After London, Birmingham is the most heavily populated city in the UK and there is a good reason for it. The city attracts people from all over the country and beyond because of everything from its cultural hub to its booming business, so there is plenty of things to do and see when you visit this bustling city.
The whole family is sure to have a great time when you spend the day, weekend or even longer in Birmingham, and it’s easy to do it on a tight budget. In fact, there are plenty of things that you and the family can do for free.
Birmingham Donkey Sanctuary
If your children have a soft spot for animals, Birmingham Donkey Sanctuary is a great place to visit. You can meet the donkeys onsite and ask the team any questions you or your children have. The centre is used for donkey-assisted therapy, helping children with additional needs, so these are pretty special donkeys.
You can even adopt one of the donkeys should you fall in love with one of the residents. If you want to introduce the family to the experience before your visit, you can take a look at the sanctuary live webcams which are at the Devon site, showing you the lives of their residents.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
In Birmingham city centre, you can find Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, a fantastic museum which is home to some incredible collections. From Ancient Egypt to Victorian Birmingham, the museum will transport you through time, allowing your children to learn about how the people of the past lived.
Admission to the museum and art gallery is free, though some special exhibitions may have a charge.
Thinktank Science Garden
With plenty of activities and exciting equipment to use, the Thinktank Science Garden is a perfect space for curious young minds. Children can learn while they play with unique contraptions and machines such as a giant hamster wheel, water jets, elevating seats.
The park is free to enter every day from 3pm, so make sure to plan your visit as it is often not open for long, particularly in the winter months.
BBC Birmingham at the Mailbox
This is something that you’re sure to find just as interesting and exciting as your children. Learn about what goes on behind the scenes at BBC Birmingham at the Mailbox where you can visit the Public Space which is open seven days a week. There is plenty on display and you can even give presenting a go with the green-screen experience.
The Library of Birmingham
The impressive Library of Birmingham is not just a simple library but a cultural and arts hub. Inside the beautiful building, you can find archives, photography and rare books available to view as well as workshops and activities for children. Across the ten floors of the building, you are sure to find something that your family can get stuck into.
There really is so much going on in Birmingham that you might find it difficult to squeeze everything in. However, with a little bit of planning, you will be able to have a fantastic time that the whole family will enjoy and your little one can bring their favourite dolls pram.