Things to do with kids in Birmingham: Top family activities & days out

Looking for things to do with kids in Birmingham? From fascinating museums and green spaces to exciting family attractions and indoor adventures, Birmingham has plenty to keep children entertained whatever the weather.

Whether you're planning a weekend, looking for a school-holiday activity or simply need somewhere to burn off some energy, there are plenty of ways to make your next family day out memorable.

You could discover dinosaurs and science at Thinktank, explore Birmingham's museums, enjoy a day in one of the city's parks or visit one of the area's best-known family attractions.

But sometimes you want something a little more active.

If you're looking for an experience where the kids can climb, move, challenge themselves and have fun, Rock Up Birmingham offers a different kind of family day out. With more than 25 climbing walls and over 75 challenges, there's plenty to keep adventurous children busy.

Birmingham has no shortage of places where families can learn, explore and have fun together. If you're planning a day in the city, these classic attractions are a great place to start.

Museums & city-centre highlights

Want to combine fun with a little learning? Birmingham has several museums and city-centre attractions that work particularly well for families.

Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum is a great option for curious children. With interactive galleries and hands-on exhibits, it gives kids plenty of opportunities to discover science, technology and the world around them.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is another option for families who want to explore the city's history and culture. Check what's currently open and what's on before visiting, as exhibitions and galleries can change.

Then there's the Library of Birmingham. Even if you're not planning to spend hours browsing books, the building itself is worth exploring, with family activities and events taking place throughout the year.

For something more immersive, head to the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham at Brindleyplace. Children can get close to marine life and explore underwater habitats without leaving the city centre.

These attractions are particularly useful when the weather isn't playing ball. You can spend a few hours exploring before stopping for lunch and continuing your Birmingham adventure.

Days out & immersive experiences

Sometimes the best family activities are the ones that turn the whole day into an experience.

Cadbury World in Bournville is one of the area's best-known family attractions. Chocolate lovers can learn about the history of Cadbury, explore themed areas and, of course, enjoy plenty of chocolate along the way.

If you're happy to travel further afield, there are also larger attractions and experiences around the West Midlands and beyond. The important thing is to choose something that suits your children's ages and interests.

For younger children, soft play can be a simple but effective way to spend a few hours. It gives them somewhere to run, climb and explore while adults can take a breather.

And for older children and teenagers, why not try something more competitive? Escape rooms and interactive group activities can turn a family day out into a team challenge.

Sometimes children simply need space to run, climb and burn off some energy.

Fortunately, Birmingham has plenty of outdoor options when the weather is on your side.

Parks & green spaces

Cannon Hill Park is one of Birmingham's best-known green spaces and offers plenty of room for families to walk, play and enjoy some fresh air. You can combine a trip to the park with other attractions nearby for a full day out.

For families who want more of a countryside feel, the Lickey Hills offer walking routes, open spaces and opportunities to explore away from the busy city centre.

Then there's Sutton Park, one of Birmingham's largest open spaces. With woodland, heathland, lakes and plenty of paths to explore, it's a good choice when children need room to roam.

Cannon Hill Park Walking, playing and family time Younger children and families Lickey Hills
Exploring, walking and outdoor adventure Families who enjoy nature Sutton Park
Open spaces, walks and discovery Families looking for a bigger adventure

Before heading outdoors, check the weather and choose your route according to your children's ages and abilities.

Sports & adventure: ways to get moving in Birmingham

If your children would rather be doing than watching, Birmingham offers plenty of ways to get active.

You could try trampolining, ice skating, swimming, cycling or other family-friendly sports. For older children and teenagers, activities such as go-karting can add an extra element of competition.

And then there's climbing.

Indoor climbing is a great option when you want children to be active while also giving them something to work towards. They can choose a route, figure out how to reach the next hold and celebrate when they make it to the top.

At Rock Up Birmingham, climbing is designed for beginners as well as more experienced climbers. No previous climbing experience is required, and each session begins with a full safety briefing.

When you're planning family activities in Birmingham, indoor experiences can be particularly useful.

They take the weather out of the equation, give children somewhere to burn off energy and can often be enjoyed by several age groups at the same time.

Why choose indoor climbing at Rock Up for your kids?

Climbing gives children more than just a physical challenge.

They have to think about where to put their hands and feet, work out which route they want to take and decide how far they're ready to go. Reaching the top can provide a real sense of achievement.

At Rock Up Birmingham, children aged four and over can take on the climbing walls. The arena uses automatic belay devices, so climbers can clip in and climb without needing a belay partner. A full safety briefing takes place before climbing, and the Rock Up team is available to assist throughout the session.

There are more than 25 climbing walls and over 75 challenges, with different routes and challenges designed for different abilities. There are also vertical challenges including the Leap of Faith and Stairway to Heaven for children who meet the relevant requirements.

And climbing isn't the only option.

Rock Up Birmingham also has a multi-storey soft play area for younger children. This makes it easier for families with children of different ages to find something suitable during the same visit.

A standard climbing session lasts around 90 minutes, including a 30-minute safety briefing. The climbing part of the session gives children plenty of time to explore the walls and try different challenges.

It's also an all-weather activity. Everything takes place indoors, so you can plan your visit throughout the year without worrying about rain cancelling your adventure.

Planning ahead can make your family visit much easier.

Rock Up Birmingham is located at Broadway Plaza, Birmingham, B16 8LP, just a five-minute walk from Five Ways train station. The centre also offers free parking for up to three hours at Broadway Plaza when parking is redeemed at reception.

Good to know Rock Up Birmingham

Location Broadway Plaza, Birmingham, B16 8LP

• Climbing age: From 4 years
• Climbing session Around 60 minutes
• Safety briefing 30 minutes
• Challenges 75+
• Younger children: Soft play and Toddler Climb & Play
• Experience needed: No previous climbing experience
• Parking Up to 3 hours free at Broadway Plaza

For safety, Rock Up Birmingham requires at least one adult spectator for every four children aged 12 and under. Children also need comfortable clothing and closed footwear, and long hair should be tied back.

Make it a birthday adventure

Looking for something special for a birthday?

Rock Up Birmingham also offers climbing party packages for children aged four and over. Depending on the package, parties can include climbing, food and refreshments, a party area and additional challenges such as the Leap of Faith or Interactive Climbing.

It's a useful option if you're looking for a birthday activity that keeps children moving rather than simply sitting around a table.

The party packages are designed to make things easier for parents too, with the Rock Up team helping with the organisation and party setup.

When it comes to things to do with kids in Birmingham, you don't have to choose between fun and keeping them active.

Explore the city's museums, discover its parks, visit a family attraction or simply head outside and make the most of Birmingham's green spaces. And when you want an activity that's a little different, indoor climbing gives children the chance to move, think, challenge themselves and celebrate their achievements.

At Rock Up Birmingham, families can climb across more than 25 walls, take on over 75 challenges and, for those who meet the requirements, tackle exciting activities such as the Leap of Faith. Younger children can enjoy soft play, while climbing sessions are available from age four.

Best of all, it's an indoor adventure, so you can enjoy it all year round.

So, whether you're planning a weekend, school-holiday outing, birthday celebration or simply looking for something new to try, why not swap the usual day out for an adventure?