Accessible half-term things to do in Liverpool (October half term 2026)
October half term in Merseyside runs from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026. Sefton Council lists these dates, and most schools across Liverpool, Wirral, Knowsley and St Helens follow the same week, but check with your child's school. This guide brings together SEND-only sessions, quiet hours and family events with clear access information, from a River of Light quiet hour on the waterfront to SEND clubs in Birkenhead. We have only included events with a 2026 date on the organiser's page or listing. Plans can change, so please check with the organiser before you travel.
Top picks
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Myths and Legends half term at Eureka! Science + Discovery
Every open day from 24 October to 1 November · Wednesday to Friday 10am to 3pm, weekends 10am to 4pm · Eureka! Science + Discovery, Seacombe, Wallasey · See the venue's website
- Changing Places toilet
- Step-free access
- Lift
- Disabled parking
- Hearing loop
- Ear defenders available
- Quiet session
- Wheelchair accessible
A half-term programme with a dragon show and dry ice workshops, suitable for ages 3 and up. The show includes fire and smoke. Eureka has a Changing Places toilet, two lifts, a Chill Out room on request, ear defenders and sensory bags to borrow, and free entry for essential carers when you choose the carer option and bring proof.
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SEND half-term activities at Bromborough Pool Café and Shop
Monday 26 to Friday 30 October · 10am to 2.30pm · Bromborough Pool Café and Shop, The Green, Wirral · Some activities free, others small charges (pumpkin carving £3)
- SEND session
Crafts, pizza making and outdoor games for children and young people with SEND and their families. Pumpkin carving is on 28 October and there is a free Halloween disco on 30 October from 1.30pm to 3pm. No booking needed.
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River of Light quiet hour
4pm to 5pm · Waterfront and city centre, Liverpool · Free
- Quiet session
A calmer hour on the River of Light trail before the main evening opening. There is a second quiet hour on Sunday 1 November at the same time. The accessibility guide lists Changing Places toilets at World Museum, Museum of Liverpool, the Everyman and Liverpool ONE.
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HiveAbility Juniors
10am to 2pm · The Hive Youth Zone, Bright Street, Birkenhead · £5 yearly Hive membership, then 50p a session · 8 to 12
- Changing Places toilet
A Sunday club for young people with additional needs, focused on fun and friendship. Parents can stay for the first few visits, and carers are welcome to stay if a child needs personal care. There is a changing place with a hoist and shower. The next session is on 1 November.
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Branching Out: free half-term family activities at Tate Liverpool
Every day from 24 October to 1 November · 10am to 4pm · Tate Liverpool + RIBA North, Mann Island, Liverpool · Free
- Step-free access
- Lift
- Ear defenders available
Free family activities every day of half term at Tate's temporary home on Mann Island. Tate says there is step-free access to the main entrance, a lift to the first floor, ear defenders to borrow and extra seating on request. Toilets are on the first floor and the nearest Changing Places toilet is at the Museum of Liverpool next door.
On all week
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River of Light trail
Every evening from 23 October to 1 November · 5pm to 9pm · Waterfront and city centre, Liverpool · Free
A free trail of light artworks around the waterfront and city centre. Visit Liverpool publishes an accessibility guide in standard and large print, with a map and a list of nearby Changing Places toilets. If crowds or sound are hard, the quiet hour sessions on 28 October and 1 November may suit better.
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Halloween at Knowsley Safari
Every day from 24 October to 1 November · Knowsley Safari, Prescot · Included with admission. See the venue's website
A Halloween trail around the Foot Safari with stamps to collect, trick-or-treat stations and crafts in the tipi. The accessibility page lists an adult changing room with a hoist, wheelchair hire and the Sunflower lanyard scheme. Essential companion tickets need a Nimbus Access Card, so apply at least 7 days before you visit.
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Halloween takeover of the Little Liverpool gallery
Until 31 October · Museum of Liverpool, Mann Island · See the venue's website · 0 to 5 with parents or carers
- Changing Places toilet
Winnie the spider takes over Little Liverpool, the museum's gallery for under-6s, with Halloween sessions. The museum has a Changing Places toilet. Tickets are limited, so book ahead on the National Museums Liverpool website.
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Day by day
Saturday 24 October
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Liverpool Irish Festival family day
11am to 4pm · Museum of Liverpool, Mann Island · Free
- Changing Places toilet
Live music, dancing and creative activities for all ages. The museum has a Changing Places toilet. This is a busy, lively day, so it may suit children who enjoy music and crowds.
Add to calendar (Liverpool Irish Festival family day) Google Calendar
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Hive Family Days
10am to 1pm · The Hive Youth Zone, Bright Street, Birkenhead · Free
A free Saturday session where children and young people with SEND can try new activities with their family. No membership or booking needed, and children must stay with an adult. The listing says Family Days run every Saturday, so 31 October should also be on.
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Sunday 25 October
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HiveAbility Juniors
10am to 2pm · The Hive Youth Zone, Bright Street, Birkenhead · £5 yearly Hive membership, then 50p a session · 8 to 12
- Changing Places toilet
A Sunday club for young people with additional needs, focused on fun and friendship. Parents can stay for the first few visits, and carers are welcome to stay if a child needs personal care. There is a changing place with a hoist and shower. The next session is on 1 November.
Add to calendar (HiveAbility Juniors) Google Calendar
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Monday 26 October
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Propulsion Trampoline Club SEND sessions
4pm to 5pm · 8 Watson Street, Birkenhead · See the venue's website
- SEND session
Trampoline sessions for children and young people with SEND and additional needs. They run on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4pm to 5pm and on Saturdays from 12pm to 1pm, including 31 October. Booking is by phone on 07720 708371.
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Tuesday 27 October
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Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure
Various, 11am, 2pm or 4pm · Liverpool Playhouse, Williamson Square · £14 · Best for 3 to 10
- Lift
- Wheelchair accessible
- Assistance dogs welcome
A 60-minute family show with no interval, running 27 to 31 October. The show includes haze and a short dragon roar. No relaxed performance is listed, but the Playhouse has lifts, wheelchair spaces and free essential companion tickets through the box office on 0151 709 4776.
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Wednesday 28 October
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River of Light quiet hour
4pm to 5pm · Waterfront and city centre, Liverpool · Free
- Quiet session
A calmer hour on the River of Light trail before the main evening opening. There is a second quiet hour on Sunday 1 November at the same time. The accessibility guide lists Changing Places toilets at World Museum, Museum of Liverpool, the Everyman and Liverpool ONE.
Add to calendar (River of Light quiet hour) Google Calendar
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Gautby SEND sessions
4pm to 7pm · Gautby Road Play, Youth and Community, Birkenhead · Free · 6 to 25
- SEND session
A calm, inclusive session with arts and crafts, adapted sports and free food. Parents and carers are welcome. Young people must be registered before they attend, so email sendlo@wirral.gov.uk and confirm the session is running in half term.
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Day of the Dead family dance workshop
11am and 2pm. See the venue's website · World Museum, William Brown Street, Liverpool · See the venue's website
- Changing Places toilet
A Day of the Dead dance workshop adapted for all ages, with no experience needed. Spaces are limited and given on a first come basis. World Museum has a Changing Places toilet.
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Thursday 29 October
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Books Alive! Festival of Stories
Sessions from 10am to 4pm · The Atkinson and Southport Library, Southport · Free
Two days of free author talks, craft workshops and family theatre on 29 and 30 October. Places are limited, so book ahead. Access details are not listed, so check with The Atkinson before you go.
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Friday 30 October
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Halloween at Sudley House
Sudley House, Mossley Hill, Liverpool · See the venue's website
Family Halloween crafts, face painting and object handling on 30 and 31 October. The museum suggests pre-warning very young visitors that it is a little spooky. Access details are not listed, so contact National Museums Liverpool before you visit.
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Accessible places to go any day
These businesses are listed on Buzzbo with their access details.
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Lumiere
Gold memberListed on BuzzboActivity Centre · Liverpool
- Step-free access
Our soft play Sensory Centre is all about freedom, fun, and feeling safe amongst Beautiful Chaos. We've designed it for our VIP's to explore, play, and be themselves. It's a chilled, welcoming space…
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The Sensory Circle
Gold memberListed on BuzzboActivity/Leisure · Liverpool
- Accessible toilet
- Assistance dogs welcome
- BSL interpreted
- Ear defenders available
- Quiet session
Stay and play sessions for children and young people with SEND. We offer messy play, crafts, water play and more. Each session has its own theme to explore and learn through play.
Tips for a calmer half term in Merseyside
- Know your Changing Places. Visit Liverpool lists Changing Places toilets at World Museum, Museum of Liverpool, the Everyman and Liverpool ONE. Over the water, Eureka! has one in the Seacombe Ferry Terminal.
- Check Merseyrail before you set off. Tunnel works mean replacement buses between Hunts Cross and Moorfields on 24 October, and on parts of the Northern and Wirral lines on Sundays 25 October and 1 November. Ask Merseyrail about step-free options.
- Use the SENDLO Wirral what's on page. Wirral's SEND Local Offer team lists SEND clubs, family days and holiday sessions across the borough, including half term. Many need registering or a phone call first.
- Book relaxed theatre by phone. The Everyman and Playhouse offer relaxed, BSL, captioned and audio-described shows on selected dates, booked by phone or in person on 0151 709 4776. They also offer free essential companion tickets.
- Sort carer tickets early. Knowsley Safari needs a Nimbus Access Card at least 7 days before your visit. Eureka! gives essential carers free entry when you bring proof.
- Plan for the next relaxed day. Eureka!'s next Relaxed SENDay, with heavily restricted ticket numbers, is on Sunday 6 December. Pre-booking is needed, even for annual pass holders.
Running an accessible event?
If you run a relaxed, sensory-friendly or SEND event, list it on Buzzbo for free and it appears in this guide automatically. Gold members are featured at the top.
Frequently asked questions
When is October half term 2026 in Liverpool?
Most Merseyside schools break up for half term from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026. Sefton Council lists these dates. Some schools set their own, so check with your child's school.
Are there SEND-only sessions in Merseyside this half term?
Yes. SENDLO Wirral lists SEND activities at Bromborough Pool Café, Propulsion Trampoline Club SEND sessions, Gautby SEND sessions and HiveAbility Juniors at The Hive in Birkenhead.
Is there a quiet session at River of Light 2026?
Yes. Visit Liverpool lists quiet hour sessions on 28 October and 1 November from 4pm to 5pm, before the main trail opens at 5pm.
Where are Changing Places toilets in Liverpool city centre?
Visit Liverpool's River of Light accessibility guide lists World Museum, Museum of Liverpool, the Everyman Theatre and Liverpool ONE. Check opening times on the Changing Places website.
What free things are there for disabled children in Liverpool this half term?
Tate Liverpool's Branching Out activities, River of Light, the Liverpool Irish Festival family day and Hive Family Days in Birkenhead are free. National Museums Liverpool venues are free to enter.