It’s that time again…February Half Term is around the corner and if you are stressing out over how to keep the kids entertained, look no further than this guide.
Read on to find numerous fun indoor activities that children of any age will love, including a mix of free and ticketed events and destinations.
From golf to museums to crafts to soft play, the options are endless. The best part? All these locations are just a short walk from a Merseyrail station, so no need to worry about travelling, and a trip on the train is another exciting activity checked off!
Plan your journey to these destinations using our Journey Planner here.
Fiesta of Fire at Royal Albert Dock
Prepare to be wowed as across three weekends from 4-19 February, Fiesta of Fire will light up the docks with entertainment all the family will enjoy...for FREE! This includes breath-taking fire acts, flaming sword fights, martial arts, fire-breathing dragon and more! Don't miss the spectacular finale on 18 February from 3-6pm too.
The dock also has a variety of other FREE things to do, such as Tate Liverpool and the Martime Museum, with fun activities like Explore and Draw and Music for the Classes.
Website: Royal Albert Dock
Nearest station: James Street (10-minute walk)
Beauty and the Beast at the Atkinson Theatre
On Friday 17 February, grab tickets and witness the classic fairytale performed by Ballet Theatre UK at the Atkinson. It’s the perfect play for ones who love the enchanting story and dance. Prices are reasonable at £18 for adults, £15 concessions, and £10 under 16s, so it’s a great treat to mark the end of half term.
Website: Beauty and the Beast
Nearest Station: Southport (6-minute walk)
Riverside Bowl
Riverside bowl is the ultimate entertainment centre to go to this half term – for the kids and the adults! There is something for everyone; bowling, laser quest, arcade games, food, American pool, there is no way you will get bored here! With reasonable prices and many fantastic offers, it won’t break the bank either.
Website: Riverside Bowl
Nearest station: New Brighton station (8-minute walk)
World Museum
Let the children’s world widen at the World Museum, for FREE!. Discover fish from Australia to Anglesey in the Aquarium, meet the creepy crawlies in the Bug House, explore the dinosaurs and story of life on Earth. Go on a journey to Ancient Egypt and see incredible objects from that time, enter the world of Roman gods, goddesses and mortals and finally blast off into space at the Planetarium.
Photo Credit: Mark McNulty
Website: World Museum
Nearest station: Moorfields for Northern line services (11-minute walk), Liverpool Lime Street Low Level for Wirral line services (6-minute walk)
The Wizard and the Wand – Otterspool Adventure
From 11 – 19 February, the spellbinding event The Wizard and the Wand is back! This magical event includes a spectacular show full of illusions and surprises, the Wonderful Wand Emporium, and the Wizard and Witch Parade. There is also plenty of photo opportunities and a shop full of goodies to remember the event forever.
Website: The Wizard and the Wand
Nearest station: Aigburth (8-minute walk)
Junkyard Golf
Give Junkyard Golf a shot this half term! There are 3 wacky and wonderful courses to choose from; the jungle course called ‘Pablo’, ‘Gary’ the disco in a garage, and ‘Bozo’, the un-fairground with a twist. Perfect for older kids, but just to note, under 18s are only permitted on Sunday to Thursday before 6pm and must have an over 18 present with them.
Website: Junkyard Golf
Nearest station: Liverpool Central (5-minute walk)
Lady Lever Art Gallery
Wow the children with the picturesque Lady Lever art gallery in Port Sunlight, which features one of the most beautiful collections of fine and decorative art in the UK. There are also special displays to see; the ‘Inspired by Lady Lever’ in celebration of 100 years of the gallery, and ‘Pure Brilliance’; the stunning jewellery collection. Did we mention its FREE?
Website: Lady Lever Art Gallery
Nearest station: Bebington (6-minute walk)
Bounce House
Need a place where the kids can run around and release all their energy? Hop on the train to Bounce House, where they can do exactly that. There is so much to do in this inflatable arena for all ages, such as large slides, assault course, climbing wall and more! Don’t forget to have a go on the inflatable air bag with trampoline launch pad too!
Website: Bounce House
Nearest station: Brunswick (8-minute walk)
The Potting Shed
Get their creative juices flowing by going to The Potting Shed. This hidden gem is a great place for your crafty kids to make something that they can keep forever, whether that’s painting pirates and princesses, or the more practical pots and plates. All ages and abilities are welcome, so no need to be an expert! If you want to go somewhere different, this is the place for you.
Website: The Potting Shed
Nearest station: Hoylake (4-minute walk)
Lark Lane
If you are looking for some great food, Lark Lane is a shout. There are so many child-friendly restaurants to choose from, such as Marantos and Pippin’s Corner. If you fancy having a sweet treat, Gelato is a must! Not only does it have delicious homemade gelato, but also mouth-watering creations like the ‘Kinder Love You’, ‘Exotic Passion’ and ‘Monsieur Candie-Shop.’
Website: Lark Lane
Nearest Station: St Michaels (11-minute walk)
Escape Live!
Test your skills and see if you can breakout at the new escape room Escape Live! Work together as a team to solve the mystery of one of many rooms which vary depending on difficulty, such as Prison Break, Dr Watson’s Office and the newest addition, Horrible Histories. You can’t go wrong with Escape Live if you want an immersive and unique form of entertainment.
Website: Escape Live!
Nearest station: Liverpool Central (5-minute walk)
Nerf Centre
Want an experience that the kids will remember? Head on over to Liverpool’s first ever Nerf Centre! The fun and friendly battle zone is a safe space designed for children over the age of 4 and has no age restriction, so adults can get involved too! Tickets are reasonably priced at £10 per person for one hour and party packages are also available, which includes Domino’s pizza!
Website: Nerf Centre
Nearest station: Moorfields (12-minute walk)
Sugar and Dice Board Game Café
Everyone loves a board game, so going to the Sugar and Dice Board Game café is a no brainer this half term. There is an abundance of games to play, so you can play your favourites and try new ones too. The café is dog-friendly so your pawfect pooches don’t have to miss out on the fun. Why not also have a bite to eat while you are there? The café has delicious food on offer.
Website: Sugar and Dice Board Game Café
Nearest station: Moorfields (10 minute walk)
Tenpin
Entertain the kids at Tenpin in Southport for hours! Tenpin has various fun games and activities; there is bowling, pool tables, arcade games, table tennis and even a laser tag arena! No need to worry about the cost, as it offers striking deals like discounted prices every Tuesday and Friday. Keep everyone energised with great food and drink, which can be enjoyed whilst watching sporting events as it plays BT and Sky Sports on big screens.
Website: Tenpin
Nearest station: Southport (17-minute walk)
If the weather is kind to us…
There are fantastic spaces for enjoying the outdoors across the whole region.
Go to Formby Point or take some pictures with the iron men on Crosby Beach. North Wirral Coast Park and Port Sunlight River Park are also great spaces for children to play and cycle with the added bonus of stunning views from the Wirral coastline.
Get there with Merseyrail
A Family Ticket which involves two adults and up to three children for unlimited off peak travel is just £13!
Find your cheapest ticket and plan your journey using our Journey Planner via our website here.
