Get set for summer with The Atkinson Southport: family friendly fun, with lots of free activities
This busy arts centre provides a fun, creative and varied day out – and for free too! Explore a colourful collection of artworks in the galleries, have fun dressing up in the local history museum and discover ancient artefacts in the Egyptology room. Plus, enjoy free family workshops throughout the summer holidays.
The building itself is fully accessible for buggies and little legs, with lifts and rails throughout. There are toilets are on all floors, baby changing facilities, and a fully equipped Changing Places facility.
You can find The Atkinson in the middle of the iconic Lord Street and just 3 minutes’ walk from Southport train station.
Plan your visit online and read on for plenty of ideas and inspiration.
Museum
Free Entry. Monday – Saturday. 10am – 4pm.
Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays.
The Atkinson’s stunning Egyptology museum showcases Anne Goodison’s personal artefacts in an interactive display. Mrs Goodison was one of a handful of wealthy Victorian ladies in the North West who were fascinated by ancient Egypt, and The Atkinson are lucky to have her collection to show you.
The local history museum, Between Land & Sea, tells the story of Sefton from prehistoric times to the present day. Bring objects to life by scanning QR codes with your phone, send a digital postcard from Sunny Southport and take a selfie in a historic costume from our dressing up wall.Find out more here
Discover Ancient Egypt: Museum Tour
Monday 14 August, 1pm & 2pm. Free, booking required.
Learn more about Mrs Goodison and her extensive Egyptology collection, and ask our Egyptology expert questions.
Find out more here
Discover Ancient Egypt: Tutankhamun Puppets
Tuesday 29 August, 1pm & 2pm. Free, booking required.
This family friendly puppet show depicts the legendary discovery of Tutankhamun in 1922.
A fun way to learn and engage with Egyptology especially for little ones!
Find out more here
Art gallery
Free Entry. Monday – Saturday. 10am – 4pm.
Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays.
Be inspired in The Atkinson’s art galleries and discover an impressive variety of work including paintings, sculpture, digital art and more. Families can get creative too. There are always craft activities for children in the gallery Art Box and regular artist-led workshops through school holidays.
Find out more here
Make it! Craft Workshops (All ages)
Thursday 27 July, 3 Aug, 10 Aug, 17 Aug, 24 Aug, 31 Aug. 11am-3pm. Free, drop in event.
Be inspired by The Atkinson’s museum, gallery and theatre programme in an arts and crafts workshop suitable for all the family. There’s something for all ages, with all materials supplied and all for free!
Find out more here
Library
Free Entry. Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm. Saturday 10am – 2pm
Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays.
Southport Library’s showpiece is the extended children’s section with room for activities and events, which includes a ship, specially made for the library, named after Kathleen – a real fishing boat built in Southport around 1900. The space is family friendly with a number of reading, singing and arts and crafts activities taking place in the area. Take part in the Summer Reading Challenge by keeping a record of the books you have read, collecting stickers, and unlocking bonus online activities! Ready, set, read!
Find out more here
Story & Rhyme Time (Age 0-4)
Every Wednesday, 11:30am – 12:15pm. Free, booking required.
Explore stories through rhyme and help develop your child’s language and communication skills while meeting other parents and carers. Together with our friendly librarians, babies and under-fives will enjoy learning new songs, dancing, and making friends.
Find out more here
Construction Club (All ages)
Last Saturday of every month, 10:30am – 12:30pm. Free, drop in event.
Young inventors, creators and builders are invited to drop in and play with The Atkinson’s massive supply of LEGO. Join us and let your imagination run wild!
Find out more here
Great value events
In The Atkinson’s Theatre, families can enjoy seasonal pantomimes, magic shows, music and dance, as well as adaptations from best-selling authors. Every seat in the auditorium has a great view of the stage and booster seats are available for littluns. Children aged 12 months and under can sit on their parents or guardians lap for free.
Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday (Age 4-6)
Friday 11 August. 1.30pm & 4pm. £14 full price / £12 groups of 10+.
Bursting with all the charm from the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies show, Sarah and Duck’s enchanting world is brought to life on stage. Packed full of puppetry, storytelling and music, join Sarah and her best friend Duck as they plan the ultimate circus soiree to help Scarf Lady celebrate her birthday.
Find out more here
The Bubble Show (Age 3-12)
Saturday 23 September. 2pm. £11.
The Bubble Show is a unique blend of magic, storytelling, science and bubble art. Enjoy bouncy bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, smoke bubbles, square bubbles, giant bubbles, and even fire bubbles! The award-winning Mr Bubbles is a Guinness World Record holder and promises to bring an interactive bubble extravaganza!
Find out more here
Café
Monday – Saturday. 10am – 4pm.
Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays.
A Great Little Place is nestled within the ground floor of The Atkinson. The award-winning café offer locally roasted artisan coffee and imaginative food created with locally sourced ingredients. The cozy interior creates a welcoming space for families, with highchairs available and plenty of room for prams. Weather you are stopping for a quick coffee or a hearty lunch, a great little place has plenty of options for adults and children.
Find out more here