Make the most of October half-term in Liverpool with a fantastic line-up of family-friendly fun! Go behind the scenes at World Museum’s aquarium, enjoy a Carnatic concert at Liverpool Philharmonic, or meet life-sized dinosaurs at The Atkinson. Plus, there’s crafts and workshops, it’s the perfect week for discovering something new together.
The Gruffalo’s Child – Liverpool Playhouse (28 October – 1 November)
Follow The Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters many mysterious creatures.
Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged 3 to 103.
A Carnatic Quartet: A Concert for Children and Families – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall (29 October)
An exciting introduction to the magic of South Indian classical music. Join Liverpool Philharmonic Hall for a special concert designed just for children and families, featuring the dynamic Carnatic Quartet.
This interactive performance is a joyful, high-energy introduction to the fascinating world of Carnatic music. Expect stunning sounds, fun rhythm games, and plenty of chances to get involved – whether it’s clapping along to the beat or discovering how these powerful instruments work together.
Dino Tales – The Atkinson (30 October)
Put on your safari hats and get ready for some ranger danger and roarsome routines with Dino Tales! There’s a baby Ankylosaurus lost in the forest who needs your help and you must find her before the Evil Zookeeper Scientist does…
Flapping frills and dino thrills await as you set off on the ultimate wild rescue mission with state-of-the-art walking dinosaurs, some of which have never been seen on a stage before. You’ll encounter Freya the dancing Raptor, Dylan the Dilophosaurus, Angie the Ankylosaurus, Scar the Spinosaurus and Bruce the mighty T-Rex.
Aquarium Story Workshop – World Museum (30 October)
Have you ever thought about what life is like for the endangered species on Earth? In this Aquarium Story Workshop, suitable for both adults and children 11 and above, they will introduce you to some residents from behind the scenes of the World Museum.
You will learn the stories of natural history objects who are endangered, extinct and who defy our expectations! As part of the workshop you will engage with the living creatures of the aquarium and bug house to use as inspiration to create your own stories!
Picturing Freedom: Photography with Freedom Objects – Bluecoat (30 October)
Join photographers Yaqeen Amir, Anoosh Ariamehr for Picturing Freedom: Photography with Freedom Landmarks, to have a free portrait taken with an object or picture which, for you, represents freedom. Families and children are invited to bring an object, drawing, or photo that feels connected to the idea of freedom; maybe something from home, a favourite toy, a family keepsake, or even just a symbol of something you dream about.
Together with Anoosh, these personal items will become part of your portrait through light, projection, or collage, showing that freedom can live in our everyday lives as well as our memories and hopes.
Katumba Halloween Carnival 2025 – Starts Bold Street, City Centre (31 October)
Every October, Liverpool drumming and movement troupe, Katumba transforms Liverpool City Centre into a playground of imagination. Their performances inspire, and engage audiences by creating big, bold, visual shows through a spectacle of drums, fire, lights, dance, theatre and more. This year, Katumba Halloween Carnival reclaims deeper roots. Their theme for 2025 is Ancestral Spirits, Ritual Fire, weaving together the diasporic origins of carnival with the ancient pagan traditions of Samhain.
Born from rituals of remembrance, resistance, and renewal, carnival is a living space where communities gather to drum, dance, and light the darkness with rhythm and spirit. By fusing Afro-diasporic beats with the fire and folklore of Halloween, the procession becomes both a homage and a reinvention.
ArtsGroupie: Grow Together, Kids Puppet Crafternoon – Norris Green Library (1 November)
Join Liverpool’s ArtsGroupie for a crafternoon of creative fun and make your very own shadow puppet in Grow Together. Make a wildflower, butterfly or other garden creature to take home. Ideal for a family half-term activity and a chance to let the children’s imaginations run riot!
The free craft session is part of Green Libraries Week.
Viking takeover day – Museum of Liverpool (1 – 2 November)
Join the Museum of Liverpool‘s atrium as they are joined by living history reenactors from Wirhalh Skip Felagr, who will be bringing the Viking Age back to life in Viking takeover day. Find out what life was like in this region more than a thousand years ago, see authentic Viking Age crafts and take your opportunity to ask questions as history comes to life.
While you are in the museum, you can also take the opportunity to visit their latest exhibition Treasure: History Unearthed to see more wonders from the Viking Age.
To find even more events happening in the Liverpool City Region take a look at our What’s On Listings