The Best Things to Do With Kids in Birmingham, UK

Lickey Hills Country Park lies an easy ten miles south-west of central Birmingham, making it ideal for a day outdoors
Lickey Hills Country Park lies an easy ten miles south-west of central Birmingham, making it ideal for a day outdoors | © Peakscape / Alamy Stock Photo

Freelance Travel & Music Writer

Birmingham is jam-packed with fun things to do with the kids. Whether it’s half-term or you’re stuck for ideas on the weekend, here’s where to take them in the Second City.

Cadbury World

A visitor attraction since 1990, Cadbury World is sure to go down well with the kids – who doesn’t like chocolate? Explore the fantastic history of the Cadbury brand in its original Bournville home, an operating factory since the early 1900s. There are interactive activities, the famous Cadabra ride, an outdoor play area, café, gift shop and so much more to see and do.

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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

Birmingham’s SEA LIFE Centre is home to more than 2,000 creatures and is situated in the middle of the city’s bustling Brindleyplace district. If you plan your trip in advance you may even be able to catch talks and feeding times with penguins, sharks and turtles, among other species.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

The city’s biggest museum offers free entry, although donations are welcomed. Here, kids can learn all about the Victorians, the Egyptians, the Romans and World War II in the museum’s various exhibition halls and activity rooms, with the latter packed with interactive displays.

IMAX and 4DX cinema

For a unique experience, why not indulge in some 3D cinema? Cineworld on Broad Street is the home of IMAX 3D, and more recently 4DX, a revolutionary cinematic experience that stimulates all the senses. Special effects in 4DX include wind, fog, lightning, rain, bubbles and scents, which kids are guaranteed to love.

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Previously called the Nature Centre, the Wildlife Conservation Park sits next to Cannon Hill Park and is home to an array of animals from across the world, including red pandas, lynxes, monkeys and wallabies. With entry costs staying low and the free-entry mac Birmingham in the park next door, the Conservation Park makes for a great (and affordable) day out.

Ackers Adventure

Ackers is an outdoor adventure park based in Sparkbrook, just outside the city centre. Perfect for all the family, Ackers offers dry slopes for skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing, as well as spaces for climbing, water sports and orienteering activities.

Thinktank Science Museum

Birmingham’s Thinktank, conveniently situated in the city centre, is an award-winning museum that celebrates all things scientific – with a local twist. Take the Spitfire exhibition for example, which explores the aircraft’s part in World War II and its lasting effect on the city of Birmingham. Here, you’ll also find exhibitions on the industrial heritage of Birmingham plus a planetarium, galleries and interactive displays on marine worlds, natural sciences and future medical advancements.

Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre

One of the largest leisure centres in Birmingham, Cocks Moors Woods is a great way to keep the kids happy. Sporting a swimming pool with a wave machine, plus a 50-metre flume and a baby pool, the centre caters for all ages. For the teens and young adults in the family, gym classes are also available. During seasonal periods the leisure centre also hosts special events such as roller discos and pool parties.

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens

If you have a budding Alan Titchmarsh in the family, make sure to visit the Botanical Gardens. Not only is the garden home to buildings and monuments dating back to the 1800s, including an original brick shelter from the Cadbury factory, there are over 30 horticultural areas to explore. Take the Victorian greenhouses for example, proudly showing off over 1,000 exotic and unusual plants, or the beautifully quaint Japanese garden with its variety of bonsai trees.

Lickey Hills Country Park

For the explorers in the family, look no further than the Lickey Hills. Located in Rednal on the southern edge of Birmingham, this country park boasts 212 hectares of unspoilt land. This certified country park has a Green Flag award (recognising it as one of the top green spaces in the UK) and is home to wildlife including lizards, grass snakes and a range of birds. If exploring has tired the kids out, head for the park’s café next to the car park.

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