Our ultimate guide to Birmingham with kids. The debate on which is Britain’s second city has been ongoing for some time, and Birmingham’s name is often at the top of the list
Home to over a million people and the most populous outside of London, the city has a lot to offer to visiting families. There are a host of unique attractions, great places to eat and shop, and some delightful hotels. If you’re visiting Birmingham with kids we have lots to do and explore with our great guide
Here’s the Globalmouse round up of our favourite things to do in Birmingham with children. What to do, where to go, eat and stay.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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Table of Contents
Where to go with kids in Birmingham
There’s lots going on for families in Birmingham. Here are some of our favourite things:
Birmingham Sea Life Centre – Birmingham with kids
The Sea Life Centres are really well thought out aquariums. And the Birmingham one is no exception.
It has a range of sea life to look at, 3D cinema and a really great display about the local canals. Along with ways we can all help to protect them.
We loved their interactive walk around where the children get passports to stamp and found out important ways they could help to protect the world’s sea life.
Birmingham Back to Backs
This is a fantastic National Trust which is a series of fully restored 19th Century working people’s houses.
Right in the heart of Birmingham they tell the lives of residents from the 1840s up to the 1970s. They are an amazing insight into the way people lived, worked and spent their free time through the ages.
Visting the properties is by tour only. And they get really booked up so definitely one to organise in advance.
You can find out more about the National Trust’s Back to Backs here.
Cadbury World – Birmingham for kids
Just outside of the main centre in Bournville is the world’s most celebrated chocolate company – Cadbury. We thought this was a fantastic day out with kids. There’s a tour, a fun 4D cinema, playgrounds and tastes of chocolate.
It is a very full day out and one where there’s something for all the family. We loved it and thought it really good value for money.Definitely one to book tickets in advance for.
Get your skip-the-line tickets here.
ThinkTank Birmingham Science Museum
ThinkTank is a fantastic, award-winning interactive museum where all ages will find something to amaze them.
There’s a Planetarium, changing displays and fun demonstrations to keep children spellbound. Find out more about ThinkTank at their website here.
Brindleyplace
One of our favourite areas is Brindleyplace which is all around the canals. Sealife is based here and there are lots of restaurants and lovely neighbourhood style squares to play in.
It’s a lovely area of the city.
Take a fun walking tour of Birmingham canals here.
Where to eat in Birmingham with kids
Birmingham has a huge collection of restaurants and you can find everything for every tastebuds. Here are some of our favourites.
Itihaas – Indian
Birmingham is renowned for its curry and I seriously think we had the UK’s best at Itihaas.
It was absolutely delicious. Packed full of flavours and we’ve all been craving it again since we visited. Definitely recommended.
You can find out more at their website here.
Tonkotsu Ramen Birmingham with kids
We had a wonderful meal at Tonkotsu Ramen in Birmingham’s Grand Central. Packed full of flavour their bowls of hot, freshly made ramen noodles are perfect for all ages. A delicious meal, packed with goodness. Read our full review of Tonkotsu Ramen Birmingham here.
Cafe Soya – Chinese
We love our Chinese food and adored a trip to Cafe Soya. Here, alongside the regular dishes, there was a large selection of vegetarian choices.
Really tasty food at great prices.
You can visit their website here.
Ed’s Easy Diner, Selfridges – American – great restaurant in Birmingham with kids
Another of our favourites is Ed’s Easy Diner. With its retro booths and malt shakes, the burgers and onion rings – it’s great.
And don’t miss the opportunity to try the waffles too. Ed’s is always a fun trip with kids. Find out more at their website here.
Where to stay in Birmingham
Birmingham has some great hotels and self catering options.
Here are some of our recommended places to stay but for an ultimate roundup check out our feature all about the best family hotels in Birmingham.
Radisson Blu, Birmingham
We love Radisson Blu hotels and the Birmingham one is no exception.
Situated in a great part of the city it is comfortable and with loads of lovely extra touches.
Find out more and check availability here.
Hyatt Regency, Birmingham with kids
The Hyatt Regency is a fantastic hotel for families. Close to the canals it’s in a great part of the city.
With inter-connecting rooms, a swimming pool and a wonderful breakfast spread it’s the perfect place to wake up and get exploring Birmingham’s attractions.
Find out more and check availability here.
Aparthotel Adagio, Birmingham
Close to the Bullring Aparthotel is a great base for families.
This is a really smart hotel with kitchenettes and a great place to be able to stay right in the city. They come with a range of studio, one and two-bedroom rooms.
Find out more and check availability here.
Novotel Hotel Birmingham Airport
Out at the airport, we have also reviewed the Novotel Hotel Birmingham Airport. This is a great stay if you’re flying out of the city.Read our full review of the Novotel Hotel Birmingham Airport here.
Have you been to Birmingham? What’s your favourite thing to do there?
we love Birmingham Sealife Centre! .. we have Cadburys world on our radar for next year 🙂
There is so much to do in Birmingham isn’t there? I am playing a city break there with the kids next year so we can explore properly x
We want to do a weekend in Birmingham and explore but I have to admit I wasn’t that impressed with Cadbury’s World :0(
I love Birmingham – my Uni city! It’s changed a lot since I was there… would love to take the girls back 🙂
Wow fab ideas I have never really done birmingham. I might have to put that right
I have only been to Birmingham a few times, once on a training course and a few times to show at the NEC, which is brilliant. I never realised how big the city actually is, but you are right it is huge. Great post, it has really highlighted so many fun activities to do there. Thank you x
We are planning to visit for a big gaming convention next year, nice to know there is plenty else to do while we are there!