Rosie
Birmingham, in the heart of the West Midlands, is a vibrant, bustling, cosmopolitan city offering something for everyone. It’s easily accessible by both road and rail, and perfect for a day trip or as a stopping point on your journey north.
With its museums, canal, cinemas, bowling, climbing, and Europe’s largest public library plus all the usual facilities you would expect to find in a city, there’s plenty to keep the family entertained.
Here is a selection of places we think the kids will enjoy.
The National Sea Life Centre
With over 1000 creatures to see including seahorses, otters, rays and a giant turtle this is a fantastic place to while away a day. Interested children (and their parents!) can learn more by attending one of the wide selection of fascinating talks on offer – learn more about clown fish or rays, meet the cute family of otters or find out more about sharks and the giant green sea turtle.
For a really hands on experience visit the interactive rockpool and find out about the wonderful creatures living on our own shores. If you’re brave enough, you can even touch a starfish.
New for 2015 is an incredible collection of Sea Stars. Get up really close by peeking through a pop up bubble or a peek a boo hole. If you’re lucky you may even see the Sun Star – the largest starfish in the world!
To round off your day take a journey 20 000 Leagues Under the Sea at the 4D cinema.
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Cadbury World
Who can resist a chocolatey visit to Cadbury World? With 14 zones to explore you can find out how chocolate is made and watch talented chocolatiers demonstrating their traditional skills.
Then ride the Crunchie rollercoaster and dive into a bowl of Cadbury Dairy Milk. Zoom into the air in a Cadbury Creme Egg airship with the Caramel Bunny at the controls – all from the comfort of your motion seat in the brand new 4D cinema experience.
With events held throughout the year there is sure to be something you’ll enjoy.
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Black Country Living Museum
Celebrating the incredible story of Birmingham as the heart of Britain’s Industrial Revolution, this award-winning museum is one of the largest open-air museums in the UK. It tells the story of this remarkable corner of the world through the sights and sounds of the time.
It’s set in 26 acres with more than 50 authentic shops, houses and workshops, which have been carefully reconstructed to make you feel as if you have stepped back in time.
Try your hand at traditional street games. Take a trip on a tram to a canalside village or explore an underground mine. A rolling programme of demonstrations could see you watching anything from metal working to sweetmaking, glass cutting to baking. This is a fascinating place to visit that will keep the kids happy for hours.
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Sutton Park
Covering 2000 acres and lying six miles to the north of Birmingham City Centre this National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, walking, running and playing.
The visitor centre is a good place to start and you can set out to explore lakes, woodland, wetlands and heathland. The park has two children’s playgrounds as well as various cafes for refreshment stops.
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Sandwell Country Park
Sandwell Country Park has something for all the family including two working farm visitor centres, an aerial assault course and an adventure playground with climbing nets, a suspension bridge and a high-speed zip wire.
You can also cycle, horse rid, play pitch and putt, crazy golf and tennis, and enjoy tractor and trailer rides.
While you’re there, take a visit to Sandwell Park Farm, It’s a restored Victorian farm and home to rare breeds such as Hereford cattle and Berkshire pigs. There’s also nearby Forge Mill Farm as well, which has a small animal area, children’s playground and a farm trail. Tearooms and gardens plus space to run makes this a lovely place to spend a day.
[button link=”http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/200249/parks_in_sandwell/1023/sandwell_valley_country_park” type=”big” color=”green” newwindow=”yes”] More about Sandwell Country Park[/button]
Are there any places in Birmingham perfect for families you’d add to our list?
