Summer is all about making memories, exploring new places and keeping little ones entertained, but finding affordable ways to fill the days can sometimes be a challenge.
The good news is that Liverpool is packed with free and affordable activities for children and young people throughout the summer, offering plenty of opportunities to learn, create and explore without breaking the bank.
Families can also benefit from recent government measures designed to help reduce the cost of days out during the school holidays. A temporary reduction in VAT on certain children’s tickets and family attractions means some cultural and leisure experiences may be available at lower prices over the summer, helping families make their budgets go even further.
From hands-on workshops in libraries and museums to family-friendly theatre performances, creative arts sessions and cultural festivals, there are countless ways to make memories while discovering everything Liverpool’s vibrant cultural scene has to offer.
Discover a World of Stories at Liverpool’s Libraries
Libraries are about so much more than borrowing books. Across the city, Liverpool’s libraries become hubs of activity during the summer holidays, offering free events designed to inspire young imaginations.
Children can take part in the Summer Reading Challenge, join storytelling sessions, enjoy creative workshops and discover new worlds through books. Whether your child loves adventure, fantasy, science or history, there are activities to spark curiosity and encourage a lifelong love of reading.
As well as being a budget-friendly day out, libraries provide welcoming spaces where families can enjoy quality time together while keeping young minds engaged over the break.
You can find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge here. summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
Liverpool’s libraries also host a wide range of regular events and activities for children and families throughout the year. To explore what’s on at your local library, visit their website here. liverpool.gov.uk/libraries/library-events
Get Creative Through Arts and Culture
Liverpool’s reputation as a city of culture means there are endless opportunities for children to unleash their creativity.
Museums, galleries and cultural venues across the city offer hands-on activities that encourage children to paint, make, experiment and explore. These experiences help young people learn new skills, build confidence and engage with Liverpool’s rich cultural heritage in fun and interactive ways.
Many activities are free or low cost, making them accessible for families looking to enjoy enriching experiences throughout the holidays.
National Museums Liverpool have various events specifically designed for families, young people and early years patrons. Their full venues activities are listed here. Did you know there’s even a full dinosaur takeover at the World Museum this summer? You can meet giant dinosaur puppets and get hands on with crafts in a summer full of interactive family fun! It’s going to be roar-some.
Meanwhile, Eureka! Science + Discovery is taking part in the Government’s Summer Saver Scheme, offering four special deals designed to help more families visit, explore, and enjoy its interactive science and discovery experiences this summer.
You can even claim 15% off glass blowing demonstrations at World of Glass, St Helens.
Bluecoat’s summer exhibition is an immersive display by Edinburgh-based artist Debjani Banerjee. Running until Sunday 6th September this is not to be missed.
Free Lifestyles membership for under 18s
Liverpool City Council has launched a new free leisure membership for children and young people, helping more families access opportunities to stay active, healthy, and connected to their local community.
Eligible young people aged 8-17 who live in Liverpool are able to sign up for the new Kids Go Free membership as part of the council’s Active Lifestyles Youth Offer. There’s also free swimming for under 8’s.
The new membership provides free access to gym and swimming sessions at participating Lifestyles centres across the city and is designed to encourage healthier lifestyles, improve wellbeing, and provide access to safe, inclusive leisure facilities for local young people.
The initiative supports Liverpool City Council’s commitment to reducing barriers to physical activity and ensuring that every child can enjoy the benefits of regular exercise.
Children and young people can register online or at any participating Lifestyles centre and will receive a new membership card free of charge. Find out more at https://lifestyles.liverpool.gov.uk/.
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme
During school holidays, children and young people, aged from reception to 16 years old who are eligible for targeted benefits-related free school meals, can access free activities and a meal.
The HAF programme for children and young people from reception age to 16 who receive benefits-related free school meals, starts on Monday 22 July 2026.
There’s a great range of free activities on offer across the city including trips out, Lego building, rock climbing, cooking, racket sports, sewing, painting, cycling, gymnastics, football and gardening, and much more. Find out more and register at https://liverpool.gov.uk/children-and-families/holiday-activity-hub/.
Experience the Magic of Live Theatre
A trip to the theatre can be a memorable treat for children of all ages, and Liverpool’s theatres offer a range of family-friendly productions and performances during the summer months.
From imaginative storytelling and interactive shows to laugh-out-loud adventures, theatre introduces children to the arts in an exciting and engaging way. Many venues also host workshops and opportunities for young people to get involved behind the scenes, helping to nurture the next generation of performers and creatives.
Whether it’s their first theatre visit or their hundredth, there’s something special about sharing a live performance as a family.
Coming up this summer, there’s The Seriously Stupid Show at the Unity Theatre:
Reynard the Fox at Shakespeare North Playhouse.
Also at Shakespeare North Playhouse there’s Pipes and Poo. A family friendly theatrical adventure discussing what happens when you flush the loo – yes, really!
Afronauts take off and Sir Charlie has some Stinky Socks at Liverpool Playhouse Theatre!
Minton Tiles Trail: 17 July – 2 September
The Minton Tiles Trail is a city‑wide celebration of Liverpool’s heritage, inviting families to explore together and discover the remarkable craftsmanship behind the iconic Minton tiles of St George’s Hall.
Visitors can pick up a trail map from the Liverpool ONE Information Centre or St George’s Hall before setting off to uncover a series of hidden tile locations across the city centre. Along the way, families are encouraged to complete their own tile design in the free activity book. Finished creations will be showcased at St George’s Hall throughout the summer, displayed alongside the spectacular Minton Tile Reveal, where the historic floor is uncovered for a limited time only.
The Minton Tile Reveal offers an affordable family experience during the school holidays, with tickets priced at:
- Adults: £6.60
- Children (5–17): £3.30
- Under 5s: Free
Perfect for families, visitors, and history lovers alike, the Minton Tiles Trail brings Liverpool’s story to life, offering a hands‑on way to explore the city, discover its heritage and create a piece of it for yourself.
Delivered in partnership with St George’s Hall and Liverpool BID Company, the trail forms part of Summer Starts Here: a region‑wide campaign bringing together attractions, restaurants and leisure experiences to showcase the Liverpool City Region as one of the UK’s most exciting and affordable family destinations.
Here is a link to the full programme: The Minton Tiles Reveal 2026 – Liverpool City Halls
Make the Most of Liverpool’s Cultural Summer
Summer is the perfect time to explore the city, discover something new and create lasting memories. With so many free and affordable events taking place across Liverpool’s cultural venues, families can fill their diaries with activities that entertain, educate and inspire. You can even make your money go further as the likes of Bluecoat are offering discount for children’s meals in their delicious café.
Ready to plan your summer adventures? Click here and find your next family day out and start making the most of the holidays today.
Alternatively, visit the Government’s official Summer Savings website, where you can discover a range of offers and discounts available across the country. Simply enter your postcode to find family-friendly deals and activities near you. summersavings.gov.uk.
You can also explore Visit Liverpool’s summer offers, showcasing some of the very best attractions, events and experiences the Liverpool City Region has to offer this season. visitliverpool.com/summer-starts-here.
Categories: Child-Friendly City | News
