The Wirral is the perfect place for families to explore and spend quality time together. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant towns and numerous activities available, any family will find something that appeals to them. Here is a selection of things to do in Wirral for families.
I was lucky enough to grow up in Wirral, and now I am raising my son here; it is no surprise that I have become quite the expert in things to do in Wirral for families! Whether you want indoor or outdoor activities, museums and culture or just a relaxing stroll along the beach. This area will undoubtedly host a family day out that suits you. So, whether you’re just visiting or living in Wirral, here is a selection of things you can do on your next visit.
This is my list of 10 things to do in Wirral for families. For a more comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Wirral, visit my things to do in Wirral, the ultimate locals guide, here.
1. Spend a day at one of Wirral’s many beaches
Rain or shine, we will visit the beach. There are so many lovely ones in Wirral to enjoy. Our favourites are probably Thurstaston Beach, Caldy Beach and West Kirby Beach. Although they are all quite different, here’s why we love to visit each one as a family.
Thurstaston Beach
If you’re looking for a quiet spot to spend the day with the family, head to Thurstaston Beach. We fondly call this beach our ‘secret beach’ because it doesn’t get overcrowded even during the height of Summer. It’s sandy with plenty of parking, picnic, and BBQ areas nearby.
Unfortunately, this beach is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs as there is a steep walk down. Above is Thurstaston Common, which is lovely to explore, and Church Farm is also nearby. We love spending an afternoon here together; we sometimes take fish and chips and watch the sunset from Wirral Country Park. Or visit Flissy’s Coffee Shop next to the Park’s car park just off the Wirral Way for refreshments.
Thurstaston Beach, Wirral CH61 0HN
West Kirby Beach
West Kirby Beach is lovely; you can have a proper day at the beach here. Not only is it easily accessible for wheelchairs and prams, but there are toilets, plenty of restaurants, cafes and a supermarket nearby. In addition, parking won’t be an issue as free and pay-and-display parking is available.
From West Kirby Beach, you can also stroll to Hoylake or Meols. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Hilbre Island. The nearby Marine Lake offers lovely scenery perfect for a walk, watersports or a crabbing spot. Lastly, watersports enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities at the Wirral Sailing Centre; courses are offered for all ages and levels of experience.
West Kirby Beach, Wirral CH48 0QG
Caldy Beach
Drive up Caldy Road from West Kirby and down to Croft Drive West, which passes under the Wirral Way. There is a small car park on the cliff above the beach. There are benches and grass for picnics and a path down to the beach.
On a sunny day or during sunset, you can enjoy stunning views of Dee Estuary from this dreamy spot. Even when the tide is high, it never fully reaches the beach’s edge. Caldy Beach is a little local gem. We love to watch the sunset here in the summer and paddle board here together. It’s a lovely place to meet in Wirral as a family.
2. Walk to Hilbre Island
West Kirby Beach can also act as the starting point for a trip for the 2-mile walk to Hilbre Island, one of the most beautiful walking destinations in Wirral.
The islands are made up of three small, interconnected sandstone islands – Little Eye, Middle Eye and Hilbre Island. It’s one of only 43 unbridged tidal islands in the UK that can be reached by foot from land, so it’s essential to check out tide times before embarking on the journey. Also, remember to bring enough provisions since there are no shops or fresh water on the islands and very little shelter. Suitable footwear and waterproof clothing are essential.
This is a beautiful way to make the most of the outdoors with family. You can find the best walking route and more information about Hilbre Island here.
Hilbre Island, Wirral CH47 1HZ
3. Get competitive at New Brighton
We love to visit New Brighton and often visit for bowling, food and traditional seaside fun at the arcades. So, whether you’re looking to enjoy a game of bowling at the Riverside Bowling Alley, take in a movie at the Light Cinema, or try your luck at Championship Adventure Golf, there’s something for everyone, not to mention the Floral Pavilion Theatre and Conference Centre, which provides plenty of entertainment.
With £60 million spent on the redevelopment of the coastal town, New Brighton is a fun day out for the family. Of course, the beach here is lovely too.
New Brighton, Wallasey, Wirral
4. Cycle along the Wirral Way
The Wirral Way is a beautiful path along an old railway track. Stretching from West Kirby to Hooton, this route offers unparalleled views over the Dee Estuary that extend into Wales.
The great thing about this foot and cycle path is that it was once a complete circuit of the Wirral railway line. Nowadays, it lends itself perfectly as a cycling trail for families and children seeking safer roads away from the hustle and bustle. However, if you’re looking for something more leisurely, why not take a short walk and enjoy some fresh air while stopping to admire the wildlife and breathtaking views around every corner?
5. Follow a trail at Royden Park
Royden Park is a serene area of nature sprawling across 250 acres and featuring woodlands, meadows, fields and a lake. It is situated beside Thurstaston Common and offers large open spaces with picnic tables, making it the perfect spot to have a peaceful day outdoors.
Royden Park provides visitors plenty of opportunities to explore and have fun – from visiting the visitor centre, complete with café, to enjoying a walled garden or joining ranger-led events programs. There are also miniature railway rides and pathways for woodland walks.
For those wanting to try fishing, the Roodee Mere contains water all year round but is only open to Association of Wirral Angling Clubs licence holders. Parking spots are available for a fee.
Royden Park, Hill Bark Rd, Frankby, Wirral CH48 1NP
6. Ride the ferry across the Mersey, Seacome
Head across the Mersey and visit Liverpool. With departures from Pier Head (Liverpool), Seacombe and Woodside, the River Explorer Cruise is a fun way to get to Liverpool. You can start your journey at any terminal and purchase a return ticket. Get ready for an unforgettable 50 minutes of spectacular sightseeing as you enjoy fabulous views of the Liverpool waterfront. Once you’ve arrived, head to one of the free Museums in Liverpool for lunch and make a day of it.
Seacombe is also now home to Eureka! Science and Discovery is the newest visitor attraction designed for children and young people up to 14 years old. At Eureka, they are all about discovering how science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics shape our lives—connecting daily with the extraordinary. It’s a great addition to your trip if you’re catching the Ferry and fancy making it into a day out.
Seacombe Ferry Terminal, Wallasey CH44 6NR
7. Feed farm animals at Tam O Shanter Farm
Tam O’Shanter Farm is an excellent free farm in Wirral that offers a great day out for the family. Visitors will be amazed by the wide variety of animals and nature areas available. Kids can enjoy two spacious play areas, and adults can interact with the animals through hands-on experiences and animal feeding. The farm is run by a charitable trust, ensuring all visitors have an enjoyable and educational experience. Animals on the site include alpacas, sheep, goats, hens, ducks, pigs, ponies, rabbits and guinea pigs – to name a few!
Tam O’Shanter Farm also welcomes volunteers of all ages and skills to engage with nature. The mission is to support those facing depression, anxiety or isolation by providing therapeutic activities within a safe environment. Visiting this beautiful farm was always my favourite way to spend time with family growing up. Nowadays, it’s still just as fantastic – free entry and full of fun educational experiences.
Tam O’Shanter Farm, Boundary Rd, Bidston, Birkenhead CH43 7PD
8. Paint pottery at The Potting Shed
If you fancy getting creative, The Potting Shed in Hoylake is a great place to spend a few hours painting pottery. They have gone above and beyond to ensure your visit is comfortable, entertaining, and suitable for all ages. They have a huge selection of pottery, and the staff are helpful and accommodating. There is even a cafe on site to make the most of while you paint. This is a lovely way to spend time and create something memorable. Read my review of The Potting Shed here.
The Potting Shed, 12-14 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 2AE
9. Find magic at Vale Park
I recommend visiting Vale Park if you’re looking for a peaceful place to spend quality time in nature. With views of the River Mersey and ample space to play, it’s perfect for adults and kids. One of the park’s unique features is the magical fairy village, which my son adores. He enjoys creating stories about the fairies that call this place home and loves to spot them hiding among the trees. There’s a fantastic bandstand that offers a variety of events, including music and outdoor theatre. After visiting New Brighton, my family and I often stroll around this beautiful park.
Vale Park, New Brighton, Wallasey CH45
10. Soak in nature at Ness Botanic Gardens
A little further afield but still with sweeping views of the Dee Estuary, Ness Botanic Gardens is an award-winning 64-acre paradise. Founded in 1898 by Liverpool cotton merchant and plant collector Arthur Kilpin Bulley, it has been home to over 15,000 plants from across the Himalayas, China, Tibet and Burma.
Guests can explore seasonal flowers, shrubs and trees that adorn its landscape along with beautiful features like its Laburnum arch and stunning herbaceous border. Outdoor events, including guided tours and concerts, make Ness Gardens an ideal destination for all seasons. Ness offers a concessionary rate to disabled visitors, and they have wheelchairs for hire.
Consider stopping by the Garden Kitchen Cafe for refreshments or celebrating your special day at the gardens with one of their licensed civil ceremonies or partnerships.
Ness Gardens, Neston Rd, Little Neston, Ness CH64 4AY
Wirral has so much to offer for families, and there are many activities that everyone can enjoy. I hope this article has helped give you some ideas of things to do next time you visit, or if you live here already, things to add to your list!
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