School will be out soon with half-term holidays starting from Monday (October 30), and parents in and around Birmingham will be wondering how to keep their little ones occupied.
Half-term ends on November 3 meaning it’s one long break from October 28 to November 5 (including weekends) and parents will have to figure out activities to keep their kids engaged during this time.
There are several events taking place in and around Birmingham to keep children engaged and learn a new skill - and all of them are free. Whether your child likes spend time outdoors or enjoy indoor activities - there’s an ideal fun filled venture ready and waiting for them to pick - without burning a hole in your pocket. Here are nine free family-friendly things to do during half term in and around Birmingham:
1. A breathtaking art exhibition at Ikon Gallery, Birmingham city centre
If you’re looking for a cultural experience for you and your family, the Ikon gallery is free to visit and has some great art exhibitions on like a major solo exhibition by British artist Mali Morris. (Photo - West Midlands Growth Company)
2. Innovative & historic inventions at Science museum and garden at Thinktank, Birmingham city centre
Students across the city get free admission to Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum every Wednesday throughout the year. Thinktank’s Free Student Wednesdays will enable any student with a valid student photo ID the opportunity to explore everything the award-winning science museum has to offer for free. The Science Garden is free every day from 3pm, with varying closing times in autumn/winter due to light levels. The earliest the garden will close during the winter period is 4pm.
3. Fun activities, including Sri Lankan mask making, & free food for kids at The Coconut Tree, Birmingham city centre
As part of the seasonal festivities, children who dine at TCT can complete a spooky word search. Each child will be gifted two different Halloween styles of drawings to scratch and reveal, a wooden stylus, and two ribbons so that they can hang up the finished decorations. A special Halloween themed edition of TCT’s Batta (Children’s) Menu will offer a range of kid-friendly dishes available for free and be paired with spooky activities from October 23 to November 3.
4. Learn acting & theatre skills at drama workshop at Coleshill Library
Nativity! The Musical is coming to the Bridge House Theatre, Warwick this Christmas and to celebrate the local West Midlands connection, the creative team will be holding practical drama workshops for ages 7-11 across the libraries of Warwickshire. Play games, create some festive crafts and even meet some of the characters from the musical! On October 28, a two-hour workshop will be held at Coleshill Library from 9.30am onwards. You can get a free ticket for your child on Eventbrite.