Curious minds, big imaginations and a city that loves to tell a story: Liverpool is made for little explorers.
From ancient creatures and live bugs to a pint-sized city created especially for play, some of Liverpool's best family days out are within easy reach of The Resident Liverpool on Seel Street. Whether you're visiting Liverpool for a weekend or looking for something to fill a free afternoon, here are some of our Resident Insiders' favourites for families with children.
Meet bugs, dinosaurs and ancient treasures at World Museum
A journey through time, space and the natural world, all under one roof on William Brown Street. Liverpool's much-loved World Museum has been sparking curiosity since 1851, with five floors to explore. Little ones can come face to face with spiders, beetles and scorpions in the Bug House, then move on to the aquarium, where local marine life sits alongside colourful tropical species. Dinosaurs and ancient Egyptian treasures add plenty more to investigate, while the planetarium takes the adventure beyond Earth altogether. Entry to the museum and its permanent galleries is free, while planetarium shows carry a charge, making this an easy place to spend a few hours without trying to rush through everything.
A tip from The Resident Insiders: Allow a relaxed afternoon rather than trying to see everything at once, and save the planetarium for last. World Museum is an easy walk from The Resident Liverpool, and general admission to the permanent galleries is free.
Let little ones take over Little Liverpool
For younger visitors, Liverpool has a city within the city where they get to run the show.
Tucked inside the Museum of Liverpool on the waterfront, Little Liverpool is designed for children under six and their grown-ups. Water play, building and storytelling come together in a hands-on space where tiny hands can splash, stack and explore. It's a gentle introduction to the city for younger children, with everything designed at just the right scale for them. Afterwards, step outside for a walk around Pier Head and along the waterfront, where there's plenty of space to stretch little legs before heading back into the city.