Things to do with toddlers in Liverpool

If you’re looking for things to do with toddlers in Liverpool then you have come to the right place. This post is filled with ideas. Most attractions for families will be a good fit for toddlers too but not all of them. For this reason, I have created this post which highlights the ones best for this age group. It also includes some toddler sessions at family attractions. Find more ideas for Toddler days out North West here.

I’ve put this post together to help you find the best place for your next family day out with your toddler. Many of them will also be a great day out for children of all ages.

Bounce House

Indoor inflatable parks are getting increasingly popular and while they are great for older kids, toddlers can enjoy them as well. If you go during school time, they are usually quiet, or at the very least have younger children in them. Jumping around is a great activity for toddlers, and it will certainly tire them out. 

Bounce House run regular sessions for toddlers. These sessions are specifically for kids under 6 years. After your session, you can enjoy complimentary juice and biscuits in the cafe as well as free soft play.

Check out the website for more details here – Bounce House

Yellow Sub – soft play

You can’t go wrong with a soft play centre when it comes to occupying your toddlers, and if you go during school time, it can be a quiet haven for your little ones to enjoy. That being said, Yellow Sub in Merseyside has a great toddler play zone, so even if it is a weekend or the school holidays it is still a great place to go. Plus older siblings are occupied as well. 

Check out the website for more details. 

Museum of Liverpool

This is another free museum in Liverpool that is worth visiting with toddlers. Explore Liverpool’s fascinating, diverse history in this magnificent waterfront museum. It includes interactive exhibitions and a water play area in a space specifically for children 6 and under. This area is called Little Liverpool and it’s a hands-on fantasy world for young children.

Find out more here – Little Liverpool

Liverpool World Museum 

This museum is spread over five floors and is really family oriented. You may think that a museum would be a little boring for a toddler, and while they may not take in the knowledge or history, they certainly will enjoy all of the visual aspects and the interactive exhibits that are on display at this one. 

What’s more, this is a free museum in Liverpool’s city centre with loads of different zones, many suitable for young children.

For example, there is a bug house, the world of ancient Egypt and a planetarium as well as dinosaurs and natural history.

The aquarium is specifically fantastic for young children. It has tropical fish, starfish and crabs including many that you could find in the River Mersey. There are occasionally hands-on sessions too.

Check out the website for more details. 

Imagine That! 

This is a great place to take toddlers. This is a science and discovery centre for children. Imagine That has 4 different areas where your little ones can get involved and be creative. From an art and water area to a science area and construction site.

There is also an imagination village where they can enjoy role play and imaginative play in areas including a pizzeria, pet rescue, salon, supermarket and car wash as well as many more.
They can get involved, learn different things, and have fun in the process. What’s not to like? Make sure you pack a change of clothes as there is a good chance they will get wet!

Check out the website for more details. 

Tate Liverpool

You may think that heading to modern art galleries won’t interest your little ones but actually, Tate Liverpool has plenty of family-oriented activities that you can enjoy while you are there, and they are free. You may be surprised that the art can be very stimulating with your little ones, and they will enjoy looking at the colours and different creative elements. 

The Tate Liverpool is located on the famous Royal Albert dock which is worth a walk around with your toddler too.

Check out the website for more details. 

The Everyman Theatre 

If you are looking for something a little different then why not head to The Everyman Theatre? The theatre usually has a child-friendly productive taking place from things like Zog to story times. You will need to check the website to see what is currently on and also purchase some tickets, but this could be a lovely way to spend some time with your toddlers. 

Check out the website for more details. 

Mersey River Cruise

It might be that you are looking for something to do with your toddler in Liverpool that feels a little more exciting and adventurous. So why not look to board the Mersey River Cruise? Heading on a boat down the river Mersey and on the water will feel like a real adventure for your little ones, and it is a great way to pass some time and see the city from a different perspective. 

Check out the Mersry Ferry website for more details. 

Otterspool Adventure

This is a great place to take your little ones. It’s a short drive from the city centre and well worth it. It is an adventure playground with lots of things that your toddler can enjoy. This outdoor play centre also often has lots of seasonal events for kids too.

There are climbing frames and swings with lots of fun in the outdoor adventure playground, bouncing pillow and adventure golf. 

Check out the website for more details. 

Sefton Park

If you want a fun day outside and something that is calm and relaxing then you can’t go wrong with a park for your little ones. Sefton Park is one of the largest parks in the Merseyside area and not only has great play areas, but lots of open spaces and gardens to explore. 

Check out the website for more details. 

Knowsley Safari Park

Do you have any animal lovers? Then Knowsley Safari park could be the one to consider. The great thing about this place is that you can sit comfortably in the car and enjoy watching all of the animals. There is also a walk around area as well and there are usually activities you can get involved with or different events taking place. A great option for little legs. 

Check out the website for more details. 

Farmer Ted’s Adventure Park

Sticking with the animal theme you may want to consider heading to Farmer Ted’s Adventure Park. There is something for everyone here and is a great place to take little ones. There are outdoor and indoor areas, so you can even enjoy the farm on a not so nice day. 

Check out the website for more details. 

Formby Red Squirrel Reserve and Formby Beach

Liverpool is close to the water, which means that you can access beaches close by. A little drive out from Liverpool town centre and you reach Formby. Formby red squirrel reserve and the beach are part of the National Trust. You can explore the woodland areas and look out for the red squirrels or enjoy a day out at the beach where you can walk and enjoy the sea air. The perfect spot for toddlers. 

Check out the website for more details. 

Calderstones Park

This smaller 4-acre park is a beautiful place to walk around with your little ones. It is in Allerton which is South Liverpool and you can explore English and Japanese gardens. A lovely place to enjoy with your toddlers. 

Check out the website for more details. 

Walker art gallery

I bet you weren’t expecting another art gallery on the list! Again this one is free to enter and they have a section specifically for under 5s – Big art for little artists. The gallery brings art to life through paintings, sculptures, toys and costumes. It’s the perfect place to introduce your little ones to art with hands-on activities and creative play. 

It’s open on a drop-in basis between selected times on opening days so I’d recommend you check the website before visiting.

Find out more here – Big Art

Speke Hall

Speke Hall is a National Trust property not far from the centre. It’s very close to the airport so you’ll see loads of planes which might be a bonus if your toddler loves planes.

There is a play area with plenty of things that toddlers will enjoy. There is also a maze you might enjoy exploring together and my favourite part, the story trail play trail. There are sculptures and interactive elements to this short woodland trail. Visit the snoring giant, play in the den building area and musical instruments too.

During term time they run a mini makers session every Monday between 10:30 and 12 in the restaurant. They do lots of simple crafts. This is free but admission to Speke Hall applies, free for National Trust members. Full details and running dates here – Mini Makers

Find out more here – Speke Hall

Spaceworld Liverpool

This is a space-themed soft play centre in Liverpool. There is plenty for budding astronauts of all ages to enjoy including a large play frame with a 20ft rocket to clime and 25ft slide!

There is an area for children aged 3 and under too. This toddler area includes bubbles, slides, a mirror maze, puzzles, and a space ranger car track.

Find out more and book here – Space World Play Centre

Birkenhead park

This is a historic park that is often referred to as the people’s garden. Visiting parks are great free things to do with toddlers. You can’t go wrong with this one in Birkenhead. There are plenty of paths across the 140 acre parkland.

There are also lakes and lots of wildlife to enjoy and of course a play area too with plenty of things for toddlers (the play area is near the visitors centre).

Find out more here – Birkenhead Park

Bubbles World of play

This is another fantastic soft play centre, this time in New Brighton. This one has a New York themed baby area, diner themed toddler play frame and a sensory zone for young children. There are also role play areas for children aged 1-5 years which include cafe, shop, police station, mechanic and igloo areas as well as several more.

The main frame has 5 levels and is suitable for children up to the age of 11 years old.

They offer off-peak discounts for weekdays in term time so well worth checking these out.

Find out more here – Bubbles World of Play

Open top bus tours

If you are visiting Liverpool as a tourist then an open-top bus tour of the city is a must. You’ll be able to see the main sights, hear about them with the audio guide and even use the bus as a way of getting between attractions rather than walking which isn’t ideal if you choose to leave the pushchair at home.

Book your hop on, hop of Liverpool tour here – Liverpool bus tour.

Baby Bards at Shakespeare North Playhouse

Every Tuesday at 11:15am join the team for an early years story and language session for preschool children aged 18 months to 4 years old.

Introducing story, letters and phonics through readings and fun activities.

Each child attending should be accompanied by an adult – both adults and children will need to buy tickets.

Book here – Baby Bards – Shakespeare North Playhouse

A little further afield

If you are happy to make a short drive then you can find some great toddler-friendly days out in Cheshire such as Blue Planet Aquarium which is perfect for a rainy day or Chester zoo. Find more ideas in this post – Things to do in Cheshire with toddlers.

Widnes isn’t that far away and Catalyst Museum is a great interactive museum for kids with some bit toddlers will enjoy, worth a visit if you have a toddler and an older child too.

I hope this has given you plenty of inspiration for things to do with a toddler in Liverpool.

Where to next?

I have some great seasonal posts that you might find useful depending on when you read this.

In autumn there are some great places for Pumpkin picking Liverpool

You might also enjoy some spooky events, find loads here – Halloween events Liverpool.

If you’ve not booked a Santa experience yet, find them all here – Where to see Santa Liverpool.

And finally, find loads of Christmas events Liverpool here.

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