What's On in Birmingham & Black Country

Visit Santa in his Grotto

Venue: National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

Website: www.visitsealife.com/birmingham

Marvel at over 2,000 amazing creatures including jaw-some sharks, cheeky gentoo penguins and the UK’s first and only sea otters, Ozzy and Ola before entering the glittering grotto where Santa and his...

Shrek the Musical

Venue: Belgrade Theatre

Website: www.belgrade.co.uk/events/shrek-the-musical

Get ready to leave your troubles Far Far Away and embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, love, and ogre-sized fun. With a heartwarming story and a cast of unforgettable characters,...

Family Sundays

Venue: Warwick Arts Centre

Website: www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Every Sunday, drop-in for creative workshops led by featured artists-in-residence. Working across visual arts, dance, drama, spoken word and music, you are invited to spend time together as a family making,...

Bling Road

Venue: Coventry Transport Museum

Website: www.transport-museum.com

Crafted by local artists Karen Johnson and Mary Courtney, and inspired by their love for Coventry, the Bling Road is an imaginative interpretation of the ring road and city map, adorned with donated bling—unwanted...

Cannon Hill Fun Park

Venue: Cannon Hill Park

Website: www.cannonhillpark.co.uk/fun-park

Simply the best day ever for toddlers to 10 year olds! The Fun Park is packed with games, rides and activities all designed for younger children.Whizz around on the the New York Express, take a spin on...

Cannon Hill Junior Parkrun

Venue: Cannon Hill Park

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/cannonhill-juniors

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds). Free to join but please register before you first go along. The aim is to have fun. Go along and join in whatever your pace.

Dippy in Coventry

Venue: Herbert Art Gallery and Museum

Website: www.theherbert.org

Discover fun facts about Dippy, the Nation’s favourite dinosaur from the Natural History Museum, along with close encounters with fossils from the collection. The Learning Team will share a short, interactive...

Flight Zone

Venue: RAF Museum

Website: www.rafmuseum.org.uk/midlands

Delight in the magic of flight through the 4D cinema, Typhoon simulator, and authentic Spitfire cockpit experience. Take it a step further with exclusive Dambusters and Spitfire VR encounters in the Flight...

How loud can you ROARR?

Venue: Roarr! Dinosaur Themed Adventure Park

Address: Norwich

Website: www.roarr.co.uk

Outdoor excitement or indoor soft play, this is an immersive, fun-packed day out for the whole family. Plus, with over 25 dinosaur attractions, every ride and attraction is included in your ticket price,...

Kayak Experience Taster Session

Venue: Roundhouse Birmingham

Website: www.roundhousebirmingham.org.uk

Take your first strokes on the water and learn how to kayak on Birmingham’s canals, right outside of the Roundhouse. Suitable for almost everyone, this kayak taster is led by experienced instructors. All...

Kitty Cafe Birmingham

Venue: Unit 12 Grand Central, Stephenson Place

Website: www.kittycafe.co.uk

Be surrounded by adorable friendly felines as you tuck into some yummy cake and watch as these adorable cats explore the cafe. This is a family friendly venue with kids zone activities to download, print...

Orienteering Trails

Venue: Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Website: www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

There are two orienteering trails, which use a map of the Gardens to locate the numbered posts. Each trail costs just £1 and can take up to 90 minutes to complete. Orienteering is suitable for all ages...

Rush Birmingham

Venue: Unit 6 Avery Dell

Website: www.rushuk.com/birmingham-trampoline-park

With over 35,000 square feet of exciting and unique activities, Rush Birmingham is one of Birmingham’s top family leisure destination with activities for the whole family. Includes after school unlimited...

The MAD Museum

Venue: The MAD Museum

Website: www.themadmuseum.co.uk

This is a place for everyone, be it students seeking inspiration, families looking for a unique day out, or individuals with a profound appreciation for the fusion of art and science. The MAD Museum promises...

Tree Fun Sessions

Venue: Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Website: www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Tree Fun sessions, tailored for EYFS and KS1 kids (ages 3 – 7), promise an immersive experience with nature. For KS1 upwards, hire their ‘Tree-mendous Trees’ activity packs that offer a deep-dive...

Woking Gymnastics Club

Venue: Woking Gymnastics Club

Website: www.wokinggymnastics.co.uk

Find a perfect blend of physical activity, enjoyment, and a focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, all within a warm and child-friendly environment. They offer summer camps 22 July -30 August, bookings...

The Boy at the Back of the Class

Venue: Belgrade Theatre

Website: www.belgrade.co.uk

Told from a child’s perspective, balancing heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class highlights the power of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us...

Magnavision

Venue: The Albany Theatre

Website: www.albanytheatre.co.uk

Magnavision TV is proud to bring Sithara’s Project Malabaricus to the UK, offering audiences a taste of South Indian musical excellence and Bollywood Dance performances in Coventry. Suitable for all...

Foodbank Weekend

Venue: Gulliver's Land Theme Park

Website: www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk

Book discounted theme park tickets from £14pp* in support of local foodbank charities. Simply bring a non-perishable food item to donate on the day to help support people in crisis across the UK.

Makers Central

Venue: NEC Birmingham

Website: www.makerscentral.co.uk

Families are encouraged to participate in design and technology, addressing the decline in these fields. With interactive sessions, workshops, and exhibitions, Makers Central offers a unique opportunity...

Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave

Venue: Tunnel Club, Livery St

Website: www.visitbirmingham.com

Don your festival gear and party with your kids amidst the bubbles, snow foam, confetti and giant balloons, with a giant parachute dance (or two) thrown in! There will also be a cool, multi-activity craft...

Birmingham 5k

Venue: Cannon Hill Park

Website: www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

The 5k is an achievable distance and a good first challenge for most people. At just over 3 miles it can take about an hour to walk on average, but there's no pressure to finish in a certain time. Go at...

Brick Fest Live

Venue: NEC Birmingham

Website: www.thenec.co.uk

Brick Fest Live allows families to enjoy mind‐blowing creations from all over the world made entirely of this timeless toy. Children and adults will be amazed by life-sized LEGO® models and hands-on...

National Children's Gardening Week

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk

An annual celebration of the fun that gardens hold for kids, supporting Greenfingers charity which is dedicated to providing magical gardens for children in hospices suffering from life limiting illnesses....

Play and Make Zone

Venue: Coventry Transport Museum

Website: www.transport-museum.com

Take a break from exploring the largest collection of British vehicles and relax in the Play and Make Zone. Located in the Future Technology Gallery, discover the wonderful world of Science, Technology,...

Return of the Dinosaurs

Venue: Hatton Country World

Website: www.adventure.hattonworld.com

Dinosaurs Alive! Back for 2024… Bigger and better than ever before! In addition to Dinosaurs Alive there will be a full programme of animals, action and adventure for all the family. All included in...

Stratford Butterfly Farm

Venue: Stratford Butterfly Farm

Website: www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

Meet the Mini-Beast handling sessions and Butterfly Life-Cycle demonstrations take place daily at 11am in the Discovery Zone. The team of experts will demonstrate from egg through to adult the amazing...

The Lion Inside

Venue: Birmingham Town Hall

Website: www.bmusic.co.uk

Fed up of being ignored and forgotten by the other animals, Mouse wishes he could roar like Lion. But, as he discovers, even the biggest, bossiest people are scared sometimes... and even the smallest creatures...

Rubbish Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet

Venue: Warwick Arts Centre

Website: www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Three idiots perform Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, using only a box of tatty wigs, a worn floral dress, and a burst airbed they found by the bins. Featuring clowning, slapstick and knowingly mischievous...

Treasure Island

Venue: The Albany Theatre

Website: www.albanytheatre.co.uk

With dazzling costumes, colourful sets and plenty of laughter for the whole family, this pantomime promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone. Get ready to cheer for your favourite heroes,...

May half term at Upton House and Gardens

Venue: Upton House and Gardens

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/upton-house-and-gardens

Take your little ones to make a butterfly mask this May half term. See how many butterflies you can spot as you explore Upton's gardens. Use your handy butterfly spotter sheet to help you identify them....

Claytime

Venue: The Albany Theatre

Website: www.albanytheatre.co.uk

Go to a place where the earth’s natural material meets with children’s imaginations: a world of fabulous forms, amazing animals and morphing monsters. Each Claytime is totally unique – creating its...

Sing-a-Long-a Matilda

Venue: Belgrade Theatre

Website: www.belgrade.co.uk

Calling all revolting children and their parents – come and be a little a bit naughty at Sing-a-Long-a Matilda the Musical. From the producers of Sing-a-Long-a Frozen. The host will show you how to use...

Spot's Birthday Party

Venue: Belgrade Theatre

Website: www.belgrade.co.uk

Based on the beloved Eric Hill classic Happy Birthday Spot, this brand-new adaptation brings your favourite pup and his friends to life in an interactive and accessible show suitable for ages 2 plus and...

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Venue: The Albany Theatre

Website: www.albanytheatre.co.uk

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem…...

Children's Outdoor Yoga

Venue: Baddesley Clinton

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/baddesley-clinton

Suitable for children aged 3-7. Children aged 2 are welcome if they can walk and follow basic instructions. Yoga mats will be provided. The class will build on children’s understanding of their bodies...

Dragons and Mythical Beasts Live

Venue: Warwick Arts Centre

Website: www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Calling all brave heroes! Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical show for all the family. This award-winning show is back on tour direct from the West End, from the creators...

LDN Wrestling

Venue: Dudley Town Hall

Website: www.boroughhalls.co.uk

LDN Wrestling is coming for an evening of rip-roaring super-slamming action. Featuring international wrestlers, fighting the very best of British for the battle of King of the Ring! Suitable for all ages...

MS Walk Birmingham

Venue: City Centre Gardens

Website: www.visitbirmingham.com

Have fun and raise money for vital Multiple Sclerosis research. MS Walk is for everyone. You can get involved by yourself, with family, friends, and even your four-legged friends!  With distances for...

The Adventures of Dr Dolittle

Venue: Winterbourne House and Garden

Website: www.winterbourne.org.uk

When Dr John Dolittle of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh is taught by his wise old parrot Polynesia how to talk to animals, news of his skills spreads far and wide. Join Illyria as they return to Winterbourne with...

Quiet at the Aquarium

Venue: National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

Website: www.visitsealife.com/birmingham

On selected dates the Aquarium open their doors an hour early, to provide a quieter SEA LIFE experience that aims to provide a more comfortable visit for those with autism and other sensory requirements....

The Big Help Out

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.thebighelpout.org.uk

Early involvement in volunteering and social action increases a child’s likelihood of taking part in the future. Working together, teachers have the power to instil the values of compassion and community...

Family Museum Engineers Play: Saturday Play Days

Venue: Coventry Transport Museum

Website: www.transport-museum.com

Explore an open-ended play environment using unique resources that encourage engineering skills, problem-solving, imagination and, of course, quality family fun! Designed for age 0 - 99! Free with admission,...

Musical Picnics

Venue: Warwick Arts Centre

Website: www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Go and enjoy making music with an eclectic mix of incredible musicians, musical styles, cultures, instruments and personalities. Free, donations gratefully accepted. No need to book, just drop in! 11am...

BMOS presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical

Venue: The Alexandra

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Enter a world of pure imagination with the delicious Broadway and West End musical Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl. This show is guaranteed to tickle the tastebuds...

Disney in Concert: The Sound of Magic - UK Tour 2024

Venue: Symphony Hall

Website: www.bmusic.co.uk

This newly imagined concert takes you on a magic carpet ride through the most memorable song, score and movie moments of The Walt Disney Company, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Moana ,Alice...

The Wizard of Oz

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome

Website: www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film including Over The Rainbow, Follow The Yellow Brick Road and We're Off To See The Wizard with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber...

Ballet Black Heroes

Venue: Birmingham Rep

Website: www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

Ballet Black has transformed the landscape of British ballet, creating a prominent platform for dancers and artists of Black and Asian descent, as well as establishing a new canon of ballet repertoire...

Windrush - The Journey

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome

Website: www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Through the outstanding music of Chevalier de Saint Georges, Richard Thompson and Des Oliver – three composers who represent different eras of Black history honour the legacy of the Windrush generation...

CBSO Notelets

Venue: CBSO Centre

Website: www.bmusic.co.uk

Join CBSO musicians for this hour-long performance, perfectly designed to introduce your little ones to their new favourite songs. Dancing, singing and getting involved is most definitely encouraged! Recommended...

Animecon UK

Venue: NEC Birmingham

Website: www.thenec.co.uk

The NEC brings together the communities of anime, manga, artists, Pro cosplayers, K-Pop and J-Pop fanatics all together for three days of unique exhibits, amazing shopping, parties, exclusive screenings,...

Father's Day Weekend

Venue: Gulliver's Land Theme Park

Website: www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk

Adults go FREE when accompanied by one full paying child throughout Father’s Day Weekend! This special offer is available at all Gulliver’s Theme Parks on both the Saturday and the Sunday.

Memory Walk

Venue: Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Website: www.birminghamhospice.org.uk

The Memory Walk is a special way for you to come together with your family and friends to celebrate and remember someone special. You can choose the family-friendly 2.5km or 10km route. Adult £12, Child...

National School Sports Week 2024

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.youthsporttrust.org

This year's theme brings a special one-off Euro 2024 event that emphasises football as a means to engage young people in 60 minutes a day of PE, sport and play. By registering, schools will receive free...

Six

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome

Website: www.birminghamhippodrome.com

From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st-century...

Circus Zyair at Tamworth

Venue: Tamworth Castle Grounds

Website: www.circus-zyair.co.uk

The brand new show for 2024 features over thirty adrenaline fuelled performers from all across the globe. Fearless acrobats and daredevil stuntmen guarantee maximum thrills by risking life and limb daily...

The Big Bang Fair

Venue: NEC Birmingham

Website: www.engineeringuk.com/our-work/inspiring-young-people/big-bang

The Big Bang mission is to showcase surprising possibilities and connect young people to inspiring role models in STEM. The fair invites tens of thousands of young people to take part in hands-on activities,...

Outdoor Theatre: Hamlet at Packwood House

Venue: Packwood House

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/packwood-house

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men invite you to join them for the timeless Shakespeare classic, Hamlet. With a history stretching back to William Shakespeare himself they present this great play as he first...

Black British Ballet - Island Movements

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome

Address: Patrick Studio

Website: www.birminghamhippodrome.com

An epic tale of a Windrush family. This short, moving ballet tells the story of a young soldier in WW2 and follows him and his family through their life in the UK. 30 minute ballet, followed by a 45 minute...

Jamboree Weekend

Venue: Gulliver's Land Theme Park

Website: www.gulliverslandresort.co.uk

Get ready for a huge Jamboree Weekend in partnership with The Scouts Association. Perfect for Uniformed Youth Groups, enjoy bushcraft sessions, cookery school, jamboree discovery trail and all our regular...

Hamilton

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome

Website: www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Hamilton is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and helped shape...

RUSH A Joyous Jamaican Journey

Venue: Birmingham Rep

Website: www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

Join this incredible narrated musical journey that tells the story of the Windrush Generation and Reggae and hear how this music took the world by storm. Get ready to enjoy the music of Desmond Dekker,...

Romeo and Juliet

Venue: Winterbourne House and Garden

Website: www.winterbourne.org.uk

Illyria bring Shakespeare to life in the garden once again. Their production of this perennial Shakespeare favourite is passionate, poetic and utterly gripping. The performance takes place on the lawn...

Armed Forces Weekend

Venue: National Memorial Arboretum

Website: www.thenma.org.uk

Armed Forces Day is the Nation's chance to show support for the people who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving service personnel to their families, veterans and cadets. Includes...

Children's Outdoor Yoga

Venue: Baddesley Clinton

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/baddesley-clinton

Suitable for children aged 3-7. Children aged 2 are welcome if they can walk and follow basic instructions. Yoga mats will be provided. The class will build on children’s understanding of their bodies...

Tatenhill Airbase Open Day 2024

Venue: Tatenhill Airbase

Address: Burton-Upon-Trent

Website: www.midlandsairambulance.com

The popular open day which provides fun activities for everyone to enjoy is returning this year. The day provides activities including demonstrations of the lifesaving treatment the crew provide on scene,...

101 Dalmatians

Venue: The Alexandra

Website: www.atgtickets.com

This classic canine caper is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, witty songs and irresistible puppies! Suitable for ages 5+.

Rhythm of the Dance

Venue: The Albany Theatre

Website: www.albanytheatre.co.uk

Featuring world class musicians who play live on stage, star vocalists singing live and world champion dancers, the show is a completely captivating two hour experience of pulsating rhythms performed at...

Quiet at the Aquarium

Venue: National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

Website: www.visitsealife.com/birmingham

On selected dates the Aquarium open their doors an hour early, to provide a quieter SEA LIFE experience that aims to provide a more comfortable visit for those with autism and other sensory requirements....