Things to do in Birmingham for May half-term 2023
Looking for exciting activities to do with your family during the May half-term? Birmingham has plenty of events and activities to offer for all ages. Starting on the 27 May – 4 June, the city is packed with fun family activities to do.
Family-fun at Cadbury World
- Closest station: Bournville
One popular attraction that's perfect for families is Cadbury World. This chocolate-themed attraction offers interactive exhibits, chocolate-making demonstrations, and plenty of delicious samples to taste. Kids will love the chance to design their own chocolate bars, while adults can indulge in some nostalgic treats from their childhood. The self-guided tour takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and includes the Aztec Jungle, the Purple Planet, and the World's Biggest Cadbury Shop!
Enjoy 20% off Cadbury World when you travel by train.
Explore Cannon Hill Park
- Closest station: University
If you're looking for some outdoor fun, head to Cannon Hill Park. This beautiful green space is home to playgrounds, mini golf, a boating lake, and even a mini train ride. Pack a picnic and spend the day exploring the park's many attractions, or simply relax on the grass and soak up the sunshine. The park also hosts a range of events and activities throughout the year, including outdoor theatre and music performances.
Dive into the National SEA LIFE Centre
- Closest station: Birmingham New Street
Another great family activity in Birmingham is the National SEA LIFE Centre. This underwater world is home to over 2,000 creatures, including sharks, sea turtles, and rays. Kids (and adults) will love the chance to get up close and personal with some of the world's most fascinating creatures. The centre also has a 4D cinema, a touch pool, and a walkthrough ocean tunnel!
Enjoy discounted entry at the National SEA LIFE Centre when you travel by train.
Go wild at Go Ape
- Closest station: Rugeley Town (onward travel likely)
Okay, you've got us, it's not quite Birmingham, but it's still a great family-fun day out this half-term!
So, if you're looking for a bit of adventure, head to Go Ape! This high ropes course is located in the picturesque setting of Cannock Chase Forest and offers a range of thrilling obstacles, including zip lines, Tarzan swings, and rope bridges. It's the perfect activity for families who love to get their hearts racing and enjoy a bit of friendly competition. There are courses for all levels of difficulty, so everyone in the family can take part.
Learn at the Thinktank Science Museum
- Closest station: Birmingham Moor Street
For a unique and educational experience, check out Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum. This fascinating museum has interactive exhibits on science and technology, including an impressive planetarium and a working steam engine. Kids will love the chance to explore and learn through hands-on activities. The museum also has a number of galleries on different themes, such as the human body and outer space.
Explore Birmingham's Canals
- Closest station: Birmingham New Street
If you're looking for something a little more relaxed, take a stroll (English weather permitting) along the picturesque Birmingham canals. Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice, and a walk along the waterways is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants along the canals, as well as historic landmarks like Gas Street Basin and the National Trust Back to Backs. You can also take a boat tour or rent a bike to explore the canals further. The closest train station is Birmingham New Street, which is a 10-minute walk from Gas Street Basin.
Spring into action at Birmingham Botanical Gardens
- Closest station: Five Ways
Another great family activity in Birmingham is visiting the Botanical Gardens. This stunning green space has over 7,000 plants, including a range of exotic and rare species. There are several themed gardens to explore, such as the Tropical House and the Japanese Garden, as well as plenty of open space for picnics and relaxation. The gardens also have a playground and a range of family-friendly events throughout the year, such as plant sales and outdoor theatre performances. The closest train station is Five Ways, which is a 10-minute walk from the gardens.
Solve the clues at Escape Live Birmingham
- Closest station: Birmingham New Street
For a fun and interactive experience, visit Escape Live Birmingham. This escape room attraction offers a range of themed rooms, such as the Peaky Blinders room and the Doctor Who room, where you and your family must solve puzzles and clues to escape before time runs out. It's a great activity for families who love a challenge and enjoy working together. The attraction also has a bar and restaurant on-site, so you can celebrate your escape afterwards.
Unlock history at Birmingham Back to Backs
- Closest station: Birmingham New Street
If your family is interested in history, visit the Birmingham Back to Backs. This National Trust property is a set of restored 19th-century working-class houses that offer a glimpse into Birmingham's industrial past. You'll learn about the lives of the families who lived in the houses and how they worked and lived in the cramped conditions. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides and lasts approximately 1 hour. The Back to Backs are located in the city centre, close to the Bullring Shopping Centre.
Test your limits at the Bear Grylls Adventure
Closest station: Birmingham International
For a fun and unique experience, head to the Bear Grylls Adventure. This indoor adventure park is based on the popular TV show and offers a range of activities, such as indoor skydiving, high ropes, and a survival maze. You can also test your skills at archery, axe throwing, and target shooting. It's a great activity for families who love adventure and want to challenge themselves.
Get discounted entry to the Bear Grylls Adventure when you travel by train.
Shop until you drop at Resorts World
- Closest station: Birmingham International
Grab your credit card and enjoy a day of shopping and entertainment with the family at Resorts World Birmingham. This shopping and leisure complex has over 50 outlet stores, a cinema, a casino, and a range of restaurants and bars. There's also an indoor virtual reality gaming centre and an outdoor adventure golf course. It's a great place to spend a day with the family and enjoy some retail therapy.
In conclusion, Birmingham has a wide range of family-friendly activities to offer during May half-term 2023. From relaxing walks along the canals to interactive escape rooms, there's something for every family to enjoy in this vibrant city. So, pack your bags, gather the family, and get ready for a fun-filled adventure in Birmingham!