10 free things to do with kids in Birmingham during the summer holidays: Fun family activities near me

Finding things to keep children entertained for the six week summer break can feel overwhelming.

Here in the UK the weather can be unpredictable, making it harder to solidify plans as the rain could put a dampener on outside adventures.

With a cost-of-living crisis impacting how much money we have to spend on keeping the kids entertained, it’s very been more important to find free activities to curb the boredom.

Whether you want to explore the great outdoors or learn something new inside, we have something to fit all interests.

Here’s the top 10 best free family activities in Birmingham.

1.Science Garden - Think Tank Museum

The Science Garden at the Think Tank museum opens for free to visitors from 3pm.

It can be accessed earlier as part of the general admission to the museum, but you have to pay a fee to enter before 3pm.

The space offers visitors of all ages an opportunity to get hands on and learn through a variety of exciting exhibits, including a giant human-sized hamster wheel.

Learn about renewable energy, use a host of intriguing machines and get active with a host of fun things to explore.

This is just a 10 minute walk from the Bull Ring and can make a great activity to do during the afternoon.

2. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

If you’re looking for something educational over the summer holidays to get those cogs turning, then the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is the perfect place to explore.

The museum is open seven days a week between 10am - 5pm, and admission is completely free to visitors.

Not only does the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery have a host of interesting exhibits to experience, they host a variety of exhibitions that are free to view.

Learn about the history of Birmingham or watch the ‘The Migration Blanket - Climate Solidarity’ film, which is about the solidarity between women and girls in Birmingham and all over the Commonwealth.

3. Birmingham’s Tolkien Trail

If you have a Lord of the Rings fan in your house, this could be the perfect way to get outside and exploring.

The legendary author spent many of his childhood years living in and around Birmingham and the trail explores places that inspired The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.

Beginning at Sarehole Mill and ending at the Moseley Bog, this is the perfect walk to split into a couple of days to get out of the house and learn about the life of J.R.R.Tolkien.

4. Lapworth Museum of Geology

The Lapworth Museum of Geology is a great place to learn about the last 3.5 billion years of history.

From rocks and fossils to dinosaurs and volcanos, the museum is packed with interesting and engaging exhibits

The museum is also running plenty of extra activities over the holidays to get your little ones exploring and learning about everything the museum has to offer.

5. Library of Birmingham

Libraries aren’t just useful for those summer reading challenges, but the Library of Birmingham has a host of exhibits to explore.

With a discovery floor there is plenty to learn about, including a touch table and a digital gallery.

The library can also be used for additional research on topics your children are interested in to learn more about the world around them.

6. Ikon Gallery

Ikon Gallery is a contemporary art gallery that can help get those creative juices flowing

With a host of exhibitions happening over the summer holiday, there’s lots to explore and see.

Perfect for all ages, this gallery could be a brilliant way to get out and explore contemporary art.

7. Birmingham 2022 Festival

With the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games coming to the city over the next month, there’s a host of free activities happening across Birmingham.

Events explore culture in Birmingham, as well as across the Commonwealth, which can be a great way to learn about the wider world.

The Key to the City activity is back, giving you the opportunity to explore interesting places and spaces across Birmingham.

You have one final day to grab yourself a key on Saturday July 23 between 11am-4pm and the event runs until 7th August.

To find out more about all the events happening as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival then visit their website.

8. Gas Street Basin

If a family walk is more your thing, then why not explore the Gas Street Basin.

The canal walks are a great place to look around and you will be able to see lots of different canal boats.

This could be a great educational trip, learning all about the history of the Birmingham canal system.

9. Cannon Hill Park

Cannon Hill Park has been described as Birmingham’s Best Day Out.

Although there are plenty of activities in the park that cost money, just getting out and exploring the park can be a great way to burn off any excess energy.

Pack up a picnic, find a football, grab some sun cream and make a day of it in the park.

10. Sheldon Country Park

If you have an animal lover then a visit to Sheldon Country Park is a perfect day out.

The farm has had a full restoration and features animals including jersey cattle, pigs, goats, ponies, ducks, chickens and geese.

This is the perfect day out to meet some animals and learn all about the traditional methods of farming, with demonstrations happening on the site.

Birmingham International Airport also borders the park, so if you have a plane lover, it can be a great spot to watch the planes taking off and landing.

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