqua Chimp is a floating rope course with challenging obstacles, ziplines and swings.

Address: Delamere Lake Sailing & Holiday Park, Chester Road (A556), Oakmere, Northwich, CW8 2JL

Booking information: Here

Chester Zoo

If the wildlife experience isn’t for you, Chester Zoo also offers 27,000 endangered and exotic animals for you to watch and enjoy at your leisure.

Address: Chester CH2 1EU

Booking information: Here

Adventure Coast Southport

A log flume, a classic roller coaster, teacup rides and flying swings will keep the kids occupied for hours. Adventure Coast Southport is great for families on a budget or simply wanting to enjoy the best of the area.

Address: Marine Dr, Southport PR8 1RX

Booking information: Here

Model Railway Village in Southport

This Southport attraction is ideal for kids who love trains. Across 1.5 acres of miniature landscape, families can watch a range of iconic models chug around the course surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Address: King’s Gardens, Lower Promenade, Southport PR8 1QX

Booking information: Here

Birkenhead Park

Less than a 10-minute train journey from Liverpool city centre, visitors can discover this historic park’s meadows, woodland and lakes. There’s also a great adventure playground for the kids as well as two cricket clubs, tennis courts, bowling greens, football pitches and a cafe.

Address: Park Dr, Birkenhead CH41 4HY

Booking information: N/A

Pride in Liverpool

The annual celebration will take place across the city centre from Friday, July 25 – Sunday, July 27. The parade will march through the waterfront and accumulate in a cabaret show at the M&S Bank Arena.

Address: See details here

Booking information: Here

The Ice Cream Farm

The Ice Cream Farm is home to more than 50 different flavours of ice cream. The family-friendly attraction also has a farm and different play areas, including arcades, discos and soft play areas for all ages and weather conditions.

Address: The Ice Cream Farm, Newton Lane, Tattenhall, Cheshire, CH3 9NE

Booking information: Here

Claremont Farm

Claremont isn’t the typical farm. It offers an array of events and evenings for the entire family to enjoy. Whether you’re picking strawberries, or stopping by for a theatre or cinema night, there’s no shortage of invitations to take up.

Address: Claremont Farm, Old Clatterbridge Road, Bebington, Wirral. CH63 4JB

Booking information: Here

Sandhill Strawberry Farm

Sandhill allows families the chance to pick all of their produce themselves or choose from the Farm Shop with no effort needed. From June – mid-August, you can pick strawberries, raspberries and blackberries.

Address: Sandhill Strawberry Farm, Warrington Road. Rainhill, Prescot. Merseyside. L35 6PG

Booking information: 0151 4932022

Spaceworld

Spaceworld boasts a state-of-the-art play frame and soft play toddler area. There is also indoor football, electric space buggies and many more activities for toddlers and children up to 12 years of age to enjoy.

Address: 2-3 Sinclair Way, Prescot L34 1QN

Booking information: Here

Speke HallNational Trust Speke HallNational Trust Speke Hall

Take a walk through the bluebells in the garden or let the kids have fun in the wonderful Victorian-themed hedge maze. Kids can also dress up as a Victorian in the dairy or go wild on the woodland trail.

You can also visit Speke’s Volumes, a second-hand bookshop which stocks a range of pre-loved books. After a day of exploring, refuel in the Home Farm restaurant, which serves a variety of meals and treats.

Address: The Walk, Speke, Liverpool L24 1XD

Booking information: Here

Dunes Splash World

Southport’s indoor all-weather water park Splash World features fantastic flumes and river rides, a relaxing bubble spa and a recently refurbished toddler area including tipping buckets and fountains. After you’ve been swimming, take a walk through Southport or get some fish and chips to satisfy the appetite you’ve just worked up.

Address: Esplanade, Southport PR8 1RX

Booking information: Here

Gulliver’s World

The park has a selection of rides, attractions and shows for families to enjoy. There’s plenty to experience, from the wild rides in the Western World to the thrilling rides of Smugglers Wharf.

Address: Shackleton Cl, Old Hall, Warrington WA5 9YZ

Booking information: Here

Archery and zip wires at Apple Jacks

Apple Jacks Adventure Farm offers a variety of activities including tractor-trailer rides, pig racing, archery, zip wires, obstacle course and roller skating. There is also a giant maize maze for all the family to get lost in, featuring rows and rows of tall maize crops for you to explore and includes a central viewing platform.

If you work up an appetite you can head to the on-site grill venue which serves up fast food including chips, burgers, hot dogs, salads and sandwiches.

Address: Stretton Rd, Warrington WA4 4NW

Booking information: Here

Yellow Sub

Yellow Sub has a large play frame, arcade, football pitch and special toddler play area. While the kids run wild you can enjoy a hot drink in the restaurant and coffee shop which also serves up delicious home cooked food from flame grilled burgers to Neapolitan pizzas and scrumptious filled wraps.

Address: Yellow Sub, Brunswick Business Park, Dempster Buildings, Atlantic Way, Liverpool, L3 4BE

Booking information: Here

Cirq D Play

This circus-themed soft play centre features and an enormous play frame, toddler play frame and a sports pitch. Cirq D Play is decorated just like a big top, in reds, yellows and blues, with swings, ball pools and even a helter skelter. There’s also a restaurant and coffee shop with home-cooked food including healthy breakfast options.

Address: 168 Great Homer Street, Liverpool L5 3LQ

Booking information: Here