Arlo is the type of child who will not sit still and wakes up first thing in the morning asking me where we are going and what he can pack in his lunch bag. As a single working parent I try to make sure we make the most of all the time we have together and we both love to explore the Midlands.
I do drive and so we tend to head out and about in the car most of the time and visit places within about an hours drive of Birmingham. Arlo loves creatures great and small so we have lots of animal attractions in this blog including our top farms in the as well as some wonderful outdoor spaces to explore – some more off the beaten track such as our route around Bittel Reservoir and fresh for summer we have a list some of the midlands most glorious flower fields .Â
Iâm very conscious now more than ever of trying to find budget friendly places to explore and I have a huge list of local parks.Â
Most of the time we will pack a rucksack with our snacks, a bottle of water and a change of clothes – (or at least a spare pair of socks) as we love to splash in puddles or streams no matter the weather. This makes for a free day out and most of the time you can catch us with a ball or a scooter – no matter the weather.
Iâm a huge learning through play advocate so in the bag we also include things like magnifying glasses to hunt for bugs, and story books for some immersive gruffalo hunting and a little sack for nature treasures which we then use to continue our adventures at home with craft activities.
Iâm quite conscious now of making sure we get value for money and last year managed to compile a great list of summer holiday days out for under a tenner which we be updating with new offers this year. Another great way to save money is to look for discounts – from 241 tickets and newspaperor supermarket vouchers or taking advantage of annual pass offers. I put together a list here .
We hope you find some new places to explore – if you have any questions please get in touch or if you want to see what weâve been up to most recently then check out the instagram grid.
As and when we revisit places I do update the blogs but before you visit anywhere please double check with the venues for ticket pricing and opening items because these things can change at the drop of a hat!
Have an amazing adventure!
As the festive season approaches, thereâs no better way to embrace the magic of Christmas than by visiting the Luminate Light Trail at Birminghamâs Botanical Gardens. Whether youâre looking for a family-friendly outing, a romantic evening, or simply a chance to immerse yourself in stunning lights and interactive displays, Luminate promises a magical experience for … Read more
The West Midlands is a fantastic region for families looking to enjoy some splash-tastic fun. Whenever there is a heatwave expected there’s always a rush to find the perfect place for the kids to cool off. From thrilling water parks to delightful open air splash pads, and more high octane adventure parks, there’s something for everyone … Read more
Are you searching for the best farms for kids in the West Midlands? Check out our top picks for animal farms in Birmingham. We updated our list for 2024 and it includes 22 fun outdoor activities for children of all ages. Many places to visit with animals include petting farms near Birmingham and large farms … Read more
Review Cadbury World Birmingham: As a proud Brummie, the constant inquiries about Cadbury World never cease to amuse me. Nestled in the heart of Birmingham, this iconic tourist attraction stands as a symbol of chocolatey delight and a source of endless curiosity. Friends and acquaintances often fire off questions like, “Is it any good?” or … Read more
Give The Gift Of Adventure – Moms In The West Midlands Recommend – a collated list of memberships and annual passes in Birmingham – featuring some much loved UK based attractions with unlimited access for all to enjoy throughout the year – the gift that keeps on giving. We have really made the most of … Read more
Adding a touch of enchantment to a festive farm visit, the Christmas light trail at Hatton in the heart of Warwickshire proved to be a delightful addition. Priced at a reasonable ÂŁ10 per person, it offers a budget-friendly option for families looking to extend their festive experience. If youâre visiting the farm for a magical … Read more
Venturing into the Winter Wonderland at Tamworth’s SnowDome proved to be an enchanting experience for Arlo and myself as we were graciously invited along to the launch night for 2023. Now in its eighteenth year, this magical spectacle is a testament to the enduring charm of the holiday season. With ticket prices starting from a … Read more
We always have the most wonderful time at the play barn. We love it here anyway with one of the biggest indoor soft play areas and all the usual farm animals to meet and greet but when it has a festive make over it makes it all the more magical. When you arrived you are … Read more
We love a festive light trail and the Winter Glow at The Three counties show ground has it all. Not just a light trail but a huge ferris wheel, amongst the new fair ground, an ice skating rink and a unique Santa experience. A truly wondrous journey awaits you this Christmas at the Three Counties … Read more
Quite possibly the most beautiful festive experience we have ever had. Itâs impossible to describe just how magical the light trail around the riverside gardens is but I will do my best – my pictures do not do the enchanted garden at Webbs of Wychbold justice at all. Arlo at age four was enthralled throughout … Read more
 I am always on the hunt for things to do in the Midlands which donât cost the earth and keep the kids busy. Arlo is growing up, so I can’t use the “kids under three go free” deals anymore on family days out. I’m constantly searching for cheap things to do in Birminghm and … Read more
Are you looking for a Pumpkin Patch in the Birmingham? Here’s a selection of some awesome places to visit to pick pumpkins in and around Birmingham. Find a perfect pumpkin patch for those all important family pictures, or find a farm shop which has done all the hard work so you can make a beautiful … Read more
Top free places to visit for days out in the midlands include parks, gardens, historic sites, and museums with free entry. Our favourite spots include a wealth of free to access parks. You can go for walks, have picnics, and see wildlife on free days out in the West Midlands. If you’re looking for free … Read more
Welcome to Thomas Land, the ultimate destination for family fun! Located in the heart of the UK, just 30 minutes drive from Birmingham city centre Thomas Land is a theme park within a theme park based on the popular children’s television show, Thomas & Friends. With over 25 rides and attractions, Thomas Land is the … Read more
A friend of mine yesterday asked me about which football grounds you can visit in the Midlands. Her son has decided that he wants to visit as many of the U.K. based football grounds as he can and get a treat from each gift shop along the way. This is a huge challenge as there … Read more
Roxy Ball Room will open next to Victoria Square whilst their Digbeth site will re-brand and become a Roxy Lanes Roxy Leisure have announced plans to open their second site in Birmingham in February 2023 whilst their Digbeth site will be re-branded and become a Roxy Lanes, to mark the shift in focus from ball games … Read more
Step outside, summertimeâs in bloom! Well we have had one day of a heatwave and itâs got me all excited dreaming about running through flower fields in floaty dresses and taking some glorious pictures for Instagram. I have my favourite flower fields in the West Midlands and thought Iâd collate a list for you to … Read more
Look out for Zog and more flying into Warwick Arts Centre this February break! There’s plenty to keep families occupied this Spring Half-Term at CoventryââŹâ˘s Warwick Arts Centre, including classical music and the arrival of the mighty Zog! Zog and The Flying Doctors (24-27 Feb 2022) is the roar-some sequel to the best-selling Zog, by Julia Donaldson and Axel … Read more
We love all things spooky – Halloween is bigger than Christmas in this household and so we jumped at the chance to attend a press day at Warwick Castle at the launch of their Halloween extravaganza. With all sorts of spooky attractions thereââŹâ˘s great fun for all the family to enjoy with the castle providing … Read more
I’ve written previously about how I lost a sense of self over lockdown. A year of sitting at home with nothing to do but bake really had an impact on my waist line which in turn had an impact on my identity. As the world tentatively re-opened I decided I needed to turn things around … Read more