Every parent will be familiar with the struggle when it comes to finding something fun and exciting for you and your kids to enjoy. From start to finish, family days out can be more trouble than they’re worth, especially if the weather also decides to change last minute. With so many things to do in Birmingham, we have compiled a list of the top free activities that the city has to offer for your little ones – some being suited for sunny days and others for the typical rainy ones, so you never have to worry about the typical British weather!
1. Lickey Hills Country Park
Nestled on the outskirts of Birmingham, the Lickey Hills is a woodland oasis that will make you feel hundreds of miles away from the city bustle despite its offering of stunning views, stretching across the city. It is especially a hotspot during the Autumn season as the woodland erupts into a picture-perfect landscape of vibrant colours of auburns, reds and gold. Along with the several woodland paths to take, some perfect for a gentle wander or some for those who want to break a sweat, Lickey Hills is also equipped with a cosy café to end your stroll with a hot chocolate, as well as a playground for the little ones to burn off some energy!
2. Science Garden – Think Tank Museum
Open from 3pm daily, Birmingham’s Thinktank popular outdoor Science Garden is suitable for children of all ages and is entirely free! The hands-on garden is packed with interactive and educational exhibits with themes of engineering, mechanics and transportation – it’s even home to a giant human-sized hamster wheel which reaches a speed of 30 revolutions per minute! It is also only a ten-minute walk from the bullring which also makes it the perfect pause from your busy shopping day.
4. Ikon Gallery
Thanks to the Ikon’s central location and ease of access through public transport, this treasure makes for a great part of any family day out. Artists from every corner of the globe have their work featured in the gallery, with a variety of media, film and sound thrown in for an immersive experience. Throughout each month, there are a wide range of talks, shows and demonstrations occurring in the gallery, allowing your children to learn and ‘do’ at the same time.
5. Coombe Country Park
If you’re looking for something a little out the way from Birmingham for the day but isn’t too much of a jaunt, Coombe Country park is another outdoorsy gem that is perfect for a family picnic, to get the kids out in the fresh air and is only a half hour drive in the car! It boasts over 500 acres of gorgeous gardens, woodland and lakeside walks, bird watching, a visitor centre, café and is home to the historical Coombe Abbey Hotel.
6. Birmingham Donkey Sanctuary
This is an excellent choice for families of animal lovers. The Donkey Sanctuary has been going strong for over 40 years now, ever since its founding by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, MBE. Recognised as an international charity, the sanctuary transforms the life of donkeys and mules, allowing them to be visited by the public. What’s more, they offer donkey-assisted therapy for children with additional needs.
7. Birmingham Tolkien Trail
If you’re a huge Tolkien fan and are trying to steer your children in the same direction, Birmingham’s Tolkien Trail is perfect. Make your way through the sights and scenes in the Birmingham region to put yourself in Tolkien’s shoes and see the world through his eyes. The best part about this day out is that you can take the trail at your own pace, taking photos and making notes along the way.
8. The Library of Birmingham
Since its grand opening in 2013, the Library of Birmingham has become a strong favourite with visitors to the city, as well as locals. Here, you can find internationally imported collections of rare books, photography and various other archives, all of which are free to view by the general public. When the sun is shining, the library’s outdoor amphitheatre is host to mesmerising performances and, when it’s not, the Shakespeare Memorial Room is full of rare wonders.
9. Children’s Afternoon Tea at Park Regis Birmingham
Need to feed the hungry mouths of your little ones? Opt for our brand new, exciting Children’s Afternoon Tea! For £13.95 per child, think cake pops, chocolate mud pots, mini milkshakes, marshmallow stacks – and some healthy bites too of course such as carrots and hummus, cheese sandwiches and cucumber sandwiches. Book this chocolatey treat here.
Why not stay the night?
Park Regis Birmingham is one of the best hotels in Birmingham city centre and is within a short walking distance of a number of the attractions mentioned above. We provide a range of outstanding hotel rooms, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments suitable for families of all sizes, allowing you to fully enjoy your time exploring the city during a family weekend break.
Did you know: You can receive complimentary breakfast, 50% off car parking and a discounted rate when you use our SWITCH TO US offer, as well as other exclusive benefits. Find out more here.
Discover our Birmingham city guide for even more ideas, and to find out more about the rooms we have or about the hotel itself, contact us today!
