Are you looking for ideas for days out or a family activity to do in Birmingham? There are lots of things to do in Birmingham and beyond. The West Midlands region is packed full of attractions and activities that cater to every member of the family. From thrilling adventures to educational experiences, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
In this blog post, we'll uncover the top 10 things to do near Birmingham with kids.
Top 10 Things to Do Near Birmingham With Kids
Nestled in the picturesque countryside near Birmingham, the West Midland Safari Park offers families an enchanting journey into the animal kingdom. West Midland Safari has a safari, animal walkthroughs, a playground, and a small amusement park, making it fun for all ages.
On the safari, you'll encounter majestic creatures such as lions, tigers, elephants, rhinos and giraffes. Don't forget your animal food (£4 a box) as you can feed some of the animals along the way. The giraffes at West Midlands Safari are a personal favourite. We tend to do the safari drive-thru near the end of the day as it is a lot quieter.
Beyond the safari, you can enjoy the African Village, walk through lemur woods, and see the meerkats and ostrich. In the Discovery Trail, you can see penguins, sea lions, reptiles, lorikeets, bats, creepy crawlies, and fish.
If your children are huge dinosaurs fans, they will enjoy the Land of the Living Dinosaurs and Ice Age walkthrough. In the Land of the Living Dinosaurs, you will encounter triceratops, spinosaurus, and the infamous T-rex. Your children can even search for fossils in the Dino Dig. In the Ice Age walkthrough, you can see the ferocious sabre-tooth cat and woolly mammoth
West Midland Safari Park also rides including a Rhino Rollercoaster, Water Splash, Tower Drop, and more! You can purchase wristbands online or on the day.
Located near Tamworth (a 35-minute drive from Birmingham city centre), Drayton Manor is a haven for thrill-seekers and families alike. This theme park promises a day full of fun!
Adults and older kids can experience the only stand-up rollercoaster with a zero-gravity roll, Shockwave! They can also enjoy the new Vikings area and a heart-stopping, three-drop water ride, Stormforce 10.
Drayton Manor is well-known for its dedicated section to everyone's favourite blue engine, Thomas the Tank Engine. Thomas Land has over 25 themed rides and attractions perfect for children. The rides include Toby's Tram Express, Blue Mountain Engines, Flynn's Fire Rescue, and new for 2023, Thomas and Percy's Submarine Splash. Check out my Instagram Reel if you'd like to see a snippet of our recent day out to Drayton Manor!
You can also check out the Thomas Exhibition, Emily's Adventure Soft Play, and Spencer's Adventure Outdoor Play. There’s also lots of entertainment in Thomas Land throughout the day. Join Sir Topham Hatt and his station sweepers Rusty and Dusty who host interactive singalong shows from the Knapford Station Balcony. After, you even have the chance to meet and greet them and take a photo together.
Did you know that Drayton Manor even has mini-golf?
Transport your family back in time at the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley (a 35-minute drive from Birmingham city centre). This open-air museum offers a glimpse into the region's industrial past, with reconstructed buildings, costumed characters, and interactive exhibits.
As you stroll through the reconstructed historic buildings, interact with costumed characters, and explore the various exhibits, you'll gain a deep understanding of the region's industrial legacy and the daily lives of its inhabitants.
From the old-time shops to the fascinating insights of the coal mine experience, the museum offers a rich tapestry of history that brings the past to life. It's an educational and entertaining experience.
Don't forget to try some of its world-famous fish and chips!
Ignite curiosity and learning at one of Birmingham's museums, Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, which is located at Millennium Point in Birmingham City Centre. With hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and immersive experiences, kids (and adults!) can explore science, technology, and the natural world in a fun and engaging way.
From exploring the marvels of outer space to delving into the intricate workings of the human body, ThinkTank Birmingham Science Museum offers an array of engaging experiences that make science come alive.
One of its standout attractions, Mini Brum, is a play space designed for children to step into a miniature cityscape where they can role-play and engage in various real-world scenarios, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. You can also explore the world of science in the interactive outdoor science garden.
The award-winning museum encourages interactive learning, making it an ideal destination for families.
For a sweet and interactive adventure, head to Cadbury World, just a short drive from Birmingham. Delve into the history of chocolate, witness the chocolate-making process, and even enjoy delectable samples.
Kids will love exploring the themed zones, meeting the iconic Cadbury characters, and indulging in the world of chocolatey goodness. You can also enjoy the Cadabra ride, the 4D cinema, and the outdoor African Adventure Play Area.
It's a place where families can explore, learn, and savour the world of chocolate!
Dive into a world of underwater wonders at the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham. Discover a diverse array of marine creatures, from seahorses to sharks, in captivating themed displays. The 360-degree ocean tunnel provides a unique opportunity to get up close to majestic sea creatures.
With its blend of education and entertainment, the National Sea Life Centre Birmingham provides a unique opportunity for families to connect with marine life, deepen their understanding of ocean conservation, and create cherished memories.
The Sea Life Centre and Legoland Discovery Centre are situated a short walking distance away from each other. Many people do tend to visit both attractions on one day and take advantage of the combi tickets. These attractions are great to visit on a rainy day.
The Legoland Discovery Centre stands as a haven of imagination and creativity for families. You'll find many interactive zones, from Miniland, where famous landmarks are recreated in meticulous LEGO detail, to a 4D cinema experience, and two indoor rides.
Little builders can let their creativity soar in the play zones, where they can construct their own LEGO creations and put them to the test. They can also play in the two soft play areas.
With a blend of playfulness, education, and entertainment, the Legoland Discovery Centre in Birmingham promises a day of endless fun and boundless possibilities for the entire family.
The Bear Grylls Adventure offers an adrenaline-packed day out. Inspired by the renowned adventurer himself, this unique attraction invites you to test your limits and embrace your inner explorer.
From high ropes challenges to indoor climbing and skydiving, the Bear Grylls activity centre offers an array of thrilling activities that cater to various levels of adventure seekers. The attraction provides an opportunity to engage in daring activities.
Indoor activities such as axe throwing, shark diving, escape rooms, and more, make The Bear Grylls Adventure perfect for a rainy day.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and step into the serene oasis of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Roam through the stunning plant collections, themed gardens, and glasshouses showcasing a wide range of exotic flora.
It's a perfect spot for leisurely strolls, picnics, and capturing beautiful family photos.
At Birmingham Botanical Gardens, your children can take part in one of many different trails (£1.50 charge). The trails include Brilliant Butterflies, Dangerous Plants, Garden Minibeasts, and Magical Plants.
Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park located at the edge of Cannon Hill Park stands as a testament to the importance of preserving and protecting our wildlife. This hidden gem offers a unique opportunity to see many exotic and endangered animals from around the world. Some of the animals you can see include Red Pandas, lemurs, reptiles, meerkats, otters, wallabies and a large collection of monkeys.
The park has a strong focus on conservation and education. You can learn about various species, their habitats, and the efforts being made to safeguard their survival.
Admission prices to Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park are pretty reasonable. Adults are £7.65 each and children (aged 3-15 years) are £3.80. Family tickets are also available.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking to visit Birmingham during the school holiday or any other time, there are lots of family-friendly fun things to do. There are many activities in Birmingham for families, such as visiting Cadbury World or exploring the ThinkTank Science Museum. Whether you're seeking thrills or educational experiences, these top attractions ensure a day out that your family will treasure.
Top Tip: If you're looking to book one of these days out near Birmingham, I'd recommend searching for discounts and offers. If you're a Day Out With The Kids VIP member you can take advantage of offers for Drayton Manor, SEA LIFE Birmingham, Cadbury World, West Midland Safari Park, The Bear Grylls Adventure, and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham.
You can also take advantage of 2-FOR-1 offers to SEA LIFE Birmingham, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, The Bear Grylls Adventure, Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre when you travel by train. See here for more info.
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