Things To Do in Birmingham With Kids This Summer
Family attractions, indoor activities, rainy-day ideas, parks and budget-friendly days out
Birmingham is one of the best UK cities for family days out because it gives parents so many different ways to plan the school holidays.
You can go big with chocolate-filled fun at Cadbury World.
You can head indoors at SEA LIFE Birmingham, Thinktank or Treetop Adventure Golf.
You can build a rainy-day plan around cinema, bowling, soft play or museums.
You can keep costs lower with parks, playgrounds, packed lunches and Kids Pass dining offers.
You can turn shopping trips into proper family days with food stops and nearby activities.
Cadbury World
Cadbury World is one of Birmingham’s most famous family attractions and a strong choice for a bigger summer holiday treat.
It works well for children who love:
- chocolate
- interactive attractions
- family-friendly trails
- indoor activities
- colourful experiences
- food-themed days out
- special treats
Cadbury World is especially useful because it feels different from a standard museum or soft play session. It is a proper Birmingham family attraction with strong appeal for both children and grown-ups.
Best for:
- primary school children
- chocolate fans
- birthdays
- rainy days
- family visitors
- school holiday treats
- mixed-age families
Parent tip: treat Cadbury World as the main activity of the day. Add a simple food plan and do not overload the schedule with too many extra stops.
National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham is one of the best rainy-day activities in Birmingham with kids.
It works well because it is indoors, animal-focused and easy for children to understand.
Families can enjoy:
- sharks
- turtles
- rays
- penguins
- underwater-style viewing
- marine life displays
- aquarium trails
- calm indoor exploring
This is a strong option for families who want an attraction that works whether it is raining, too hot or simply too tiring to spend the day outdoors.
Best for:
- toddlers
- preschool children
- primary school children
- animal lovers
- rainy days
- city centre days out
- families wanting a manageable indoor attraction
Parent tip: pair SEA LIFE Birmingham with a nearby food stop or canal walk if the weather improves.
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
Thinktank is a brilliant option for curious children and families who want learning to feel fun.
It is especially good for:
- science-loving children
- hands-on discovery
- rainy days
- primary school children
- older children
- families wanting an educational day out
- children who like machines, space, engineering or experiments
Thinktank includes a wide range of family-friendly exhibits and MiniBrum, a child-sized mini city designed for younger visitors.
Best for:
- curious kids
- school holiday learning
- rainy-day plans
- mixed-age families
- children who like interactive exhibits
Parent tip: check what is open before visiting, especially during busy school holiday periods.
Treetop Adventure Golf Birmingham
Treetop Adventure Golf is a fun indoor activity for families who want something active but not too exhausting.
It works well for:
- rainy days
- mixed-age families
- children who enjoy mini golf
- casual family competition
- shopping and food days
- older children and teens
- families wanting a shorter activity
Mini golf is useful because it sits between soft play and a bigger attraction. It gives children something to do, keeps the day moving and does not usually need the same level of planning as a full-day attraction.
Parent tip: pair it with lunch or dinner nearby to make it feel like a fuller day.
Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park can be a lovely option for families who want animals without travelling too far.
It works well for:
- animal-loving children
- outdoor days
- younger children
- low-key family trips
- pairing with Cannon Hill Park
- families who want a quieter day out
- wildlife learning
Because it is near Cannon Hill Park, families can build a simple day around animals, playground time, picnic stops and walking.
Best for:
- toddlers
- preschool children
- primary school children
- animal fans
- budget-conscious families
- outdoor days
Parent tip: combine it with Cannon Hill Park to make the day feel fuller without adding lots of extra cost.
Cannon Hill Park
Cannon Hill Park is one of Birmingham’s strongest family outdoor spaces.
It is useful because it can work as the main plan or as an add-on after another activity.
Families can enjoy:
- playgrounds
- open space
- picnic areas
- walking routes
- family-friendly outdoor time
- nearby wildlife park options
- relaxed summer afternoons
Best for:
- low-cost days
- sunny weather
- picnics
- toddlers
- younger children
- family walks
- outdoor play
Parent tip: use Cannon Hill Park to balance out a paid attraction. A morning activity plus an afternoon park stop can feel like a full day without paying for two big tickets.
Lickey Hills Country Park
Lickey Hills Country Park is a good family option for countryside-style exploring near Birmingham.
It is ideal for:
- walking
- nature trails
- woodland exploring
- picnic days
- children who like outdoor adventures
- low-cost summer plans
- families who want fresh air
This is a strong choice when you want a day that feels active but does not rely on ticket prices.
Parent tip: plan a simple route and do not try to make the walk too long for younger children.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Birmingham Botanical Gardens can be a calmer outdoor family option, especially for children who enjoy nature, flowers, glasshouses and gentle exploring.
It works well for:
- quieter days out
- grandparents and children
- nature spotting
- picnic-style planning
- relaxed walks
- families wanting something less hectic
This is a good choice when you want a slower pace rather than a high-energy attraction.
Parent tip: pair it with a café stop or simple lunch plan to make the day feel complete.
How Kids Pass can help with Birmingham family days out
Birmingham is full of things to do with kids this summer, whether you want a big family attraction, a rainy-day indoor activity, a cinema trip, a park day, a shopping break or a low-cost family plan.
For bigger days out, Cadbury World, SEA LIFE Birmingham, Thinktank and The Bear Grylls Adventure can make the school holidays feel special.
For rainy days, mini golf, cinema, bowling, soft play and indoor museums give parents plenty of backups.
For budget-friendly days, parks, playgrounds, picnic plans, canal walks and Kids Eat Free offers can help stretch the summer budget further.
The best Birmingham family plan is simple:
- Choose one main activity.
- Check the weather.
- Plan food early.
- Pack snacks.
- Have a rainy-day backup.
- Check Kids Pass before booking.
Kids Pass can help families save on different parts of a Birmingham day out, including:
- family attractions
- cinema trips
- dining discounts
- Kids Eat Free offers
- indoor activities
- activity savings
- shopping and gift card offers
- everyday family savings
Checking Kids Pass before planning can help families build a better-value Birmingham day from the start.
Not a Kids Pass member yet? Start your £1 Kids Pass trial today and discover savings on Birmingham family days out, cinema trips, dining offers, Kids Eat Free deals and activities across the UK.
About the author - Valentina Kandaurova
Valentina’s always on the hunt for her next little adventure — whether it’s a woodland walk, a beach day, or a cheeky detour for ice cream. She’s mum to Daniel, her pint-sized partner-in-crime, and together they’re rarely indoors for long. If there’s mud to stomp in or a new spot to explore, chances are they’re already halfway there.