NX West Midlands Hero

May half term on a budget

We have taken the mayhem out of May half term with budget friendly activities.

Published: 20th May 2025

May half term on a budget

Monday 26th - Friday 30th May

Looking for great things to do this May half term? We’ve taken the mayhem out of the half term rush and put together a list of marvellous activities and events happening all around the West Midlands. Get ready for a fun-filled break with plenty of family-friendly ideas to keep everyone entertained.

FREE May half term activities at Resorts World, 26th and 27th May.

Resorts World is bringing the fun this May half term with two days of free family activities. Kids can enjoy the animal petting zoo, live science shows packed with exciting experiments, the Great Science Hunt, a crafty colouring station, and more. With great food deals and summer shopping offers, it’s the perfect spot for a full family day out.

For more information visit the Resorts World website.

Hop on either our 97A, X1 or X12 services to get you there.

Quest Through the Explorer’s Realm at Touchwood, 24th May - 1st June 2025

This May half term, Touchwood Solihull invites families on a free adventure trail inspired by the upcoming Minecraft movie. Kids can join Gordon the Monkey on a quest through the Explorer’s Realm, solving puzzles and uncovering clues to earn an Explorer’s Treasure—no booking needed!

For more information visit Touchwoods website.

Hop on any of the following services to get you there,  4, 4A, 5, 6, 49, 72, 73, 76, X2, X12

Half term fun at Merry Hill

The Field, 23rd May - 26th May 2025

This spring, Merry Hill is bringing the great outdoors inside with a one-of-a-kind event. Families can dust off their picnic blankets and kick off their shoes as the Central Event Space is transformed with real grass—yes, actual real grass! It’s the perfect spot to relax, play, and enjoy a taste of nature, whatever the weather.

To find out more information and what else is going on at Merry Hill visit their website.

Hop on our 8 or X10 services to get you there.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Jurassic Gardens, 24th May – 1st June 2025

Jurassic Gardens returns this May half term with life-sized dinos, including the Brontosaurus, for a roaring adventure at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Free for members or with a day ticket.

For more information visit Birmingham Botanical Gardens website

Gardens Art Club: Roarsome Dinosaurs, 27th - 29th May 2025

Join the free Garden Art Club and get creative with dino-themed crafts, including your own spiky hat! Perfect for ages 4–12 and included with Gardens entry.

For more information visit Birmingham Botanical Gardens website

Prehistoric Plants Trail, 24th May - 1st June 2025

From 24th May – 1st June, follow a fun prehistoric plant trail at Birmingham Botanical Gardens and discover greenery from the age of the dinosaurs. Suitable for ages 6+, with younger children welcome too. 

For more information visit Birmingham Botanical Gardens website

Hop on any of the following 23 or 24 services to get you there.

Solihull Food & Music Festival at Tudor Grange Park, Solihull 24th – 26th May

The Solihull Food & Music Fest is back this May Bank Holiday with three days of delicious food and top tribute bands at Tudor Grange Park. It’s the ultimate family-friendly festival experience, packed with flavour and live entertainment!

Hop on any of the following services to get you there, 5, 4, 4A, 6, X2, 49, 72, 73, 76, X12

Thinktank Birmingham

Roving Robots Family Show

During May half term, drop in to Thinktank’s Roving Robots Family Show to learn all about space rovers and how they explore other planets. Shows run weekdays at 11:30am and 1pm, last 30 minutes, and are included with admission.

Science Garden

The Science Garden at Thinktank is a free, hands-on outdoor space with fun exhibits for all ages. Included with admission or free daily from 3pm, it features zones where you can harness energy, power machines, and ride a wagon with square wheels.

Hop on any of our 14,66, 94, 95 and the FD services to get you there.

Parks

Cannon Hill Park 

Cannon Hill Park is packed with fun for all ages—from toddler-friendly rides and games at the Fun Park, to mini golf, a scenic land train, and pedal boating on Swan Lake. Just take a wander to explore culture at MAC Birmingham, meet animals at the Wildlife Conservation Park, enjoy tasty treats, or get active with various sports facilities—there’s something for everyone.

Sheldon Country Park

Sheldon Country Park offers over 300 acres of open grassland, wetlands, and woodland, perfect for a family day out. Enjoy the playground, visit the free Old Rectory Farm with traditional animals, and relax at the tea room. Don’t miss the airport viewing area for up-close plane spotting, plus marked walking and jogging routes and picnic spots throughout the park.

Sandwell Valley Country Park

Sandwell Valley Country Park offers family fun with a historic visitor centre, rare animals at Forge Mill Farm, an adventure playground, and beautiful nature reserves—including the RSPB site. Plus, nearby Dartmouth Park has a great play area!

Malvern and Brueton Park

Malvern and Brueton Parks have something for everyone—from wide open spaces and an ornamental lake to formal gardens and playgrounds. Enjoy walking trails, a sensory garden, tennis courts, picnic spots, and more.

Rediscover the West Midlands and take advantage of our great attraction offers when you travel by bus.

If you're heading out with your friends or family, save on bus travel with a Group day ticket. Up to 5* people can get unlimited travel find out more here.

Don't forget to plan your journey with National Express Bus during May half term click here to plan your journey.

 

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