Getting children outside can be, well…a bit of a challenge! If you’re looking for things to do in Wirral with kids, here are some of our favourite outdoor activities.
I’m not a stay-at-home person, but like most children, my son would happily lie on the sofa all day watching cartoons and shouting, “Mum, I need a snack!” if I let him. Luckily, he also has an adventurous side. He loves being creative and thrives when he’s out exploring nature.
The Wirral has the perfect mix of woodland, countryside, and beaches, so there’s always somewhere new to explore. If you’re looking for ways to get the kids outside, here is a selection of our favourite outdoor activities in Wirral for children.
First, a few benefits of getting outdoors with children
Getting outside isn’t just refreshing. It plays an important role in your child’s physical and mental well-being. Fresh air and open space give children a healthy way to burn off energy, whether that’s a quick visit to the local park or a bigger outdoor adventure.
Spending time outside also boosts Vitamin D levels, which are linked to improved mood and lower levels of stress and anxiety. Even a short amount of time in natural light can make a noticeable difference.
Nature also gives children a break from routines, screens, and the rush of everyday life. The slower pace of being outdoors helps them relax, reset, and regulate their emotions.
Most importantly, being outside together is fun. Exploring and playing in nature creates special moments and real quality time.
Outdoor activities in Wirral for children
Contents:
- Follow a nature checklist and spot fairies, Vale Park
- Picnic on the beach with the freedom to play, Thurstaston Beach
- Cycle along the Wirral Way
- Join a forest school session, Birkenhead
- Walk to Little Eye or Hilbre Island, West Kirby
- Go paddleboarding on the Marine Lake, West Kirby
- Get competitive at Championship Adventure Golf, New Brighton
- Explore Royden Park and ride the miniature railway
Follow a nature checklist and spot fairies, Vale Park
Good for: Curious kids who love exploring and imaginative play.
Best for ages: 3+
Cost: Free.
What to bring: Nature checklist, small bag for collecting treasures, and snacks for a picnic.
I’ve used nature checklists and scavenger hunts to get my son outside ever since he was tiny. These activities are fun, keep curious kids engaged, and encourage them to notice the world around them. They’re also a simple and affordable way to spend time outdoors together while helping children develop observation skills, creativity, and a sense of adventure.
You can find printable checklists or scavenger hunts online, or make your own by listing things you might see along the way. Sometimes we bring a small bag to collect interesting finds like leaves, twigs, and pinecones. It’s a lovely way for children to explore nature and take a little piece of their adventure home with them.
You can do this in almost any outdoor space, but Vale Park in Wirral adds a little extra magic. The park has beautiful views across the River Mersey and plenty of space for children to explore.
One of the highlights is the Fairy Village, which children love discovering. My son enjoys searching for the tiny fairy houses and making up stories about who might live there. The park also has a bandstand that hosts events and outdoor theatre performances, a play area for children, and plenty of space for picnics.
Picnic on the beach with the freedom to play, Thurstaston Beach
Good for: Children who love beach play.
Best for ages: 3+ (only due to the steep path down)
Cost: Free.
What to bring: Picnic, bucket and spade, sturdy shoes.
Wirral Country Park is one of our favourite places to visit in Wirral. The views across the Dee Estuary are stunning, and there’s plenty of space for children to explore.
We enjoy wandering through the park, spotting wildlife around the ponds and in the fields, before heading down to Thurstaston Beach for a picnic, a BBQ, or to play and run around. It’s a great place for children to burn off energy while connecting with nature.
The path down to the beach is steep, but it only takes a few minutes to reach the shore. My son has managed it easily since he was about three, although it isn’t suitable for prams. The park can get busy at peak times, but the beach often stays quieter because it’s a little harder to reach than other Wirral beaches. It really does feel like a hidden gem.
We feel lucky to live close to the coast and try to enjoy the beach in all kinds of weather. Whenever we feel a bit overwhelmed or cooped up indoors, we grab a bucket and spade and head out to explore rock pools, paddle, go beachcombing, and breathe in the sea air. Being by the water always helps my son feel calmer and happier.
Cycle along the Wirral Way
Good for: Kids learning to ride a bike, family walks, wildlife spotting.
Best for ages: All ages.
Cost: Free.
What to bring: Bikes, snacks, a picnic and water.
The Wirral Way is a 12-mile walking and cycling route that follows a former railway line from West Kirby to Hooton. It’s one of the best places in Wirral for a family bike ride, with long stretches of traffic-free path surrounded by countryside.
We usually cycle small sections at a time. One of our favourites with children is the stretch between West Kirby and Thurstaston.
Because it’s away from busy roads, it’s also a great place for children who are learning to ride their bikes. They can build confidence and practice safely on the wide path. Just keep an eye out for other cyclists and walkers, especially during weekends and sunny days when the route can get quite busy.
Join in a forest school session, Birkenhead
Good for: Introducing children to outdoor learning and nature play.
Best for ages: Usually 3+ (varies by session)
Cost: Varies by programme.
What to bring: Comfortable outdoor clothing, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes.
My son loves taking part in forest school sessions. Like many children, he really thrives when learning outdoors. We’ve tried a few different forest school sessions in Wirral, and one of our favourites was with GROW Wellbeing in Birkenhead.
This not-for-profit organisation creates opportunities for children, young people, and adults to connect with nature through creative outdoor experiences.
Sessions often include activities such as:
- forest learning and nature exploration
- creative arts and storytelling
- nature studies and wildlife discovery
- outdoor adventures and games
- eco-therapy and mindful time in nature
These sessions help children build confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection with the natural world, all while having plenty of fun outdoors.
Walk to Little Eye or Hilbre Island, West Kirby
Good for: Adventurous kids who love wildlife spotting and coastal exploring.
Best for ages: 5+ (due to distance and tidal crossing)
Cost: Free.
What to bring: Water, snacks, sun cream, sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
West Kirby Beach is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. From the shoreline, you can see Hilbre Island in the distance, and at low tide, it’s possible to walk across the sand to reach it. Many people make the crossing to explore the islands and try to spot the local seal colony.
Hilbre Island is part of a small archipelago and is one of just 43 unbridged tidal islands in the UK that can be reached on foot from the mainland. Because of this, it’s very important to check tide times and plan your crossing carefully before setting off. Tide tables are displayed at the Dee Lane slipway and are also available online.
My son loves visiting Hilbre Island. But it’s a long walk and usually turns into a full-day adventure for us, so we always plan ahead.
If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth remembering:
- There are no shops or fresh water on the islands
- There is very little shelter from the weather
- The ground can be rocky and uneven in places
Make sure you pack everything you need, wear suitable footwear, and check the weather forecast before setting out.
You can also walk to Little Eye, which is the closest island and a slightly shorter adventure if you’re visiting with younger children.
Click here for Hilbre Island tide times.
Go paddleboarding on the Marine Lake, West Kirby
Good for: Kids who enjoy water sports or families who like coastal walks.
Best for ages: All ages (water activities depend on confidence)
Cost: Free to walk around the lake; equipment hire varies.
What to bring: Paddleboard or kayak, bucket and line for crabbing, snacks or fish and chips.
West Kirby Marine Lake is a unique spot covering 52 acres, with a lovely promenade around the edge. It’s a great place to spend time outdoors, with plenty of activities to enjoy, including sailing, kayaking, birdwatching, and paddleboarding.
If you’re not confident paddleboarding with your child, or simply don’t fancy getting on the water, don’t worry. Walking around the promenade is just as enjoyable. We often come here for a relaxed stroll, especially at sunset, or to spend a slow afternoon crabbing with the kids.
For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of benches where you can sit back, devour some fish and chips, and take in the views across to North Wales in the distance.
Whether you’re on the water or enjoying a walk along the promenade, West Kirby Marine Lake is a lovely place to spend time outdoors with children.
Get competitive at Championship Adventure Golf
Good for: Family-friendly competition.
Best for ages: All ages.
Cost: Paid attraction.
What to bring: Just yourselves; all equipment is provided.
We always get a little competitive when it comes to crazy golf! Championship Adventure Golf is an outdoor mini golf course located in New Brighton and makes a great activity for families spending the day by the sea.
There are two themed courses to choose from. You can play the Championship Course, inspired by some of the world’s most famous golf holes, or the Landmark Course, which features 18 holes based on well-known Wirral landmarks and attractions.
It’s easy to pick up and fun for all ages and abilities, which makes it perfect for a bit of friendly family competition. All the equipment you need is provided, so you can simply turn up and start playing.
One of the best things about visiting is that it’s right in the heart of New Brighton, so there’s plenty to do before or after your game. You can take a walk along the promenade, visit the beach, grab some food nearby, or enjoy the arcades and attractions along the seafront.
Explore Royden Park and ride the miniature railway
Good for: Children who love woodland exploring and miniature train rides.
Best for ages: All ages.
Cost: Free (small fee for the miniature railway.)
What to bring: Picnic, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, and a little change for the train.
Royden Park is one of the best parks in Wirral for families. There are woodland trails, open green spaces, ponds, and a great playground where children can run around and burn off some energy.
One of the highlights for kids is the miniature railway, which runs on certain weekends throughout the year. Volunteers run it, and it is always a big hit with children. My son absolutely loves it. Check their Facebook page for running times.
It’s a lovely place for a relaxed family walk, a picnic on the grass, or simply spending a few hours outdoors exploring.
I hope this selection of outdoor activities in Wirral has inspired you to get outside and try a few of them with your children.
These simple adventures give us the chance to slow down, be present, and spend meaningful time together. Some of our favourite memories have come from days spent exploring the parks, beaches, and countryside around the Wirral.
If you have participated in any of these activities, please let me know in the comments. I would love to hear about your experiences and see people enjoying our beautiful home.
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