This May half term holiday is jam-packed with events to discover and explore, from a revolting science show and Albert Dock art trail to a dinosaur rock band adventure and a detector dog display, there’s plenty of family entertainment on offer over the half term break to enjoy.
Here’s our selection of family activities for May half term.
Everywhere’s a Beach, Wonder Arts at Haigh Woodland Park, St Helens (23 May)
Join Wonder Arts for a day at the beach unlike any other in this high energy, circus theatre show! Perfect for the whole family, Everywhere’s a Beach is a charmingly ridiculous performance taking place on a giant revolving beach parasol! This dynamic, dizzying and downright daft show will leave you dancing with delight!
You’ll be swept away as this show embraces everything you love about the beach. Their spinning parasol creates the perfect setting for their eccentric beach loving characters. Watch as their world collides with yours, as sophistication turns to chaos in this aerial circus performance.
Mosh Tots: Disney Kingdom, Future Yard (24 May)
The Mosh Tots Band headline the hippest show in town this May half term! Aimed at children aged 0-8, Mosh Tots: Disney Kingdom is there to introduce young people to the world of live music in a safe and fun environment.
Future Yard believe that live music should be for everyone, no matter your age. For too long live music venues have been off limits for young children and their parents. Mosh Tots flips that on its head and is an opportunity to share the joy of live music together as a family.
The Dinosaur That Pooped, Liverpool Playhouse (26 – 30 May)
Adapted from the number one best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, the whole family will have a poopy good time enjoying The Dinosaur that Pooped, a brand, new story for the stage. The books feature rip-roaring rhyme and laugh-out-loud silliness with the Dinosaur that Pooped series selling over 1.5 million copies around the world!
This stage adaptation expertly brings the series to life, featuring new songs by Tom and Dougie, a lot of laughs and a whole lot of poo!
Beside the Seaside: National Museums Liverpool at 40, World Museum (28 May)
Beside the Seaside invites families to dive into a day of coastal creativity, music, and hands-on discovery. Inspired by the seaside scenes in Walter Sickert’s Bathers, Dieppe and New Brighton, 1977 by photographer Martin Parr, alongside a range of maritime models, paintings, and objects from their NML 40 exhibition, this event brings the spirit of the seaside to life.
Create your own seaside-inspired scenes, take part in creative activities, and get up close with real maritime objects. Discover the stories behind life by the sea — from boats and voyages to the tools and treasures of the coast. With music, making, and plenty to handle and explore, Beside the Seaside offers a playful and engaging way for families to experience their NML 40 exhibition.
Mildred’s Albert Dock Art Trail, Tate Liverpool (Everyday, self-tour)
Mildred, Tate’s art-loving cat, wants you to help her find 6 images of artworks placed around the inner quay of the Royal Albert Dock on Mildred’s Art Trail. Collect your free Art Trail booklet from Tate Liverpool + RIBA North at Mann Island.
Follow the map on the back to find the images of Tate artworks. There’s plenty of space and guidance inside the booklet to encourage young visitors to create their own amazing art along the way. Mildred also likes word games! There are 5 letters near the artworks that can be rearranged to spell a word. The Art Trail is a great way for families to spend time together, doing something that is both creative and active.
Pat the Painting Pig, Unity Theatre (28 May)
Join Pat and a host of other woodland creatures in this charming exploration of friendship, community and artistic talent. Pat the Painting Pig is a brand new play featuring set and props made at Bridge Inn Community Farm, and original music and songs.
Written by Ed Bixter and directed by Suzy Walker, this pig-tastic adventure will have the entire family clapping along and oinking with laughter. Ideal for a fun half term slice of entertainment.
Return of the Detector dogs!, World Museum (28 May)
Detector dogs work with a handler from Border Force to detect hidden objects and smuggled goods. More recently, they have also been used in the detection of diseases and as a resource in wildlife biological research. The World Museum is hosting a special Return of the detector dogs! visit from these highly skilled dogs with a unique chance to see them in action and find out more!
Demonstrations will take place in their Treasure House Theatre throughout the day. Sessions are drop-in, with no booking required
The Utterly Revolting Science Show, The Atkinson (30 May)
Brace yourselves for the Rude Science team’s hilarious, high-tech, highly-explosive new journey through the human body, The Utterly Revolting Science Show, packed with burp biology, fart physics and revolting edible chemistry. Expect enormous bottoms, edible fireworks, burp machines and the world’s loudest fart in this riotous science spectacular.
On the surface it’s a rollercoaster of disgusting experiments built to delight young audiences, but under the bonnet it’s a brilliantly-constructed curriculum-driven adventure designed to inspire Britain’s kids with a lasting fascination for science. The show is the brainchild of Stefan Gates, high-octane presenter of twenty TV series, five for CBBC.
Find even more events across the Liverpool city region via our What’s On listings.