Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Charlotte Roszko

12 free things to do in and around Liverpool that are perfect for a family day out

There's nothing better than a good day out with the family.

However, with the UK in a cost of living crisis, we are all looking at ways to cut back and save some money. Luckily, there's an abundance of free and affordable things to do here in Liverpool, meaning you can enjoy a special, fun-filled day out without breaking the bank.

We've compiled a list of some of the best free activities on offer in and around Liverpool. From stunning beaches to engaging museums, there's something to suit everyone. Take a look through our list and find some inspiration for your next day out.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing star confirmed for huge Disney 100 arena tour

Museum of Liverpool

Museum of Liverpool (Colin Lane)

This waterfront museum is the perfect place to explore the city's history. Visitors can explore how the port and its people have shaped the city.

Collections span over 10,000 years of Merseyside's history ranging from social and community history to archaeology and transport. The museum's Little Liverpool exhibit is perfect for kids, offering a hands-on fantasy world for children under the age of six to learn from.

Highlights include a land transport collection, which boasts more than 200 vehicles. The Museum of Liverpool is free to enter. The Little Liverpool exhibit is also free, although a ticket is required, which can be collected from the front desk on the day of visiting.

Address: Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1DG.

Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday and bank holidays from 10am to 6pm.

World Museum Liverpool

Having opened in 1853, the World Museum is the oldest of Liverpool's museums and galleries. The museum holds approximately 80,000 artefacts from across the ancient world and reveals millions of years of the world's history.

The museum also boasts an aquarium and planetarium as well as a wide range of fun hands-on exhibits.

Address: William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EN.

Opening times: Open Tuesday to Sunday and bank holidays from 10am until 6pm.

Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum (Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)

Located at the Royal Albert Dock, the Maritime Museum offers visitors a place to learn more about Liverpool's seafaring past. The Titanic and Liverpool exhibit allows visitors to explore Liverpool's role in the Titanic story. You can also discover stories of life at sea and enter the world of a customs officer.

Address: Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4AQ.

Opening times: Open Tuesday to Sunday and bank holidays from 10am to 6pm.

Tate Liverpool

Located at the Royal Albert Dock, the Tate Liverpool is home to an array of impressive exhibitions. The gallery's collection displays are free to visit and include lots of great artwork. Booking is recommended, but free tickets are often available on the door.

Address: Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, L3 4BB.

Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 10am until 5.50pm.

Liverpool Central Library

Liverpool Central Library (Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)

There's nothing better than getting lost in a good book and Liverpool Central Library is the perfect place to enjoy the magic of reading. The stunning library is the largest library in Liverpool and is also a great place to take in impressive views of the city.

The library is home to an extensive collection of rare books, as well as the Liverpool Record Office. Inside the library, there is access to WiFi, computers and an Xbox 360.

Address: William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EW

Opening times: Monday 9am-5pm, Tuesday 12pm to 8pm, Wednesday 9am to 5pm, Thursday 12pm to 8pm, Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, closed on Sunday.

Open Eye Gallery

Open Eye Gallery is an independent, not-for-profit photography gallery located on Liverpool's Waterfront. Founded in 1977, the gallery is dedicated to photography and related media, with a programme of high-quality exhibitions for guests to enjoy. Open Eye Gallery promotes the practice and importance of photography by offering everyone a chance to experience unique and innovative photographs.

Address: 19 Mann Island, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 1BP.

Opening times: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 5pm. Closed on Monday.

Liverpool Cathedral

Sunset glow on Liverpool Cathedral (Mirrorpix)

Liverpool Cathedral is an iconic building where people can worship and take in the impressive architecture. There is plenty of incredible artwork for visitors to enjoy, ranging from The Welcoming Christ sculpture by Elizabeth Frink to Tracey Emin's 'For You' light installation.

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

Opening times: Monday to Friday 10am until 4pm, 10am until 5pm on Saturday, 10am until 5.15pm on Sunday.

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral is the largest Catholic cathedral in England. There is the opportunity to take part in a free guided tour of the building, which allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the cathedral's story. You can also explore the Lutyens' Crypt, which boasts beautiful brickwork and vaulted ceilings.

Address: Cathedral House, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, L3 5TQ.

Opening times: 7.30am to 6pm daily.

Sefton Park

A squirrel gathers some nuts ready for the winter Sefton Park. Photo by James Maloney (Liverpool Echo)

If you fancy a leisurely stroll around the park, Sefton Park has an impressive 235 acres for visitors to explore. The Grade I historic park is a Green Flag and Green Heritage awarded site with plenty of beautiful features to enjoy. Kids can let off steam on the park's large playground, which features swings, slides, climbing frames, roundabout and a multi play area.

Address: Sefton Park, Liverpool L17.

Opening times: Open 24 hours.

Royal Albert Dock Liverpool

Take a walk around the Royal Albert Dock and soak up the incredible sights. There's plenty to do, ranging from museums and galleries to visit to a host of free events and activities taking place throughout the year.

Address: Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AF.

Crosby Beach

Boasting views across the sea to Wirral and the North Wales hills, Crosby Beach is the ideal place to go to enjoy stunning scenery. The beach is located at the start of the 22 mile Sefton Coastal Path, and thanks to its close proximity to the Port of Liverpool, it is an ideal place to look out for container and cruise ships.

The Burbo Bank offshore wind farm can also be viewed from the beachfront. Crosby Beach is also the permanent home to 100 cast-iron figures that stretch the coastline and almost a mile out to sea, including the 'Another Place' sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist, Antony Gormley.

The sun can be seen to almost melt into the ocean at the opening to the Irish Sea. Dogs are welcome.

Address: Cambridge Road, Mariners Road or Hall Road West, Crosby, Merseyside.

Formby Beach

Formby beach and sand dunes (Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

Formby Beach is an ideal choice for families thanks to its large car park, picnic areas and marked walking paths. The beach is home to sand dunes which act as an ideal spot to enjoy views across the Irish Sea.

On a clear day, you may even be able to see as far as the mountains of Cumbria. A good place to start exploring Sefton's Natural Coast is Lifeboat, where you can find a wide sandy beach, high dunes, furrowed grassland and a belt of pinewoods.

Address: Lifeboat Road, Formby, Merseyside, L37 1LJ.

New Brighton

New Brighton beach is one of the seaside town's main attractions, offering an attractive stretch of golden sand to explore. The beach boasts impressive views of the Liverpool city skyline and is an ideal spot to watch ships sailing out from the mouth of the Mersey estuary into the Irish Sea. Children can enjoy playing around the Black Pearl, a community-built driftwood boat.

Address: CH45 3PZ.

Get the top stories straight to your inbox by signing up to our what's on newsletter

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.