Top things to do in Birmingham with kids: Our ultimate family guide

Planning a family trip to Birmingham is all about being close to the action. Our city is packed with adventures for children of all ages, from the underwater magic of the National SEA LIFE Centre to the world-famous Cadbury World. 

By choosing our B&B HOTEL Birmingham Centre as your base, you'll be staying in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the best attractions and family-friendly dining at the Mailbox. We’ve created this guide to help you find the top things to do in Birmingham with kids, ensuring your stay is full of fun, discovery, and great local memories.

The most exciting things to do in Birmingham with kids: iconic landmarks

Discover the interactive world of Thinktank Science Museum

You will find the Thinktank Science Museum located at Millennium Point, which is a pleasant 15-minute walk from our B&B HOTEL. This award-winning attraction is perfect for curious minds, featuring the MiniBrum gallery where your children can explore a child-sized city. 

You should definitely check out the Smethwick Engine, the oldest working steam engine in the world, which offers a fascinating look into the industrial history of the city. Visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in Birmingham with kids because it combines education with hands-on fun, ensuring your family stays entertained for hours.

Immerse yourself in chocolate history at Cadbury World

For a truly sweet adventure, you can take a short 15-minute train ride from Birmingham New Street station, located just minutes from our doors, to reach Cadbury World in Bournville. Your kids will love the 4D Chocolate Adventure cinema and the chance to see master chocolatiers at work. It is an essential stop for any family trip, offering plenty of interactive zones where you can learn about the history of the nation's favourite chocolate. After a day of tasting and play, you can easily return to the comfort of our hotel to relax and recharge.

Explore the aquatic depths of the National SEA LIFE Centre

The National SEA LIFE Centre is located in Brindleyplace, which is less than a 10-minute stroll along the scenic canals from our hotel. You can walk through the UK’s only 360-degree Ocean Tunnel, where sharks and giant turtles swim right over your head. This attraction is ideal for families because it is completely indoors, making it a perfect choice regardless of the British weather. Your children will be amazed by the Penguin Ice Adventure, where they can watch cheeky Gentoo penguins dive and play in their icy home.

Hidden gems: unusual heritage and photogenic city spots

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Custard Factory in Digbeth

You should take a short walk to the Digbeth district to discover the Custard Factory, a creative hub located in the former Bird's Custard factory. This area is famous for its incredible street art and independent shops, offering a much more modern and "cool" side of the city for older kids and teenagers. It is only about 20 minutes away on foot from our hotel, making it an easy addition to your afternoon itinerary. You can enjoy a game of crazy golf or simply soak up the unique atmosphere of this colourful neighbourhood.

Uncover the local history of the Birmingham Back to Backs

For a step back in time, you can visit the Birmingham Back to Backs, located on the corner of Hurst Street, just a 10-minute walk from our hotel. These are the last surviving examples of the city's 19th-century courtyard houses, providing a real sense of how families lived during the Industrial Revolution. You must book a guided tour in advance to explore the carefully restored rooms that tell the stories of former residents. It is a powerful way for your children to learn about local history in an environment that feels like a living museum.

Capture the beauty of the historic Gas Street Basin canals

Birmingham is famous for having more canals than Venice, and the Gas Street Basin is the perfect place to see them. This historic area is located right in the heart of the city, only a 5-minute walk from our B&B HOTEL Birmingham Centre. You can watch the colourful narrowboats pass by or take a guided boat trip to see the city from a different perspective. It is a fantastic spot for family photos, especially as the sun sets over the water and the nearby restaurants in the Mailbox begin to light up.

Nature and fresh air: the best parks and outdoor spaces

Enjoy family leisure activities and playgrounds at Cannon Hill Park

Cannon Hill Park is the city’s most popular open space and is easily reachable via a short 10-minute bus ride from our doors. You will find plenty of space for a family picnic, as well as a fun park with rides, a mini-golf course, and a large lake where you can hire swan-shaped pedalos. The park also houses the MAC (Midlands Arts Centre), which frequently hosts family-friendly theatre shows and workshops. It is the ideal destination if you want to let your kids run wild and enjoy some fresh air in a safe environment.

Relax in the peaceful surroundings of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Located in Edgbaston, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens offer a beautiful escape from the urban hustle and bustle, just a short drive from our hotel. You can explore four stunning glasshouses ranging from tropical rainforests to arid deserts, providing a sensory experience for children of all ages. The gardens feature a dedicated playground and a seasonal butterfly house that is always a hit with younger visitors. Spending a morning here allows you to enjoy nature and biodiversity while still being close enough to return to your hotel for a midday rest.

Admire the panoramic views from the Lickey Hills Country Park

If you want to experience the wider West Midlands countryside, you should head to Lickey Hills Country Park, which is a 25-minute drive south of the city centre. You can climb to the top of Beacon Hill to enjoy panoramic views that stretch across several counties on a clear day. The park offers over 500 acres of woodland and heathland to explore, with plenty of marked trails for family hiking. It is a great way to balance your city break with a bit of outdoor adventure, before heading back for a comfortable night at one of our B&B HOTELS.

Practical information: planning your trip and travel advice

Identify the ideal season for your family getaway

You will find that Birmingham is a year-round destination, but spring and summer are particularly lovely for enjoying the canal-side walks near the city centre. During the summer holidays, many attractions run special events and interactive workshops for children. However, visiting in late November or December is also a great choice, as the city transforms with the Frankfurt Christmas Market, which is one of the largest in Europe and located just a short walk from our B&B HOTEL Birmingham Centre.

Manage your travel budget with transport and cultural passes

To save money during your trip, you should consider using the Swift card for easy access to buses and trams across the city. Most of the major things to do in Birmingham with kids are centrally located, but for those further out, public transport is very efficient. You can also look for family tickets for attractions like the National SEA LIFE Centre to keep your costs down. Staying at our hotel ensures you are within walking distance of many sites, significantly reducing your daily transport spend.

Find your perfect room for a restful stay at a B&B HOTEL

Choosing the right base is essential for a successful family trip, and our B&B HOTEL Birmingham Centre offers exactly what you need. You can enjoy spacious family rooms with comfortable bedding, ensuring everyone gets a great night's sleep after a day of exploration. We provide free high-speed Wi-Fi so you can easily plan your next day's route or book a table at a nearby restaurant in the Mailbox. Starting your morning with our generous breakfast buffet is the best way to fuel up for more adventures, all while benefiting from the excellent value that B&B HOTELS are known for.