10 School Holiday Activities in Birmingham for Families
10 School Holiday Activities in Birmingham for Families
Finding things to do throughout the school holidays can be difficult, particularly when you need an activity that keeps children of different ages entertained.
Birmingham has plenty of family attractions, from science museums and wildlife experiences to parks, aquariums and interactive games. Whether you are planning a full day out or need an indoor activity when the weather changes, there are options across the city.
Here are 10 of the best school holiday activities in Birmingham, starting with an experience that combines physical activity with the excitement of gaming.
School holiday activities in Birmingham at a glance
- Play interactive football at TOCA Social
- Explore Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
- Build and play at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
- Discover marine life at the National SEA LIFE Centre
- Visit Cadbury World
- Explore Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
- Meet the animals at Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
- Spend the day at Cannon Hill Park
- Walk around Birmingham’s canals
- Catch a family show or film
1. Play Interactive Football at TOCA Social
Best for: Active children, competitive families and rainy days
For a school holiday activity that feels completely different from a normal football session, arcade or indoor play centre, visit TOCA Social at the Bullring.
TOCA Social combines football with immersive digital gaming. Children kick smaller footballs towards a giant interactive screen and take on challenges based around targets, timing, teamwork and high scores.
Instead of playing a traditional match, families can choose from games that involve smashing targets, defeating zombies, splitting atoms and competing to be the last player standing.
Explore the interactive games at TOCA Social.
An experience children will not find elsewhere
TOCA Social turns football into something closer to a video game that players can physically step inside.
Each group plays in a private game box, allowing children and adults to compete together without needing to share the experience with another booking.
The games offer multiple difficulty levels, so complete beginners can play alongside children who already love football. Smaller footballs are also used, and the difficulty can be adjusted around each player’s ability.
Children can:
- Compete for high scores
- Try different interactive game modes
- Play individually or in teams
- Adjust the difficulty level
- Challenge parents and carers
- See their results appear instantly on screen
Because players take turns, the experience works well for mixed-age family groups. Parents can join in, help younger players or simply watch from the seating inside the box.
It is not a football lesson, and children do not need to play for a team. The focus is on having fun, trying the challenges and seeing who can finish at the top of the leaderboard.
More than the main game
TOCA Social also gives families somewhere to eat, relax and continue playing after their booked session.
The Birmingham venue includes food and drinks, foosball tables, arcade games and photo opportunities, as well as large screens showing live sport. This makes it possible to combine the activity and family meal in one visit.
The venue is located at the Bullring in Birmingham city centre, close to Birmingham New Street Station and the city’s main shopping areas.
Under-18s can visit when accompanied by an adult before 8pm from Monday to Saturday and throughout Sunday. Check the venue page before travelling in case the access policy changes.
Discover TOCA Social at Birmingham Bullring.
2. Explore Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
Best for: Curious children and hands-on learning
Thinktank features four floors of science exhibits, including MiniBrum, a planetarium, an outdoor Science Garden, vehicles and dinosaurs.
It is designed as an educational family day out, with plenty of interactive displays for children to explore.
3. Build and Play at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
Best for: Younger children and LEGO fans
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham includes rides, building areas, play zones, millions of LEGO bricks and a 4D cinema.
It is indoors, making it a useful option for wet school holiday days.
4. Discover Marine Life at the National SEA LIFE Centre
Best for: Animal lovers and indoor family days
The National SEA LIFE Centre allows families to see sharks, rays, penguins, turtles and other marine animals.
Its underwater displays and ocean tunnel make it particularly popular with younger children.
5. Visit Cadbury World
Best for: Chocolate lovers and special family treats
Cadbury World in Bournville combines the story of chocolate with interactive exhibits, entertainment and play areas.
Pre-booking is recommended, particularly during school holidays when additional family entertainment may be scheduled.
6. Explore Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Best for: Free activities and creative children
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery includes displays covering the city’s history, art and natural environment.
General admission is free, and the museum’s Wild City galleries have been designed with children and families in mind.
7. Meet the Animals at Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
Best for: Wildlife lovers and outdoor visits
Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is home to animals including red pandas, lemurs, reptiles and meerkats.
It is located near Cannon Hill Park, making it easy to combine the two attractions in one family day out.
8. Spend the Day at Cannon Hill Park
Best for: Picnics, outdoor play and lower-cost days out
Cannon Hill Park offers open spaces, woodland and family activities close to Birmingham city centre.
Bring a picnic, take a walk or combine your visit with the nearby wildlife conservation park.
9. Walk Around Birmingham’s Canals
Best for: Flexible and free family outings
A walk beside Birmingham’s canals provides a relaxed way to explore the city without booking a timed attraction.
Families can stop around Brindleyplace, explore the city centre or combine the walk with the SEA LIFE Centre and nearby restaurants.
10. Catch a Family Show or Film
Best for: Rainy afternoons and quieter family days
Birmingham has theatres, cinemas and cultural venues offering family performances and films throughout the year.
Check what is on before the school holidays begin, as popular shows and special screenings may sell out.
How to Plan a School Holiday Day Out in Birmingham
Book the main activity first
Popular attractions can become busy during summer, Easter and half-term breaks.
Book your main experience first, then add a flexible activity or meal nearby.
Choose activities that are close together
Useful combinations include:
- TOCA Social and the Bullring
- SEA LIFE Centre and Birmingham’s canals
- Cannon Hill Park and the Wildlife Conservation Park
- Thinktank and Birmingham city centre
- Cadbury World and Bournville
Keep an indoor option ready
Birmingham’s weather can change quickly. TOCA Social, Thinktank, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, SEA LIFE and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery are useful indoor alternatives when outdoor plans are affected by rain.
Check age and access information
Individual attractions may have different age recommendations, opening times and adult-supervision policies. Check the official venue information before booking.
Make the School Holidays More Memorable at TOCA Social
Birmingham has museums, parks and well-known family attractions, but TOCA Social offers something children will struggle to experience anywhere else in the city.
It combines the physical excitement of kicking a football with the instant feedback, levels, targets and high scores children recognise from video games.
Children do not need to be experienced footballers. They can select an appropriate difficulty, learn as they play and challenge the rest of the family to beat their score.
With the activity, food and additional games all available in one indoor venue, TOCA Social is an ideal option for birthdays, rainy days or simply making the school holidays feel more memorable.
Book your family visit to TOCA Social at Birmingham Bullring.
Popular school holiday activities in Birmingham include interactive football at TOCA Social, visiting Thinktank, exploring the National SEA LIFE Centre, building at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and spending time at Cannon Hill Park.
Yes. TOCA Social uses smaller footballs and adjustable difficulty levels, allowing beginners and experienced players to enjoy the interactive games. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult and can visit before 8pm from Monday to Saturday and throughout Sunday.
TOCA Social Birmingham is located at the Bullring in Birmingham city centre, close to Birmingham New Street Station, Grand Central and the main shopping areas.
Indoor school holiday activities include playing at TOCA Social Birmingham, visiting Thinktank, exploring LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, seeing marine animals at the National SEA LIFE Centre or visiting Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
No. The TOCA Social games offer different difficulty levels and focus on targets, challenges and high scores rather than playing a traditional football match. Children only need to be able to kick a ball to take part.
Play at TOCA Social
Book a private box or two to play all of our games and enjoy interactive football experiences. Each box accommodates 12 players. Book to play, or just walk-in to enjoy our fantastic food and drinks, aswell as foosball tables, arcades, selfie booths and more.
*Prices vary by venue, day, time and availability, giving you more opportunities to find great value.
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