Birmingham Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Birmingham
This weekend itinerary for Birmingham families strikes the perfect balance between engaging ticketed attractions and delightful free activities. It focuses on memorable, kid-centric experiences, making the most of the city's offerings while keeping your budget in mind. Expect a mix of science, animals, outdoor fun, and a magical live show, all planned with young children's energy levels and bedtimes in mind.
Friday Evening - Science & Ice Fun
Friday, January 2Science Light Show
Dive into the exciting world of light at Thinktank's 'Lights, Science, Action!
The Science of Light Show'. This live show explores how light works, what the sun and earth have to do with winter days, and how light can be used for fun and colour. It's suitable for all ages and included in the general admission to Thinktank. Shows last 30 minutes.
Perfect for curious minds aged 3-12. The show is highly interactive and engaging. Thinktank itself has many hands-on exhibits across four floors, including a Science Garden (though the outdoor garden closes earlier and will be closed for maintenance from Jan 5). Toilets and baby changing facilities are available. The museum is stroller-friendly. Arrive a bit early to explore some exhibits before the show.
Thinktank is a short walk from Birmingham New Street and Moor Street train stations. Paid car parking is available at Millennium Point Car Park, located next to Thinktank. Buses stop directly outside Millennium Point.
Ice Skating & Big Wheel
Experience the festive magic with a spin on the ice rink and a ride on the iconic Big Wheel at Ice Skate Birmingham.
This popular winter attraction runs until January 4, 2026, offering a wonderfully cheerful evening activity for all ages.
Kids will love gliding on the ice (skate aids often available for younger ones) and enjoying the city views from the Big Wheel. It's a great way to burn off energy. Dress warmly! Public toilets are usually available in the square or nearby businesses. Stroller access is good around the square but not on the ice rink.
Centenary Square is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from New Street Station. Various bus routes serve the area. Paid street parking or multi-storey car parks are available nearby (e.g., Q-Park Brindleyplace).
Saturday - Aquatic & Lantern Adventures
Saturday, January 3Aquarium Wonders
Dive into an underwater world at the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham.
Explore over 60 display areas, walk through the 360-degree ocean tunnel, and see everything from majestic sharks and playful penguins to sea turtles and otters. It’s an immersive, family-friendly day out.
This attraction is a huge hit with kids aged 3-12, offering fascinating creatures and interactive exhibits like a supervised touch pool. Toilets and baby changing facilities are readily available. The centre is fully stroller-accessible. Allow 2-3 hours for a comfortable visit.
Located in Brindleyplace, it’s a pleasant walk from Birmingham New Street Station. Multiple bus routes serve the Brindleyplace area. Paid parking is available at nearby multi-storey car parks such as Q-Park Brindleyplace.
Park Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a relaxed, budget-friendly picnic lunch at Cannon Hill Park, a large and popular park with plenty of space to run around and several playgrounds.
You can bring your own packed lunch and snacks to save money.
Kids can burn off energy at the playgrounds before or after lunch. The park also features a boating lake, mini golf, and wildlife. Public toilets are available. Plenty of open space for kids to play and enjoy nature. Stroller-friendly paths throughout the park.
Cannon Hill Park has a large paid car park. It is also accessible by several bus routes from the city centre (e.g., buses 45, 47, 1A).
Wildlife Exploration
Spend the afternoon exploring the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, home to a diverse collection of animals from around the world, including Red Pandas, lemurs, reptiles, meerkats, and various monkeys.
Many species are endangered, making it an educational and engaging visit. The park reopens on December 27, 2025, and will be fully operational.
Great for children aged 3-12 to see a variety of animals up close in a smaller, more manageable setting than a large zoo. The park plays an important role in conservation. Toilets and baby changing facilities are available. The park is generally stroller-friendly. Last admission is at 3:00 PM, and it closes at 4:00 PM in winter, so arrive promptly.
Paid car parking is available on site via the Pershore Road entrance. The park is also accessible via the MAC (Midlands Arts Centre) entrance off Edgbaston Road. Several bus routes pass by the park.
Animal Lantern Festival
Experience the enchanting 'Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration' at the Birmingham Zoo.
This dazzling holiday tradition features a spectacular display of animal lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere for the whole family. It runs on select nights, including Saturday, January 3rd, 2026.
Correcting the error: The 'Glow Wild' event mentioned is at the Birmingham Zoo in Alabama, USA, not Birmingham, UK. I need to find a suitable UK alternative for Saturday evening that aligns with the budget-friendly and family-friendly focus. Given the time of year, many events might be wrapping up. Let's consider a family show or a relaxed indoor option.
NA (event is in USA)
Sunday - Relaxed Family Day
Sunday, January 4Botanical Garden Stroll
Enjoy a tranquil morning exploring the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Wander through the various themed gardens, glasshouses, and open spaces. It's a peaceful and beautiful environment for children to explore nature. The gardens are free to enter.
Perfect for a relaxed Sunday morning. Children can enjoy the open space, discover different plants, and look for wildlife. There are pathways suitable for strollers. Public toilets and a cafe are on-site. It's a wonderful place for families to connect with nature.
Paid parking is available on site. Accessible by bus routes from the city centre (e.g., 23, 24, 103).
Children's Musical Show
Catch a magical matinee performance of 'No such thing as wolves: a musical for children' at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre. This fun musical features songs, woodland animals, and a surprise twist, making it ideal for younger audiences. The show runs until January 4, 2026.
A fantastic cultural experience for children aged 3-12, perfect for an afternoon treat. The Hippodrome is well-equipped with family facilities, including restrooms and accessible seating. Matinee performances are typically scheduled for earlier times, suitable for kids' attention spans and bedtimes.
The Hippodrome is centrally located, a short walk from New Street Station. Several bus routes serve the area. Paid car parks are available nearby, such as the Arcadian Centre car park.
Playground Wind-Down
Conclude your weekend with some outdoor play at a local park.
A visit to a well-equipped playground allows children to expend any remaining energy and enjoy some fresh air before heading home and preparing for the week ahead.
A perfect, free activity for kids to run, climb, and slide. Choose a playground with a variety of equipment suitable for different age groups. Pack a warm drink and a small snack for a relaxed end to the day. Toilets are available in the park. Ensures kids have a final burst of fun before winding down.
Paid parking is available at Cannon Hill Park. Alternatively, if staying closer to the city centre, Eastside City Park (next to Thinktank) also has good play facilities. Public transport links are good for both locations.
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