10 Things to do in Birmingham with Kids

Memorial erected in Chamberlain Square in Birmingham, UK. City Council House
Share

Birmingham’s combination of family-friendly attractions, educational opportunities, outdoor spaces, and diverse experiences make it a great city to visit with kids. It provides a blend of entertainment, learning, and adventure, ensuring that both children and their parents have a memorable and enjoyable experience.

When going on a trip with the kids, sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming trying to plan your days and decide where to go and what to do, especially when the English weather is so unpredictable. So luckily for you, this article will list the top 10 things to do in Birmingham with kids and hopefully make planning that bit easier:

AD | I have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details.

Recently in July 2023, it has been raining heavily in Birmingham, so if you would like to get to your destinations without any hassle, why not book a standard or vip taxi, by using Enroute Taxis Birmingham.

Enroute Taxis is a West Midlands – Birmingham Taxi Company, who has many 5 Star ratings on Google by their Customers. 

By using their Birmingham Online Booking form via your Mobile Phone or Desktop you can get 10% off on every taxi ride. 

If you’re not tech savvy, you can call them direct on: 0121 000 2222, to also take advantage of their 10% off offer via their 24 Hour, Bookings telephone Number.

1. Thinktank Science Museum

Thinktank Science Museum is an incredible destination for families visiting Birmingham. Located in the heart of the city, Thinktank offers a captivating and interactive experience that sparks curiosity and ignites a passion for science in kids of all ages. With a wide range of exhibits and hands-on activities, the museum allows children to explore various scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Inside Thinktank, kids can delve into the world of technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through exciting displays and interactive installations. They can experiment with electricity, discover the wonders of space, and learn about the human body through engaging exhibits. From exploring the principles of physics to unraveling the mysteries of the natural world, there is something to pique the interest of every young scientist.

2. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is a cultural gem nestled in the heart of Birmingham, offering a rich and diverse collection that caters to art enthusiasts of all ages. The museum holds a remarkable range of exhibits that span centuries, cultures, and artistic styles, making it a captivating destination for families.

Stepping into the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, visitors are greeted with an impressive display of artworks and artifacts from various periods. From ancient Egyptian mummies to intricate Renaissance paintings, the museum offers a journey through time and across continents. Children can marvel at the intricate details of historical artifacts, uncover the stories behind ancient civilizations, and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures.

One highlight of the museum is the Mini Museum, a dedicated space designed specifically for children. Here, young visitors can embark on an interactive adventure, exploring artworks, participating in hands-on activities, and engaging in creative play. The Mini Museum encourages children to express their creativity and imagination while fostering a love for art and culture from an early age.

3. Cannon Hill Park

Cannon Hill Park is a green oasis located in Birmingham, offering a wide array of activities and attractions for families to enjoy. This huge park is a perfect destination for a day out with kids, providing many opportunities for outdoor fun and relaxation.

The park’s green spaces provide a peaceful setting for picnics, games, and leisurely walks. Children can run and play games on the open grassy areas, while families can relax and enjoy a picnic. The park also features flower beds and landscaped gardens, adding to its charm.

One of the highlights of Cannon Hill Park is the boating lake, where families can rent paddleboats and enjoy a leisurely ride on the water. Kids will delight in steering their own boats.

4. Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park provides a unique opportunity for children to observe and learn about a diverse range of animals. From playful lemurs to curious meerkats, and from slithering reptiles to colorful birds, there is an array of captivating creatures to discover. Kids can observe the animals in carefully designed enclosures that mimic their natural habitats, gaining insights into their behavior, habitats, and conservation needs.

What sets the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park apart is its emphasis on education and awareness. The park offers informative talks and feeding sessions that provide valuable knowledge about the animals and their ecosystems. Kids can learn about the importance of conservation efforts and how they can contribute to protecting wildlife and their habitats.

5. Bear Grylls Adventure

At the Bear Grylls Adventure, participants can engage in a variety of thrilling activities designed to push their limits and test their skills. One of the main highlights is indoor skydiving, where visitors can experience the sensation of freefalling in a vertical wind tunnel, simulating the adrenaline rush of a real skydive.

For those seeking a challenge, the high ropes course offers a series of obstacles, including rope bridges, tightrope walks, and zip lines suspended high above the ground. It’s a thrilling and confidence-building experience as families navigate their way through the course, conquering fears and pushing boundaries together.

The Bear Grylls Adventure is located at the NEC Birmingham, offering families a chance to experience the thrill of outdoor adventure in a controlled and immersive environment. Inspired by the renowned survivalist and adventurer Bear Grylls, this indoor adventure park is perfect for families seeking a unique and adrenaline-fueled experience.

Review | Bear Grylls Survival Academy 2018

6. National Sea Life Centre

Located at Brindleyplace, this family-friendly attraction allows visitors to explore and learn about a wide variety of marine life through interactive exhibits, educational displays, and engaging experiences.

One of the highlights of the National Sea Life Centre is its incredible oceanic habitats, which house a diverse range of species. Visitors can observe and get up close to mesmerizing creatures such as sharks, turtles, penguins, seahorses, and colorful tropical fish. The aquarium’s carefully designed tanks and walkthrough tunnels provide a unique perspective, allowing visitors to feel as if they are submerged in the ocean alongside these magnificent creatures.

For an even more immersive adventure, visitors can opt to participate in special experiences like “Behind the Scenes” tours, where they can go behind the scenes to see how the aquarium operates and learn about the care and welfare of the marine animals.

7. Vintage Birmingham Canal boats

Embarking on a vintage canal boat adventure allows you to step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of Birmingham’s canal network. The boats are beautifully restored, featuring classic designs and traditional craftsmanship, providing an authentic and picturesque setting for your journey.

Vintage canal boats are often available for private hire, providing an intimate and exclusive experience for your family. You can bring your own picnic or refreshments onboard.

These boats are typically operated by experienced canal enthusiasts who are passionate about sharing the history and charm of Birmingham’s canals. They can provide insights into the canal network’s heritage, share fascinating stories, and offer guidance on navigating the waterways.

8. Drayton Manor Theme Park

Just outside Birmingham Drayton Manor Theme Park is a thrilling and family-friendly destination located near Birmingham. With a wide range of rides, attractions, and entertainment options, it offers an exciting day out for visitors of all ages.

One of the highlights of Drayton Manor is its impressive collection of roller coasters and rides. From adrenaline-pumping coasters like Shockwave and Apocalypse to family-friendly rides such as Thomas Land’s Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster, there’s something to suit everyone’s thrill level. The park also boasts a variety of water rides, spinning attractions, and gentle carousels, ensuring a diverse and enjoyable experience for all family members.

9. Adventure Island Mini Golf

Located at Star City, this indoor adventure golf venue offers two 18-hole mini-golf courses set in a vibrant and tropical island theme.

Adventure Island Mini Golf provides a unique and immersive setting for a round of mini-golf with a twist. The courses are beautifully designed, featuring lush landscaping, cascading waterfalls, and exciting obstacles that add an element of challenge and excitement to the game. As you navigate through the courses, you’ll encounter tunnels, bridges, and tricky shots, making it an engaging and entertaining experience for both children and adults.

The venue’s tropical island theme creates a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. The immersive decorations, including palm trees, tropical animals, and themed props, transport players into a world of adventure and fun. It’s like embarking on a mini-golf journey in a tropical paradise.

Adventure Island Mini Golf caters to players of all ages and skill levels, making it a great activity for the whole family. Whether you’re a seasoned mini-golf pro or a first-time player, the courses offer a mix of challenges and opportunities for friendly competition.

The venue also features a cafe where families can take a break and enjoy refreshments between rounds. It’s a great spot to relax, recharge, and share stories of your mini-golf adventures.

Adventure Island Mini Golf is conveniently located within Star City, which offers additional entertainment options such as a cinema, bowling alley, and arcade games. This makes it easy to extend your family outing and enjoy a full day of fun activities in one location.

10. Cadbury World

At Cadbury World, families can learn about the fascinating story of Cadbury, one of the world’s most beloved chocolate manufacturers. The self-guided tour provides insights into the origins of chocolate, the Cadbury family’s entrepreneurial spirit, and the development of their renowned chocolate products. Through interactive exhibits, videos, and displays, visitors can discover the rich heritage and legacy of this iconic brand.

One of the highlights of the Cadbury World experience is exploring the manufacturing zone, where you can witness the chocolate-making process firsthand. From seeing the melted chocolate cascade down the production line to witnessing the intricate packaging and decoration of Cadbury products, it’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how chocolate is made on a large scale.

Cadbury World also offers interactive experiences that engage the senses and ignite the imagination. Visitors can take a ride on the Cadabra, a magical chocolate-making adventure that combines animatronics, special effects, and a sprinkle of Cadbury magic. Kids can join Freddo and his friends on a 4D cinema experience or enjoy the outdoor African Adventure Play Area.

+ posts

Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!

Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.