Summer holiday fun in the West Midlands

Summer holiday fun in the West Midlands

As the summer holidays officially kick off, we have put together a list of a whole host of activities going on around the West Midlands. You can plan your Summer holiday schedule perfectly, without having to spend a fortune every day to keep the kids happy.

Activities 

Birmingham new bear hunt

Bear-mingham is looking super exciting this summer with Central BID Birmingham's Wild in Art sculpture trail! Check out ten beautifully designed bears around the city centre, perfect for fun photos and supporting Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. Enjoy a family-friendly adventure through the city, discovering famous landmarks and hidden treasures.

To find out more and download the map visit the Wild in Art website.

Touchwood Solihull 

Costa del Solihull

The Costa del Solihull beach is back again this summer! It's free and open every day from 20th July until 31st August, so grab your deckchair and sit back and relax while the kids happily play in the sand.

Summer of fun at John Lewis

Head to John Lewis every Friday throughout the summer for some free family fun. Activities include crafts, painting, balloon modelling and some surprise visits from Solihull Moors Moorcat Mascot.

To find out more visit Touchwood Solihull’s website.

Merry Hill

At the Games

Merry Hill is celebrating the 2024 Paris Olympics. Enjoy plenty of free fun, from blindfolded football, boxing, gymnastics, BMX freestyling, table tennis, plus guest appearances from a few sporting icons. Theres so much Olympic fun to get involved in. 

For more information visit the Merry Hill website.

Birmingham Bullring

Fanstand at the Bullring

Birmingham’s official Olympics team GB fanzone

St. Martin’s Square has been transformed into the ultimate viewing spot so you don't miss a moment of the action, with every competition being on the big screen. Pull up a deckchair or take in the view from the comfy tiered seating, and enjoy a delicious drink from the fun outdoor bar.

26th July - 11th August

You don't need a ticket to attend the event. Tickets are free but do not guarantee a seat. Book here if you want a ticket.

Resorts World

Summer of Sports

The sporting bug has taken over at Resorts World for the Summer holidays, they can get creative and active whatever the weather! Bonkas and House of Mash are back with lots of fun sporting games, workshops and performances with the perfect opportunity for your little ones to show off their skills.

For more information visit Resorts Worlds website.

The Wave

Ride the wave this summer! With high-speed slides, a fun splash zone, an exciting Wave Pool, and a relaxing Lazy River, there's something for everyone—whether you seek thrills, spills, or just want to chill. Fun for all ages awaits! 

Find out more and book today on The Wave website.

Amazing Undersea Adventure at National Sea Life Centre

The Sea Life Centre Birmingham has been taken over by the mermaid adventure for the Summer. Dive into a fun-filled journey of discovery and surprises, meeting the amazing sea creatures, see them through the eyes of mermaids, and learn how you can help protect our seas and their inhabitants for a better future! 

Enjoy plenty of mermaid fun. 

Find out more on the Sea Life Centre website.

Also, enjoy 30% off admission at the National Sea Life Centre when you travel by bus.

Legoland Discovery Centre

Fancy some LEGO summer fun for the whole family? With kids tickets at half price which is just £12.50 for dates before 3rd September, there's never a better time to explore the world of all things LEGO.

Find out more  and book your tickets on The Lego Discovery Centre website. Also, enjoy 30% off admission at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre when you travel by bus.

Bear Grylls Adventure

Push yourself to the limit and achieve the unexpected. From high ropes, indoor climbing, the iFly wind tunnel even snorkelling with sharks. The Bear Grylls Adventure indoor and outdoor activity centre is your chance to try something new.

For more information visit the Bear Grylls website. 

Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust

Little Skippers Underwater Wonders

Dive into the underwater wonders family craft event! With a variety of themed craft activities that will spark your little ones imagination. You will enjoy an underwater themed trail, discovering hidden treasures, solving riddles, and unravelling the mysteries of the deep blue sea. Afterwards head to the Little Skippers play park, where the adults can take a seat and relax while the kids run round.

Children (ages 3 and up): £4.00

Adults: £1.00

Under 3’s: Free! 

You can also get a discount on a 45 minute boat trip if you are a Little Skipper visitor. Find out more on the Dudley Canal Trust website.

Cadbury World

Cadbury World is celebrating Summer with half price kids tickets! Indulge in a world of chocolate heaven and discover the story of Cadbury. There's so much to experience from the 4D Chocolate Adventure, Green Screen, Have A Go zone, the Bournville Experience and the African Adventure play area there is plenty to enjoy.

Booking in advance is essential to saving the most on your trip.

For more information head to Cadbury Worlds website

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Childrens Trails

If you fancy a peaceful stroll around the Botanical Gardens but want to keep the kids entertained at the same time, one of their fun trails make it all the more fun.

With so many to choose from and each trail costing just £1.50, you could take a visit every week of the holidays to tick them all off. 

The selection of trails include brilliant butterflies, dangerous plants, fabulous food, garden minibeasts. As well as magical plants – discover the real magical plants that inspired J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter or try  plant record breakers discovering what makes plants so special?

Trails are available from the main reception on arrival.

Family Explorers: Summer Senses

Join resident conservation ranger, Sila, on their monthly Family Explorers events at the Gardens! Sila will take you on an exciting adventure, connecting with nature, learning cool facts, and helping you make unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Discover botanical gems, meet curious creatures, and explore so much more!

Find out more on the Botanical Gardens website.

Garden Yoga - Family edition

Fancy  something different like a fun filled family outdoor yoga session with a twist.

Why not take on a series of playful yoga poses and activities with your little ones (ages 3-8) Plus enjoy yoga-themed games and breathing exercises that will have you laughing and feeling energised!

Prices - 1 Adult + 1 Child - £15.00 /  1 Child - £5.00 For more information visit Iam Yogi's website.

Pirates session -Wednesday 31 July, 10:30am – 11:30am.

Teddy Bears picnic session - Wednesday 7 August,  10:30am – 11:30am.

Summer holiday session - Wednesday 21 August,  10:30am – 11:30am.

 

Garden Cinema

Head to the main lawn to watch the film under the stars, and enjoy a selection of cocktails, mocktails, Botanical Gardens gin and delicious street food from Digbeth Dining Club.

Labyrinth - Friday 16 August

The Boy & the Heron - Saturday 17 August

For more information visit the Botanical Gardens website.

 

Birmingham Museums

Think Tank Museum

Game On! The Science of Sport

ThinkTank is celebrating a summer of sport by diving into the science behind your favourite sports! Their daily live science show is full of fun, interactive demos that reveal how athletes use Newton's three laws of motion. You'll also learn how these laws apply to our everyday lives. An exciting and educational experience for your little science and sport fans!

Weekdays from 22 July - 30 August at 1pm and 2pm

The Science Garden is included in the ThinkTank admission price, or it is free every day from 3pm. There is also the free kids park located opposite the Science Garden.

For more information visit the ThinkTank Museum website. Also, enjoy get 50% off admission at Thinktank when you travel by bus.

LEGO WeDo Wednesdays

Every Wednesday during the Summer holidays your little ones can create their own invention using LEGO kits. They will build, program and customise their very own Science Rover! What more could a LEGO lover want?

Available to book in addition to standard admission tickets.

1 child and 1 accompanying adult: £4.50

For more information visit the Think Tank website.

Herbert Art Gallery and Museum

Dippy the Dino

One for the dinosaur lovers, get up close and personal to the nation's favourite dinosaur Dippy is free to visit, at Herbert Art Gallery. Dippy is a 26 metre-long dinosaur that lived 155-145 million years ago. 

Find out more on Dippy in Coventry’s website

Joy - inspired by nature, Summer exhibition

Wander through larger-than-life installations that infuse the gallery with bursts of colour and delight, plus sounds and smells that spark joy to all. Explore nature through crafts and activities including embroidery, sound and paper cutting. With so many  events taking place throughout the Summer, there is plenty to enjoy. 

For more event information visit Herbert Art Gallery and Museum website.

Black Country Living Museum

Summer Lates

Every Friday night in August, Black Country Living Museum are extending their opening hours so you can kick off your weekend with some bostin’ Black Country food, retro drinks, fairground rides and live music.

Find out more and to book your ticket visit the Black Country Living Museum website.

Parks

Take a wander through your local park, take in the fresh air, maybe even take a picnic when the sun is shining.

Sheldon Country Park

Cannon Hill Park

Sandwell Valley Country Park

Brueton Park

Shirley Park

Moseley Park

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Meriden Park

 

Libraries 

Don't forget to visit your local library to see what summer fun they have going on. We have listed a few below.

Don't forget to visit your local library to see what free summer fun they have going on. From Summer reading challenges to arts and crafts there's always something going on.

The Core

Summer activity schedule 

Kingshurst Library 

Check out Kingshurst Libraries Facebook page for the latest activity schedule.

Marston Green Library 

Check out Marston Green Libraries Facebook page for the latest activity schedule.

Chelmsley Wood Library

Check our Chelmsley Wood Libraries Facebook page for the latest activity schedule.

Shirley Library

Check our Shirley Libraries Facebook page for the latest activity schedule.

Dudley Libraries

Check out Dudley Libraries website for the latest activity schedule.

Wolverhampton Libraries

Check our Wolverhampton Libraries Facebook page for the latest activity schedule.

Food

Discover everywhere that is doing offers on meals for kids during the summer holidays.

 

Asda - Kids eat for £1 all day, every day with no adult spend necessary.

Tesco - 1 free kids meal with every 60p spend. Available from 22nd July.

Sainsburys - Kids eat for £1 with the purchase of every adult hot main from 11.30am every day.

Morrisons - Spend £4.49 and get one free kids meal all day, every day.

Ikea -  Kids get a meal from 95p daily from 11am.

Pausa cafe at Dunelm - Kids get 1 mini main, 2 snacks and a drink free with every £4 spend after 3pm.

Yo Sushi - From Monday 1st July until Friday 30th August 2024, kids eat free all day Monday to Friday with every £10 adult spend.

Las Iguanas - Join ‘My Las Iguanas’ via the app and ninos eat free with every adult main.

The Real Greek - Kids under 12 eat free every sunday for every £10 spent by an adult.

TGI Fridays - Kids eat free when ‘Stripes Rewards Members’ purchase an adults main meal.

Bella Italia - Children eat for £1 with any adult main, the offer is valid 4-6pm Monday to Thursday.

Travelodge and Premier Inns - Buy 1 adult breakfast from just £8.99 and up to two kids eat breakfast for free.

Sizzling Pubs - Every Monday to Friday 3-7pm kids mains are £1 with every adult meal.

Hungry Horse - Kids eat for £1 on Mondays and up to 2 kids get breakfast for free.

Beefeaters and Brewers Fayre - Two children under 16 can get a free breakfast every day with one paying adult.

Whitbread Inns - Two kids under 16 eat free with every adult breakfast purchased.

Dobbies Garden Centres - For every adult breakfast or lunch purchase, kids eat for free, everyday.

 

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

30% off admission at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre

30% off admission at the National Sea Life Centre

25% off admission at the Black Country Living Museum

Get 50% off admission at Thinktank

30% off admission at The Pen Museum

30% off Theatre Tours at The Old Rep Theatre

20% off admission at the Botanical Gardens, Birmingham

20% off Secret Cinema's Grease: The Live Experience at the NEC

30% off the High Ropes at Bear Grylls Adventure

25% off admission to Stourbridge Glass Museum