Birmingham doesn't always top the list when parents start planning summer trips, but it probably should. The city punches well above its weight for family days out, with a mix of hands-on science, wildlife, history and, let's be honest, chocolate.

Whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, there's something here that'll hold their attention. Here's where it gets interesting: the five attractions below cover very different ages and interests, so there's a good chance you can keep the whole family happy in one visit.

First, Make Sure to Get There for Less with Split Ticketing

Train fares for a family can add up quickly, especially in peak summer. Split ticketing is one way to reduce the cost without changing your route or journey time. It works by splitting a single ticket into two or more cheaper legs. Split My Fare's Birmingham route guide covers the main routes into the city, which is a useful starting point if you're still working out how to get there.

Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Moor Street are both well connected. Most of the attractions below are reachable by bus or a short taxi from either station, and Cadbury World is a quick train ride to Bournville on the Cross-City Line.

1. Cadbury World (Ages 4 and Up)

Cadbury World in Bournville is one of Birmingham's most visited family attractions, and it's easy to see why. It walks you through the history of chocolate, takes you on a factory-style tour, and crucially gives the kids free chocolate samples along the way. You'll need around two to three hours here.

Standard tickets start from £18 when booked online in advance, compared to £28 on the door, and prices vary by date. Pre-booking is essential as Cadbury World requires all visitors to book online before arriving. It’s especially popular during the summer holidays, so booking early is strongly recommended.

2. National Sea Life Centre (Ages 3 and Up)

The Sea Life Centre sits right in Brindleyplace, close to the city centre, and it's a solid two-hour visit for younger children especially. The ocean tunnel is a highlight. Kids tend to stop dead in their tracks when a ray glides overhead.

Standard tickets are around £20 per person, but you'll often find better prices through the Sea Life website or deal sites. Combine it with a walk along the canal and it makes for a full morning without much extra effort.

3. Thinktank Science Museum (Ages 5 to 14)

Thinktank at Millennium Point is one of the better science museums outside London. It covers everything from engineering to the human body, with plenty of interactive exhibits that let kids push, pull and press things instead of just looking at them. Budget around two to three hours.

Ticket prices vary by date and are best checked on the Birmingham Museums website before visiting. Pre-booking online is recommended, especially during school holidays and weekends.

The planetarium inside costs extra but it's worth it for older kids who are into space. There's also a real Spitfire on display, which tends to impress everyone regardless of age.

4. Cannon Hill Park (Free Entry)

If budget is a concern, Cannon Hill Park is one of Birmingham's best free days out. It's a large green space with boating on Swan Lake, a nature centre, a land train that loops around the park, and plenty of room to run around. The MAC (Midlands Arts Centre) is on site and often runs family events during the summer holidays.

It's a good option for younger children who'll tire quickly in museums, or as a way to break up a longer day. Take a picnic and you'll save on food costs too.

5. Black Country Living Museum (Ages 7 and Up)

Technically just outside Birmingham in Dudley, the Black Country Living Museum is worth the short extra journey. It's an open-air museum that brings over 250 years of Black Country history to life, from the Industrial Revolution through to the 1960s. You will find costumed staff in character, a tram ride, a traditional fish and chip shop and a working vintage fairground. Plan for a full day here, three to four hours at a minimum.

Adult tickets are £28, and around £15 for children. The museum has been a key filming location for all six series of Peaky Blinders, which older kids and teenagers might find genuinely interesting. You can follow a filming location map around the site.

It's the kind of place where children tend to engage more than you'd expect, partly because there's so much to explore and partly because the food is very good.

To Summarise

Birmingham covers a lot of ground for families, quite literally. Spread the attractions across two days if you can, and use split ticketing on the train to keep travel costs down. Between Cadbury World, the Sea Life Centre, Thinktank, Cannon Hill Park and the Black Country Living Museum, you'll have more than enough to fill a memorable summer trip without the price tag of a theme park.

This is a sponsored post.

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