20 things to do with kids in Birmingham 2022: fun activities for children and families near me
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Birmingham is a hotbed of things to do and places to see, with many of these activities not restricted to seasonal times or school holidays.
It might be tricky to find these events, or possibly you’re having trouble deciding which activity you would like to do first.
National Sea Life Centre
The aquatic wonderland surrounded by Birmngham’s canals has been entertaining families for over 25 years.
A 360 degrees ocean tunnel, the only one of its kind in the UK, gives stunning views of marine life.
With a vast number of creatures living at the centre, including penguins,otters and octopi, it’s easy to have a fun adventure that will last all day.
Tickets for general admission start at £20.65 if bought in advance online and tickets for special events can also be purchased through the Sea Life Centre website.
Opening times: Sunday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 9.30am-5pm
Brindley Place, The Water’s Edge, Birmingham B1 2HL https://www.visitsealife.com/birmingham/tickets-prices/ways-to-visit/general-tickets/
Black Country Living Museum
We started under the sea, now we’re going to head back in time.
The Black Country Living Museum allows visitors to step back in time to the start of the Industrial Revolution and beyond.
Work on your times tables in the 1912 classroom, ride on one of the heritage vehicles or grab a bite to eat at one of the 1930s era shops.
Admission prices: Adult (16 years and above): £19.95, Over 65: £17.95, Unwaged: £16.95, Student: £16.95, Young Person (3-15 years): £9.95, Essential carer: Free, Child (0-2): Free.
Tipton Rd, Dudley DY1 4SQ https://bclm.com/visit/
Cadbury’s World
The chocolate wonderland is a treat for anyone’s sweet tooth.
Tours and visits are available all year round, and a stop at the Cadbury’s cafe is encouraged.
You can follow the story of one of the world’s favourite chocolates and also see how they make their sweet treats taste so good.
The opening times for Cadbury’s World differ depending on what time of year you are planning
Admission prices: Adults £21, Children (Aged 4-15 years) £15.50 (under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult), Under 4s: Free, Senior Citizen & Students (Student ID required, Unidays are not valid): £18
Family of four ticket (maximum two adults): £63, Family of five ticket (maximum two adults): £76, Essential carer: Free
Linden Rd, Birmingham B30 1JR https://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/en
Dudley Zoo and Castle
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-5.30pm
Admission prices: Adult (including a voluntary donation) £19.50; Adult (without a voluntary donation £17.70; Children (3-15 yrs) (including a voluntary donation) £13.50; Children (3-15yrs) (without a voluntary donation £12.25; Family Ticket – 1 Adult and 2 Children (including a voluntary donation) £40.95; Family Ticket – 1 Adult and 2 Children (without a voluntary donation) £37.20; Family Ticket – 2 Adults and 1 Child (including a voluntary donation) £46.20; Family Ticket – 2 Adults and 1 Child (without a voluntary donation) £42; Family Ticket – 2 Adults and 2 Children (including a voluntary donation) £58.10
Family Ticket – 2 Adults and 2 Children (without a voluntary donation); Family Ticket – 2 Adults and 3 Children (including a voluntary donation) £69.85; Family Ticket – 2 Adults and 3 Children (without a voluntary donation) £63.50; Concessions (including a voluntary donation) Adult with disability/Senior Citizen (60 yrs+)/Student or Young person (16-18 yrs) £17.50; Concessions (without a voluntary donation) Adult with disability/Senior Citizen (60 yrs+)/Student or Young person (16-18 yrs) (please bring proof of disability); £15.90; Child with disability (including a voluntary donation) – please bring proof of disability £12.50; One Free Admission for Carer with Disabled Visitor.
Castle Hill, Dudley DY1 4QF https://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/plan-your-visit/opening-times-admissions/
West Midlands Safari Park
Opening times: Monday-Sunday 10am-3pm
Admission prices: Adult – £25.00; Child (3-15yrs) – £20.00; Student – £22.00; Senior 65+ – £22.00; Carer – Free; Under 3s – Free
Spring Grove, Bewdley DY12 1LF https://www.wmsp.co.uk/
Treetop Adventure Golf
Opening hours: Monday-Wednesday 11am-10pm, Thursday and Friday 11am-11pm, Saturday 10am-11pm, Sunday 10am-10pm.
Admission: 18 holes (1 course), Adventurers £10 , Senior masters (60+) £8.50, Young’uns (under 5s) £4.70, Student putters* £8.50, Family of four £32.50
36 holes (2 courses), Adventurers £10, Senior masters (60+) £13.50, Young’uns (under 5s) £7.75, Student putters £13.50, Family of four £51.50
Ground Level, Bullring & Grand Central, Birmingham B5 4BA https://adventuregolf.com/birmingham?gclid=Cj0KCQjw_4-SBhCgARIsAAlegrWREHVEot_Hp2XjeI8ygzrPHu4kXWzqZj_XiIOIEyBe5Scylv-Vo-YaAiR5EALw_wcB
Legoland Adventure Centre Birmingham
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10.30am-2.30pm
Admission prices: Adults (18+): £22.95, Children (3-17): £22.95, Under 3’s: Free
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Arena, King Edwards Rd, Birmingham B1 2AA https://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com/birmingham/
Escape Hunt Birmingham
The escape rooms have two locations, the addresses of which are listed below.
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-10pm
Admission prices vary depending on the adventure you choose, but all the information is on the Escape hunt website
Escape Hunt Birmingham Central, The Square, 120-122 Corporation St, Birmingham B4 6SX
Escape Hunt Birmingham Resorts World, Units 37 & 38 Resorts World, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1PU https://escapehunt.com/uk/birmingham/social-events/
Birmingham Museum and Gallery
The museum has regular exhibitions on display and these change throughout the year.
Tickets and booking information is available on the museum website for each event at the museum.
Events which are sold out will also be displayed on the website.
Chamberlain Sq, Birmingham B3 3DH https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag/whats-on
Mr Mulligan’s Birmingham
Opening hours: Monday and Tuesday 11am-10pm, Wednesday-Friday 11am-11pm, 10am-12am, Sunday 10am-10pm.
The mini golf centre has far more than just mini golf. As well as the three courses, there are pool tables and plenty of choices in food and drink.
Plaza, 220 Ladywood Middleway Broadway, Birmingham B16 8LP https://mrmulligan.com/birmingham
Warwick Castle
For a day out steeped in history, take a trip to Warwick Castle.
Admission for everyone three years and above is £21 when bought in advance or £29 on the day, so booking early is recommended.
Warwick CV34 4QU https://www.warwick-castle.com/tickets-passes/
Shire Hill Country Park
Located to the south of Birmingham city centre, the park is home to a vast array of wildlife, including butterflies and foxes.
Points of interest at the park include Sarehole Mill, a Grade II listed water mill which was used as a location inspiration by writer JRR Tolkien in his Lord of the Rings books.
If you have the right clothing, this can be a perfect retreat at any time of the year.
A five kilometre walking route is marked out on a map of the park.
Shire Country Park, Colebank Road, Birmingham, B13 0BD, www.birmingham.gov.uk
Birmingham City FC Stadium Tour
For your chance to see behind the scenes at the club and enjoy the experience of walking out the players tunnel, get booked onto a Birmingham City FC stadium tour.
Tour times vary, so keep an eye out on the club’s website for times and prices.
Cattell Rd, Birmingham B9 4RL
RSPB Sandwell Valley
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm
The nature reserve is home to a wide variety of birds and other animals which can be enjoyed all year around.
Admission is free, but donations are welcomed by the reserve.
Tanhouse Ave, Birmingham B43 5AG https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/sandwell-valley/
Aston Villa FC Stadium Tour
If you are a Villain and don’t fancy visiting St Andrews, then why not take the kids to Villa Park?
The tour includes a look into the dressing rooms, a walk out of the tunnel into the famous old ground, and the chance to have your photo taken next to the European Cup.
Times vary, so keep an ee on the club’s official website for the latest information.
Trinity Rd, Birmingham B6 6HE
Sutton Park
The 2,400 acre National Nature Reserve is one of the largest urban parks in Europe.
The closing time of the park gets later each day through year, peaking at 10pm in May, making for a lovely place to visit almost any time of the year.
Sutton Park Nature Reserve, Park Road, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, B73 6BU https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/downloads/file/1220/sutton_park_map
Birmingham Back to Backs
This recreation of a 19th century courthouse makes for a great day out for the family. Travel back in time and see what life was like for working class Brummies.
Admission is £9.50 for adults, £4.50 for children, £23.75 for a family ticket and £14.25 for a family ticket with one adult.
50-54, 55-63 Inge St, Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4TE https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birmingham-back-to-backs
Bear Grylls Adventure park
With activities both inside and outside, all the family will find something fun to do at the adventure park.
Prices differ depending on the activity you would want to take part in, and opening times also vary throughout the year.
Information on both is available online
National Exhibition Centre, Halls, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT https://www.beargryllsadventure.com/tickets/activity-tickets/
Earslwood Lakes
This collection of lakes located on the outskirts of Solihull will make for a charming day out, either on your own, with family or friends, or perhaps a dog to keep you company.
Ideal for a visit on a dry day, but practical enough to visit all year round, the Lakes offers some lovely views of the local area.
Wood Ln, Earlswood, Solihull B94 5JH, canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/earlswood-lakes
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-7pm
The 15 acre botanical gardens are located near to the Edgbaston area of Birmingham, and have plenty for visitors of any age to explore.
Tickets for the gardens can be booked via the website, which also has information for visitors to know ahead of their visit.
Westbourne Rd, Birmingham B15 3TR https://www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/