Things to do with kids in Birmingham

Things to do with kids in Birmingham

1. See

   Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses

   Large botanical gardens with a huge range of plants and workshops throughout the year.

   Mon-Sat 9AM-7PM, Sun 10AM-7PM (closes at 5PM or dusk Oct-Mar)·£6.10 (concessions £3.60, family tickets available)

2. See

   Birmingham Nature Centre

   Six-acre centre with lots of animals and birds, including deer, otters, owls and two rare Red Pandas.

   Apr-Oct: daily 10AM-5PM; Nov-Mar: Sat Sun 10AM-4PM·£9.50 (concessions £7.00, children under 3 free)

3. See

   Blakesley Hall

   One of the oldest buildings in Birmingham and a typical example of "black & white" Tudor architecture, constructed in 1590 by Richard Smalbroke as a timber-framed farmhouse. Many historic artefacts are on display in the museum, including authentic candlesticks and pewter goblets. The Gilbertstone, moved in local folklore by the Giant named Gilbert, is displayed in the grounds of the museum.

   Wed-Sun 11AM-4PM·Adults £8, students and elderly £6, children younger than 15 £5

4. See

   National Sea Life Centre

   Large sea life centre with a multitude of aquatic animals, including piranhas, turtles, sea horses, rays and otters. Feeding demonstrations throughout the day.

   10AM-6PM (last admission Mon-Fri 4PM, Sat Sun 5PM)·£9.95 (concessions £6.95, family tickets available)

5. See

   RSPB Sandwell Valley

   A bird reserve on the border with Sandwell which organises regular guided walks, talks and family activities.

   Tue-Fri 9AM-5PM, Sat Sun 10AM-5PM (closes at dusk in winter)·free entrance

6. See

   The Coffin Works

   Newman Brothers Coffin Furniture Factory

   An industrial heritage museum in the Jewellery Quarter, dedicated to educating visitors about the social and industrial history and importance of the site which was in operation as a coffin furniture factory from 1894 to its closure in 1998. Ornaments made by the Newman Brothers decorated the coffins of Sir Winston Churchill, Joseph Chamberlain, and many others. Many of the historic rooms, among which the "stamp" room, can be viewed and visited. Guided tours are highly recommended and start at 1PM, 2PM and 3PM.

   Wed-Sun 10:45AM-3PM, last tour starts at 3PM·£6.60 for adults, £4.40 for children, free under age of 5

7. Do

   The Giant Screen

   Part of the Thinktank science museum. 2D and 3D films shown on an enormous (five story) screen. Some mainstream films, mainly documentaries.

   Daily 10AM-5PM·£9.60 (concessions £7.60, children under 16 £7.60, family and joint Thinktank tickets available)

8. Do Not mapped

   Drayton Manor

   Located just outside Tamworth in Staffordshire, is the fourth most popular theme park in the UK, with 35 rides set in 280 acres of land as well as a 15 acre zoo. To get to the park during school holidays simply catch the special E22 bus in the mornings (typically just before 9 and 10) from Carrs Lane stop DK (near the Pavilions Shopping Centre). A return ticket should cost £10. Outside of school holidays you'll need to catch bus 110, which runs every half hour from Bull Street stop BF (near Snow Hill station) and get off at Fazeley. The return fare is £4. If you're unsure of where exactly the stop is (and it's easy to miss) ask the driver to signal you when you need to get off. Admission £18.95-20.95.

9. Drink Not mapped

   The Works

   Big 3 room club, with a variety of music. Great for kids. Over 23's will feel ancient in here.

10. Do

    Cineworld

    A large modern multiplex showing recent mainstream films.

    Daily 10AM-1AM·£5.50 (£3.50 concessions and before 6:30PM, family tickets available)

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Birmingham (CC BY-SA 4.0).