Each half term, I spend an age searching the internet of things to do with the kids. So if you live in Solihull and Birmingham, and are looking for things to do this February half term 2020, I’ve created a list to help you along the way. I always find February half term a tricky one. The weather isn’t the best, and a lot of local attractions may not be best suited for the colder weather. Having said that, many attractions in the West Midlands do offer some discounts to reflect this.
Following this, I have created a list of free things to do in and around Solihull and Birmingham this February half term.
We adore these parks which are located next to each other. In actual fact, both parks are really just one big park. To one end, you have a children’s play area, tennis courts and lots of walking paths perfect for scooters and bikes. There is a also a small carpark as well as easy access to Solihull Town Centre. The other end of the park there is a huge lake which you can walk around, a woodland area and a nature reserve, complete with a small shop and cafe.
To enter the reserve (free of charge), simply walk through the cafe and you’ll enter a hidden away reverse, complete with a pond, lake and a play area. It really is beautiful here on a sunny day.
This February half term, Touchwood are holding a FREE event to it’s visitors.
From Saturday 15th February 2020 – Sunday 23rd February 2020, look out for free to play giant games. Touchwood is transforming into a board game extravaganza this February half term, and there be plenty of games for you and your children to take part in. Some of the retro games included will be Operation, Downfall and Retro Arcade Cube.
The Big Board Games Week is the latest addition of lovely events that Touchwood host across the year. Board games will be dotted around the centre, so keep your eyes peeled!
There are a whole host of libraries that are perfect for children across Solihull and Birmingham. Some of my favourites include Solihull Library, Shirley and Hobs Moat. Shirley Library is also right next to Shirley park which is a lovely large park, complete with smooth paths, climbing frame and a big play area. Some of the libraries also have small events on so it’s worth checking out Solihull Councils website.
I can always rely on Resorts World to offer free things to do with the kids during half terms! This february half term, guests visiting Resorts World can enjoy a half term Pirate week! Between the dates of 17th February – 23rd February 2020 the theme will be Treasure Hunt, where little pirates can join in with their treasure hunt and earn a special prize! From 20th February – 23rd February there will be Pirate Crew and The Living Mermaid, Also there will be Pirate Playtime where the Bonkas team will entertain! Get your little ones dressed up – they may win the best dressed!
This is a great garden centre, where you literally feel like your somewhere else other than in Solihull. Located not far from Dickens Heath, Akamba Garden Centre has various events on throughout the year, but you can visit for free. Wander around and explore the exotic plants, and check out the huge animal sculptures.
Akamba is also home to a premium African and Caribbean restaurant, with several seating areas dotted around the centre. There is also a lovely sand pit for children to play in, and a gift shop.
It’s worth noting that Akamba is closed Monday-Wednesday during winter months, and the opening times are 10am – 6pm Thursday – Sunday.
This is another wonderful (and huge!) park to visit that is of course free (there is a small car parking fee if you do wish to drive). This Birmingham park is located in Edgbaston, opposite Edgbaston Cricket ground and it’s on my list of Birminghams best days out with kids!
Located on the park is a small fun fair (seasonal), crazy golf course and several playgrounds. There is also a lake where you can hire out pedal boats for a charge. Cannon Hill park is a fantastic place to have lots of adventures free of charge – take a picnic, go bug exploring or simply take your bikes and go for a leisurely bike ride across the park. There are also several tennis courts to hire, and even a land train to hop on and off. Located to the side of the park, is Birminghams MAC Centre. MAC Birmingham is one of the most exciting cultural venues in the UK, complete with a cinema, theatre and craft workshops to keep all entertained.
The Ikon Gallery is located in Birmingham City Centre.
This family friendly gallery hosts a range of free activities aimed at families and young visitors. This February half term, on Saturday 22nd February, Ikon are hosting a free workshop exploring our landscape 12pm – 4pm. There will also be another free workshop on Sunday 23rd February. During the session, you’ll work on weaving techniques. Both are open to all ages.
Both of these workshops will be located at Moseley Community Hub, Balsall Health B12 9AH
There is no need to book, just turn up and stay as long as you like! Although these children’s workshops are free, it is considered to make a small donation of around £3.
Ikon’s opening times are Tuesday – Sunday 11am – 5pm
We love coming to Sheldon Country Park. Here, you can get an awesome view of the aeroplanes at Birmingham Airport completely free. The park runs at the back of the runway – be sure to catch the A380 coming into land late morning and taking off again in the late afternoon. Within the park you’ll find lots of pathways as well as a Country Farm, FREE! There is also a play area and a cafe where you can purchase ice creams – and cheesy chips!
Located in Wolverhampton, Half Penny Green airport is a small airport with viewing – completely free! There is also a cafe so that you can grab some refreshments if needed! What a fun free afternoon out this February half term!
This is another favourite park of mine within the Birmingham area and is of course free to attend. Sutton park is a 2400 acre National Nature Reserve located 6 miles from Birmingham City Centre. The park is home to heathland, woodlands, seven lakes, wetlands and marshes. Many cattle and ponies graze on the land here within the park.
There is a Visitor Centre where you can grab a map of the park and locate several attractions and sport facilities. There are several play grounds, cycling and scooter paths, a donkey sanctuary and fishing ponds and lakes. There are also a number of restaurants in the park.
This is a superb museum that is perfect for families, located in the heart of Birmingham City Centre. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is home to many exhibitions. The museum offers a FREE family trail, which takes you around the museum and helps you explore their galleries. There is also lifts available for families with pushchairs, a pushchair locker room and breastfeeding and changing facilities. If you wish to bring a picnic, there is a picnic area or if you fancy something different, Edwardian Tea Rooms is the perfect location to visit.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery are offering several free workshops this February half term which are as follows:
Pennant Making
15th February 11am – 1pm A free family workshop, where children can design and create their own pennant, with guidance from artist Jane Thatoordin There is no need to book, simply turn up!
Object Handling: Made in Brum?
17th February – 21st February 11am – 3pm Free family workshops where children can explore a fascinating selection of objects for the museums collection, in celebration of their newest exhibitions, Webster and Horsfall: 300 years of innovation. Suitable for all ages, these free event in Birmingham is a drop in, but subject to availability.
Story Drawing
18th February 11am – 1pm (sessions last around 30 minutes) Another free event held at the museum, this part storytelling, part drawing session will allow children to explore creative play. All materials provided and all ages welcome. Drop in.
Story Telling
19th February – 22nd February 11am – 3pm Aimed at children 8 plus. This story telling session will focus on CIVIL, discussing protests, inspired by the museums new exhibition; Birmingham Revolutions – Power to the People. Runs every hour between the times shown above.
There are several other family workshops available at the museum for a small fee. Please check their website for the latest information.
FREE ENTRY TO SAREHOLE MILL!
It’s launch day for Sarehole Mill on the 15th February 2020 11am – 4pm. This is following Sarehole Mill’s newly refurbished and restored Bakehouse and brand new bakery. There will be family craft activities and a newly restored Bakehouse to explore, plus a gingerbread trail too.
The Lapworth Museum runs a range of exciting family activities, from educational talks, to tours and arts and crafts activities. Below is a list of whats on during February half term:
DIYnosaur Family Fun Day
On Tuesday 18th February 10am – 5pm the museum is hosting a FREE DIYnosaur Family Fun Day where you and you children can create a dinosaur sculpture. There’ll be fossil handling, story time and even a DIYnosaur parade.
Jurrasic Park at The Lapworth!
On Wednesday 19th February 7pm – 9.30pm, Lapworth Museum of Geology is showing the film Jurassic Park! Booking is essential for this FREE ticketed event. Book via the website.
Teach Rex at The Lapworth
On Thursday 20th February, 10am – 5pm, Fancy meeting TRex? Join The Lapworth for a show that is suitable for all ages (and is even very popular with the adults!) You can even make your own Tiny TRex! Check out their website for their timetable for the day!
Lichen Landscapes and Mossy Minds
On Friday 21st February, 2pm – 4pm, join the Arts and Science Festival Sculpture Commission winners Juneau Projects for a one off FREE family workshop. Make and paint your own mini plant sculptures and take your art work home with you! This is a drop in session and on a first come first served basis.
Stratford Upon Avon is a beautiful place to visit, and completely free! There is plenty of lovely walks and for the children, a huge playground (and paddling pool for the warmer months.) After visiting the play area, take a walk down the canal and visit the town, checking out the sites such as William Shakespeare’s house. There any many quirky shops and restaurants to also make use of, including a fabulous ice cream parlour called Hooray’s. They do the best ice cream as well as having a little play area perfect for children.
And there you have it! A list of free things to do this February half term in and around Solihull and Birmingham. What will you get up to?
Thanks for reading xxx
Hi and welcome to The Willow Tree. I’m Michelle, also known as Shel and I am a mama to three beautiful crazy kids – I have two handsome boys and a wild and wonderful girl.
I really wanted a concrete place to share my love for travel, in particular Disney and offer my readers a chance to gain some knowledge around what we love to do as a family of 5.
I share our family adventures which include days out, travel advice and tips, holiday reviews, restaurant visits and of course, our love for Disney, including Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney World.
Life is about creating memories, and here we are sharing them with you
xoxo
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