Inspire Me
Summer Holidays at the Dock
The school summer holidays are now well underway, and that means mums and dads could already be running out of ideas for things to do with the kids. We’re here to help!
Get hands-on with art at Tate Liverpool
Tate Liverpool has reopened its family space with a programme full of creative activities for children of all ages at its drop-in Creation Stations. Even better, they’re all free.
Kids have the chance to turn art detective and find out more about the gallery and its collections in The Bureau of Marvellous Missions. By looking closely at the artworks, they’ll be able to solve a series of mysteries using I-spy sheets, quizzes and photo mission.
Youngsters can take inspiration from the Tate’s art to get making by using collage techniques, stickers and stamps in Connection Café, or experiment with different ways of drawing including using their own bodies and different objects with The Draw Explore. And, if they just love to draw, they could stop at the gallery’s second floor Learning Lookouts to enjoy the amazing river views and sketch what they see.
Have a ride back in time on the Victorian carousel
This is traditional fairground fun at its most beautiful – the dock’s gorgeous Victorian carousel at Salthouse Quay will take you back to a bygone era.
Youngsters love choosing their own colourfully painted horse then holding on to the golden posts to take a spin on the vintage-style carousel, plus it’s a nice gentle ride so suitable for all ages.
Take a selfie with one of our giant deckchairs
Our huge stripey deckchairs outside Tate Liverpool and at Anchor Courtyard have proved a big hit with selfie fans this summer as part of our Great British Seaside celebrations, so don’t miss your chance to get a cute snap in one.
Our young visitors love climbing up to get their photo taken – and we’ve even had a few photogenic four-legged friends joining them.
Make your own pizzas at Gusto
Two things that kids really enjoy: having a go at cooking … and eating pizza! Why not combine the two by eating out at Gusto Italian restaurant where budding little chefs can make their own pizzas then tuck in to their creative efforts.
They’re given a base with fresh tomato sauce, and get to choose their own three toppings to add and arrange before having it cooked by the professionals. They’ll even get a chef’s hat to wear while they get to work!
Explore our waterfront see how kids measure up to Liverpool Mountain
Our colourful Liverpool Mountain sculpture measures 10 metres high, so nobody’s getting anywhere near the top but children love to see how they measure up against the bright fluorescent tower of rocks.Liverpool Mountain is just one of the interesting sculptures in and around the dock which make a perfect photo backdrop – as well as the waterfront itself, of course.
Test your breakout skills at Escape Hunt
If you’re looking for something all the family can have fun doing together, especially with older children, then Escape Hunt is definitely it. You’ll have to work together to find clues, solve puzzles and complete challenges before the time runs out. Just choose from a series of different games – indoor and outdoor ones are suitable for ages 8+. All under 16s must have an adult in their team.
Embark on our adventure trail
Little ones will love exploring the dock as part of our very own adventure trail from the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool Charitable Foundation and Children’s University. Head to Holiday Inn Express, Tate Liverpool, Merseyside Maritime Museum or The Nest to pick up your adventure booklet, then follow the map to find answers to the set of nine questions, you’ll be dock experts in no time!
After you’ve completed the questions and learnt lots of new interesting facts, head to The Beatles Story shop or Magical Mystery Tour office to collect your badge, and if your child has a Children’s University passport, this can be stamped there too; the ultimate explorer recognition!