Category: Top News
Published on: May 20th, 2026
Once Upon a Time, families were invited inside their favourite fairytales at Knowsley Safari...
We're playing our part in this year's National Year of Reading this May Half Term, Saturday 23rd May until Sunday 31st May, bringing beloved storybooks to life with a brand-new series of activities and tales for the whole family.
Running every day between 11am and 4pm, the immersive programme will transform the Foot Safari into a playful world of fairytales, storytelling and imagination. If you're looking for things to do in Liverpool with kids this May Half Term, or simply a great family day out near Liverpool, you can step into a magical experience filled with adventure and creativity.
Young and old alike will enjoy a feast for the senses as costumed characters, puppetry and whimsical performances pop up throughout the day, enchanting visitors at every turn. Budding storytellers can get hands-on in creative craft sessions, making their own finger puppets and staging their own performances on dedicated stages- a brilliant way to encourage a love of reading and spark creativity in children.
Guests will find themselves at the heart of classic tales with striking fairytale installations, including cheeky straw wolves huffing and puffing as they attempt to blow down the Three Little Pigs' house, while cosy story time sessions offer a chance to slow down and enjoy the magic of reading together.
Head of Marketing and Sales, Helena Berry, says: "Stories play such an important role in childhood, sparking imagination, building confidence and nurturing a love of reading. With Once Upon a Time, we wanted to find creative, playful ways to bring books off the page and into the real world, helping children connect with stories in a fun and memorable way - and the National Year of Reading seemed the perfect time to do it."
All activities are included with standard Safari admission and are designed to appeal to children of all ages. Whether you're after kids' activities in Liverpool, May Half Term events in Merseyside, or a full day out in Liverpool with kids that goes beyond the ordinary, you can enjoy the event alongside the Safari's incredible animals and attractions.
