Spending time with family is both rewarding and enjoyable, but it can be costly.
Thankfully, in Liverpool, there's a variety of activities and venues to entertain the whole family for free. There's stunning parks like the Grade I listed Sefton Park, the sprawling 94-acre Calderstones Park, Grade II listed Victorian venue Newsham Park, and plenty more.
There's also cultural and vibrant hotspots like the Royal Albert Dock and Lark Lane, which are perfect for leisurely strolls, a spot of shopping and people watching. The city is also home to breath-taking architecture, iconic statues and street art, all worth hunting down for a nosy at.
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For those wanting to splash out a little, there's even a range of options for under £10 - bargain. With the cost of living crisis raging on, finding fun things to do on a budget is paramount, and local business Hitsearch limited has 10 ideas to get out and about around Merseyside while keeping costs low.
Liverpool Central Library
The library may not be many families’ first thought for a day trip, but Liverpool’s Central Library is well worth a visit. There’s free entry, so it’s ideal for budget-friendly entertainment and culture, and upon stepping inside, it’s a visual feast.
The impressive construction is complete with an incredible atrium - topped with a stunning glass dome, no less - and the building also has a roof terrace which offers stunning views across the city centre. The Picton Reading Room is truly beautiful, and wouldn’t look out of place in a Disney film.
The venue offers a free summer creative writing project for children, as well as a popular Dr Who event, dubbed a “journey through time and space to meet some of the historical figures the Doctor has met” from the library’s own collections. The library even has an X-Box that’s free for children to use.
Sefton Park
The iconic South Liverpool park was opened on May 20, 1872 by Prince Arthur who dedicated it "for the health and enjoyment of the townspeople". 200 acres of natural beauty, the park boasts ponds, playgrounds and plenty of open space to tire children out.
There's a café where visitors can indulge in a range of beverages and snacks, plus the beautiful Palm House - a popular and long-standing feature in the park - which often plays hosts to markets, shows, and a range of family-friendly activities and events to suit all manner of budgets.
The Bluecoat Creative Hub
This contemporary arts centre in the heart of the city centre is a working home for artists, providing a spot for audiences to experience art in new ways. The impressive Grade I listed building regularly plays host to exhibitions and events, as well as a range of independent retailers and creative businesses well worth shopping with.
Every weekend, there’s free family creative crafts activities. Donations are always welcome.
Southport beach
You can’t go wrong with a visit to the beach and Liverpool spoils its inhabitants with several to choose from. Just 40 minutes on the train offers a beachfront with retro piers and nostalgic old penny arcades. There’s golden sand, rides, and seaside classics like fish and chips, candyfloss, rock and more.
Southport beach is a venue that can keep families entertained for the whole day, with plenty of free and budget-friendly activities to indulge in. For those wanting to splash out, there’s a variety of options to spend up on, from boat rides and rollercoasters to foot golf and more.
World Museum
Another cultural hotspot, Liverpool’s famed World Museum is a feast of historical artefacts covering archaeology, ethnology and more, as well as the natural and physical sciences. The World Museum is the oldest of Liverpool's museums and galleries, first opening in 1853.
It’s home to an aquarium and planetarium, which offer free entry. There’s plenty to entertain the whole family, with regular events and exhibitions ranging from Ancient Egypt to Dinosaurs and the Natural World. The museum also has an in-house cafe, offering a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy a bite after wandering around the expansive venue.
Formby National Trust
Formby National Trust is an expansive coastal haven, boasting beautiful golden beaches and a vast forest, where red squirrels can still be spotted. Nature and wildlife lovers will be in their element as Formby is also home to one of Europe's best mobile sand dune habitats.
Nestled among the dunes, an abundance of rare species thrive. The incredible red squirrel walk is a particular highlight, with the trail taking in all the wonderful woodlands have to offer.
Rice Lane City Farm
This Walton based venue is just a 20-minute train journey from Liverpool city centre. Occupying the site of an old cemetery, the popular spot has been in action for 40 years.
It has an impressive 24 acres acres of fields and woodland, where eagle-eyed visitors may catch a glimpse of a family of Great Spotted Woodpeckers nesting on site. Rice Lane City Farm also offers a range of activities during the school holidays, with free food and activities for children all through the week.
The farm is open to the public from 10am until 3.30pm seven days a week. It’s free to visit, but donations to help with operating costs are greatly appreciated.
The Williamson Tunnels
This vast maze of underground tunnels snakes beneath the Edge Hill area of the city. Though their origin and reason for creation remains unknown, it’s believed they were formed under the direction of tobacco merchant, landowner and philanthropist Joseph Williamson between 1810 and 1840.
Tours are operated every Wednesday and Sunday by the Friends of Williamson Tunnels. They’re free of charge, but donations are welcome. You can book here.
Otterspool Promenade
A relatively short bus ride from the city centre will take visitors to this south Liverpool favourite. Otterspool Promenade is a spacious spot with beautiful views across the River Mersey.
It’s also home to a large park area, making it an ideal place to go for a stroll, a bike ride and more. It’s also home to an adventure park, with a 12-hole adventure golf course, a tricky and entertaining maze, a children’s racing course and more. There’s also an ice cream parlour to satisfy those with a sweet tooth.
New Brighton
This seaside resort is a firm favourite. Found at the north eastern tip of the Wirral peninsula, it’s home to sandy beaches, a popular pier, ballroom and a famous tower.
The region was inspired by Brighton in Sussex, hence its name, but stands proud in its own right. New Brighton maintains the traditional feel of the British seaside, with fun fairs and fish and chips aplenty, though there’s plenty more to keep the family entertained. There's a beloved golf course, the historic Fort Perch Rock, the iconic New Brighton Lighthouse, which stands at 95ft tall, and plenty more.
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