Weekend in Birmingham
This budget-friendly family weekend in Birmingham blends exciting ticketed attractions with delightful free activities. We've focused on interactive experiences kids will adore, balanced with opportunities for family bonding, all while keeping costs in mind. Remember to book ticketed attractions in advance for the best prices and to guarantee entry. For unexpected rainy moments, Thinktank and indoor play areas (if chosen) are excellent alternatives. Look out for family meal deals or picnic opportunities to save on dining.
Friday Evening - Festive Family Fun
Friday, November 21Christmas Market Magic
Immerse your family in the enchanting atmosphere of Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria.
Wander through festive wooden huts offering traditional gifts, crafts, and delicious treats. Enjoy the free live music program on the stage in Victoria Square. It's a wonderful way to kick off the festive season.
Perfect for all ages, kids will love the twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the chance to spot unique toys. There are plenty of food stalls for a casual dinner or snacks. Accessible toilets are available near the Victoria Square stage. Weekday evenings tend to be less crowded than weekend evenings.
The market is easily accessible via public transport with three mainline train stations (New Street, Moor Street, Snow Hill) within walking distance. Ample city centre car parks are available, but be aware of Birmingham's Clean Air Zone. Consider public transport to avoid parking hassles.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Experience the magic of 'The Nutcracker' ballet at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
This enchanting Christmas classic features falling snow, a spectacular 30-foot tree, and a live orchestra, providing a truly special and memorable theatrical experience for the whole family.
Suitable for children aged 5+ who can sit through a performance. Check for specific age recommendations from the theatre. Facilities include restrooms and accessible seating. Performance duration is typically around 2 hours with an intermission, allowing for an early finish for bedtimes.
Located in the city centre, the Hippodrome is well-served by public transport. Nearby car parks like the Arcadian Centre (B5 4TD) are available, but expect them to be busy on performance nights.
Saturday - Science, Crafts & Polar Express
Saturday, November 22Thinktank Science Fun
Dive into a world of discovery at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum.
With over 200 hands-on exhibits across four floors, an outdoor Science Garden, and the popular 'MiniBrum' – a child-sized mini-city – there's endless interactive fun for curious minds of all ages. Consider adding a Planetarium show for an extra charge.
Ideal for children aged 3-12, MiniBrum is particularly engaging for younger kids. The Science Garden offers outdoor experiments (weather permitting). The museum has accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, and is stroller-friendly with lifts to all floors. Allow 3-4 hours for a full visit.
Thinktank is easily accessible by car with a multi-storey car park nearby. It's also a short walk from New Street Station and well-served by bus routes.
Museum Cafe Lunch
Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at the Thinktank cafe, which offers a range of options suitable for children, including lunch box deals.
Alternatively, bring your own picnic to enjoy in their designated picnic area or the outdoor Science Garden (weather permitting).
The cafe provides kid-friendly food and seating, perfect for a mid-day refuel. Restrooms and baby changing facilities are readily available within the museum. Opting for a picnic can be a budget-friendly alternative.
Conveniently located within Thinktank, no additional travel is required for this activity.
Harborne Craft Market
Explore the Harborne Christmas Craft Market, running from 10 am to 4 pm.
This local market offers a chance to browse unique handmade treasures, art, and gifts from local vendors. It's a great opportunity to find special festive items and soak up some local community atmosphere.
Entry to the market is free, making it a great budget-friendly activity for families. Kids will enjoy looking at the various colourful stalls and unique items. Public restrooms may be available in nearby shops or cafes. Suitable for a relaxed browse.
Harborne is a suburb of Birmingham. Accessible by bus services from Birmingham city centre. Parking can be found in local car parks or street parking, though may be busy on market days.
Polar Express Train Ride
Embark on 'THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride' from Birmingham Moor Street.
This magical, immersive train experience brings the beloved Christmas story to life with carols, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa. It's a truly unforgettable festive adventure for families.
This experience is highly recommended for families with children who love the Polar Express story. The duration is typically around an hour. It's an indoor activity on the train, but dress warmly as it's a winter event. Booking well in advance is crucial as tickets sell out quickly.
Birmingham Moor Street Station is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport. Several city centre car parks are nearby, but allow extra time for parking and walking to the station.
Sunday - Wildlife & Relaxed Exploration
Sunday, November 23Wildlife Park Adventure
Spend your morning at the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, home to a unique collection of animals from around the world, including red pandas, lemurs, and meerkats.
It's a smaller, accessible zoo with a good on-site play area, perfect for children aged 3-12 to explore and learn about conservation.
Kids will love seeing the variety of animals and burning off energy in the play area. Under 3s go free. The park has toilets, accessible toilets, and baby changing facilities. Allow 2-3 hours for your visit.
Located on the edge of Cannon Hill Park, with on-site parking available (paid). Bus routes 45 & 47 from Birmingham City Centre stop nearby.
Park Play & Picnic
After your wildlife adventure, enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch and free play time in the expansive Cannon Hill Park, located right next to the Conservation Park.
It offers plenty of space for children to run, play, and enjoy the outdoors before heading home.
A perfect opportunity for kids to let off steam. Bring your own picnic for a budget-friendly lunch, or grab snacks from the cafe at the Wildlife Park. Public restrooms are available in Cannon Hill Park. Suitable for all ages.
Located adjacent to the Wildlife Park, no additional travel is needed. Parking for Cannon Hill Park is available and shared with the Conservation Park.
Harborne Craft Market
Conclude your weekend with another visit to the Harborne Christmas Craft Market, which is open until 4 pm on Sunday.
It's a relaxed way to enjoy the festive atmosphere, perhaps pick up a last-minute unique gift, and enjoy the local community offerings before heading home.
A gentle wind-down activity for the end of the weekend. Kids can enjoy the festive sights and sounds. Public restrooms may be available in nearby shops or cafes.
Accessible by bus services from Birmingham city centre. Parking in local car parks or street parking. Ensure you allow time for traffic on a Sunday evening.
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