Birmingham is one of the easiest UK cities to explore with children in tow — compact, well-connected, and packed with family-friendly attractions that suit everyone from babies to teens. Whether you’re after a rainy-day museum visit, a wildlife encounter, or a burst of tree-top adventure, this list of the best places to visit with kids in Birmingham has something for every family.
A quick look at what’s on the list:
- Get behind the scenes of the BBC
- Chocolate Dreams at Cadbury World
- Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
- Interactive science at ThinkTank
- Tree-top adventure at Go Ape
- Indoor mini golf for rainy days
- Birmingham Sea Life Centre
- Art and culture at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
- Enchanting gardens at Winterbourne House
- Superb city views from the Library of Birmingham
Sign up for our free newsletter for more family day-out ideas, competitions and offers, straight to your inbox. It’s completely free.
#1. Get Behind the Scenes of the BBC
Get a fascinating peek behind the cameras at the BBC Public Space, located in the Mailbox. Read the news and take part in a radio drama, then watch it played back. You’ll tour behind the scenes, see TV and radio programmes broadcast live, and some visitors even get the chance to try their hand at presenting.
#2. Chocolate Dreams at Cadbury World
A chocolate-lover’s paradise! Just a few miles outside Birmingham, Cadbury World in Bournville brings the story of chocolate to life in a fun, interactive way — from its discovery by the Mayan Indians in Mexico to its journey to Europe.
The kids will love sampling treats along the way and writing their name in sticky chocolate. There’s also a café and an outdoor play area for some energetic fun afterwards.
Visiting Manchester too? Check out 10 Free Things to do in Manchester with Kids.
#3. Wildlife Park
Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park in Cannon Hill Park is a lovely spot for younger kids especially. The park is home to a wide range of animals and reptiles from across the world, including the European lynx, porcupines, lemurs and monkeys, some of them endangered species.
You can also hire a boat to explore the lake, and there’s plenty of open space to run about.
#4. Interactive Science Explorers
Big kids and little ones alike learn as they play at ThinkTank in Millennium Point. Explore over 200 hands-on displays, including a planetarium that’s well worth adding to your visit.
If your kids are five and under, they may not want to leave the Interactive Street on Level 2, with its water play area, play café, doctor’s surgery, garage and ambulance — easily worth an hour on its own.
The Outside Science Garden is great fun too — bring a towel and spare clothes in case of enthusiastic water splashing.
#5. Tree Top Adventure at Go Ape
Who doesn’t love climbing and swinging Tarzan-style through the trees? Kids and adults of all ages will enjoy this energetic circuit of high-rope obstacles and zip-wires.
Go Ape is set within Cannock Chase, one of Britain’s most beautiful stretches of forest. Prefer to keep both feet closer to the ground? The Forest Segway Experience is a fun alternative way to explore the trails.
Exploring Scotland? Take a look at 10 Free Things to do in Edinburgh with Kids.
#6. Indoor Mini Golf
Wind your ball past palm trees and volcanoes, navigate through caves and dive behind waterfalls in this fun leisure experience for all ages. Perfect for a wet day in Birmingham, Adventure Island Mini Golf has two courses laid out across three levels.
Staff are on hand to help if needed, and the courses are well maintained throughout.
#7. Waddle Like a Penguin
There’s so much to see at Birmingham Sea Life Centre, including giant turtles, hammerhead sharks and seahorses. Kids love spotting familiar Finding Nemo characters and watching the penguins waddle on shore before heading down a level to see them dive and swim.
There are interactive touch areas and a soft-play zone too. It’s worth buying tickets online in advance to save time queuing on the day.
#8. Art and Culture
The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is home to thousands of works of art, with free family trails to help you get the most out of your visit. Kids can choose from the Animals in Art or Hidden Engines trail.
Staffordshire Hoard activity packs can be borrowed for a small deposit and include a storybook, jigsaw and other interactive activities that bring the unique collection to life.
#9. Enchanting Gardens
Step back in time with a visit to the beautiful Winterbourne House and Garden. Built in 1903, the house sits within seven acres of picturesque grounds landscaped with some of the country’s most dazzling plant collections.
Children will love seeing the nursery and other children’s rooms, filled with traditional toys and games — a magical family day out.
#10. Superb Birmingham Views
Yes, it’s a library — but the Library of Birmingham is genuinely worth a visit with the kids. The exterior design divides opinion, but the interior is bright and spacious, with interesting exhibitions and galleries offering views over the city. Head all the way to the top, to the Shakespeare Memorial Room, for the best views of all.
Visiting the capital too? You may also like our Free Family Stuff to do in London.
Can you add to this list of the best places to visit with kids in Birmingham? We’d love to hear your recommendations — let us know in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to visit with kids in Birmingham?
Top picks include Cadbury World, ThinkTank science museum, Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, Birmingham Sea Life Centre and the Library of Birmingham, along with nearby Go Ape at Cannock Chase for outdoor adventure.
Is Birmingham good for a family day trip?
Yes — Birmingham is compact and easy to get around, making it simple to combine two or three attractions in a single day out with children of any age.
What can we do in Birmingham with kids on a rainy day?
Indoor options work well when the weather turns, including ThinkTank, Adventure Island Mini Golf, Birmingham Sea Life Centre and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Is Cadbury World in Birmingham itself?
Cadbury World is located in Bournville, just a few miles outside the city centre, making it an easy add-on to a Birmingham family day out.
Related Articles
- 10 Free Things to do in Manchester with Kids
- 10 Free Things to do in Edinburgh with Kids
- 10 Fun Ideas for Free Family Stuff to do in London
Save This for Later
Not heading to Birmingham just yet? Save this guide for when you are, or browse more UK family day-out ideas on MyKidsTime for inspiration on your next trip.
Want More Ideas Like This?
Sign up for our free newsletter for fresh family day-out ideas, competitions and offers delivered to your inbox every week. It’s free, and you can unsubscribe any time.
