Ah, good old Brum. If you aren’t local to Birmingham, you may not have thought to visit for a family break. While it’s known for its superb shopping scene, fab cultural diversity, and an excellent range of eateries, it generally doesn’t hit the top of the list for weekends away with the kids.
I can’t fathom why not, however. Think beyond the Bullring, there are loads to do with youngsters in Birmingham. The city is home to a whopping big arena and one of the UK’s largest exhibition centres, the NEC. Check their websites regularly and you can usually catch a great live act, comic cons, and even LEGO brick shows.
Whether you’re from the area or you’ve decided to head to the Midlands for some much-needed family time. Here are five of Birmingham’s very best family attractions to add to your itinerary.
National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
SEA LIFE is always a crowd pleaser when it comes to keeping kids entertained. No matter what the Great British weather has planned, it makes for a reliable choice of activity. Birmingham’s SEA LIFE really is something to behold, too, with over 2000 creatures to meet and featuring the UK’s only 360-degree Ocean Tunnel. This is an SEA LIFE centre like no other.
Cadbury World
What parents kids don’t want to spend a day surrounded by chocolate? Located in Bournville, the Brummie village from which everyone’s favourite dark chocolate bar got its name, a visit to Cadbury World comprises of a self-guided tour around a real, working chocolate factory. There are, of course, lots of chocolate tasters, as well as a mini ride, an African themed play area, a 4D adventure, and cocoa-inspired exhibitions. If you have the time, do see whether the children can take part in some chocolate making workshops.
Pen Museum
Back to school just got cool. If you’re staying in the city centre, do pop by the Pen Museum located in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Discover Birmingham’s integral role in the world history of writing. The museum is a true celebration of the city’s 19th-century steel pen legacy.
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham
As we’ve already uncovered, NIC Birmingham loves a bit of LEGO action. Whether you make the brick convention or not, there’s always an opportunity for the kids to get in on a bit of Brum’s LEGO action at Birmingham’s LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. The whole family will enjoy the attraction’s 4D cinema, three rides, and getting hands-on with regular workshops in the build and play zones.
ThinkTank Birmingham Science Museum
With the rise and rise of STEM in recent years, our kids are lovely science, technology and engineering more than ever. Thinktank is a fab family day out that will encourage their enthusiasm and capture their creative thinking. With over 200 hands-on displays on science and technology, this award-winning family attraction has everything covered, from steam engines and talking robots through to gurgling guts and a chocolate wrapping machine. Check what’s on to be sure you don’t miss out on an exciting show at the Planetarium!
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