Primary Times Merseyside - Spring 2025

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Hello Readers

With the weather getting warmer and the days becoming longer we have an abundance of days out ideas for you to choose from in our Hop into Spring feature. Lots of local venues have fantastic Easter events and activities running over the school holidays, so you can be sure to find something that the whole family can enjoy.

Our Box Office page details some lovely on stage shows, with St Helens’ Easter panto sure to entertain the masses too.

Lastly, don’t forget to enter our competition on page 13 for your chance to win an AirHop Family Pass to enjoy 90 minutes of bouncing for four people!

We will be back in May bringing you more of What’s on Where across Merseyside, but until then, enjoy the break from school and the usual routines, and have a lovely Easter.

Louise

WOW COMPETITION LOCAL NEWS HOP INTO SPRING

Local NEWS

Snippets of news from the local area, detailing what’s on offer for families, from wraparound care to theatre shows and school news.

Wraparound Childcare: Support for Working Families

Did you know that since September 2024 wraparound childcare has been expanding? It’s great news for parents of primary school aged children – as you can expect to see an increase in the number of wraparound childcare places available across schools in England.

Wraparound childcare is often run on a school site, or at another setting in the local area, for example in a nursery, and provides before and after-school termtime care for primary-aged children, typically between the hours of 8am until 6pm. It offers children a safe, supportive place to play with friends, whilst helping parents and carers juggle work and childcare more flexibly.

How to access wraparound care?

Speak directly with your child’s school! Your school will set their own fees for wraparound care, and you can pay them directly. Plus, if you’re eligible, you can use your Tax-free childcare or Universal Credit Childcare to help pay for your child’s place. For more information, visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk  or contact your child’s school.

Birkenhead School named Independent Secondary School of the Year (North West)

Birkenhead School, located in Oxton, Wirral, has been named as the Independent Secondary School of the Year 2025 (North West) by The Sunday Times. This prestigious accolade reflects the school’s exceptional academic performance, ranking as the top-performing school in Merseyside for A Levels in 2024. The award recognises Birkenhead School’s commitment to academic excellence, outstanding co-curricular opportunities, and a nurturing environment that supports students in achieving their full potential. This recognition further strengthens the school’s reputation as a top choice for families seeking an exceptional education. Bus Services are available and have been expanded to meet the growing demand from Liverpool families. Check online for more information or visit the Whole School Open Day on Saturday 26th April from 9.30am-12.30pm.

W: www.birkenheadschool.co.uk

Family Concert: The Bear Hunt Adventure at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Are you ready? Head off on a Bear Hunt Adventure on Sunday 22nd June! With the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra as your guide, trek through the exhilarating and the enchanting, the beautiful and the scary, discovering epic works and incredible stories. In this magical musical journey – inspired by the beloved children’s story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – you’ll discover iconic music by Grieg and Mussorgsky, an exciting original work by Ian Stephens, and Debbie Wiseman’s musical portrait of a polar bear from her Carnival of the Endangered Animals. Let’s go! This concert will be BSL interpreted. W: www.liverpoolphil.com

Hop into SPRING

We have a varied selection of days out to choose from this spring. With so many different options and Easter activities on offer, you can keep the whole family entertained over the school holidays!

Visit the Indoor Funfair this Easter break

Located at the Exhibition Centre, Liverpool’s Indoor Funfair is the ultimate family day out which is running from Tuesday 8th until Monday 21st April. You can expect jaw-dropping rides and amazing attractions all under one roof! You’ll find a great mix of children’s rides and large rides to enjoy, all at one great price! Rider’s tickets are from £13.99 (inc. booking fee) which includes unlimited access to all the rides. It truly is the ideal Easter treat for all the family. So, what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now at www.indoorfunfair.org

Feel the magic of Anfield this spring

Go behind the scenes inside one of the world’s most iconic and historic stadiums, during the interactive and immersive Liverpool FC Stadium Tour. Gain insight into the club’s rich history and access must-see areas such as the Press Conference Room, This Is Anfield sign, Player’s Tunnel, Managerial Dugout and the Home Team Dressing Room. Tickets include entry into the Club’s recently relaunched LFC Museum featuring nine interactive areas and home to the six European cups and over 135 years of LFC history.

W: www.lfc.tv/tours

10% OFF the LFC Stadium Tour & Museum with PRIMARY TIMES (valid until 31/04/25)

Ready for Easter with Liverpool ONE

Spring is in the air, and Liverpool ONE is the ultimate destination for family-friendly fun this Easter! With an exciting mix of entertainment, shopping, and dining, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you’re on the hunt for tasty Easter treats, getting stuck into some fun activities, or just soaking up the spring vibes in Chavasse Park, Liverpool ONE is the place to be! Many of the restaurants have offers such as Kids Eat Free, plus, don’t miss the exciting Easter Party on Friday 18th April, a free-to-enjoy event, filled with fun activities, live entertainment, and plenty of surprises for the whole family!

W: www.liverpool-one.com

Crack the Easter Egg-nigma code at RHS Garden Bridgewater

Visit RHS Garden Bridgewater this Easter to hunt down the colourful eggs hidden throughout the spring garden, collect the clues to solve the mystery and claim your chocolate treat! The challenge is running at Bridgewater from Monday 7th until Sunday 27th April, make sure you grab your code-breaker pack on arrival for £2.50.

W: www.rhs.org.uk/bridgewater

Eureka! What Will You Discover?

Explore the ginormous digestive system in Bodies, investigate the Amazing Inventions shed in Nature and marvel at the supersize cat ‘Luna’ in Homes; there’s plenty to keep the whole family busy for hours! If you don’t manage to see everything in just one day – fear not! A standard entry ticket is automatically an Annual Pass, meaning that you can book a revisit for FREE, any number of times for a full year!

Eureka! Science + Discovery is Merseyside’s newest visitor attraction, located in Wallasey, Wirral. Check the website and social media for opening hours and for what’s on.

W: www.eurekadiscovery.org.uk

Step Into the Land of Oz at Gulliver’s World This Easter

Get ready for a spellbinding adventure as the brand-new Land of Oz opens this Easter at Gulliver’s World, Warrington! Experience the magic with incredible new attractions, including the Upside Down House, the thrilling Winged Monkeys ride, and the whimsical Munchkin Motors. Perfect for a family day out, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. Plus, book your tickets in advance and save on entry! Don’t miss your chance to follow the yellow brick road to an unforgettable theme park adventure.

Visit www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk to plan your visit today!

Get ready for GANDEYS CIRCUS “Carnival”

A spectacular show that brings the thrills, colour and spectacle of circus and carnival to life! Running at Aintree Racecourse from Thursday 24th April until Monday 5th May: step right up and experience the brand new, high-energy production from your favourite circus, bigger and better than ever, and making a triumphant return by popular demand is the hilarious Bippo! Prepare to be transported to the vibrant, lively world of Rio’s famous Carnival with stunning sounds, dazzling costumes, and an international cast full of flair and excitement. Gandey brand quality and unforgettable entertainment await you! W: www.gandeyscircus.com

Use PT5 when booking for discount!

Hop through spring at Jump Inc by AirHop Liverpool

AirHop Adventure and Trampoline Park offers high-flying indoor fun with thrilling activities and experiences for all ages. Whether you’re celebrating or just bouncing for fun, there are sessions for everyone! Toddler Takeover (ages 1-6) provides a safe and exciting bouncing experience, while Family Takeover lets the whole family (ages 1+) jump together. Open Jump is perfect for ages 4+ and includes After Dark Sessions on weekends for an extra fun club-like experience.

During term time you can hop and save with some fantastic offers: Midweek Parties – save 20% off midweek parties, making unforgettable celebrations more affordable while keeping all the perks of an AirHop party! After School Offers – say goodbye to boring afternoons! Pay for one hour and get Unlimited After School Jumps Mondays to Thursdays. Or bring a friend for After School Antics – 2 jumps plus 1 pizza means the homework can wait!

Make Easter the bounciest ever by joining AirHop’s Easterfest! Their first hoppy Easter celebration during the Toddler Takeover session 9-10am all of Easter weekend, from 18th to 21st April! Expect hoppy music and entertainment, arts & crafts, visit and photo opportunity with the Easter bunny, and more. Secure your tickets now, book your AirHop adventure today! W: www.airhop.co.uk

Explore More by Bus

Explore more of your local area with Stagecoach Bus in Merseyside! Single fares are just £2 for adults, so you will have more to spend on visiting some of the fantastic attractions around your area. It’s easy to hop on and off your local service by planning your journey on the Stagecoach Bus app. Save more, explore more, and spend time together with Stagecoach Bus in Merseyside. Download the app for timetables, tickets and more!

W: www.stagecoachbus.com

Don’t miss St Helens’ spectacular Easter Panto

Visit St Helens Theatre Royal for a magical Easter adventure as Regal Entertainments presents the enchanting tale of Cinderella from Saturday 5th until Monday 21st April! With dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy, and spectacular special effects, this fun-filled family pantomime follows Cinderella’s journey from rags to riches. Will she make it to the royal ball with the help of Buttons and her Fairy Godmother? And what will happen when the clock strikes midnight?

Expect laughs, surprises, and plenty of audience participation –this is one pantomime you won’t want to miss!

W: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

Craft activities and on-stage entertainment for families

At The Atkinson in Southport, families can make the most of the Easter break and May Half Term with free Make it! craft activities (on 10th & 17th April and 29th May) and children’s theatre for all ages. In The Story Forge, on Thursday 17th April, two rather silly men (and senior professors of history) forge three new myths from the unhinged minds of their audience. In Exciting Science on Friday 30th May, watch in amazement as they recreate a volcanic eruption; turn a vacuum cleaner into a missile launcher or take aim at the audience with our smoke blaster! Plan your visit online.

W: www.theatkinson.co.uk

WOW

What’s on Where in Merseyside

THIS SPRING

Nature Trail

Liverpool ONE

www.liverpool-one.com

Perfect for mini explorers, the Nature Trail guides you through Liverpool ONE’s Chavasse Park, where you can learn about the vibrant plants and wildlife in the heart of the city. The free self-guided trail takes around 60 minutes and is available online or at the Information Centre on Wall Street.

Stadium Tour

Liverpool Football Club www.lfc.tv/tours

Visit Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC. See where your heroes prepare in the Home Team Dressing Room, practice your interview technique in the Press Room, touch the famous This is Anfield sign, walk down the players’ tunnel and stand pitch side. Tickets also include entry to the LFC Museum.

10% OFF with PRIMARY TIMES Valid until 31/04/25

The Heritage Trail

Liverpool ONE

www.liverpool-one.com

The Heritage Trail, both free and fully accessible, invites visitors on a journey to explore more than 300 years of Liverpool’s history. Discovering the events, places and people that shaped the maritime powerhouse that is Liverpool.

Bus Travel this Spring Stagecoach Bus www.stagecoachbus.com

Get around this spring for less with adult single fares just £2. Check online to plan your next day out.

Saturday 29th March

Construction Club

The Atkinson www.theatkinson.co.uk

Young inventors, creators and builders are invited to drop in and play with the massive supply of LEGO. 10.30am-12.30pm. Free admission, age 5+.

Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th

March

Mother’s Day Weekend

Gulliver’s World, Warrington www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Gulliver’s World. Adults go FREE when accompanied by at least one full paying child on both days.

Saturday 5th-Sunday 13th

April

A World of Brains

Eureka! Science + Discovery, Wallasey www.eurekadiscovery.org.uk

Eight billion unique brains on Earth – let’s celebrate neurodivergence! A World of Brains uses interactive drama to explore why our differences make us stronger. Please book on arrival.

Lambing Week

Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk

See the newborns and learn all about them with the expert farm staff (closed on Monday).

Saturday 5th-Monday 21st

April

The Old Dock Tour

Liverpool ONE www.liverpool-one.com

Curious about Liverpool’s history?

The 60-minute Old Dock Tour takes visitors back in time as they discover how a bright mind and creativity shaped the city’s destiny forever. The tour includes a visit to a part of the original Old Dock underneath Liverpool ONE. Kids under 5 go FREE / kids aged 6-17 £3 / adults £10 (£9 concession).

Spring Spectacular

Gulliver’s World, Warrington www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk

Bounce along with the Easter Bunny and Candy Crew for mad-cap antics and eggscellent entertainment this April at Gulliver’s!

See voucher on page 9

Kids Eat for Less or Free Liverpool ONE www.liverpool-one.com

Restaurants at Liverpool ONE are offering free or discounted kids’ meals this Easter break, making it easier than ever to enjoy a family meal.

The Senses Science Show

Eureka! Science + Discovery, Wallasey www.eurekadiscovery.org.uk

Explore the senses, discover which body parts are in charge of each one, and see how our brains help us make sense of the world in this 30 minute science show.

The Latest Cinema Releases

ODEON, Liverpool ONE www.liverpool-one.com

This Easter, ODEON Liverpool ONE is the perfect place for a family movie day! Catch the highly anticipated A Minecraft Movie, along with a fantastic lineup of beloved classics making their return to the big screen. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the film... just don’t forget the popcorn!

Mind Craft

Eureka! Science + Discovery, Wallasey www.eurekadiscovery.org.uk

Make your own neurons, brain hats, or simply enjoy some mindful colouring in craft space.

Brain Trail

Eureka! Science + Discovery, Wallasey www.eurekadiscovery.org.uk

Grab a trail map from the front desk when you arrive. Explore the galleries to track down hidden brains… Can you find them all?

Monday 7th-Sunday 27th April

Crack the Easter Egg-nigma code

RHS Garden Bridgewater www.rhs.org.uk

Non-Stop Family Fun

Liverpool ONE www.liverpool-one.com

From the exhilarating Gravity MAX, offering everything from VR experiences and e-Karting to e-bowling and an arcade, to the immersive escape rooms at Escape Live and fun-filled rounds of golf at Junkyard Golf Club, Liverpool ONE is bursting with action. And don’t miss the quirky Upside Down House and on College Lane, right outside Waterstones, sits a very special visitor... Paddington is waiting, with a marmalade sandwich in hand, for children of all ages to discover him and snap a selfie.

Monday 7th-Tuesday 15th April

Family Activities Norton Priory www.nortonpriory.org

Take your families for fun filled and creative Easter activities. 11am-3pm. Drop in, price included with general admission. Running on 7th & 8th and 14th & 15th April.

Tuesday 8th-Monday 21st April

Indoor Funfair

Liverpool Exhibition Centre www.indoorfunfair.org

You can expect jaw-dropping rides and amazing attractions all under one roof. A great mix of children’s rides and larger rides to enjoy. Rider’s tickets are from £13.99 (inc. booking fee) which includes unlimited access to all the rides.

Hunt down the colourful eggs and collect the clues to solve the mystery and claim your chocolate – make sure you grab a code-breaker pack on arrival for £2.50.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk

A delightful storytelling tour in the gardens inspired by The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

Wednesday 9th April

I See Me When I Look at a Tree Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk

A mindfulness experience for families in Tatton Park’s Gardens, inspired by different varieties of trees.

Junior Longbow Workshop

Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk

Learn how to shoot the English longbow like a Medieval archer!

Thursday 10th April

Through the Window Workshop

Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk

A unique experience recommended for 3–6-year-olds, based within Tatton’s Gardens, which explores art and design, observational skills, and simple mapping.

Thursday 10th & Thursday 17th April

Make it!

The Atkinson www.theatkinson.co.uk FREE craft activities for families.

Friday 11th April

Natural Navigators Workshop

Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk

A fascinating family workshop based in Tatton’s Parkland that gives an introduction on how to navigate when out in nature.

Monday 14th-Monday 21st April

The Great Brain Machine

Eureka! Science + Discovery, Wallasey www.eurekadiscovery.org.uk

The brain is tiny but mighty, controlling everything we do at lightning speed! The Great Brain Machine unravels its mysteries with fun, drama-based activities for all ages. Please book on arrival.

Friday 18th April

Easter Party

Liverpool ONE

www.liverpool-one.com

A FREE fun-filled Easter Party with live entertainment, interactive activities, and plenty of surprises for the whole family. Don’t miss out on this eggciting event!

Easter Pop-Up Market

Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk

A family friendly Pop-Up Market in the Stableyard. Discover artisan food producers, local artwork, and beautiful homeware.

Friday 18th-Monday 21st April

EasterFest

AirHop Adventure and Trampoline Park www.airhop.co.uk

A hoppy Easter celebration during the Toddler Takeover session 9-10am over the Easter weekend. Expect hoppy music and entertainment, arts & crafts, visit and photo opportunity with the Easter bunny, and more.

Friday 18th & Monday 21st April

Bunny Hunt Story Walk Norton Priory www.nortonpriory.org

The Easter Bunny has been spotted hopping through Norton Priory Woodland. Where have they gone? Join the family-friendly story walk in the beautiful springtime woodland and help the grumpy gardener hunt for the Easter Bunny.

Thursday 24th April-Monday 5th May

Gandeys Circus – Carnival

Aintree Racecourse www.gandeyscircus.com

A spectacular show that brings the thrills, colour and spectacle of circus and carnival to life! Be transported to the vibrant, lively world of Rio’s famous Carnival with stunning sounds, dazzling costumes, and an international cast full of flair and excitement.

Use PT5 when booking for discount

Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th April

Toy Bank Weekend

Gulliver’s World Resort www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk

Enjoy discounted theme park entry from £15pp when you take along a new and unused toy (one per booking) to donate when you arrive. In support of KidsOut, your generous donations will help support local children in crisis.

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!

WIN AN AIRHOP FAMILY PASS!

AirHop Adventure and Trampoline Parks offer exciting venues for all ages. Ages 4+ can enjoy the park during Open Jump sessions, bounce with the whole family, ages 1+, during Family Takeover sessions, or those aged 1-6 years get the park to themselves during Toddler Takeover sessions.  Answer the question below for your chance to win an AirHop Family Pass (90 minutes of bouncing for four people, must include one adult)! Open Jump Sessions are suitable for which ages?

• 6+ • 4+

For your chance to win this fantastic pass, email in your entry titled AirHop to competitions@primarytimesmag.com and you will be placed into our prize draw. When you enter make sure you give us your name, address, email, child’s age and school. Good luck!

Saturday 3rd-Monday 5th May

Princess and Pirate Weekend

Gulliver’s World Resort www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk

There will be treasure treats, fancy dress events, themed activities and so much more at Gulliver’s World Warrington. Buddy the Pirate will be on stage with some swashbuckling songs and Princess Gilly will be making special appearances throughout the day.

See voucher on page 9

Bennetts British Superbike Championship

Oulton Park www.oultonpark.co.uk

The 2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship kicks off at Oulton Park.

Sunday 4th May

Orchard Blossom Day

Norton Priory www.nortonpriory.org

Family-friendly crafts, tours of Norton Priory’s orchards, themed trails, and a blossom-spotters guide.

Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May

Supertato

Gulliver’s World Resort

www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk

Go and see Supertato, the world’s first potato superhero, at Gulliver’s World for one weekend only! He’ll be appearing at intervals on both days.

Box OFFICE

A selection of family-friendly shows and films showing at local theatres this spring, including an Easter pantomime at St Helens Theatre. Book your tickets now for pick of the best seats!

The Atkinson, Southport www.theatkinson.co.uk

Thursday 17th April

THE STORY FORGE

Two rather silly men (and senior professors of history) forge three new myths from the unhinged minds of their audience.

Saturday 19th April

THE WIZARD OF OZ

This spectacular, pantomimic, colourful story is packed with hilarious jokes, dazzling dance routines, glittering scenery and plenty more for all the family.

Wednesday 30th April

THE BADDIES

With songs by Joe Stilgoe (Zog and Zog and The Flying Doctors), The Baddies is a wickedly hilarious adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s smash-hit story. A laugh-out-loud riot for all the family.

Thursday 29th May

THE ENCHANTED PRINCESS BALL

This Royal Princess Extravaganza is a fast paced, high energy and engaging musical toe tapping adventure that is perfect for the whole family featuring stunning sets, sparkling costumes and lots of songs, dance, laughs and audience participation!

Friday 30th May

EXCITING SCIENCE

With Fun & Fact filled experiments, watch in amazement as the team recreate a volcanic eruption, turn a vacuum cleaner into a missile launcher, or take aim at you with a smoke blaster! Age 4+.

Liverpool Empire www.atgtickets.com

Tuesday 8th-Saturday 19th April

WAR HORSE

War Horse is an unforgettable theatrical experience which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France.

Liverpool Everyman www.everymanplayhouse.com

Tuesday 8th-Saturday 12th April

THE GRUFFALO

Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!

Liverpool Philharmonic www.liverpoolphil.com

Monday 7th April

ANDY AND THE ODD SOCKS

Rock out with Andy and the Odd Socks! Join Andy, Moxy, Rio, Blu and Cousin Mac and sing along with all their favourite songs from the smash hit CBBC TV show Andy and the Band. Join the ‘Odd Socks’ as they bring their brilliant madcap mix of songs, slapstick comedy and silliness to life with a show to entertain families of all ages. It’s THE show that everyone wants to see and sing along to but also has a great positive message to be yourself and proud of who you are.

Saturday 3rd May

FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

A captivating and original story that combines humour, fire-breathing action, and epic adventure! When a young Viking defies tradition and befriends a ferocious dragon, together they must fight against all odds to save both their worlds. Experience this enchanting film in HD, with John Powell’s Oscar®-nominated musical score performed live by the Orchestra. This performance will last two hours, including a 20-minute interval.

M and S Bank Arena www.mandsbankarena.com

Tuesday 15th April

THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

Prepare for an electrifying experience as the iconic Harlem Globetrotters bring their highly anticipated 2025 UK tour to Liverpool, promising unmatched basketball innovation and unparalleled fan engagement in arenas nationwide.

Thursday 8th-Friday 9th May

TORVILL AND DEAN

Join British ice-skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean as they embark on their last ever UK tour together.

St Helens Theatre Royal www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

Saturday 5th-Monday 21st April

EASTER PANTO: CINDERELLA

With dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy, and spectacular special effects, this fun-filled family pantomime follows Cinderella’s journey from rags to riches. Will she make it to the royal ball with the help of Buttons and her Fairy Godmother? And what will happen when the clock strikes midnight? Expect laughs, surprises, and plenty of audience participation!

CINDERELLA | ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL
THE WIZARD OF OZ | THE ATKINSON

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