October Half Term 2025:
Sat 25 Oct – Sat 1 Nov
Looking for a day out that’s packed with creativity, imagination, and fun for all ages this Half Term? The Atkinson is the place to be! We have a great mix of exhibitions, performances, and hands-on activities, many of which are completely free. From interactive exhibitions to colourful workshops and inspiring performances, there’s something to spark curiosity in every member of the family.
Be inspired in The Atkinson’s art galleries and discover an impressive variety of work including paintings, sculpture, digital art and more. Sweet Factory (from Sat 18 Oct) is vibrant and playful new exhibition celebrating the history of sweet making! Kids will love dressing up in the local history museum and uncovering treasures in the Egyptology room. And don’t forget to drop into the free family workshops including Construction Club (Sat 25 Oct) and Make It! Craft Workshop (Thu 30 Oct).
In The Atkinson’s Theatre, families can enjoy seasonal pantomimes, magic shows, music and dance, as well as adaptations from best-selling authors. Swifties can ‘shake it off’ in Taylormania (Mon 27 Oct), an award-winning tribute to the pop icon. Brave explorers won’t want to miss Dino Tales (Thu 30 Oct), an unforgettable family adventure starring Europe’s largest walking dinosaurs! Every seat has a great view of the stage and booster seats are available.
In anticipation of The Atkinson’s Christmas pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, help to find the cast members who are hidden around the building! Pick up a map from the shop and find Belle, Dame Betty Bon Bon, Gastrong, The Price, Fairy Cupid and Morgiana. Hand your completed trail map into the shop to be in with a chance of winning a family ticket to the pantomime!
Take part in the in Southport BID’s family friendly Moving Monster AR Trail and discover animated characters across the town. A unique QR code will be hidden in the window of The Atkinson’s shop, if you are brave enough to scan it with your mobile phone! The Atkinson is also supporting the BID’s Treat or Treat campaign on Halloween and will be handing out treats to families in fancy dress visiting the Sweet Factory exhibition.
At Southport Library, little bookworms can climb aboard the magical reading ship in the extended children’s section. In the shop discover pocket money tricks and treats that will delight all ages. If you are stopping for a quick coffee or a hearty lunch, A Great Little Place has plenty of options for adults and children.
The Atkinson is designed with families in mind, fully accessible for buggies and little legs, with lifts, rails, toilets on every floor, baby changing facilities, and a fully equipped Changing Places facility.
Located in the heart of Southport and just a 3-minute walk from the train station, The Atkinson is your go-to destination for a creative, fun-filled family day out.
Schedule of events
• Daily Monday – Saturday •
10am – 4pm. Around The Atkinson. Family Trail: Beauty and the Beast. Free, pick up a map from the Library & Shop.
All day. Around Southport. Moving Monster AR Trail. Free, pick up a map from The Atkinson, Waterstones, or Matalan.
• Saturday 25 October •
10:30am – 12:30pm. Library. Construction Club. Free, drop in event.
• Sunday 26 October •
Closed
• Monday 27 October •
10:30am. Library. Animal Visit. £3 per child.
7:30pm. Theatre. Taylormania: Taylor Swift Eras Ultimate Tribute. £27.50
• Tuesday 28 October •
11am – 3pm. Art Gallery. Art UK: Learn the Art of Tagging. Free, drop in event.
• Wednesday 29 October •
11:30am – 12:15pm. Library. Story & Rhyme Time. Free, drop in event.
• Thursday 30 October •
11am – 3pm. Art Gallery. Make it! Craft Workshop. Free, drop in event.
4m. Theatre. Dino Tales. £16 / £60 Family of 4.
• Friday 31 October •
10am – 4pm. Art Gallery. Treat or Treat. Free, drop in event.
Opening Times
Box Office
Monday – Saturday. 10am – 4pm.
Open one hour before performance start times.
Museum, Gallery & Shop
Monday – Saturday. 10am – 4pm.
A Great Little Place Café
Monday – Saturday. 10am – 4pm.
Southport Library
Monday – Friday. 10am – 5pm.
Saturday. 10am – 2pm.
Closed
The Atkinson is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
