Sherdley Park
St Helens' biggest park. Play areas, open space and a walled garden, and it costs nothing.
World of Glass
St Helens, Merseyside
Better than it sounds, and free: live glassblowing demonstrations, interactive science aimed at younger children, and the story of the town that made the world's windows. There is a picnic area and a small playground outside.
Time your visit around the glassblowing - watching molten glass become a vase is the moment that sticks. An honest wet-morning winner.
Know before you go
- Check glassblowing demonstration times on arrival - it is the thing they will talk about after.
Looking for more museums & science near St Helens?
Also in St Helens
Dream, Sutton Manor
A 20-metre white head rising out of a reclaimed colliery, with woodland trails around it. Genuinely strange and memorable for kids, and a short walk rather than a hike.
Sankey Valley Park
A green corridor of canal towpath and parkland running from St Helens down towards Warrington. Flat, traffic-free and ideal if the bikes or scooters are coming.
Wild Gorse Hill Nature Fun
Family nature sessions running through August at two St Helens parks. Pitched at exactly this age group.
Holiday Clubs (HAF)
Funded holiday clubs with food included, ages 4 to 18, for families on benefits-related free school meals. Worth a look even if you assume you won't qualify.
Taylor Park
St Helens' Victorian park with a lake, woodland walks, a decent playground and rowing boats in summer. The reliable local hour that becomes an afternoon.