With the summer holidays fast approaching, now’s the perfect time to start planning how you’ll keep the kids entertained. If you’re looking for the best summer holiday events in Liverpool City Region, we’ve rounded up some fantastic family-friendly days out, creative activities and unforgettable experiences to help you get organised before the school gates close.
From free events to ticketed attractions, here’s our guide to some of the best family-friendly things to do across Liverpool and the region this summer.
1. Debjani Banerjee: Jalsaghar, Bluecoat (11 July – 6 September)
‘Jalsaghar’ installation view, CCA Glasow. Photography by Graeme Yule
Jalsaghar, the solo exhibition by Debjani Banerjee, explores the relationship between the artist’s Bengali heritage and her 1980s upbringing in England. Across film, sculpture, and installation, her work playfully merges traditional craft, religious imagery and modern culture, encouraging audiences to think about what it feels like when different ways of life interplay.
The title Jalsaghar means ‘music room’ in Bengali, and comes from Satyajit Ray’s 1958 film of the same name. Banerjee reimagines this idea of a ‘music room’ and transforms the gallery into a sensory space where you can reflect with music, stories and artworks that connect the past and the present.
Additionally, don’t miss Bluecoat’s Family Weekend (15-16 August) for two days of free family-friendly fun, including creative activities inspired by Debjani Banerjee’s exhibition, suitable for all ages.
2. Ancient Egypt Galleries Tour, World Museum (Tuesdays & Fridays)
Step back in time with a guided tour of the World Museum’s fascinating Ancient Egypt gallery, where families can discover 5,000 years of history, incredible artefacts and stories of mummies, gods and pharaohs. It’s a great way to bring the museum’s Egyptian collection to life for curious kids and adults alike.
In fact, the World Museum makes for a great day out for families with five floors to explore, including the aquarium and the planetarium. Read our floor-by-floor guide to the World Museum before you go.
3. Make It! Summer Craft Workshop, The Atkinson (23 July – 27 August)
Be inspired by The Atkinson’s museum, gallery and theatre programme in a Make It! Summer Craft Workshop suitable for all the family. There’s something for all ages, with all materials supplied and all for free!
Drop-in any time between 11am – 3pm and get creative. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult. First come first served. You may be expected to wait until a space at a craft table becomes available.
4. LAAF Family Day 2026, Sefton Park Palm House (26 July)
Taking place on the final day of the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival, Sunday 26th July, the long-established LAAF Family Day is a celebratory showcase of Arab arts and culture. Creating a moment of togetherness and community, Sefton Park’s Palm House will play host to a free afternoon of music, performance and authentic Arab culture, complemented by a range of stalls offering Arabic and Middle Eastern food, arts and crafts, traditional practices such as calligraphy and dance, as well as activities for children, including storytelling and workshops.
5. Summer Drama Workshops, Unity Theatre (27 & 28 July)
If you are looking for somewhere to drop your kids off for the day, look no further! Unity Theatre’s Summer Drama Workshops offers participants the chance to spend a few days exploring drama, meet new friends, enjoy games, create characters, puppetry and more with brilliant practitioners. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a theatre expert! All abilities are welcome for children aged between 9-12 years old.
6. Storybarn Holiday Club, The Reader (27 July – 21 August)
Discover Storybarn’s Holiday Club, a holiday club with a difference. Every day they will venture out into the gorgeous Calderstones Park, dive into the realm of storytelling in the magical Storybarn, play games and much more. Every ticket purchased helps support their charitable work with children and young people across the UK.
Children will embark on new adventures with their Storyhunters, inspired through their diverse range of picture books. They will use their imagination to create new story worlds and characters as part of a team.
7. Open Air Theatre & Cinema: The Reader at Calderstones (27 July – 31 August)
Grab a picnic, settle in under the open sky, and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of theatre at The Reader with The Three Musketeers. Join the daring Young D’Artagnan on a swashbuckling outdoor adventure as he sets out to prove he has what it takes to become one of the King’s legendary Musketeers. Packed with thrilling sword fights, daring escapes and plenty of laughs, Illyria’s fresh take on this timeless classic is perfect for the whole family.
Additionally, The Reader’s Open-Air Cinema is returning to The Mansion House garden this summer, with feel-good films, and food & drink flowing throughout July and August. They have a packed programme of kids films this summer, including the classics – Zog and the Flying Doctors, Back To The Future, The Scarecrows’ Wedding, Jurassic Park, Tabby McTat and more.
8. National Children’s Orchestras American Concert, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall (1 August)
Join National Children’s Orchestras American Concert featuring musicians from In Harmony Liverpool Philharmonic for an afternoon of glorious American music. For NCO’s eldest musicians, just 13 and 14 years old, this concert is the culmination of their final week-long NCO residential of the year, which has included rehearsals, creative sessions and more.
NCO’s concerts are for everyone, join them to appreciate the sheer joy that can be experienced nowhere else than in the presence of a wonderful children’s orchestra and be part of supporting the next generation of musicians. Expect a warm, welcoming audience and to be dazzled by really remarkable young musicians.
9. Pipes & Poo, Shakespeare North Playhouse (19 August)
Have you ever wondered what happens to a poo after you flush it down the loo? Head down to the Shakespeare North Playhouse for a delightfully disgusting interactive game-show exploring the extraordinary world of water, Pipes and Poo. A brand new show from award-winning children’s theatre company One Tenth Human. Featuring ridiculous dance moves, competitive flushing, real toilets, and some very disgusting poo, this brand new adventure will delight everyone aged four and up.
You can discover plenty more evens happening across the Liverpool city region by exploring our What’s On listings.