Parents and caregivers around the country are familiar with the struggle of finding something entertaining for the kids to do that doesn’t break the bank.
A day out with the family can be expensive; from admission fees, to ticket prices, to keeping hungry tummies filled, the costs can quickly pile up. That, and with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis – it’s natural for families to want to keep expenses down!
Fortunately, there are plenty of things to do with kids in Birmingham. Once a Saxon village, Birmingham is now the second largest city in England! With its rich history and diverse cultural background, families are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding fun things to do in Birmingham.
So, if you’re wondering what to do for free in Birmingham, look no further! We’ve put together a list of the top 5 fun and free things to do in Birmingham. These activities are easy on the wallet and guaranteed to be a good time for all the family!
Expand Your Mind at Birmingham Open Media (BOM)
Founded in 2014, this innovative art gallery uses creative technology to provide visitors with exciting and thought-provoking digital experiences. A unique day out, BOM is perfect for families who are looking for fun things to do in Birmingham.
Based in central Birmingham, BOM run a range of free exhibitions, events, community workshops and educational programmes – all aimed at exploring the connection between technology and our day-to-day lives.
Their recent exhibitions have included futuristic virtual reality sculptures, colourful digital projections, and an immersive dreamscape experience.
Walk Through History at Himley Hall and Park
Standing tall against 180 acres of landscaped parkland, this stunning 18th Century building is a shining example of Birmingham’s historical background.
Once a family home to the Earls of Dudley, Himley Hall and Park is now open to visitors looking to explore its grounds – for free! From open greenery to dense woodland, the grounds are perfect for a spot of exploring on a sunny day. Himley Hall and Park also frequently hosts a range of outdoor events that families can enjoy together. These include antiques fairs, live music, food festivals, and much more.
If you’re feeling peckish after a day of exploring , Himley Hall also has a café located within its grounds, offering up a range of refreshments including hot and cold drinks, crisps and a selection of sweet treats.
Explore Birmingham’s Canals
Did you know that Birmingham has more canals than Venice? Birmingham’s canal network is one of the most intricate canal networks in the world, spanning over 100 miles in total. Pack a picnic, its time for an adventure!
For those wondering what to do in Birmingham for free, we recommend taking a day to wander the historical canals and learn more about Birmingham’s unique industrial history.
Built in the 1700s and 1800s, the canals were once primarily used for the transportation of coal and other industrial materials to nearby cities. Nowadays, however, the canals are mostly used for leisure activities.
Now, they’re populated with colourful narrowboats and a range of local wildlife, including ducks and geese. Their walkways are also bordered with a range of independent restaurants and cafes – meaning you’re never too far from a coffee or tasty snack.
Why not check out this free canal walking route from Canal & River Trust? You can also find a free audio guide to the canals here!
Visit Sutton Park’s Donkey Sanctuary
Like Himley Hall and Park, Sutton Park is ideal for adventurous families looking for free things to do in Birmingham. This impressive 2,400-acre National Nature Reserve is only 6 miles from Birmingham City Centre and combines history, adventuring and animals all in one!
Alongside its vast open landscape and its seven lakes, Sutton Park also has its very own Donkey Sanctuary. Open to the public every Saturday and the first Sunday of each month, Sutton Park’s Donkey Sanctuary is home to Shocks, Cisco, Oscar and Jimmy – their resident rescue donkeys. The donkeys at Sutton Park love visitors, and enjoy spending their days grazing and laying around the sun.
Entry is free, but entry tickets need to be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
Get Thinking at The Science Garden
Dig out the lab coats – it’s time for some science! Thinktank’s outdoor Science Garden is full of exciting activities that will keep children of all ages entertained.
Their outdoor activities include over 30 hands-on exhibits that focus on themes of engineering, mechanics, and transportation. Visitors of all ages are invited to get involved. Why not have a go on their with their eight-metre high ‘Terminus’ machine, or take a stroll in their human-sized hamster wheel? A visit to the Science Garden will inspire and entertain, all while teaching your children valuable knowledge about machinery and its place in the modern world.
The Science Garden is free to enter every day from 3pm, however closing times will vary as winter draws on due to light levels.
These family things to do in Birmingham are sure to keep the whole family entertained – without placing too much strain on the wallet! If you’re looking for some more cost-free family activities, why not check out our list of 10 Free Activities that Are Fun for The Whole Family?
Unfortunately, there are still thousands of children living in Birmingham, and throughout the UK, who would benefit from the safety and security that foster care provides.
If you think you could make a difference to the life of a child living in Birmingham, find out more about fostering in Birmingham with Compass Fostering. Or, get in touch with us to speak to a member of our team today.
