Half-term already? It certainly creeps up on you! Luckily Birmingham has plenty for kids eagerly looking for some excitement. From delicious dining to thrilling adventures, here’s our guide to keeping the whole family happy.
Food For All The Family
(follow the links to book a table or view menus)
No adventure is complete without keeping the kids (and, let’s be honest, the adults too) well fed. With Birmingham’s diverse culinary scene, you can keep even the pickiest eaters happy.
Wagamama: Known for its Japanese-inspired cuisine, we love the family-friendly atmosphere, canteen-style dining and a menu featuring everything from ramen to the ever-popular katsu curry.
Cherry Reds: This John Bright Street cafe, bar and diner has something for everyone in a lovely interior and outdoor seating. The American-style pancakes are a must for the kids.
Rudy’s Pizza: Serving up authentic Neapolitan-style plates in a relaxed neighbourhood pizzeria. The menu follows the traditions and artistry of pizza from Naples with fresh ingredients and a welcoming ambiance.
Franco Manca: With its focus on traditional sourdough pizzas, the “piccirillo” menu includes a pizza, drink and a dessert for £7.65.
Indian Streatery: Spice up your half-term holiday and enjoy flavourful Indian street food favourites in a vibrant setting.
Five Guys Burgers: There’s plenty of choice when it comes to burgers but the real treat is the chance to customise your milkshake with a range of flavours including Oreo® Cookie Pieces, REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups and bacon (yes, really!).
The Ivy Temple Row: For something fancy, treat the family to a stylish dining experience at The Ivy. There’s a menu packed with great-tasting dishes, served in an elegant setting.
Bodega Cantina: Experience the vibrant flavours of Latin America at Bodega Cantina, where the whole family can tuck into piled-high tacos and burritos.
La Galleria: Authentic Italian cuisine at La Galleria, where pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas take centre stage.
Nando’s: For the under-10s, the Nandino set menu is just £5.95 to include main and a spice, two sides and a drink or dessert. Known for its peri-peri chicken, Nando’s offers a casual dining experience that’s sure to satisfy all.
Stable Pizza: Bottomless brunches and bostin’ sourdough pizza on John Bright Street. What more could you ask for?
Cosy Club: Built in 1830, this beautiful building on Bennetts Hill was originally the headquarters for the Birmingham Banking Company. Now it’s the Birmingham Cosy Club offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks, with a host of family and kids options.
Tonkotsu at Selfridges: Mini Okosama bento boxes are perfect for mini diners – choose from cheeky chicken, yummy yasai and katsu curry with a drink for £6.95.
Pieminister: Whether you’re after a meaty, vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free pie, Pieminister on Waterloo Street has something for you.
Independents And High Street Favourites
Now you’re fuelled-up, it’s time to explore Central Birmingham’s shopping scene, whether you’re in search of unique finds at independent boutiques or browsing high street biggest names.
Primark: The High Street store is SO big it’s made it into the Guinness World Record for it, and is officially the largest fashion retail store in the world! There’s five floors to shop as well as the newly-launched Disney’s Stitch Surf Shack cafe.
Apple: Tech-lovers can literally lose hours exploring the latest must-haves, where you can test out the newest gadgets and accessories.
J.HYDE: This new eyewear specialist offers expert advice, latest-tech testing and, of course, the latest looks, in its gorgeous Cannon Street venue.
Cass Art: Unleash your creativity on Corporation Street, a haven for artists offering a wide selection of art supplies and materials. The leading art materials supplier, you’ll find the best brands at affordable prices, including creative crafts for kids.
Mr Simms Sweets: Treat the kids to a nostalgic candy-shopping experience in Great Western Arcade, where you’ll find an impressive array of traditional and novelty sweets.
Bershka: Inspired by the latest music, technology and social media trends, Spanish label Bershka brings new looks to Bullring.
DJI Hasselblad Flagship Store: explore a range of products through interactive touchscreens. A demo zone offers a hands-on experience, allowing you to immerse in the performance of DJI and Hasselblad drones and camera products (corner of New Street and Corporation Street).
Pull&Bear: Newly-launched in Bullring, the teenage-favourite for fashion-forward finds; you’ll find endless rails of affordable yet stylish clothing and accessories.
Moss Bros: Get the uni-kids in the family ready for spring and summer campus looks with the latest styles at this New Street favourite, including Prom black tie and interview suits.
Sports Direct: Gear up for outdoor adventures with a visit to the giant New Street store, where you’ll find a vast selection of sports equipment and apparel.
Nike Concept Store: Embrace an active lifestyle, showcasing the latest in athletic footwear and apparel, at Bullring.,
Selfridges: A treasure trove of high-end brands like Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Gucci, Mulberry, and Valentino, housed within a modern architectural masterpiece.
TK Maxx: Hunt for bargains and one-of-a-kind treasures, with a constantly changing selection of discounted fashion, accessories and homewares, at Grand Central next to New Street station.
Urban Outfitters: Urban and eclectic store on Corporation Street, you’ll find men’s and women’s fashion essentials as well as a great selection of vintage finds.
Waterstones: Foster a love of reading with a visit to book-lovers favourite on High Street, where you can browse an extensive selection for readers of all ages. Look out for great book launch events, readings and author signing visits.
Food-on-the-Go
Between shopping and sightseeing, full up on delicious snacks and food-on-the-go options available throughout Central Birmingham.
Medicine: Enjoy artisanal coffee and freshly baked goods in a cosy café setting, perfect for a mid-shopping pick-me-up at the top of New Street, Mailbox or Selfridges.
Kuula Poké: Savour the flavours of Hawaii in Great Western Arcade, where you can create your own poké bowl filled with fresh and healthy ingredients.
Second Cup Coffee on New Street: Gourmet coffee and tempting treats served during the day at this welcoming café – ideal for a quick break.
Tim Hortons on New Street: Treat yourself to Canadian-inspired coffee and baked goods, where you’ll find classics like Timbits and maple lattes.
200 Degrees: Experience the art of coffee roasting at 200 Degrees Lower Temple Street, where you can sip on expertly crafted drinks and tuck into light bites, or pick up a snack for your train from New Street station.
Yorks Café: Relax and recharge at this popular Stephenson Street spot, offering specialty coffee and a menu of delicious brunch and lunch options.
Adrenaline And Art
For families seeking adventure and cultural experiences, the city is brimming with adrenaline-pumping activities and artistic attractions.
See Ozzy the Bull: The star of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Ozzy the mechanical Bull is now at home at New Street station and attracting selfie-takers every day. Why not say hello this half-term!?
Lane 7 Bowling: Lace up your bowling shoes and hit the lanes, where you can enjoy a classic game of bowling with family and friends at The Cube.
Sixes Social Cricket: Test your cricket skills at this an indoor cricket facility at Mailbox offering fun games and coaching sessions for all ages, with great food and drink too.
Odeon New Street: Immerse yourself in the magic of the movies. Holiday blockbusters include Wonka, Migration and Peppa Pig, with great-value kids screenings. Check out the £5 ticket offers, too, for a bargain visit.
Everyman Cinema: Catch the latest blockbuster or family-friendly film at Mailbox. Elevate your cinema experience with luxurious seating and gourmet snacks.
Sandbox VR in Grand Central: Test the family’s skills at the advanced virtual reality experience – explore immersive experiences and interactive games.
Victorian Radicals at The Gas Hall (Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery): Now reopen, this comprehensive showing of the city’s world-famous Pre-Raphaelite and Arts & Crafts collections features vibrant paintings and exquisite drawings alongside jewellery, glass, textiles and metalwork.
Pinball at Tilt: Unleash your competitive spirit with a visit to Tilt, a retro-inspired arcade in City Arcade featuring a variety of pinball machines and classic arcade games.
Great Western Arcade: A hidden gem is oozing Victorian charm, award-winning retailers and top-class eateries. It’s a stone’s throw from Birmingham Cathedral with its stunning Burne-Jones stained glass windows on Colmore Row, or the entrance on Temple Row where you’ll find the fantastic Morridge coffee or Cora hair salon.
Piccadilly Arcade: Like Great Western Arcade, this charming location comes bagged with character, stunning ceiling artworks and, importantly, coffee to go! You’ll find opticians, salons, traditional tailoring skills and bubble tea, all just off New Street.
Time For A Sleepover
After a day of adventure and exploration, why not extend the fun with a family sleepover.
Staying Cool at Rotunda: Experience luxury accommodations in super-stylish serviced apartments complete with stunning views across the city and beyond.
The Burlington: Enjoy a comfortable stay in the heart of Birmingham’s shopping district and next door to New Street station. This historic hotel offers modern amenities and warm hospitality.
Malmaison: A boutique hotel experience at Mailbox – here you can unwind in chic surroundings and enjoy top-notch dining options.
Staybridge Suites: Feel at home in residential-style studios and suites, with an included daily breakfast buffet, on Corporation Street.