Liverpool ONE is bringing a packed programme of family fun to the city centre this summer, with free events, outdoor activities, entertainment, trails, food offers and the return of its popular Beach Fest at Chavasse Park.
Running throughout the school holidays, the summer programme is designed to give families plenty of reasons to visit the city centre, whether they want a free day out, somewhere to eat with the kids, or a full afternoon of entertainment.
From an urban sandy beach and family-friendly rides to the return of Tickle the Ivories, ChessFest, the Minton Tile Trail and self-guided walks around the city, Liverpool ONE is set for a busy summer of family activity.
Beach Fest at Chavasse Park
One of the biggest summer highlights is Beach Fest, which runs from 18 July to 31 August.
Chavasse Park will be transformed into a colourful city-centre summer destination, complete with an urban sandy beach, family-friendly rides and six weeks of entertainment and activities.
It brings a seaside feel to the heart of Liverpool ONE, giving families somewhere to relax, play and enjoy a summer atmosphere without leaving the city.
Beach Fest is ideal for families looking for a low-pressure day out during the school holidays, especially if you want to combine outdoor fun with shopping, lunch or one of Liverpool ONE’s leisure attractions.
Tickle the Ivories returns
Liverpool ONE’s much-loved piano festival, Tickle the Ivories, returns from 10 July to 11 September.
Now in its 16th year, the nine-week festival gives amateur and professional pianists the chance to perform on street pianos across Liverpool ONE.
This year’s festival will see the return of the Brad Kella-themed piano, alongside new piano designs created with local artists around the theme Music and Memories.
A special piano will also honour Gerry Jones, a long-standing supporter of Tickle the Ivories who sadly passed away in 2026.
The festival is free to enjoy, making it a lovely addition to a day in town. Visitors can stop and listen while shopping, eating or making their way through Liverpool ONE. Liverpool ONE’s official What’s On page lists Tickle the Ivories as running from 10 July to 11 September.
Minton Tile Trail
From 17 July to 2 September, Liverpool ONE will also be part of the Minton Tile Trail, a free city-wide trail marking the Minton Tile Reveal at St George’s Hall.
Families can visit the Liverpool ONE Information Centre to see a specially commissioned artwork on the window, pick up a trail map and uncover each location as they go.
The trail invites visitors to bring a historic design to life, with completed tile creations set to be showcased at St George’s Hall this summer.
ChessFest at Chavasse Park
Chess fans, beginners and curious kids can head to ChessFest on 19 July.
Taking place in Chavasse Park, the free event will feature giant outdoor chess boards, live demonstrations and interactive sessions.
It is suitable for all ages, from complete beginners to experienced players, and offers a fun way to get children thinking, playing and learning outdoors.
Free Paddington statue, Heritage Trail and Nature Trail
Families can also enjoy several free activities at Liverpool ONE throughout the summer.
The popular Paddington Bear statue is waiting on College Lane, giving visitors the chance to snap a selfie with the much-loved character. Liverpool ONE’s family page confirms the Paddington statue is located on College Lane, near Waterstones.
The Heritage Trail takes visitors through more than 300 years of Liverpool’s history, while the Nature Trail explores the plants and wildlife of Chavasse Park. Both are self-guided and accessible, with maps available through the Liverpool ONE app, online or from the Information Centre on Wall Street.
The Old Dock Tour
For families who want to discover more about Liverpool’s history, The Old Dock Tour offers a 60-minute guided experience beneath Liverpool ONE.
The tour explores Liverpool’s historic dock and gives visitors a chance to learn more about the city’s maritime story.
Under-fives go free, with other tickets starting from £5.
Kids eat free or for less at Liverpool ONE
Liverpool ONE restaurants are also offering summer dining deals for families, with selected venues running kids eat free or discounted children’s meal offers.
Participating restaurants include TGI Fridays, Zizzi, Smoke & Dough, Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, The Real Greek, Las Iguanas and Turtle Bay.
It means families can plan a full day out without the cost of eating out getting out of hand.
Liverpool ONE’s official family page also highlights kids eat free offers, £1 ODEON kids tickets, Junkyard Golf family tickets, the Upside Down House, Gravity MAX and other family-friendly activities.
More family activities at Liverpool ONE
More family activities at Liverpool ONEAlongside the free summer programme, Liverpool ONE is packed with paid entertainment and indoor attractions for all ages.
Families can try VR experiences, e-karting, e-bowling and arcade games at Gravity MAX, play themed mini golf at Junkyard Golf Club, catch the latest films at ODEON, or visit the Upside Down House for a fun photo opportunity.
There are also more than 170 shops, restaurants, bars and leisure experiences across Liverpool ONE, making it easy to build a full city-centre day out around Beach Fest or one of the free events.
Where is Liverpool ONE?
Liverpool ONE is located in the heart of Liverpool city centre, across areas including Paradise Street, South John Street, Peter’s Lane, Hanover Street and the Leisure Terrace facing Chavasse Park.
The Liverpool ONE Information Centre is on Wall Street, where visitors can pick up trail maps and get help with planning their visit.
How to find out more
For the full summer programme, event updates, family offers and booking information, visit the Liverpool ONE website and head to the family section.
With Beach Fest, free trails, music, chess, food offers and family attractions across the city centre, Liverpool ONE is giving families plenty to do this summer without needing to travel far.