Last Updated on June 29, 2023 by Louise
Liverpool is a cultural city with a multitude of attractions to appeal to teens. Famous for its music scene, independent cafes, art galleries, beautiful architecture, history and football, Liverpool has a lot to offer.
On top of this, Liverpool is super fun with some adrenaline-packed activities and entertaining attractions. Read on for lots of things to do with your teens. There’s something that all teenagers will enjoy!
Climb Up to The Roof of Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool Cathedral (image: Christopher John SSF)
Liverpool Cathedral is free to enter and is Britain’s biggest cathedral and a stunning piece of architecture. You may think a cathedral is boring for teenagers.
However, they will love to climb up to the roof for spectacular views of the city. Find out more at Liverpool Cathedral
Take A Ride on the Ferris Wheel
Liverpool Wheel (image: Steve Knight)
Another fun way to climb high and get views is to jump on the Liverpool Ferris Wheel. It’s a fantastic way to get spectacular views.
Find out more on the The Liverpool Wheel
Climb St John’s Beacon Tower.
Photo: Terry Kearney / Flickr St John’s Beacon Viewing Gallery
The radio city tower pictured above was built and 1969 and is over 400 feet tall. There is an observation deck and you can take a lift to the top for some of the best panoramic views of the city.
Explore The Williamson Tunnels
Photo: Moz278 / Flickr
As well as climbing high, you can experience Liverpool underground with a visit to the Williamson Tunnels.
Built over two hundred years ago and discovered only 25 years ago, the Williamson Tunnels are nestled under the streets of the Georgian Quarter. The tunnels form a connected network of vaults and caverns. Teenagers will enjoy the adventurous nature of this attraction when going underground. Hard hats are provided for the tour.
The guided tour is fascinating and it’s interesting to learn about the eccentric Joseph Williamson. The reason he built the tunnels under the whole of Liverpool is a mystery but the tour offers plenty of insights why that might be. One potential reason was to provide wages for the poor.
Tour Anfield Stadium
Anfield (image: Flickr Creative Commons)
Anfield is home to Liverpool Football Club and a visit will be a highlight for teenage soccer fans.
Find out everything you need to know about the club’s history. Walk up the tunnel, see the changing rooms and stand on the pitch.
Book a stadium tour here.
Visit Liverpool Library
If you want something free and fun to do, consider a trip to Liverpool Central Library. Venture up to the roof terrace for some wonderful views.
Teenagers will also love the gaming area in the library.
Walk Around Liverpool Waterfront and the Albert Dock
Liverpool Waterfront (image: Mike Maxwell)
Take a 10-minute walk down the waterfront and you will come across so many cultural institutions, galleries, music, restaurants and cafes. It’s a fantastic place to spend some time.
Visit a Free Museum
One of the wonderful things about Liverpool is the number of free but excellent museums (although donations are always appreciated). Perfect for a trip if you’re on a budget.
There is something in most of the museums for teenagers and if they’re not interested, you’ve lost nothing by going and having a look. Here are some top museums:
Discover The History of Liverpool at the Merseyside Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum
Merseyside Maritime Museum (image: Flickr Creative Commons)
The Maritime Museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays and it’s well worth checking out. Explore Liverpool’s history of the great port of Liverpool. It includes Titanic stories of loss and sacrifice.
Located on the third floor of the Maritime Museum is the International Slavery Museum exhibit, which is pretty harrowing but puts the history of the area in perspective. Liverpool was a major slaving port during the 18th Century and you can learn about how Liverpool grew in importance during this time and at what cost.
Visit the Merseyside Maritime Museum for more information.
Get Interactive at the Museum of Liverpool
Trace the way maritime trade, music and sport has shaped the city. The museum invites visitors to learn more about the city’s interesting history and explore what’s happening today. There’s lots to do for all ages including many interactive exhibits. Find out more at the Museum of Liverpool
See The Aquarium & Planetarium at Liverpool’s World Museum
Source: Cowardlion / Shutterstock
The World Museum is good for all ages – as well as the usual exhibits such as mummy’s, there’s a planetarium, aquarium and live bugs and creepy crawlies on display.
Find out more at Liverpool’s World Museum
Ferry Cross the Mersey
Mersey Ferry (image: Flickr Creative Commons)
Teens will appreciate the trippy colours of the ferry. But it’s also a great way to see the city. See Liverpool’s world famous waterfront and enjoy an informative commentary guide to get the information you want as you go. You can take a river boat cruise and hop on and off at various attractions along the way.
Book Your River Cruise
Discover The U-boat Story
If you get a ferry on the Mersey, why not get off at the U-boat story, in Birkenhead. In 1993, the German submarine, U534 was raised from the bottom of the North Sea and it was remarkably well preserved. Today the U-boat serves as a fascinating window into the men and machines that wreaked havoc on Allied shipping during WW2.
Find out more about the U-boat story
Enjoy an Epic Speed Boat Ride
Teens will love the thrill of a powerboat ride while taking in the views of Liverpool docks. You can take a 1 hour fun ride around the Liverpool dock system. Find out more here.
Take a Hop On / Hop Off Bus Tour
Photo: North West Transport / Flickr
The hop on and hop off buses are a fantastic way for teens to see Liverpool. The guides are really funny and every stop is interesting. There are 14 iconic stops in total which include the Albert Dock and the famous St Luke’s Bombed-Out Church, the historic museums of Liverpool and the incredible Chinese Arch.
St Luke’s Bombed Out Church is an interesting place to visit – it was bombed during the Blitz in May 1941 and it’s interesting to wander round and learn about the history (past, present and future). Today it also hosts a garden bar and cafe where you can get a drink. There are often music events and shows here too (which are family friendly). Check out what’s on.
Book Your Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour.
Jump On A Magical Mystery Tour
The other bus tour to consider is the magical mystery tour. This is great for teenagers who have an interest in music and The Beatles. The 2 hour tour with a Scouse guide will take you to the Beatles childhood homes, schools and colleges and get up close to places that inspired some of their most memorable songs – Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.
Book Your Beatles Magical Mystery Tour
Music and Liverpool
If your teen loves music and wants to find out more about The Beatles and the British Music scene, Liverpool is the place to come. Here are some attractions to look out for.
The Beatles Story
One of the most popular museums in town. Admire memorabilia such as John Lennon’s spectacles and George Harrison’s first guitar.
Book Your Ticket for the The Beatles Story
Make Music at The British Music Experience
Photo: Visit Greenwich / Flickr
The British Music Experience tells the story of British music through the decades through costumes, instruments and memorabilia. Teens will love that you can play some instruments and there is also a recording studio where they can record a song. If your teen loves music, and particularly the recent history of music, this is a must.
Get a Selfie With the Beatles Statue
The Beatles Statue (image: George M Groutas)
Visit The Cavern Club
Downstairs at 10 Mathew Street you’ll find The Cavern Club. In the 60s the Beatles performed at the Cavern Club almost 300 times. If your teenager is a true music fan, a visit wouldn’t be complete to Liverpool unless you go here. Under 18s can visit with an adult during the day, however, they’re not allowed in after 8pm.
Fun Things for Teens to do In Liverpool
If you have a teen that enjoys pure fun and nothing else, Liverpool has tons to offer. Check out some ideas:
Have Some Aqua fun at Wild Shore Liverpool
Located on the Royal Albert Dock, you’ll find Wild Shore Liverpool. During the summer months you can have fun on the inflatable obstacle course on the water. Or why not try your hand at some paddle boarding. There’s also mini port boats.
Partake In a Round of Adventure Golf
Photo credit: Junkyard Golf Club Facebook Page
Challenge family and friends two a round of adventure golf at Junkyard Golf. Under 18s can come with an adult during the daytime between Sunday and Thursday.
Go Kart in Liverpool
Thrill seekers will enjoy fun on the track at Go karting in Liverpool. Enjoy trying to beat friends and family on the track.
Go Bowling at Lane 7
Located, at Clayton Square, near the shopping mall Liverpool One, Lane 7 is perfect for a bowling outing with teens.
Solve an Escape Room
Breakout Liverpool Escape Rooms – Liverpool is home to a few escape room experiences. In teams of 2 to 5 you have 60 minutes to solve a series of puzzles and mysteries to escape.
Play Video Games at Arcains
Arcains Liverpool has hundreds of video games spread out along multiple floors. Pay one price and have unlimited play all day! There are lots of retro and vintage games to play. It’s a popular venue for families on weekends and school holidays. After 6pm, on weekends it’s over 18s only.
Try Your Hand at Axe Throwing
Axe throwing is a hobby from Canada and there are many axe throwing venues popping up all over the UK. For an activity with a difference, Hatchet Harry’s in Liverpool is the place to go. The coaches will show you how to do it and then teenagers and adults can have a go themselves. Great fun!
See the Art Collections At Tate Liverpool
Teens who have an interest in art or who are studying art will enjoy a visit to Tate Liverpool. It features work from the Tate Collection that specialises in contemporary and modern art but also features British art from the 16th Century to the present day.
Enjoy a Hot Chocolate at the Cat Cafe
If your teen loves animals, a visit to Liverpool’s cat cafe is a fun thing to do. You pay to enter the cafe for a set amount of time and all your drinks are included while you’re there. Food can be ordered at an extra cost. It’s fun to watch the cats and if they’re in the mood you can give them some fuss too.
Skateboarding, Scootering or BMX at Rampworx
Rampworx is the one of the longest running skateparks in the country (it was set up in 1997). It’s huge and great for any teenagers who love scootering, skateboarding or BMX.
Discover Hidden History on Shiverpool Ghost Tours
Shiverpool runs ghost bus tours and ghost walks. These tours are brilliant and perfect for hard to please teens. On the ghost walk, hear some gruesome stories about Liverpool from your guides Chiller Black and Jacqueline Hyde.
Book a Virtual Reality Experience
The VR:VE Liverpool offers a wide range of VR experiences that teens are going to love. From being underwater with whales to fighting off zombies to flying through the Alps – there is something for everybody.
Haunted City Exploration Game
Another way to explore the darker city of Liverpool is the Haunted City Exploration Game. Walk around Liverpool, follow clues and solve puzzles to unlock haunted tales at St. George’s Hall, Liverpool Town Hall, The Bluecoat, The Playhouse Theatre, and more.
You can embark on the haunted tour solo which gives you the flexibility to begin the game whenever you want.
Book the Haunted City Exploration Game
Shop Til You Drop
Like most cities, Liverpool is ideal for teen shopaholics. Here’s where to go:
Liverpool One located right by the iconic waterfront is an open-air shopping district that is home to over 170 stores bars and restaurants, including your high street and designer favourites.
Bold Street – if you like independent stores, cafes and restaurants, this is your place. Selling everything from world foods to records, it’s been voted one of the best shopping streets in the country by Lonely Planet.
Red Brick Market – located in the up and coming Balti triangle, it’s an independent market in Liverpool comprising over 50 independent businesses.
Metquarter – The Metquarter is one of the more upmarket places to shop in the city. Comprising mainly designer boutique stores, the area is also home to brands including Hugo Boss, Jo Malone and Armani Exchange.
Other Places to Visit
Chill Out at Sefton Park
Sefton Park (image: Flickr Creative Commons)
One of Liverpool’s largest parks and you can explore the Victorian palm house.
Play Board Games at Sure and Dice
Have some food and play some board games at Sure and Dice board game cafe. Perfect for something to do on a rainy day.
Fun Places to Eat With Teens
Leaf on Bold Street – the perfect spot for brunch with its stylish interior and friendly atmosphere.
Welsford Bistro – Enjoy some Scouse (a type of meat stew and the food from which scousers got their name) from the Welsford Bistro at Liverpool cathedral.
Smugglers Cove – Located on Albert Dock, enjoy a hearty dinner at this Pirate-themed restaurant which serves great food. One thing Liverpool was famous for was piracy, so eating at Smugglers Cove is a great idea while in Liverpool.
Doctor Duncan’s (pub) A gem of a pub in LIverpool with ornate Victorian decor throughout. It’s near the World Museum if you visit there.
Moose Coffee on Dale Street is perfect for pancakes.
Big Bowl Noodle Bar – situated on Berry Street not far from St. Lukes’s bombed out church, grab a bowl of ramen noodles for lunch followed by banana crepes. Or try one of the many other brilliant restaurants in Liverpool’s China town.
Dale Street Kitchen – set yourself up for a busy day exploring Liverpool with an award winning cooked English breakfast here.
Where to Stay with Teenagers in Liverpool
Apartments or aparthotels are often perfect for a stay with teenagers as they work out cheaper than 2 hotel rooms but there is enough space for the whole family.
Here are a few ideas:
Stay City Apart Hotel – A 3 minute walk to the train station and a 12 minute walk to the Albert Dock. The aparthotels are great or a midweek or weekend stay. The apartments feature a kitchnette and have everything you need for a short stay. There is also a gym onsite.
Premier Inn, Albert Dock – Premier Inn is a chain of family friendly budget hotels. You can get family rooms which accomodate 2 adults and 2 children under the age of 16. The space in family rooms can be tight. I’ve stayed in a family room with my kids when they were 13 and 9 and there was only enough room for sleeping! So if you plan to spend a bit of time in your room, want more space or have older teenagers, get two rooms – the prices are generally not too expensive! The beds are comfortable with Hypnos mattresses. The Premier Inn on the Royal Albert Dock is good and a great city centre location. Book as far in advance as possible for the best prices.
The Crowne Plaza, Liverpool – The Crowne plaza is situated in the heart of the city, on the Royal Albert Docks next to the Royal Liver building with lovely views of the River Mersey. It has a swimming pool and parking. There are interconnecting rooms on request. The hotel has some excellent reviews and is well worth a look!
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