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Birmingham

Rainy day activities in Birmingham with kids

Birmingham's indoor family choices range from a free gallery visit to a bigger ticketed treat. Match the outing to your budget first, then decide whether your child wants hands-on building, animals, science or a quieter film. These are alternatives, not six attractions to squeeze into one day.

Ages 3–12; check ride, play-zone and film age guidance.

Plan My Family Day

Six ideas for your day

  1. 1. Thinktank: hands-on science

    Paid; Planetarium extraindoor

    Choose interactive exhibits and age-appropriate play spaces; the Planetarium may require an extra ticket.

    Venue information

  2. 2. National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

    Paid; under-twos freeindoor

    Follow an aquatic-animal spotting route and check quieter entry slots if queues are difficult.

    Venue information

  3. 3. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

    Paid; check family ticket pricesindoor

    Build together in LEGO play zones, choosing rides only if they suit your child's height and confidence.

    Venue information

  4. 4. Cadbury World

    Paid; advance booking neededindoor

    Explore a chocolate-themed experience in Bournville; book in advance and review what's included.

    Venue information

  5. 5. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

    Free general entry; some extras paidindoor

    Explore the currently open collections and family gallery without committing to a ticketed exhibition.

    Venue information

  6. 6. Midlands Arts Centre family cinema

    Paid cinema ticket; price variesindoor

    Choose a listed family film as a seated break; check its certificate and running time.

    Venue information

Three practical tips

  • Thinktank and Bournville are not neighbouring stops; keep the travel plan simple.
  • Check which Museum & Art Gallery spaces are open before promising a particular display.
  • For LEGO visits, check accompanying-adult and child-entry rules before buying tickets.

Before you go

Is there a free indoor family option in Birmingham?

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery offers free general entry to its open galleries. Some exhibitions or events may be separately ticketed, and available spaces can change.

Can we just turn up at Cadbury World on a wet day?

Plan ahead: advance booking is needed. Check current ticket availability, what the visit includes and travel to Bournville before setting out.

Ideas are guidance only. Please check opening times and prices before you travel.

Plan My Family Day