Things To Do in Liverpool With Kids

If you're looking for the perfect weekend escape in the UK, Liverpool has it all—culture, history, quirky attractions, delicious food, and unforgettable views. We recently spent a fabulous family weekend exploring the city, and it was packed with fun from start to finish.

Here's exactly what we did, with everything you need to know if you’re planning your own Liverpool adventure!

Getting to Liverpool with London Northwestern Railway

Our trip started with a smooth journey from Birmingham New Street to Liverpool Lime Street via London Northwestern Railway. The journey took just 1 hour and 40 minutes, making it a super convenient option for a weekend trip. The trains are spacious, comfortable, and family-friendly—Elijah enjoyed watching the countryside fly by. Before we knew it, we were in the heart of Liverpool and ready to explore!

Exploring The Royal Albert Dock and Pier Head

Our first stop was the Royal Albert Dock, a must-visit area in Liverpool and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s steeped in maritime history and home to beautiful historic buildings, lively shops, museums, and waterfront dining. We enjoyed a peaceful walk along the water, took in the striking architecture, and even stopped for ice cream in the sunshine.

Just a short walk away is Pier Head, where you’ll find Liverpool’s famous "Three Graces"—the Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port of Liverpool Building. The area is full of character and offers stunning views across the River Mersey. It’s also where you’ll find the Beatles statue, a popular photo spot for music fans from around the world!

Stepping Into a New Reality at the Upside Down House

If you’re looking for something different and fun, the Upside Down House at Liverpool ONE is not to be missed. This bright red, topsy-turvy house is exactly what it sounds like—everything inside is upside down, from the beds and bathtub to the kitchen table and the PAC-MAN machine.

It’s an interactive, walk-through experience where visitors can snap surreal photos and explore every quirky detail. One of our favourite features was the upside-down Pac-Man machine, and of course, the upside-down toilet! Elijah had the best time pretending he was walking on the ceiling. It's ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking for some playful fun in the city centre.

Checking In at School Lane Hotel

After a day of sightseeing, we checked into the charming School Lane Hotel, located in the heart of the Ropewalks district. The hotel is boutique-style, with a welcoming atmosphere and beautifully designed rooms. Our family room had a spacious layout, including a separate room that Elijah immediately dubbed his “den”.

One lovely touch? In the mornings, guests are treated to complimentary warm pastries along with tea and coffee. The smell of fresh croissants wafting through the halls was lovely. With its location just steps from Liverpool ONE and Bold Street, we couldn’t have picked a better base.

A Flavour-Packed Dinner at Smoke & Dough

For dinner, we headed to Smoke & Dough, a fun and interactive grill restaurant located at Liverpool ONE. It’s not your average dining experience—each table comes with its own grill, and the two-course bottomless option allows you to try a variety of meats like brisket of beef, chargrilled sirloin steak, slaska pork sausage, lamb chops, and more, all served sizzling hot.

The food was incredible, and the value was unbeatable at just £23.99pp for unlimited grilled meats. It's even cheaper if you visit in the week!

Elijah had the kids’ bento box, which was packed with favourites like mac n’ cheese, fries, chicken nuggets, and even a mini burger. The whole experience was lively, hands-on, and super family-friendly. You won’t leave hungry!

A Scenic Adventure on the Mersey Ferry River Explorer Cruise

The next morning, we made our way to the waterfront to board the Mersey Ferries River Explorer Cruise. This scenic boat tour takes you along the River Mersey, offering breathtaking views of Liverpool’s famous skyline and landmarks.

As we cruised, we learned fascinating stories about Liverpool’s maritime past through the onboard commentary, including its role in transatlantic trade and emigration. We disembarked at Seacombe Ferry Terminal to continue our adventure on land—but not before soaking up the spectacular riverside scenery. It’s a relaxing, educational, and visually stunning way to see the city.

Hands-On Fun at Eureka! Science + Discovery

Just a few minutes from the ferry terminal is Eureka! Science + Discovery in Wirral, an interactive science centre designed to inspire young minds. This is a fantastic destination for families, with hands-on exhibits that explore the human body, technology, sustainability, and the natural world in fun, imaginative ways.

Elijah had an amazing time making a bracelet using binary code, watching the talk all about robots, learning more about how household appliances work, and exploring different interactive games. One highlight was the live robot performance, which had the whole audience captivated. Eureka! is not only entertaining—it also encourages curiosity and creativity. 

For younger children, there’s also a small dedicated play space called "The Burrow", specially designed for under 7s. It’s a cozy, imaginative area where little ones can safely explore and discover in a setting tailored to their age and interests.

Heading Home With Full Hearts (and Full Stomachs!)

After a quick lunch near the ferry terminal, we cruised back across the River Mersey and made our way to Liverpool Lime Street to catch our train home. The weekend flew by in the best way possible—every moment was packed with discovery, fun, and memory-making.

Final Thoughts

Liverpool is a fantastic destination for a family weekend getaway. From historical sights and museums to quirky attractions and delicious food, there’s something for everyone. Our trip was equal parts relaxing and exciting!

If you're planning a family day out in Liverpool—or thinking of turning it into a full weekend—there’s no shortage of fun, engaging things to do with kids!

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Disclaimer: This trip was part of a paid partnership. However, all thoughts and opinions shared in this post are entirely my own.