
Fun Things to Do on a ‘Weekend with Kids in Birmingham’?
Following a fantastic Saturday in Birmingham , where we discovered the climbing experience at ‘Rock Up Birmingham’ & ‘Cadbury’s World’…. We’ve decided to try and discover what’s available for kids in the centre of Birmingham or on the outskirts of Birmingham. With two active, adventurous girls desperate for more adventures to add to those we’ve found on our UK Cities tour (especially in Lincoln & Exeter)…. what else would Birmingham have to offer on a wintry, snowy Sunday in February?
the best way to ‘release our inner monkey’!

Both girls love any visits to aquariums, but Libby is desperate to eventually become a marine biologist so she loves SeaLife trips. Ever since we visited the SeaLife Centre in Porto & Copenhagen’s Den Blaa Planet, she has become increasingly interested in conservation and sustainable fishing. This was followed up with a visit to a brilliant MSC approved restaurant in Lincoln.
To conserve our oceans we must understand our oceans
We love the fact that Sea Life try to go further than simply showcase sharks, clownfish and turtles.. Every wall seems to have clear, easy to follow information boards that give a wealth of detail that our 8yr old can happily digest and ask questions about.


So all in all it’s proved a busy weekend in Birmingham, but one that showed what was possible if you were happy to race around the city…
Looking for something else to do with kids in Birmingham?
If we’d had more time, we would certainly have added some of these family-friendly activities that we’d spent time researching before we visited Birmingham.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery / Ikon Gallery
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag
The Staffordshire Hoard is the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found and is displayed at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in a hands-on, interactive display. Explore the rest of this beautiful, Grade II listed building and view over 3000 pieces of Pre-Raphaelite art, Ancient Egyptian artefacts and learn about Birmingham and its inhabitants. Have afternoon tea at their Edwardian Tea Rooms as well.
www.ikon-gallery.org
If you prefer modern art then the Ikon Gallery is for you with thought-provoking art that the whole family can enjoy. Situated in the beautiful surroundings of Brindleyplace, once you’ve explored the gallery, you can wonder the canals and take a trip to the SEA LIFE Centre.
Black Country Living Museum
www.bclm.co.uk
During the Industrial Revolution, the Black Country was one of the most industrialised parts of Britain thanks to its coal mines, coking, iron foundries and steel mills. Part of the region has been preserved in time at the Black Country Living Museum; one of the largest open-air museums in the UK.
Warwick Castle
www.warwick-castle.com
Discover the exciting history of Warwick Castle and enjoy a fun day out with activities for all the family. View the beautiful castle ruins, explore the terrifying castle dungeons, and get lost in the Horrible Histories Maze.
Thinktank
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank
Learn about the science of everyday life from our bodies to the smart ways to recycle, explore the depths of space, uncover extinct animals, mine for crystals, enjoy the science garden and shoot for the stars in the planetarium. There’s so much to explore at this science museum and in their industrial history room at the moment is the one and only Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car!
Alternative Tours in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter
www.alternativetours.co.uk
Uncover Birmingham’s world-renowned jewellery-making history with a unique insight into a jeweller’s workshop in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. An estimated 40% of British jewellery is made in this area of the city and over 100 independent specialist retailers and craftspeople can be found here.
Birmingham Back to Backs
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birmingham-back-to-backs
Back to back housing was typical of Industrial Revolution-era Britain, featuring two rooms downstairs and two rooms upstairs in each house, with the buildings surrounding a communal courtyard. These perfectly restored houses are a fine example of life during this time gaining a unique insight into to daily life of either a Victorian or 1930s family.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birmingham-back-to-backs/features/places-to-stay-at-birmingham-back-to-backs
The Back to Backs are located next to the UK’s busiest single theatre – Birmingham Hippodrome – making for a nice day out, though make sure you stock up at the 1930s-style sweet shop before catching a show.
www.birminghamhippodrome.com
Sherborne Wharf Narrowboats
www.sherbornewharf.co.uk
With more canals than Venice, Birmingham’s waterways are a gem waiting to be explored. Hire a canal boat and see the city from another angle, learning about the importance of these canals during the Industrial Revolution and how they shaped the city.
playa montroig
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