Unique Ideas For What To Do With Kids in Birmingham City Centre
Planning a day out with the kids in Birmingham?
There’s always something to do in this city, but what happens when you’ve done all the main spots? There are only so many times you can hit the main museums before the kids get a little bored.
When I’m organising a weekend trip, I try to find a balance: something active, something surprising, and somewhere tasty to refuel at the end.
Over the past year, we’ve stumbled across a few hidden gems (and some classics done differently) that have kept all ages entertained. Here are some of my favourite things to do with kids in Birmingham.
1. Sheldon Country Park
Sheldon Country Park was an awesome discovery. Situated on the eastern side of Birmingham, around seven miles from the centre, this park is an oasis for little ones.
There’s a free little farm where the kids can meet goats, cows, chickens, and other farmyard friends. It feels wonderfully hands-on without costing a penny.
But the real treat comes after: a short walk through the fields takes you right to the end of the Birmingham Airport runway. Planes roar overhead as they take off, and the kids are always wide-eyed, waving as if they’re sending each one on its journey.
2. Tamworth Castle
Any local readers will know Tamworth is a bit outside the centre, but it's worth the short trip.
The castle itself is a proper medieval gem with interactive displays, but what my kids love most is the huge playground and skate park right nearby. It’s a great spot for burning off energy before grabbing an ice cream before the car ride home.
Also, with the Bamco Funscape bowling and the Odeon Luxe Tamworth cinema just a walk away, you can easily turn it into a full family day out—even on a rainy day!
3. Wythall Transport Museum
If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll be fascinated by anything with wheels.
At Wythall Transport Museum, vintage buses and old fire engines become climbing frames and ways to learn outside the classroom. On running days, you can even hop on the heritage buses for a ride, which adds to the magic.
It’s unusual and a 30-minute drive from the city, but honestly, one of the most surprisingly fun afternoons we’ve had.
4. Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
Tucked away in Cannon Hill, this little nature park is home to some unique Brummies! Little ones get to see red pandas, monkeys, meerkats, lemurs, and reptiles up close.
Despite its unusual residents, it’s much smaller than a big zoo, making it manageable for younger kids while still exciting.
We love that it mixes fun with a gentle dose of education about conservation. Perfect for introducing these concepts to little ones through a real-life lesson.
5. Sutton Park
Sutton Park is enormous, with 2,400 acres of woodlands, lakes, and playgrounds. So, naturally, the things to do in this spot are endless.
I tend to let the kids choose. Will it be climbing trees and running wild in open fields? Or feeding the ducks by the water? There are multiple entrances, each leading to a slightly different adventure, so it never feels the same twice.
Fun Fact: Sutton Park is a National Nature Reserve.
6. Lapworth Museum of Geology
Looking for brilliant free finds? Lapworth Museum is packed with fossils, dinosaurs, and lots of colourful rocks.
It’s small enough not to overwhelm, but big enough to impress. Plus, it’s never as busy as the more famous museums in Birmingham city centre.
My youngest is mesmerised by the skeletons. My eldest, by the sparkling minerals. What will capture your attention?
7. Sandwell Valley Country Park
If we want a proper day in the fresh air without driving too far, Sandwell Valley is ideal. It’s 20 minutes from the centre, making it easy to reach via car. By train, it takes around 50 minutes.
What’s in store at Sandwell? You can expect a working farm, adventure playgrounds, trails for scooters and bikes, and plenty of green space for picnics.
It’s one of those places that feels a bit like a countryside escape, even though you’re still close to the city.
8. Becketts Farm
For a more organised outing, Becketts Farm is fantastic, especially around Easter, when their seasonal events are both affordable and fun.
The farm has been family-run for over 80 years, and the team behind it strive to bring fresh food and farming to all visitors, even the little ones. Between the farm shop, animals and family-friendly activities, it’s a wholesome way to spend a few hours.
Alternatively, why not visit the best farmers’ markets in Birmingham?
9. Refuel With a Treat
After exploring all the things to do in Birmingham with kids, food is non-negotiable.
A couple of our favourite family-friendly restaurants in Birmingham include Kitty Café at Grand Central (cats weaving between tables while you sip coffee is as surreal as it sounds, and the kids adore it), or Cherry Reds for a relaxed brunch vibe.
And of course, if we’re near Digbeth, Cafe Lovelife is a must. The Mediterranean-style sharing plates work perfectly for families. My kids love the kids menu scrambled egg toast or the chicken cumberland Med breakfast. It’s a great way to get them to try new flavours while I finally get to enjoy a decent coffee!
Last Thoughts
Days out with kids in Birmingham don’t have to be repetitive.
Whether it’s waving at planes in Sheldon, fossil-hunting at Lapworth, or eating delicious food, the city (and its surroundings!) has more family-friendly surprises than you might think.
Keep reading about hidden gems in Birmingham. Visit the Cafe LoveLife blog.