Top 10 Things To Do In Birmingham For Half-Term 2026

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

If you've ever wanted to step inside a video game, Sandbox VR in Bullring is about as close as you'll get without actually being sucked into another dimension.

This full-body, room-scale virtual reality experience is brilliant for families or groups of friends who want something a bit different from the usual half-term activities. 

You'll strap on a headset and find yourself battling zombies, taking on intergalactic missions, or exploring fantastical worlds together.

But it's not just another arcade experience. 

You'll be moving, ducking, and high-fiving your way through the action, which makes it properly immersive. 

The best part? Watching everyone try to walk normally straight afterwards, because your brain is still half in the virtual world.

Sandbox VR works brilliantly for birthday parties and mixed-age groups, and it's completely weatherproof. 

You can expect big thrills, some silly poses, and excellent group photos at the end.

Just note that Sandbox VR doesn't serve food, but you can arrange catering in advance for special events.

➡️ To book your adventure, call 0121 400 9888 or book online.

Location: Ground Level, Bullring.

Treetop Golf is a jungle-themed indoor mini golf in Bullring that's a brilliant choice for families looking to spark some friendly competition this half-term.

There are two 18-hole courses to choose from:

• Tropical Trail
• Ancient Explorer

Both are packed with twists, turns, and a few surprises around every corner. 

The fun part is that this isn't your ordinary mini golf experience. 

Around every bend, there are inventive obstacles, swirling paths, and scenic views that make each hole feel like a mini adventure.

The atmosphere is relaxed but fun, which is why the experience makes it a great day out for people of all ages. It's also the perfect place to bring out the competitive nature in your kids.

There's a bar area where you can grab drinks and snacks after your game and relive the best or funniest shots of the day. 

You can also try Pizza Cabana's handmade pizzas, The Thirsty Toucan's tropical cocktails, or grab a locally roasted coffee from the Jungle Buzz Café.

You can check Treetop Golf's pricing information on their website. There's no need to book.

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

TOCA Social in Bullring mixes casual dining with energetic play, which makes it perfect for half-term when you need to keep everyone entertained and fed at the same time. 

Think interactive games, social boxes, and a lively bar atmosphere all rolled into one.

You can choose between showing off your football skills in the world's first interactive football experience or kicking back with signature cocktails. Perhaps you can try the former after the latter. 

The cheering from other groups will make you feel like a football legend, which is always a nice bonus.

Unlike some activity venues, TOCA Social does serve food. You'll be able to choose from a variety of options, including American diner classics, street Asian favourites, or Latin American delicacies. 

It's a brilliantly joyful mash-up of food, drink, and interactive football games that makes for a perfect outing with the family.

➡️ If you plan on visiting TOCA Social during half-term, we recommend booking in advance to avoid waiting on arrival.

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

The LEGO Store at Bullring is the second largest in the UK and the biggest outside of London, which makes it a proper destination for LEGO-obsessed kids this half-term.

It's packed with reasons to visit, starting with the largest Pick and Build Wall in the UK, where creative builders of all ages can fill a cup with exactly the bricks they need.

There's also a Build a Minifigure station where kids (and adults, let's be honest) can design their own custom LEGO figures, plus demonstration tables that bring the latest sets to life.

The store regularly hosts free building events and workshops for children, which makes it more than just a shop and closer to a hands-on creative experience.

You'll also find exclusive sets that aren't available anywhere else.

Location: Moseley Road, Birmingham B12 0TL.

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Sometimes the best half-term days are the simplest ones, and Highgate Park is a lovely little green escape that's just a short walk from the city centre.

This inner-city park has a playground, a basketball court, and open green spaces where the kids can properly stretch their legs and burn off some energy.

It's one of Birmingham's oldest parks, opened back in 1876, and there's something peaceful about its tree-lined paths and the views you get of the city centre skyline from the higher ground.

The park is a popular spot with locals for walking, running, and just enjoying a bit of fresh air away from the bustle.

It's not the biggest park in Brum, but it's a calm, free option when you want a break from indoor activities and a chance to enjoy the outdoors together.

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

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The Library of Birmingham is one of those places that looks incredible from the outside and somehow manages to be even better once you step through the doors.

It's a modern architectural landmark in the heart of Centenary Square, and entry is completely free, making it a brilliant half-term option for families who want something inspiring without spending a penny.

The dedicated Children's Library is a real highlight for younger visitors, with a colourful, inviting space designed to spark imaginations, plus regular storytelling sessions and activities.

Beyond the children's section, the building has interactive exhibits, book collections, and a rooftop garden with stunning views across the city.

It's the kind of place where you pop in for an hour and end up staying for three.

➡️ No booking required, but it's worth checking the website for any family events running during half-term.

Location: Starting at Moor Street Station, Birmingham.

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If your kids are the type who'd rather be outside exploring than sitting still, the Digbeth Street Art Trail is a free, self-guided adventure that turns Brum's creative quarter into an open-air gallery.

The trail starts at Moor Street Station and covers around 3 miles, taking you past murals and graffiti artworks by local and international artists, some of them spanning entire buildings.

It's a brilliant activity for older kids and teens, especially, and there's something new to spot around every corner, from huge portraits to hidden gems tucked under railway arches.

The Custard Factory area is a good place to stop for a break, with independent cafes and creative spaces to explore.

You can pick up a route guide online and take the trail at your own pace, which makes it easy to fit around the rest of your day.

💡 Local tip: Head out during the day for the best light if you want to take photos. The trail is very close to Bullring, so you can easily combine the two.

Location: Gas Street, off Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2JT.

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Every local will tell you that a walk along the canals is a proper Birmingham experience, and Gas Street Basin is the perfect place to start.

This historic canal basin sits right in the heart of Brum, where the Worcester and Birmingham Canal meets the BCN Main Line, and it's completely free to explore.

The towpaths are flat and pushchair-friendly, making it an easy stroll for families with younger children who aren't up for anything too adventurous.

You'll pass colourful narrowboats, historic bridges, and waterside cafes along the way, with the modern city skyline reflected in the water above you.

It's a relaxed, scenic walk that feels surprisingly peaceful for somewhere so central, and you can easily extend the route towards Brindleyplace if you want to keep going.

Location: Russell Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8RD.

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If you're after a proper full day out that won't cost you a thing, Cannon Hill Park is hard to beat.

Covering 250 acres of formal parkland, conservation areas, and woodland, it's Birmingham's most popular park and one of the best free family days out in the city.

There are two children's play areas with slides, swings, and climbing frames, plus free tennis courts with equipment available to borrow, so you don't even need to bring your own rackets.

The park is also home to an ornamental lake, walking and cycling routes alongside the River Rea, and a five-acre RSPB Centenary Plantation that's perfect for spotting wildlife and teaching the kids about nature.

The Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) sits within the park and hosts family-friendly exhibitions, workshops, and performances throughout the year, with plenty of activities aimed at children during school holidays.

💡 Local tip: A free children's parkrun takes place on Sunday mornings if your little ones want to burn off even more energy.

There are toilets available at the MAC and the tearooms.

Location: Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DH.

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Looking for a brilliant day out that won't cost you a penny? Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is one of the city's best-kept secrets for families.

Entry is completely free, and the museum is open seven days a week during school holidays like this half-term. 

You'll find over 40 galleries packed with fascinating displays, from the world-famous Staffordshire Hoard to stunning Pre-Raphaelite paintings and the Birmingham History Galleries that tell the story of our city.

For families with younger children, the new Wild City gallery is a dedicated space designed to spark curiosity and creativity. There are hands-on activities, interactive displays, and plenty to keep little ones engaged while the grown-ups soak up some culture.

The building itself is a masterpiece, sitting proudly in Chamberlain Square with its iconic clock tower known locally as Big Brum. 

➡️ No booking required for general admission, but check the website for any special exhibitions or family events running during half term.