Families can enjoy more affordable days out this summer, with a range of free and low cost activities.
The Government has reduced VAT on selected children’s and family activities including theatre and cinema tickets, restaurant meals and amusement parks.
The reduced pricing will run until 1 September 2026.
There’s also free bus travel for under 15s during the whole of August.
Find out more at https://summersavings.gov.uk/
Free Lifestyles membership for under 18s
Liverpool City Council has launched a new free leisure membership for children and young people, helping more families access opportunities to stay active, healthy, and connected to their local community.
Eligible young people aged 8-17 who live in Liverpool are able to sign up for the new Kids Go Free membership as part of the council’s Active Lifestyles Youth Offer. There’s also free swimming for under 8’s.
The new membership provides free access to gym and swimming sessions at participating Lifestyles centres across the city and is designed to encourage healthier lifestyles, improve wellbeing, and provide access to safe, inclusive leisure facilities for local young people.
The initiative supports Liverpool City Council’s commitment to reducing barriers to physical activity and ensuring that every child can enjoy the benefits of regular exercise.
Children and young people can register online or at any participating Lifestyles centre and will receive a new membership card free of charge.
Find out more at https://lifestyles.liverpool.gov.uk/.
Events in Liverpool libraries
Children across Liverpool are getting musical this summer as part the Summer Reading Challenge.
The 2026 theme, Read to the Beat!, is all about celebrating the joy of music and the power it has to move, inspire, and connect us – all through the magic of reading.
With a fantastic collection of 55 books inspired by music from around the world, children can explore stories, poetry, graphic novels, and non-fiction for all reading levels.
As part of the National Year of Reading, Liverpool’s libraries are encouraging families to make reading part of their summer adventures. Children can sign up at any library, set their reading goals, and enjoy rewards along the way.
‘Read to the Beat’ our Summer Reading Challenge, is taking place at our libraries.
Find out more at https://liverpoolexpress.co.uk/children-to-get-musical-in-libraries-this-summer/
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme
During school holidays children and young people, aged from reception to 16 years old who are eligible for targeted benefits-related free school meals, can access free activities and a meal.
The HAF programme for children and young people from reception age to 16 who receive benefits-related free school meals, starts on Monday 22 July 2026.
There’s a great range of free activities on offer across the city including trips out, Lego building, rock climbing, cooking, racket sports, sewing, painting, cycling, gymnastics, football and gardening, and much more.
Find out more and register at https://liverpool.gov.uk/children-and-families/holiday-activity-hub/.
