A vibrant tourist destination with endless activities for children, the regeneration of Liverpool was sealed in 2008 when the city was crowned European Capital of Culture. Kids will love exploring everything from the sights and sounds of Mathew Street, where the Beatles used to play in the Cavern, to the ultra-modern shopping centre, Liverpool ONE.
Getting to the city is straightforward thanks to direct services operated by Virgin trains or you can fly into Liverpool's John Lennon Airport - search and compare prices at cheapflights.co.uk.
- The Beatles story<p> It’s amazing how many kids love The Beatles - and whether or not your brood has Beatlemania, they’ll love the interactive <a href="http://www.beatlesstory.com/" target="_blank">Beatles Story</a>. Spread over two venues at Albert Dock and Pier Head, the Fab4D Experience (an animated family film) is a real highlight.<br /> <br /> Open every day except 25th & 26th December.<br /> Under 5s free, family ticket (2 adults, 3 children), £38</p>
- Mersey Ferry to Spaceport<p> One of the best things about kid-friendly <a href="http://www.spaceport.org.uk/index.aspx" target="_blank">Spaceport </a>- a £10million visitor attraction featuring six themed galleries on space and space travel - is that you take a Ferry ‘cross the Mersey to get there. Go on the <a href="http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/" target="_blank">Mersey Travel Liverpool to Seacombe ferry</a> and you can buy a combined ticket.<br /> <br /> Spaceport opens Tuesday to Sunday (additional opening times during school holidays)<br /> Joint Spaceport & River Explorer Cruise family ticket (2 adults & 3 children), £30</p>
- Hard Day's Night Hotel<p> A smart, boutique hotel just around the corner from Mathew Street, the <a href="http://www.harddaysnighthotel.com/" target="_blank">Hard Days Night hotel </a>is brilliant for families. Children will adore the Yellow Submarine jukebox in reception, the glass lift and the Beatles artwork in every room.</p> <p> The hotel also offers cots, pull-out beds, booster seats, high-chairs, pram storage and a babysitting service on request.<br /> <br /> Room rates from £105 per room, per night.<br /> <br /> </p>
- Liverpool One<p> Shopping complex <a href="http://www.liverpool-one.com/website/" target="_blank">Liverpool One</a>, the development in the heart of the city is celebrating its first anniversary. </p> <p> The project, which was Europe's largest mixed retail, leisure and residential project, has seen 22 million visitors and increased footfall in Liverpool city centre by 18 per cent, against a national fall of five per cent. A weekend of events, including music, exhibitions and a fireworks display are planned to mark the occasion.</p>
- Alma De Cuba<p> A lovely place to eat with children, <a href="http://www.alma-de-cuba.com/" target="_blank">Alma de Cuba</a> is a breathtaking venue.</p> <p> The eclectic menu is delicious, but kids will lap up the atmosphere of the grand, converted church, particularly on Sundays when you can tuck into roast beef and Yorkshire puddings whilst being entertained by a live gospel choir. It’s an experience not to be missed.<br /> <br /> Alma de Cuba Gospel brunch, 12pm - 6pm every Sunday.</p>
- Underwater Street<p> At Liverpool’s historic Pier Head, <a href="http://www.underwaterstreet.com/" target="_blank">Underwater Street</a><a href="http://www.underwaterstreet.com/" target="_blank"> </a>is a hands-on, experiential learning environment for children aged 2 - 10. With a real car to paint, science shows, a climbing wall, giant bubble area and ‘Imagination Village’, there’s plenty to keep children entertained.</p> <p> The café serves healthy food and you can check the website for themed activities and special events.</p> <p> Open 10am – 5pm every day during the summer holidays and 10am – 6pm at weekends (check website for additional opening times)</p> <p> Under 1s free, <strong>supersaver ticket (group of 4), £22</strong></p>
- Big Art for Little Hands<p> <a href="http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker/bigart/" target="_blank">Big Art for Little Artists </a>is housed within the famous Walker Gallery, opposite Lime Street station. A gallery for children up to and including the age of 8, it’s designed to introduce kids to art. Older children will enjoy the impressive main gallery which has one of the finest collections of fine and decorative art in Europe.<br /> <br /> Open 10am - 5pm daily, closed from 2pm on 24th December, all day 25th and 26th December and 1st January.</p> <p> <br /> Free admission to the gallery and all exhibitions and events.</p>
- Base2Stay<p> Located in Liverpool’s Ropewalks, the city’s bohemian design and entertainment quarter, <a href="http://www.base2stay.com/liverpool" target="_blank">base2stay </a>offers four-star comfort, and each room has its own mini-kitchen, making it particularly family-friendly.</p> <p> Rather than expensive mini-bars, there are vending machines at high street prices, in-room on-screen directories to help you shop or order in, and exclusive discounts at the surrounding restaurants, cafes, bars and cultural venues.<br /> <br /> Double rooms from £59 per night.</p>
- Echo Wheel of Liverpool<p> Scheduled to remain in place until February 2012, the <a href="http://www.echoarena.com/whats_on/big_wheel.asp" target="_blank">Echo Wheel of Liverpool</a> is a brilliant way to see the city - from 60m.</p> <p> The observation wheel has 42 fully-enclosed, air-conditioned capsules and offers spectacular views of the River Mersey, the Welsh mountains and the waterfront. Ride time is around 10 to 12 minutes and you’ll go round three times.<br /> <br /> Open Monday to Thursday 12pm – 9pm and Friday 12pm – 11pm (school holidays and bank holidays from 10am), Saturday 10am – 11pm, Sunday 10am – 9pm.</p> <p> <br /> Under 1s free, children 4 – 16yrs, £4.25, children 1 – 3yrs, 85p, adult, £6.37.</p>
- Tate Liverpool<p> <a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/liverpool/" target="_blank">Tate Liverpool</a> is situated on the waterfront at Albert Dock, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.</p> <p> It presents work from the Tate collection alongside special exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. A key part of the gallery’s work is delivered by a ‘learning team’ through a varied programme of activities, many aimed at younger visitors.<br /> <br /> Check website for seasonal opening hours.<br /> Entry is free except for major exhibitions.</p>
