Description
Bluecoat is Liverpool’s centre for the contemporary arts, located in a stunning 300-year-old Grade I listed building in the heart of the city centre. It is a creative hub where children and families can engage with modern art through hands-on workshops, vibrant exhibitions, and a relaxing secret garden. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Liverpool if you are looking for a cultural activity centre that encourages self-expression and creativity.
Entry to the building, the art galleries, and the garden is completely free of charge. While some specific family workshops or seasonal events may have a small booking fee, Bluecoat remains one of the most accessible and budget-friendly day-out options in the North West.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines historical architecture with modern artistic exploration, Bluecoat is an essential visit. It offers a calm, creative sanctuary away from the hustle of Liverpool One, making it a perfect spot for children to discover their inner artist through interactive "Bluecoat Babies" sessions or weekend family craft activities.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: Yes
Features
What makes Bluecoat unique?
- Creative Play: Dedicated family spaces allow children to respond to professional art exhibitions with their own drawings and creations.
- Interactive Exhibits: The gallery often features tactile installations and digital art that children are encouraged to explore rather than just observe.
- Educational Day Out: Regular artist-led workshops teach specific skills, from printmaking and sculpture to digital photography.
- Historic Setting: As the oldest building in central Liverpool, it provides a unique backdrop for learning about local history alongside modern art.
Top 5 Highlights
- The Courtyard Garden: A hidden oasis in the city centre. Children love running on the grass or sitting by the trees, making it a brilliant spot for a sensory break between gallery visits.
- Bluecoat Babies: These regular sessions are designed specifically for the under-3s. They use light, sound, and different textures to create an immersive sensory playground for the youngest visitors.
- The Discovery Family Room: A permanent space filled with art materials, books, and comfy seating. It’s a helpful peer-led environment where kids can make their own masterpieces inspired by the current exhibition.
- The Print Studio: Located within the building, this is where professional artists work. Families can often watch live screen-printing or sign up for "Have a Go" sessions to create their own posters.
- The Architecture Trail: A fun, self-guided map available at the front desk. It leads families around the building to find hidden carvings and secret symbols from the building's 300-year history.
Detailed Inventory
- Bluecoat hosts a rotating programme of events and displays. Key fixtures for families include:
- The Main Gallery: Hosting three major contemporary art exhibitions every year.
- Out of the Blue: An after-school art club for children aged 5–11.
- The Hub: A central gathering space often featuring pop-up community art displays.
- Bluecoat Books: An independent bookshop with a curated children's section.
- Heritage Display: A permanent collection of objects from Bluecoat's past as a charity school.
- Outdoor Sculptures: Large-scale artworks situated within the courtyard and garden.
Beyond the Main Attraction: Bluecoat is located directly behind Liverpool One, providing instant access to major shops and the Chavasse Park play area. For more culture, the World Museum and Central Library are just a 10-minute walk away.
New for 2026: In 2026, Bluecoat is launching its "Green Creative" initiative. This features a brand-new interactive garden installation where children can use pedal power to trigger digital art projections onto the historic brickwork.
0.65 miles
