Things to do with kids in Birmingham

I have just moved to Birmingham, UK with my family and I have been looking for fun things to do with kids in and around the city. I was born near Birmingham and lived here for the first 18 years of my life as as a child used to visit many of the tourist attractions with my Mum. Now I am a parent myself and have been experiencing the tourist attractions with my son, husband, friends and their kids. This article describes things to do

with kids in Birmingham with reviews the tourist attractions I have visited recently.

There's also information about discounts, money off and vouchers for Birmingham attractions for kids.

If you're looking for things to do with kids in and around Birmingham read on.

My first thought about the sea life aquarium is wow it's expensive. I arrived, not knowing how much it costs and found out it was 17.50 for an adult. Therefore if you're going look out for 2 for 1 vouchers or get an online discount by going to the Sealife.co.uk website and book in advance. If you have Tesco Clubcard vouchers they can also be used on this attraction.

I was with my son who was under 3 at the time so only had to pay for myself. It was very enjoyable but I think if you pay full price its expensive for what it is. There are lots of different types of fish to look at. We especially enjoyed looking at the clown fish (Nemo!!) and the turtles. My favourite part of the day was the 4D cinema experience. You get to watch ocean life in 3D and have the experience of ocean spray. bubbles and moving seats! It was good fun and my son loved it.

I think this attraction is better for younger children (perhaps 7 and under).

I've spent the day at Cadbury World in March 2010 with my husband, Mum and 3 year old son and its fair to say it was a very enjoyable day. This is definitely one of the best things to do with kids in Birmingham, UK on a rainy day.

For chocolate lovers such as myself you can't go wrong when you enter the attraction and are given two chocolate bars to start the experience. The first part of the attraction charts the history of chocolate and you begin by walking through the jungle of Mexico where chocolate first has its origins. Then you go to two 5 minute shows, (one with moving benches!!) to continue the story. The whole Cadbury experience is very interactive so you can't go wrong with kids. One of the most enjoyable parts for children include the Beanmobiles, where you go on a ride through Beanland. There's also an interactive exhibit at the end of the tour which kids will love and there's an outdoor playground. You get to see parts of the factory where chocolate is made and try your hand at writing your name in chocolate too. We ended our day with a visit to the Essence attraction where you get to make your own chocolate creation. I did feel a bit sick at the end of the day due to eating a bit too much chocolate but I would highly recommend this attraction for days out with kids in Birmingham.

You do have to book in advance which you can do online through the Cadbury website or by phoning up their booking office.

The think tank is a very hands on science museum that kids are bound to love. There are ten themed, hands-on galleries. Get in position to drive a steam train! Discover the past. Investigate the present with 5 hands on galleries teaching you about the science that goes on in our everyday lives, how your body works and the wildlife that is in the areas that surrounds us. Find out about the future to see how we could be living tomorrow. There's also a planetarium. This is another great thing to do with kids in Birmingham indoors on a rainy day.

Go to the thinktank website for more information about the attraction and prices.

West Midlands Safari Park is a great day out for families and kids. It's outside the city in Kidderminster but its worth the trip. Go on safari and visit all the animals including giraffes, lions, zebras and tigers. Look out for the baby animals too. There's four miles of safari and opportunities to feed some of the animals. Then enjoy the amusement park with all the rides and attractions. A good tourist attraction to visit with kids in the Summer when the weather is good.

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses, situated in Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK, are a 15 acre oasis of delight. Designed by J. C. Loudon, a leading garden planner, horticultural journalist and publisher, they opened to subscribers in 1832.

Today, you will find beauty, peace and also tranquility combined with excellent visitor facilities for all the family. We really look forward to welcoming you into our gardens and glasshouses where you can enjoy nature at its best and discover the importance of plants to people.

There are quite things to do for kids on certain days throughout the year..Nature-related, environmental and creative activities that are held on selected dates throughout the year including crafts, games, quizzes and wildlife studies. Led by our experienced team of friendly Environmental Activity Leaders, simply turn up on the advertised dates and enjoy the fun - there is no need to book and there are no age restrictions! Check out the website at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Eleven miles to the south-west of the centre of Birmingham are the Lickey Hill. The hills are a popular country park area and they afford panoramic views over much of the surrounding countryside surrounding countryside can be seen from the top of these hills. There's a great playground for kids, a visitors centre with small cafe and lots of great walks and woods.

I go here a lot with my son on weekends and he loves it. A great idea for things to do with kids in the Summer. If you go in the Autumn/Winter take wellies as it can get muddy.

Lickey Hill Country Park

Broomey Croft Childrens Farm offers a host of wonderful attractions and first-rate facilities. In addition to The Granary Tea Room and gift shop we also have everything you need for a great day out, from a large, free car park, play areas and an undercover picnic area in case it rains!

Broomey Croft Farm, Birmingham

Cannon Hill Park is one of the premier parks in the city and has been awarded Green Flag status. With beautiful flowerbeds, lakes, pools and a wonderful collection of trees, it's easy to see why. There's plenty of opportunity for exercise at the park's tennis courts, bowling and putting greens and wildlife enthusiasts can follow the walkways and cycle routes alongside the River Rea.

The park is has many things to do with kids in Birmingham, with children's play areas and boats for hire on the lake in the summer.

Cannon Hill Park

Situated 2 miles south of the city centre, Birmingham Nature Centre is home to over 130 species of animals from around the world including meerkats, lemurs, owls, snakes and lizards, all kept in surroundings as close to their natural habitats as possible. The centre has plenty of picnic areas as well as a cafe. This attraction is reasonably priced at 3.50 for adults, 1 for children and under 5s are free.

The websites below offer money off things to do with kids in Birmingham.