Kids plan their perfect day and parents aren't allowed to say no.
We asked four children what their perfect day would be, and the results may surprise you!
School holidays, or even just the weekends, can be hard work if you have bored children hanging around the house! Sometimes your ideas about what is fun - playing games and getting lost in a colouring book - just don’t cut it for the kids. A trip to a bookshop, a trendy coffee shop, or a simple country walk isn’t exactly their idea of a treat. Sound somewhat relatable?
So, to help, and provide some inspiration for frazzled parents, we asked four kids to draw their ‘perfect day’. What would they like to do if they were allowed to do absolutely anything, and their parents couldn’t say ‘no’? With parents desperately scouring the internet looking for inspiration on how to keep little one’s entertained – and with searches surrounding ‘days out with the kids’ up by 350% - we have taken these colourful creations and brought them to life.
Catering for even the wildest of imaginations, we have planned and mapped out their dream day exactly how they want it, across our network. Parents and guardians, you finally have the answers you’ve been looking for.
Maisie’s Perfect Day
Maisie, aged four, was quick to draw some orange dinosaurs who had left behind giant footprints, along with a very colourful rollercoaster. Keen to help fulfil her wishes, we came up with this ideal yet affordable adventure:
First Stop: Dinosaurs
This exciting adventure kicks off in the UK’s second biggest city, Birmingham, jumping on a train and alighting at University station. Just a short stroll from the station, on the University campus, is the Lapworth Museum of Geology , where visitors can discover life over the past 3.5 billion years. Its state-of-the-art galleries and interactive exhibitions are all completely free of charge, and along with dinosaurs for Maisie, there are exhibits about rocks, fossils, volcanoes, and earthquakes – which will capture the imagination of all ages (even mums and dads!). Various family activities take place here, from educational talks, to tours, and arts and crafts events throughout the year – and there are plenty of geological gems to gaze at.
Next up, it’s time to head for some more educational fun for Maisie. Just a five minute walk from Birmingham Moor Street in the city-centre is the Thinktank Museum . Filled with a range of amazing interactive attractions and mesmerising displays, it is sure to captivate everyone’s attention! What’s more, Masie will definitely be thrilled when she catches sight of the triceratops skulls that can be found on display.
Venture through the museum and you will find a wide range of amazing activities. Stare into the breathtaking outer depths of space, in the Thinktank Planetarium, and explore the universe within this immersive experience. Moving on to a different style of interactive activity is the MiniBrum zone, which is Thinktank’s very own mini city where children are in charge (quite fitting really!). A day spent enjoying all that the Thinktank has to offer is sure to work up an appetite – so restore your energy at MiniBrum’s coffee corner, perfect for grabbing a quick refreshment before continuing through the rest of the museum. Finally, venture outside to the Thinktank Science Garden, filled with activities and a huge variety of different fun zones for the whole family to enjoy. Open every day from 3pm, with free entry, this exciting garden is the perfect addition to your day of fun.
Next Up: Rollercoasters
Heading out of Birmingham New Street just 20 minutes in the other direction, is Tamworth, home to Drayton Manor Park , just a short taxi or bus journey from the station. A whole host of rides and rollercoasters are ready to thrill little people and adults alike. Plus, Maisie and her friends are sure to love the vast selection of trains, carousels, thrill rides, and traditional rollercoasters – although, be sure to check height restrictions here to avoid disappointment on arrival! And, if you haven’t had enough of dinosaurs and other animals yet, there’s also a Zoo and Dino Trail to be explored too.
Opening from 10:30am until 5:00pm, there’s lots of time to hop on as many rides as you like before heading home and enjoying a little relaxation on the train!
Aaliyah’s Perfect Day
Aaliyah, aged eight, created a drawing jam-packed with activities, including helicopters, planets, rockets, fishing, and watching TV. But, also on the list were trips to two different islands - Donut, and Treasure! Keen to help achieve her wishes, we have come up with the perfect adventure (which might run into more than one day!).
First Up: Islands
There’s no way we can get to Donut Island off the coast of New Zealand in a day (or even by train) so Aaliyah’s out of luck there, but what we can offer is deliciousness in the shape of Krispy Kreme doughnuts to get the day started. Heading to Birmingham New Street, you’ll find a Krispy Kreme shop right inside the station, alternatively, take a quick stroll to Selfridges and you’ll find a concession there too.
A short train journey of less than 20 minutes from New Street, Northfield is home to Treasure Island indoor play centre . Indoor soft play and ball pits abound here along with a pirate-themed café to tickle your taste buds! Booking is essential in two-hour time slots.
If you fancy taking your island adventure to the next level, then head down the line to Aston Train Station where you’ll soon find Star City’s Adventure Island Mini Golf . Just a six-minute journey from Birmingham New Street, followed by a walk that will take you a little over 20-minutes and you’ll soon be able to enjoy three levels of golfing fun! As England’s first indoor adventure golf complex featuring two brand-new themed 18-hole courses, this destination is certainly not one to be missed, and will make the perfect final spot on your island journey.
Next Stop: Fishing
For a day of gentler recreation, and to meet Aaliyah’s fishing requirements, Birmingham has 14 locations to fish.
Billed as ‘Birmingham’s best day out’, Cannon Hill Park is so much more than just somewhere to fish - with a fun park, 36 hole mini golf, a train, wildlife conservation park, a boating lake, and several restaurants and cafes - you can literally spend all day here. But, during the open season (anytime except March to June), fishing is permitted on the lake, and is a favourite spot for local anglers. Take the train to either Selly Oak or University stations to make your way there.
The closest fishing location to the city-centre (and of course the doughnut) can be found at Edgbaston Reservoir. Alternatively, Manor Farm Park in Northfield could be coupled with a visit to Treasure Island.
Final Call: Space
Head just slightly off our network to Leicester for a fix of planets, rockets, and spacemen at the National Space Centre - which is the UK’s largest planetarium featuring an iconic 42m high rocket tower! What’s great is that we can link you perfectly to our friends over at Cross Country, where your galactic destination is reachable in just under an hour from Birmingham New Street. Learn about the fascinating solar system and drive a Martian rover across the red planet. The Space Centre is open every day from 10am until 5pm, and there is also a rocket-themed cafe and shop to explore.
Imogen’s Perfect Day
Imogen, aged seven, highlighted her self-confessed love of spending her parent’s money! Beginning with pictures of a pet shop and a clothing store, her drawing then moves on to a park and ice cream van, before finishing with a self-portrait with big shopping bags and a huge grin on her face! We know just the day Imogen and her family should head out on to satisfy her wishes.
First Stop: Shopping
When it comes to shopping, there are endless options on the West Midlands Railway network! For a day of indoor shopping, head to Birmingham New Street or Moor Street where you’ll find all kinds of stores in the Bullring, including Selfridges and the yummy Hotel Chocolat.
A little further afield, but both well worth a visit are Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa. Under an hour by train from central Birmingham, these historic towns have plenty of culture as well as many shopping delights and restaurants. Pets at Home has stores in both towns too, so Imogen can have her fill of rabbits, hamsters, and fish – which was clearly outlined as a must in her drawing!
Heading out of Birmingham in the other direction, the cities of Worcester and Hereford offer a variety of shopping experiences alongside their beautiful cathedrals, which are well worth a visit too.
Next Up: Parks
After a busy shopping experience, why not take a nice stroll in a lovely park, relax on a bench and people watch or even feed the birds?
The Recreation Ground in Stratford-upon-Avon, affectionally known as ‘The Rec’, sits alongside the River Avon (across from the shops) and can be reached via a chain link ferry or by foot walking across various bridges. This large open space has an outdoor gym, a children’s playground, and a paddling pool.
Leamington Spa has several parks to choose from, including Jephson Gardens and Newbold Comyn – which has a golf course and leisure centre to be enjoyed too. Both are easily walkable from the town centre and are ideal for a visit after a busy morning spent shopping.
Final Call: Ice-Cream
No treat day out is complete without ice cream. In Hereford, Creams on Commercial Street is famed for its gelato – which is hand-crafted in the London Gelateria with artisanal Italian ingredients. Available as sundaes, shakes, or just desserts, it’s well worth a try and can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors on the terrace. In Worcester, we recommend a visit to Delightful Desserts which can be found near the cathedral. As well as Henley-in-Arden’s, Henley Ice Cream, which is renowned for its delicious treats.
Levi’s Perfect Day
Levi, aged four, when asked to draw his perfect day came up with a colourful medley featuring Sandwell Valley, ice-cream, and Nerds! Well say no more Levi, as we have mapped out some hotspots to accomplish the day of your dreams.
Sandwell Valley
The best way to travel to Sandwell Valley Country Park in West Bromwich is to take the train to Tame Bridge Parkway, and jump onto a National Express Bus travelling towards Blackheath, which is then just a 13-minute walk from the park itself. Open every day from 10am until 4pm, there’s plenty to see and do here. The recently relaunched Visitor Centre features a shop and café along with activities and events – as well as an enhanced ticketed area for heritage activities. Forge Mill Farm is where to head if you want to say hello to the animals and walk along some lovely farm trails. Tickets are allocated in two-hour time slots and should be purchased in advance.
We expect it’s the adventure playground that gets Levi excited - featuring climbing nets, a rope bridge, an eight-metre-high tower with a slide, and much more - it’s the perfect place to let imaginations run wild. Sandwell Valley Country Park is also a great place to ride a bike. Lots of open space is ideal for little beginners or for adults who want to feel the wind through their hair!
Last Stop: Ice-Cream
All that walking and playing is going to make you hungry so best head to the award-winning Gelato Cafe, La Pop. Make the short train journey to Selly Oak station and then it’s just a short stroll from there. Once you’ve arrived, you can expect tons of fun as you design your own ice cream lolly! Pick your ice cream flavour, choose what you want it dipped in, then add up to three toppings (we think Levi should suggest Nerds) and then choose a drizzle to cover the whole thing in. This is a destination nobody (even you parents) is going to want to miss!
See parents, a day where ‘yes’ is the only answer is made simple when you travel with West Midlands Railway. Simply book it, train it, love it - and you’ll be on your way to your little one’s most perfect day yet.