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Sian Victoria © - The Bear Grylls Adventure Birmingham

Fun Days Out and Things to Do With Children in West Midlands

Being the second largest city in the UK, there are many reasons to visit Birmingham. It is a haven of activity, bursting with so many exciting activities to keep children entertained. Whether you're a Brummie, visiting on a day trip or planning a full weekend in this metropolitan oasis, you’ll never find yourself scratching your head for ideas on what to get up to on your Birmingham city break.

Especially if you explore the surrounding area, where you’ll find even more fun things to do in the West Midlands with kids and equally as fun for adults to enjoy. That said, I also have a post on the best leisure experiences in Birmingham for adults too. Perfect for when seeking entertaining date night experiences without the kids.

If you’re planning a visit to the city with children, look no further than this list. There's no shortage of activities to entertain the little ones – from something high-paced and exciting like an adventure or leisure centre to a more relaxed stroll in a scenic garden where you can watch the kids on the playground, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

1. Rush Trampoline Park Birmingham

Are you looking for a fun and exciting family leisure destination in Birmingham? With over 35,000 square feet of stimulating activities, Rush Trampoline Park Birmingham in Kings Norton is a premier park with various attractions suitable for all age groups.

Rush Trampoline Park has it all, whether you're planning a family outing, a children's trampoline park party, or looking for some fitness activities. Its playful layout and prime location make it one of Birmingham's most sought-after activity centres and event venues. The park has received high praise and ranks among the city's top attractions on Trip Advisor.

Whether you’re a big kid or looking to accompany your little ones, you can book open jump sessions ranging from 60 to 120 minutes and experience the excitement of 72-foot-long tumble lanes, dodgeball courts, foam pits, and trampoline-sprung basketball lanes. Rush Birmingham caters to children and adults, ensuring a fun-filled experience for everyone. There's even a dedicated Toddler Court for mini daredevils aged 1 to 6 during the Preschool takeover sessions.

This high-energy-fueled environment means safety is a top priority. Therefore, all jumping participants must wear Rush grip socks, sign a waiver, and view a safety video before their session. This ensures a secure and enjoyable environment for all visitors.

But the fun doesn't stop there! Rush Trampoline Park Birmingham recently expanded its attractions by introducing ValoArena, the world’s first mixed reality playground. This innovative addition combines high-quality video games and physical movement, offering an immersive experience for visitors seeking cutting-edge entertainment without the need to wear VR sets.

For those who prefer to take a breather and watch the action from the sidelines, the onsite café offers a comfortable spot to put your feet up and enjoy a range of refreshments while keeping an eye on the fun below.

So, whether you're looking for an exciting day out with the family or a unique venue for an event, Rush has something for everyone. The excitement never dims, especially during the Sunset Sessions on Friday and Saturday nights. With UV lights painting everything in vibrant hues and the latest hits pumping through the speakers, it’s a high-energy playground that invites kids and adults alike to bounce, flip, and fly.

For just £19.50 for two hours, you can participate in dodgeball, Wipeout, slam dunk basketball, and an assault course or simply enjoy the freedom of jumping across the park’s extensive interconnected trampolines. They also hold Autism and SEN Sessions, offering a friendly environment for children with educational needs and their families.

Additionally, the park offers exclusive Rush Sleepovers for organised youth groups, allowing children to extend their fun-filled visit into the night and enjoy endless entertainment at this leading leisure destination in Birmingham.

2. SEA LIFE Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

The SEA LIFE Centre in Birmingham is perhaps one of the city's most popular attractions for all the family to visit. Located alongside one of Birmingham’s iconic canals, this establishment comprises over 2000 unique and fascinating aquatic animals in its aquariums that will leave you and your little one in awe.

With ticket prices starting out at £19, this will be a day out to remember. Boasting the UK’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel, look in amazement as some of the most exciting sea creatures swim above your head. See the sharks up close and meet the sea otters, turtles, and penguins as you make your way through this fascinating facility.

If you know your little ones love all things aquatic, this is certainly the place to visit. There’s so much to discover here that will leave all the family with cherished memories. So, booking SEALIFE Birmingham is a popular choice to consider for your next family day trip in the West Midlands.

I visited with family recently using a multi-attraction ticket to take my young Niece for her first-ever visit to a SEA LIFE Centre and she had the best time. Her favourite part was admiring the penguins, and spotting Nemo. Conveniently, you can park close to the venue but of course, it’s expensive for city centre parking, we paid £16 for under 8 hours so bear that in mind when you plan a visit.

3. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham

Using the multi-attraction combi ticket which includes Sea Life and Legoland for approx. £32 each we took the short walk to LEGOLAND after our visit to SEA LIFE.

The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is perfect if your kids are obsessed with all things Lego, being creative and using interactive toys and games. This attraction is housed within Birmingham’s iconic Utilitia Arena, overlooking the canal.

When visiting all the family will be transported into a unique playground – with many things to do. Whether it’s a Lego play session your child is interested in, where they can let their imagination run wild, or check out the impressive room where you can discover Birmingham’s best landmarks made entirely from Lego. You can guarantee they won't get bored.

This fun discovery centre even boasts a 4D cinema and two rides. It was the two rides that my family and especially my Niece and I enjoyed most, there’s one like a ghost train where you go around shooting targets and the other is like a carousel where you can cycle to get higher. There’s also a food place if you and the little ones get hungry.

There are additional activities to be enjoyed here such as sitting in a Virtual Realty seat with a headset and a room where the Lego team teach you how to build, but these are not included in the ticket price.

You can enjoy booking the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham experience for approx £18.50 each – or, like us you can get your hands on a discounted Merlin Entertainment pass that allows you to experience two or three of the best attractions in the West Midlands.

4. The Bear Grylls Adventure

The Bear Grylls Adventure is the perfect place to book a visit if your kids love all things adventure based. This activity centre, based on the famed adventurer himself, has many physical activities to get up to from the minute you step inside. Located steps away from Resorts World Birmingham and Birmingham International train station, it’s the perfect place to hop onto a train, enjoy fun activities then do some shopping and dining afterwards.

You can enjoy the high ropes, where you can navigate over 36 challenging obstacles on the tallest high ropes course in not just the West Midlands but in Europe. It is not an experience to be missed especially if you and your children are daredevils. There’s also cage snorkelling, climbing walls, escape rooms, and iFly to be experienced to let your children satisfy their spirit for adventure at this bustling haven of activity.

Although this adventure centre is perfect for young children, it’s an adult playground too. Try your hand at axe throwing, archery or even a shark dive where you can swim right alongside the creatures of the deep if you’re brave enough, don’t worry they look a lot smaller and friendlier than jaws.

Prices are dependent upon the activities you plan to get up to on your visit, but you can also use a Merlin Pass here. The array of out-of-the-ordinary experiences offered here will entertain all the family and push you to your limits. They also can't be experienced anywhere else with all the activities being all under one roof.

Located at the NEC in Solihull, booking Bear Grylls Adventure should certainly be considered when planning a family day out. My sister and I visited recently and had lots of fun on the climbing wall, high ropes, and shooting. We both agreed that the high ropes were our favourite experience.

5. Thinktank Science Museum

Sian Victoria © - Thinktank Science Museum, Millennium Point, Birmingham

If you want to combine education with a fun day out, look no further than the Thinktank Science Museum. Located within Birmingham’s Millennium Point, all ages can visit this fascinating museum and discover everything it has to offer.

With over 200 interactive exhibits in a range of areas, there’s sure to be something to occupy young minds. Discover Birmingham’s colourful industrial past, with real-life planes, trains and steam engine displays and wildlife fossils from creatures that once roamed.

You can even visit the planetarium, where all the family will be transported into space and see the constellations and the solar system in this amazing immersive experience.

From space and history to modern science and art, your kids will learn so many new and exciting things while engaging with these fun exhibits and interactions in this incredible museum. Ticket prices are a reasonable £7.50 for kids aged 3-15, with those under 2 going free. Or you can book a family ticket for £37.50. Why not consider visiting this place if you want to try out something new with the family?

6. Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Sian Victoria © - Meerkat, Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Sian Victoria © - Monkey, Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Sian Victoria © - Meerkats, Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Are your children animal lovers? The Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, located on Pershore Road just outside of the main city centre, is a perfect place to visit to see an array of fascinating animals.

You’ll come across a collection of incredible creatures in this wonderful park, from red pandas, meerkats, and lemurs to monkeys and wallabies. With some of the animals in the park being endangered in the wild, a visit to this park will help support the amazing work they do as a conservation for these endangered species.

Amaze the kids with animals they’ve never had a chance to see before as they roam across the park, with a chance to even witness the feeding times of some.

Ticket prices to visit and support this establishment start from an affordable £7.50 for adults, with children ages 3 to 15 admitted for £3.75 and children under 3 getting to experience all of this for free. If you fancy a break from the fast-paced adventure centres, why not consider a visit to this wildlife park?

7. Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Sian Victoria © - Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Another way to make sure the kids are entertained and happy while taking a break from the thrill-seeking adventure centres is to consider visiting the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Situated within Edgbaston Village, a suburban area just outside of the main city centre, these gardens attract visitors from far and wide.

Stretching across 16 decorated acres, this garden is situated within elegant, eye-catching Victorian glasshouses home to some of the most fascinating and exotic plant species in the world. Explore the four beautiful glasshouses and see what each one has to offer.

See the Tropical house, home to beautiful plants from around the world such as those native to the Amazonian Rainforest and fascinating koi carp, or the Subtropical house – considered the largest out of the four, this house boasts ferns, cycads, orchids and more.

The Arid house features plants usually housed in areas with low climates, while the Mediterranean house evokes ideas of a traditional Victorian orangery, with delicious citrus fruits and plants all around to leave your senses tingling.

Entertain the kids further with a visit to the beautiful Butterfly House, where all the family will be fascinated as the stunning creatures fly all around showcasing their unique wings. Or pop into the play area to let the kids roam as you sit back and observe the stunning garden surroundings.

Prices start from £7.50 for adults, and £5.50 for kids aged 5-16 while those under 4 go free. Or opt for the £21.50 family ticket. Although the gardens might not immediately come to mind when thinking of places to occupy the children, there's so much to see and do here that’s sure to entertain all the family.

It’s also a lovely place to bring them to appreciate nature and the importance of growing plants and somewhere to visit during the festive season for them to experience the winter light illuminations trail. As seen in my independent places to visit in Birmingham post.

8. Cannon Hill Park

Sian Victoria © - Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham

Cannon Hill Park can be found within Moseley, and stretches across 250 acres of parkland, boasting a range of activities sure to entertain all the family and make for a wonderful day out. It’s also considered one of the best places to walk in the West Midlands and is located not too far from Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Wildlife Park so you could do all three places for a full exciting day out with the kids.

With free admission, you can explore the recreational areas and see what takes your fancy. Test out your golf skills at the mini golf course, stretching across 36 themed holes, take a trip out onto the boating lake, visit the play area, or see everything the park has to offer on the land train. There’s even a Fun Park located on-site, with a multitude of exciting and thrilling rides perfect for the little ones. With smaller rides for young children and slightly bigger rides for older kids, the children will be spoilt for choice.

You can also stop for refreshments after you’ve let off all your energy in the recreational areas at the Garden Tea room. With free admission and prices only being charged dependent upon your choice of activity, a day out to Cannon Hill Park is sure to give all the family a fun, inexpensive day out that will leave you with special memories to cherish.

9. Lickey Hills Country Park

Sian Victoria © - Lickey Hills Country Park, Birmingham

The Lickey Hills County Park, located in Lickey 10 miles southwest of Birmingham city centre, stretches across an outstanding 524 acres of green woodland and scenic countryside.

Choose from several trails for you and the family to explore, where you can take in the beauty of the natural woodland and see if you can spot the wildlife. Perfect for the summer, you’ll be able to take in the beauty of the countryside and appreciate the views across the park. With so much green space to experience, you and the children can explore to your heart's content.

After you’ve explored the paths and trails, there’s a children's play area perfect to let the little ones let off any remaining energy while you unwind with a cup of coffee. It is one of the top places for summit views in the West Midlands, so I recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset if you love golden hour just as much as me.

It’s also a great place to escape the chaos of the city with this wonderful oasis of calm and natural, scenic beauty – plus enjoy free parking.

10. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Sian Victoria © - Edwardian Tearooms, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Sian Victoria © - Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Something a little more relaxed – but still just as exciting and fun – is paying a visit to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. With free admission, this museum and gallery showcase some of the most fascinating works from both local and worldwide talent.

Featuring art pieces from the past and present, and exhibits that detail Birmingham’s colourful industrial past, discover local and worldwide history at this incredible museum. There's so much to see from artefacts depicting Ancient Egypt to remnants from the Anglo-Saxon era.

There’s an array of interactive exhibits to entertain young children upon your visit, with craft and hands-on activities that will let them transport back in time, such as trying on historic costumes and checking out historical artefacts.

After you’ve explored the sights of the museum and art gallery, end the visit by grabbing a bite to eat at the Edwardian Tearooms. Take in the beauty of the tearooms, featuring paintings from the past and vintage furnishings, as you enjoy some delicious cake, coffee, and brunch in Birmingham before stepping back out into the hustle and bustle of the city.

11. Treetop Adventure Golf

Sian Victoria © - Treetop Adventure Golf, Bullring Birmingham

Mini golf is a favourite for all ages – and Birmingham has it covered. Located within the infamous Bullring in the city centre, Treetop Adventure Golf will transport all the family into a fascinating rainforest and let you test your hand at crazy golf.

Choose from two decorated and unique 18-hole courses, both following this incredible rainforest theme with ancient temples and Amazonian creatures making this tropical paradise more exciting and immersive.

Whether it’s the Tropical Tail golf course that captures your interest, complete with a mystic tree and talking toucans, or the Ancient Explorer course – or maybe even both – see who out of the family can get a hole-in-one at this fun golf activity centre.

For one course, a family of four can experience all of this for £32.50 or both courses for £51.50. Plus, if completing the courses gets your appetite up, stop at ‘The Market’ inside the centre, where you can snack on some pizza, and sip on fruity mocktails. Why not escape the chaos of the city and travel to the rainforest where you can see who in the family is the best at mini golf?

12. Theatres in Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Birmingham Hippodrome theatre

One thing Birmingham proudly boasts is its array of theatres. Showcasing musicals, plays and original shows, there's something to see for all ages at any of the theatres across the bustling city.

Perhaps the most notable of the theatres across Birmingham is the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre. Located southside, this theatre is simply beautiful. Boasting 2000 seats in its ornate, elegant theatre space, this establishment showcases musicals from the West End, as well as family-friendly, entertaining pantomimes.

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre can be found right next to the iconic Birmingham Library, and as well as boasting a stunning exterior, also hosts some of the most fascinating plays and musicals. From top-notch comedy and singalong musicals to serious drama, there’s so much on at this theatre for all the family to choose from.

Whether it’s a family-favourite musical you think the children might fancy or a spectacular pantomime that will leave all the family laughing, there's always something to see at one of Birmingham’s iconic theatres.

13. Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World

Sian Victoria © - Young girl stroking sheep, Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, Telford

Sian Victoria © - Lemur, Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, Telford

Sian Victoria © - Serval, Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, Telford

Sian Victoria © - Meerkat, Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, Telford

One of the top-rated attractions across the West Midlands near Birmingham is the Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World. Situated on the outskirts of Telford close to Mercure Telford Centre Hotel, this park allows all the family to see a variety of animals as well as ancient and extinct creatures that once walked the earth.

Take a walk in Wolf Woods and stroll past incredible animals such as the Arctic Wolf and Wallaby, explore Lemur Forest or even brave your fears by looking at the boa constrictors, pythons, and turtles. From colossal mammals to tiny reptiles and birds, see your favourite animal up close and personal at this incredible zoo and park.

Take a step back in time and see the realistic dinosaur displays dotted across the park. Perfect if your little ones are fascinated by dinosaurs, gaze at the scary velociraptor, T-Rex, and triceratops. You can even book a once-in-a-lifetime experience at this park, such as meeting the meerkats, seeing the dinosaurs, and even handling real fossils, or getting the chance to become a zookeeper for the day.

There’s such an array of things to see at this park – and it doesn’t stop there. If your children need a break from seeing the animals, let them blow off some steam at the indoor and outdoor play areas, or even try out the go-karts. Experience all of this and more with prices starting from £14.95 for adults, and £13.95 for children, or get your hands on a family ticket for £55.

14. Library of Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Views from Library of Birmingham rooftop terrace

While the iconic Library of Birmingham might not spring to mind when thinking of somewhere to entertain the kids, it certainly shouldn’t be overlooked. Instantly recognisable, the library near the Hyatt Birmingham hotel has become a landmark associated with Birmingham, and across its ten levels offers a variety of leisure and recreational activities for all ages.

Visiting the library offers fantastic opportunities for quiet reading and engaging activities with the little ones. Their imaginations may soar while exploring the extensive children's reading section, which is renowned as one of the largest collections in the UK. The library houses a wide range of books for various age groups, from picture books online via the desktops provided in the open learning areas to more sophisticated graphic novels and comics that can be read in cosy nooks, offering something for every child's reading level and interest.

After reading their favourite book, visit the Library of Birmingham café for coffee and snacks then pop outside and take in the views of the city centre from the garden rooftop terraces. It’s one of the best places to enjoy ariel views of Birmingham.

15. GoApe

Sian Victoria © - Go Ape Coventry, Coombe Country Park

Do your teens enjoy full-on, exciting leisure activities? Then book a GoApe treetop adventure, it’s a popular outdoor company that makes for a fun-filled day out for all the family.

With a fully equipped adventure centre within the lush Cannock Chase forest in Staffordshire as well as in Coventry, take in the flourishing valley and forest views as you climb amongst the treetops. With several forest activities for you and the kids to partake in, burn off some steam at this brilliant GoApe treetop obstacle course.

If you’re visiting with little ones, the original treetop adventure at £19 will be the one to try out, with thrilling zip wires, bridges and crossings designed for younger children to test out their adventure spirit. Or, if you have older kids, the £25 Treetop Adventure Plus may be the one to pick. The most challenging activity is the £34 Treetop Challenge – for those over 10 years old, this course will push your adrenaline with a 260m high zip line and a mind-boggling high ropes course.

Or maybe you don’t fancy climbing amongst the trees. Instead, stay on the ground and explore the spectacular scenery of Cannock Chase on a forest segway experience.

And, if your kids love jumping and bouncing around there’s also the nets adventure experience. Whatever you choose there’s so much to get up to at GoApe, with a wide variety of activities designed to suit whatever age.

If you're looking for something to satisfy your little ones’ thrill for adventure, this is something to consider.

16. Vortex Gaming, Resorts World Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Vortex Gaming, Resorts World Birmingham

If you decide to visit the Bear Grylls Adventure, than taking the kids across the road to Resorts World Birmingham is a must. After the adrenaline fuelled experiences, you and the kids are bound to be hungry, so you’ll find the popular chain restaurants TGI Fridays, Nando’s, and Las Iguanas that are sure to please everyone’s tastebuds and dietary requirements at the resort.

Once re-fuelled have a browse of the outlet shopping at Resorts World Birmingham where you’ll find discounted stores such as Nike, Next and Levi’s among many others. And if you fancy sitting back with popcorn while watching the latest movie, there’s also a cinema with an IMAX Screen in Birmingham – at this shopping, dining, and entertainment complex too.

If you still need persuading that this is one of the best leisure destinations for a day out with the kids near Birmingham. Then you’ll be pleased to know if you’re children love video games there’s also an arcade at the resort called Vortex Gaming and is certainly worth checking out.

If you or the kids are gamers or not, I’m sure you’ll appreciate the nostalgic salute to the classics with some retro games ready to play. The gaming collection is nothing short of fantastic, with virtual reality spheres and all the newest arcade games.

And if all that’s not enough, engage in the adrenaline-pumping escape rooms to make your trip to Resorts World Birmingham even more unforgettable.

To conclude

And there we have it! A run-down of some of the best attractions that are sure to entertain all the family within Birmingham and the West Midlands. Whether your children are fascinated by all things animals, adventure or just fancy letting off some energy at a play centre, there should be something on this list that will entertain them.

If not, then there are plenty of historical towns in the West Midlands to explore, for them to appreciate their local heritage.

Nothing completes the day better than enjoying a meal with all the family, so if you fancy dining out after all the fun you may want to check out my post on the best family-friendly chain pubs in the West Midlands to enjoy some delicious food and drink before you travel home. If the kids have been well-behaved and you fancy treating them to something sweet, you may also be interested in my recommended dessert places in Birmingham post too.

If like me, you’ll need coffee to fuel your day out with the kids, you’ll find plenty of coffee shops in Birmingham to help get you started.

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16 Best Activity Places to Go with Children in Birmingham