Rainy day survival: a SevenStreets guide

It's Summer once again and it's raining once again. But just because it's wet doesn't mean you can't experience some of the best stuff Liverpool has to offer.

It shouldn’t be like this, should it? Raining. It’s June, and we should be guzzling Pimms at lunchtime, reeking of suntan lotion and recklessly avoiding doing any work. It’s a summer tradition.

But just because the weather’s disgusting, and it’s brought along a sense of collective misery, that you shouldn’t be stuck at home. There’s all manner of brilliant stuff to do in and around Liverpool when it’s chucking it down. Here’s some of our favourites.

Chagall at the Tate

This timely reevaluation of Chagall showcases the artist’s love of live in vivid colour. Taking in many of the 20th Century’s most recognisable tropes, Chagall applies his own take on cubism, constructivism and much more – particularly in his earlier works – and the transition from his earlier life of rustic and brutal landscapes to his whimsical takes on roaring Paris.

Chagall, Modern Master
Tate Liverpool
Until 6 October

Climbing Hangar

You haven’t got far to fall at the Climbing Hangar - instead, you circumnavigate the walls from a (relatively) safe distance. And not to a blaring soundtrack of death metal (hello, Awesome Walls). And you don’t need a climbing buddy, either.
www.theclimbinghangar.com

Celebrate FACT’s tenth birthday

This playful exhibition is a pleasing and apt celebration of FACTs’ first ten years – a broad and rich exploration of physical, digital and augmented realities that should have children rapt with delight and adults stroking their chins in appreciation. The two main exhibits are an artistic triumph, yet accessible enough to be enjoyed on a more straightforward level. Go see – and get stuck in.

Turning FACT Inside Out
FACT
Until 15 September

Blue Planet

Want to know why it’s so blue? Look outside. There’s more than fish here, check out the tiny but DEADLY tree frogs. But, really, it’s the stunning shark dives and ‘walk through’ aquariums that make this the best ‘if wet’ wet experience.
www.blueplanetaquarium.com

Kite Runner

This adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s famed novel didn’t quite hit the spot for us, but that hasn’t stopped Liverpool audiences lapping it up. Fans of the book and film will find much to enjoy here, not least a stunning performance by the only Afghan member of the cast, Farshid Rokey as Hassan, whose love for his friend drives the narrative from joy to tragedy and redemption.

The Kite Runner
Liverpool Playhouse
Until 6 July

Martin Mere

Might seem odd, as this is technically an outdoor attraction - but most of the viewing is done in the bird hides (pictured), and they’re perfectly dry. Now’s the time to see the baby swans (oh, ok they’re cygnets) and ducks hatching. See, nature doesn’t stop with the end of Springwatch.
www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/martin-mere

World Of Glass, St Helens

Live glassblowing demonstrations, displays of really rather lovely glass art, magic mirror mazes: really, they’ve taken an unlikely theme and, like, really ran with it. To impressive effect.
www.worldofglass.com

The Walker’s celebration

The Walker Gallery’s latest exhibition of contemporary art is sprawling in scope, eras and size. As a celebration of what the Walker is all about it’s hard to fault, but there will be works here that surprise and delight all ages. Marcus Coates’ video installation that sees him exploring the spirits of a Liverpool tower block as a shaman is a particular delight, while there’s big art from the likes of Stella McCartney, Yoko Ono and Anish Kapoor too - plus a particularl focus on Liverpool artists and works from female artists.

New Works
The Walker Gallery
Until further notice

For kids

Underwater Street

Got fidgety, impatient kids in tow? You could do worse than head to Underwater Street, a well established, well run discovery centre in the city. Kids are encouraged to get hands on and find out about all manner of different arts and science stuff - it’s basically fun, interactive learning, but obviously don’t tell them that. And it’s better than another rainy day necking Coke in front of the Xbox.

www.underwaterstreet.com

– Main image via erwlas, Flickr