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 .
I’m very conscious now more than ever of trying to find budget friendly places to explore and I have a huge list of local parks.
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.
I’m 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.
I’m 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 we’ve 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!
50 Cheap & Free Things To Do in Birmingham (2026) Updated for 2026 with current pricing, seasonal events and family-friendly ideas across Birmingham. I am always on the hunt for things to do in the Midlands which don’t cost the earth and keep the kids busy. Arlo is growing up, so I can’t use … Read more
This guide to flower fields in the West Midlands includes family friendly locations, free and ticketed fields all updated for 2026.
A local parent guide to the best children’s farms near Birmingham and across the West Midlands, with tried-and-tested farm parks, animal experiences, and tips on which ones work best for different ages.
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
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
The world premiere of The Wizard of Oz Drone Show UK took place at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, and it was nothing short of breathtaking. We were delighted to be invited to see a new Celestial show after being blown away with their Evolution tour last year. Blending cutting-edge technology with the timeless magic of a beloved classic, … Read more
When you’re half way into the holidays and running out of ideas for things to do then a trip to the local park is the easiest thing to organise. Updated for 2026 with some new places we have found to explore. Take a backpack with your lunch and some water, pop the bike or scooter … 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
This festive season, Webbs of Wychbold invites you to step into a magical world inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. The Webbs Enchanted Garden Christmas Light Trail 2024 brings this beloved tale to life in the stunning Riverside Gardens, creating an unforgettable experience for families, friends, and anyone seeking a touch of whimsy. Every inch … Read more
The festive season is the perfect time to enjoy family-friendly activities, and Kenilworth Castle at christmas offers a magical way to step back in time while creating modern-day memories. Nestled in the heart of the United Kingdom, this historic site transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays, offering festive fun for children of all … 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
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. It’s 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
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
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
This secret beauty spot is on the very edge of Birmingham, I consider the canals at the Hopwood to be the border, I don’t know if that’s official or not but we always used to cross the canal and joke “now we’re in Brum, and now we aren’t” because when I was a kid it … Read more
Finally one of Arlo’s favourite places to visit in Birmingham has re-opened – Thinktank – home to Mini Brum, the science garden and so much more – and we were delighted to visit and explore this weekend. Navigating around the ever changing roadworks in the city centre was a nightmare but eventually we found the … Read more
We had a wonderful day out last week at Warwick Castle. The unpredictable weather we’ve been experiencing lately seemed to settle for one day and the sun shone down on us as we explored the castle grounds. I booked our tickets online in advance and the trail was included in the ticket price. If you … Read more
Embark on a Safari Adventure at West Midlands Safari Park West Midlands Safari Park, nestled in the heart of the British countryside, is not just a destination; it’s an immersive journey into the wonders of the wild. As you approach the park, anticipation builds for the four-mile self-drive safari, a thrilling odyssey through African and … Read more