Get your summer started with some fabulous activities, locations and events around Merseyside that the whole family can enjoy in the sun.
We’ve got you covered with a huge list of destinations below. Getting there is all part of the day out when it's by train. Return tickets start from just £2.35 and a family of up to 5 get unlimited off-peak travel anywhere on the network for just £13 with a Family Ticket.
Southport Pleasureland
Southport Pleasureland is the perfect fun-filled day out for the family. The amusement park has an abundance of brilliant rides and experiences, such as the Apple Coaster, Frisbee, dodgems, bungee trampolines, hook-a-duck, face painting and many more!
Even better, its just a short walk from Southport station. Result!
To find out more, visit the link here.
Address: Southport Pleasureland, Marine Dr, Southport PR8 1RX
Nearest Station: Southport (17 minute walk)
New Brighton Summer Festival
The event of the summer is not one to miss…The New Brighton Summer Festival has returned and is being held on Wednesday 24th August at 10am – Monday 29th August at 5pm.
There will be a variety of entertainment as well as food and crafts stalls that everyone can enjoy in the sunshine.
Visit our page here to directly plan your journey to get there with Merseyrail.
Address: Ian Fraser Walk, New Brighton, Wallasey CH45 2NW
Nearest station: New Brighton (13 minute walk)
Albert Dock Great British Seaside
The Albert Dock is hosting a variety of summer-themed activities and events through August, such as the multi-coloured beach huts in Mermaid Courtyard, the modernised puppet show Punch and Judy shows (which first arrived in Liverpool in the 1860s), carticature artist every Wednesday at 11am - 2pm and face and hand painting every Thursday at 11am - 2pm.
Also, why not treat the family and visit the Albert Dock when the vintage-style theatre Sol Cinema joins for August bank holiday weekend?
Address: 3-4 The Colonnades, Liverpool L3 4AA
Nearest Station: James Street for Wirral lines (11 minutes) or Liverpool Central for Northern lines (15 minutes).
Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre
Are you prepared to be entertained? Make the most of the gorgeous weather and head to one of Chester’s best loved experiences, the Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre. This unique night out will be one of your favourites this summer.
Romeo and Juliet, Little Women and Stig of the Dump are playing at numerous times from 15th July – 29th August but be quick because tickets are selling fast! Click here to book and learn more.
Address: Grosvenor Park Rd, Chester CH1, UK
Nearest Station: Chester (8 minute walk)
Nature Trail
Calling all young adventurers…the Liverpool ONE Nature Trail is the perfect activity to do in summer if you love learning about the natural environment. The trail, which is self-guided is ideal for 4-11 year olds, involves interacting with nature in the lovely Chavasse Park.
You can pick up a Nature Trail booklet from the Information Centre. For more information, visit Liverpool ONE’s website via the link here.
Address: Liverpool ONE, 5 Wall St, Liverpool, L1 8JQ
Nearest Station: James Street / Liverpool Central (1 minute walk)
Ping Table Tennis at Liverpool ONE
Those who love sports fun in the sun will love this! Liverpool ONE have table tennis tables for all to enjoy a game, and even better…its free!
You can choose where you play; there are two tables on Paradise Place and another two tables in Chavasse Park. Just simply ask to collect bats and balls from Utility or The Club House and return them afterwards.
Click here for more information
Address: Liverpool ONE, 5 Wall St, Liverpool, L1 8JQ
Nearest Station: James Street / Liverpool Central (1 minute walk)
Summer Fest at Otterspool Adventure
Summer Fest is back! This event, which is being held throughout the summer holidays, goes all out in terms of entertaining children and providing fun memories they won’t forget. Activities involve go karts, pillows, play park and more! Travelling with Merseyrail means it is only a short walk to the event.
Tickets are expected to sell fast so get yours here.
Address: 37 Otterspool Dr, Liverpool L17 5AL
Nearest Station: Aigburth (8 minutes walk)
Beach Day Out
No summer holiday guide for the Merseyrail region would be complete without the long list of stunning beaches on the Sefton and Wirral coastlines. There are so many to choose from, there is space for everyone to enjoy a day at the seaside this summer.
Formby Point is the jewel in the Sefton crown with it’s white sand dunes and pinewoods all a short walk from Freshfield station. To avoid the Formby crowds take a look at our Alternatives to Formby Point Guide here.
On the other side of the Mersey, New Brighton has everything for a full family day out. There are unique views of Liverpool, the sandy beach plus food, drink and lots of family entertainment. Read our Top 5 Wirral Beaches guide here.
Please respect this precious landscape by ensuring you do not litter, it is home to many rare plants and animals!
Wild Shore Liverpool
Jump in the deep end with Wild Shore Watersports and Aqua Sports, the ultimate water adventure for the whole family or friends. You can take part in the inflatable obstacle course including slides, trampolines and more, or stand up paddle boarding! Beginners and pros are welcome.
To learn more about Wild Shore and to book, click the link here.
Address: Duke’s Dock, Just off the Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 4AD
Nearest Station: James Street for Wirral lines (11 minutes) or Liverpool Central for Northern lines (15 minutes).
Rice Lane City Farm
The ideal place for animal lovers, Rice Lane City Farm is a hidden gem; as well as goats, cows, donkeys and ducks, there is also a children’s play area to keep the kids even more entertained.
For more information, visit their website via the link here.
Address: Rawcliffe Rd, Liverpool L9 1AW
Nearest Station: Walton (4 minute walk)
Sefton Park
The iconic 235-acre park does not disappoint. Take a walk in the sun and take in the beautiful grounds as well as the boating lake, statues of Eros and Peter Pan, playground, café and the famous Palm House of course. Click here for additional information including fitness events and more.
Address: Sefton Park, Liverpool L17
Nearest Station: St Michaels (19 minutes)
Viking Quest Adventure Golf
Experience some fun and family friendly competition at Wirral’s Viking Quest Adventure Golf! Play holes at Fenrir the wolf’s mouth, the bear cave, the Viking long-ship and many more whilst learning about Viking legends.
Address: Moreton Hills Golf Centre, Tarran Way South, Moreton, Wirral, CH46 4TP
Nearest Station: Moreton (9 minute walk)
There are our top picks to get your summer off to the best start, you can easily travel to each destination and event using Merseyrail trains which arrive every 15 minutes.
We understand the weather isn’t so predictable in summer here in the UK, so we have put together a handy guide of what to do on rainy days too – check it out on the Destination Merseyside section of our website.
Let us know if you have done so on social media by tagging us @merseyrail !
