What's on this May half term
Its that time again, another half term! Consider your plans with the kids sorted, as this guide details fun, family-friendly events and destinations in Liverpool City Region that are guaranteed to keep the kids entertained and smiling from ear to ear.
From theatre plays, meeting princesses and superheroes, festivals and free workshops, there is something for everyone and every budget.
These events are just a short walk away from a Merseyrail station, so you don’t have to worry about the stress of travelling, and the kids can have an adventure on the train – it’s a win-win!
Read on to find the perfect event(s) for you and plan your journey with Merseyrail here. A family ticket is just £13 – train travel is cheaper than you think!
Southport Pleasureland and Viking Golf - Win a free family pass!
Merseyrail has partnered up with Southport Pleasureland and Viking Golf to give away 2 sets of family passes! Pleasureland is Southport's premier attraction for families looking for a wonderful place to spend the day with a fun mix of rides and attractions. Adventure awaits at Viking Golf Southport! Can you take on the Viking Gods and win? Prepare to be transported to a time when Vikings roamed our shores and raided our lands! To be in with a chance of winning a family pass, enter the competition here.
Website: Southport Pleasureland and Viking Golf
Nearest station: Southport (18-minute walk for both destinations)
Otterspool Pirates and Princess Party and the Magic of Mirabel event
When it comes to events, Otterspool do it best! With not one, but two events happening this half term, you are spoilt for choice. Your little mateys will have the best time at the Pirates and Princess party, which includes princess school, sword fighting, a treasure hunt, princess sing-along, meet and greet and more! Alternatively, you will definitely want to talk about the Magic of Mirabel event. Meet the whole Madrigal family for a day of sing-along fun, parade, and an amazing fiesta of fun.
Website: Otterspool Adventure
Nearest station: Aigburth (8-minute walk)
Family Funday Saturday and Sunday
Want a day out where the adults have just as much fun as the kids? Head over to Bootle for the Family Funday event, where all the family can laugh, be entertained, and even win prizes! There will be comedy bingo, circus acts, ‘stupid’ science and much more, as seen on Blue Peter and CBBC Live.
Website: Family Funday
Nearest station: Bootle New Strand (5-minute walk)
Pop Princesses at Southport
For all kids that love princesses and pop songs, this is the perfect event. The Atkinson is hosting the children’s pop concert with everyone’s favourite fairy tale princesses singing top hits from films and musicals, as well as from artists like Little Mix, Ariana Grande, and Taylor Swift. There is also a Meet and Greet, so the kids can make a magical memory they won’t forget.
Website: Pop Princesses
Nearest station: Southport (7-minute walk)
Goldilocks and the 3 bears
Roll up Roll up! KD Theatre Productions and Harlow Playhouse present their brand-new production of the iconic Goldilocks and the Three Bears on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 June at the Atkinson. The show is perfect viewing for those who want to belly laugh and be wowed with high energy choreography and top circus and speciality acts. This is not one to miss!
Website: Goldilocks and the 3 bears
Nearest station: Southport (7-minute walk)
Southport Food and Drink Festival
The free ‘foodie’ paradise is back on 2nd and 4th June and will not disappoint. With delicious food from different cultures as well as traditional British dishes, there is a treat for everyone to enjoy. If that wasn’t enough, be entertained by local bands and musicians while you eat and relax in the sunshine – what more could you ask for?
Website: Southport Food and Drink Festival
Nearest station: Birkdale (18-minute walk)
Princess and Superhero Afternoon Tea
On Thursday 1 June, take the kids to the Floral Pavilion Theatre for a magical experience they won’t forget. This afternoon with their favourite princesses and superheroes consists of yummy food (for adults too!), a spectacular show with games, storytelling, and dancing. There will also be an interactive grand finale where you can put your circus skills to the test!
Website: Princess and Superhero Afternoon Tea
Nearest station: New Brighton (10-minute walk)
Zog at the Playhouse
From 30 May to 3 June, the much-loved Zog production is showing at the Playhouse theatre in Liverpool, and promises to be ‘bigger, brighter and more roar-some than ever.’ Based on the children’s book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the much-loved Zog and his adventure through Madam Dragon’s school will capture the hearts and attention of young children of all ages.
Website: Zog at the Playhouse
Nearest station: Liverpool Central (3-minute walk)
Make at Tate FREE family workshop
For the whole week of half term, Tate Liverpool is hosting free workshops for families to get creative and create their own artworks inspired by the free art displays. Not only that, Explore and Draw Sketchbooks full of activities and challenges are available every day. These sessions prove you don’t need a big budget to have some fun quality time with family.
Website: Make at Tate Liverpool
Nearest station: James Street for Wirral line services (14-minute walk) / Liverpool Central for Northern line services (17-minute walk)
Bounce House Family Friendly Character session
Jump at the chance to go to the ultimate inflatable play arena this half term, especially on 27 May as the Mario Bros will be there for a family friendly session. The kids can meet their favourite characters and burn off some energy with Bounce House’s high slides, assault course, jump bags, trampolines and much more! It will definitely give them something to talk about when they get back to school.
Website: Bounce House
Nearest station: Brunswick (8-minute walk)
Get there with Merseyrail
Find your cheapest ticket and plan your journey with Merseyrail here.
A family ticket is just £13, which includes 2 adults and maximum 5 children. Train travel is cheaper than you think!
