11 Best Indoor Things To Do In Birmingham (2026)

IIf you're looking to make memories with your mates, these spots will sort you right out:

Fight against aliens at Sandbox VR

Location: Unit 25A, Grand Central Shopping Centre, Bullring.

Whether you're fighting off zombies or embarking on intergalactic missions, reality takes a back seat the moment you step into Sandbox VR.

This full-body virtual reality experience at Bullring is perfect for mates who want something a bit different from the usual Saturday afternoon or Tuesday evening plans. 

Forget standing still with a headset on: here, you're moving, ducking, and celebrating with your crew as you take on aliens or venture through fantastical landscapes together. 

The motion-capture technology follows your every move, so when you reach out in real life, your avatar does the same in the game. 

The best bit? Trying to remember how to walk like a normal human afterwards, because your mind is still convinced you're in another dimension. 

Expect plenty of laughs, dramatic poses, and some cracking group photos to remember it by. With different game themes to choose from, there's an adventure to suit every type of squad.

➡️ Rain or shine, this is a brilliant option for birthday celebrations or groups with mixed ages.

Note: Food isn't served on-site, but you can arrange catering ahead of time for special occasions. 

Book your session by calling 0121 400 9888 or through their website.

Challenge your mates at Lane7

Location: L6-L7, Bullring.

If bowling, pool, darts, shuffleboard, karaoke, and beer pong sound like your idea of a good time, Lane7 is calling your name. 

It's basically an adult playground where friendly rivalries come to life.

This is the spot for groups who fancy something more than just drinks and a chat. Order a round of cocktails, pick your game of choice, and let the competition begin. 

With glowing ping pong tables, digital darts with automatic scoring, and plenty more to explore, you won't run out of ways to one-up your mates. 

The vibe gets better as the night rolls on, making it a top pick for a proper evening out. 

Their sharing plates mean you can refuel between rounds without missing a beat.

Whether it's someone's birthday or just a random Wednesday that needs livening up, Lane7 always delivers the goods.

Note: After 7 PM, Lane7 becomes an adult-only place and a physical ID is required. Make sure to book in advance.

Show off your football skills at TOCA Social

Location: 11 Saint Martin's Walk, Bullring, Birmingham B5 4BU.

TOCA Social at Bullring brings together good food, great drinks, and interactive football games under one roof. 

Picture social booths, a buzzing bar, and state-of-the-art games where you can test your skills against your mates. 

The beauty of it is that the games work for everyone, whether you're a Sunday league regular or haven't touched a ball in years. 

Maybe start with a cocktail or two for confidence, then see who can score the most.

The atmosphere is electric, with cheers from neighbouring groups making even a tap-in feel like a World Cup winner. 

It's easy to lose track of time when you're having this much fun.

Note: TOCA Social has a full food menu, so you can make a proper evening of it. Choose from American comfort food, Asian street bites, or Latin American flavours.

➡️ If you plan on visiting TOCA Social during the weekend, we recommend you book in advance to avoid waiting on arrival.

Discover Birmingham's best-kept secret at the Library of Birmingham

Location: Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2ND.

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Most people hear "library" and think quiet shelves and hushed voices, but the Library of Birmingham is something else entirely.

It's one of the largest public libraries in Europe, and the building itself is worth the visit alone, with a striking golden facade that catches the eye from Centenary Square.

Head up to the 7th floor, and you'll find the Secret Garden, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views across the city that are hard to beat.

On level 9, the Shakespeare Memorial Room houses rare books and beautiful Victorian woodwork that feels like stepping back in time.

There are free exhibitions and gallery spaces throughout the building, so there's always something new to discover.

It's the kind of place you pop into for half an hour and end up spending the whole afternoon.

💡 Local tip: Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit.

Visiting Birmingham with kids changes everything. Here are some brilliant spots that'll keep the little ones entertained: 

Try winning against the jungle at Treetop Golf

Location: Ground Level, Bullring.

Treetop Golf brings the adventure of a jungle expedition to the heart of Bullring, making it a fantastic choice for families looking to mix friendly competition with imaginative fun.

You've got two 18-hole courses to pick from: Tropical Trail and Ancient Explorer.

Each one is filled with unexpected twists, clever obstacles, with surprises around every corner.

This isn't your standard mini golf: every hole feels like its own little expedition, with winding paths and detailed scenery that transport you somewhere far from the city centre.

The vibe is easygoing yet exciting, which is why it works so well for all ages and brings out everyone's competitive streak. 

Younger kids will be thrilled spotting the animatronic creatures tucked away throughout the course, while bigger kids and adults will be laser-focused on claiming the best score.

Once you've finished your round, head to the bar area to grab a drink, swap stories about your best shots (and your disasters), and unwind. 

If you're feeling peckish, Pizza Cabana serves up handmade pizzas, The Thirsty Toucan mixes tropical cocktails, and the Jungle Buzz Cafe has locally roasted coffee. 

It's the sort of place where a quick game easily turns into a whole afternoon.

You can check Treetop Golf’s pricing information here. There’s no need to book.

Get creative at the LEGO Store

Location: Upper level, Bullring, Rotunda Square, B5 4BU.

If your kids love LEGO, you'll want to set aside some serious time for this one.

The LEGO Store at Bullring is the second largest in the UK and the biggest outside of London, so it's far more than your average toy shop.

The star of the show is the UK's largest Pick & Build Wall, where kids (and, let's be honest, adults too) can fill a cup with whatever bricks, pieces, and colours catch their eye.

There are free building events and workshops that run throughout the year, giving little ones the chance to get hands-on and creative without it costing a thing.

The Build a Minifigure station lets kids design their own custom characters, and the demo tables bring the latest sets to life in front of your eyes.

You'll also find exclusive sets that aren't available anywhere else, so if you're after something special, this is the place to find it.

It's the kind of store where kids walk in with wide eyes and don't want to leave.

Step into history at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Location: Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DH.

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Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is one of those places that genuinely has something for everyone, and the best bit is that general admission is completely free.

The museum is home to the famous Pre-Raphaelite galleries, one of the finest collections of its kind in the world, as well as the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.

For younger visitors, Wild City is a dedicated family gallery that tells stories about nature in Birmingham through playful exhibits and hands-on activities.

The Pixel Studio is a newer addition where kids can enjoy digital art and immersive screenings.

The building itself sits in Chamberlain Square and has real character, with a stunning Round Room that makes you stop and look up.

It's a calm, educational, and genuinely rewarding place to spend a few hours, and the kind of day out that doesn't need to cost a penny.

Meet dinosaurs and dazzling minerals at the Lapworth Museum of Geology

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT.

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The Lapworth Museum of Geology is one of those hidden gems that locals love, but visitors often miss, and entry is completely free.

Housed in the stunning Grade II-listed Aston Webb Building on the University of Birmingham campus, this museum is home to over 250,000 specimens of fossils, rocks, and minerals.

The first thing your kids will want to find is Roary, the museum's resident dinosaur skeleton (a replica cast), which is a guaranteed hit with younger visitors.

Beyond that, there are interactive displays on earthquakes, volcanoes, and how the Earth has changed over billions of years, as well as a dazzling mineral collection full of crystals and gemstones that are hard to look away from.

The galleries take you on a journey through the evolution of life on Earth, from tiny microfossils to the megafauna that once roamed the planet.

It's the kind of place you can explore comfortably in about an hour, making it easy to pair with a walk around the beautiful university campus afterwards.

💡 Local tip: Entry is free, and there's no need to book. You can reach the museum by train to University Station on the Cross City line from New Street.

Looking for a romantic day or evening indoors? Here's how to make it special:

Enjoy brunch at Bullring's best spots

Location: Moor St, Birmingham B5 4BU.

For a taste of Brum's brilliant food scene, a lazy brunch at one of Bullring's many eateries is hard to beat.

With 19 brunch spots to choose from, you and your partner can find exactly the vibe you're after, whether that's all-day dining or picture-perfect coffee and plates. 

Think stacks of fluffy pancakes, perfectly poached eggs on sourdough, smashed avo done right, and speciality coffees that are almost too pretty to drink. 

Brunch here is all about slowing down, treating yourselves, and soaking up the energy of Birmingham's ever-evolving culinary scene. 

Whether you're drawn to a cosy corner or prefer people-watching from a spot overlooking the city, there's somewhere to match every mood. 

It's the ideal way to kick off a day of exploring together, and you'll leave with plenty of fuel for whatever adventure comes next.

Soak up world-class art at Ikon Gallery

Location: 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HS.

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Ikon Gallery is one of those places that proves Brum punches well above its weight when it comes to culture.

Housed in a beautiful Grade II listed Victorian school building in Brindleyplace, this internationally acclaimed gallery shows the very best of British and international contemporary art, and entry is completely free.

The exhibitions change regularly, so there's always something new to discover, whether it's sculpture, film, photography, or installation work.

It's the kind of gallery where you can take your time, wander at your own pace, and chat about what you're seeing without feeling rushed.

Ikon also has an independent arts bookshop that's worth a browse, with books, prints, and gifts that make for a thoughtful souvenir.

After your visit, you're perfectly placed for a stroll along the canal, which makes it a brilliant pairing with the next activity on this list.

Take a romantic walk along Brindleyplace's canals

Location: Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2LP.

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You've probably heard the one about Birmingham having more miles of canals than Venice, and it's not far from the truth.

Brindleyplace is the best spot to experience them, with waterside bars, restaurants, public art, and an easy, flat towpath that's ideal for a relaxed stroll together.

The stretch from Gas Street Basin through Brindleyplace is especially scenic, with colourful narrowboats lining the water and a lovely mix of old industrial architecture and modern design.

It's a romantic place to slow down after a gallery visit or before an evening out.

You can also hop on a narrowboat tour if you fancy seeing the city from the water.

Every local would tell you that a walk along the canals is one of Birmingham's classic experiences, and it won't cost you a thing.

So there you have it: 11 brilliant ways to spend your time indoors in Brum, whatever the weather throws at you.

And if you fancy ticking a few of these off in one trip, Bullring is a pretty good place to start.

Between battling aliens in virtual reality, conquering jungle-themed golf courses, getting creative at the LEGO Store, and refuelling with brunch, you could easily fill a whole day without running out of things to do.

Getting here is simple. Whether you're arriving by car, train, bus, or bike, you can plan your visit on our website. 

Driving in? Register for our smart parking system and skip the faff of tickets and queues, so you can get straight to the good stuff.