With the long summer holidays now underway, Birmingham City Council has put families to the front of the queue with a vast array of value for money fun days and many free to ensure every child is kept active over the summer holiday.
Whatever the age there is a wealth of free and inexpensive options available to stimulate and amuse the kids this summer.
Museum
Colour Splash
Until 20 September
Waterhall gallery, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery – Free
This family friendly summer exhibition of paintings, textiles and objects from around the world shows how artists and craftspeople respond to the possibilities of colour. Tel: 0121 464 8887
Matthew Boulton: Selling what all the world desires
Until 27 September
Gas Hall, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery – Free
This show celebrates the life, achievements and legacy of one of the greatest figures in Birmingham’s history! Find out what made Matthew Boulton one of the most important pioneers in the industrial world. Tel: 0121 303 1966
Free family activities
1-4pm, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery – Free
Seven days a week during the school holidays.
Aston Hall
Re-opened on 18th July after a £12 million makeover, Birmingham’s spectacular Jacobean style country mansion has new gardens, shop, café and exhibitions and activity rooms.
Community Museums
Look what Birmingham’s Community Museums have on offer this summer! Tuesday and Thursday activities (1.30 – 3.30pm) at the 17th Century timber framed farmhouse, Blakesley Hall. Friday craft days (1 – 3pm) at one of Birmingham’s last working watermills,
Sarehole Mill. Friday activities (12noon – 4pm) inspired by Matthew Boulton at Soho House. Tuesday and Saturday craft activities (1.30 – 3.30pm) at the magnificent Museum of the Jewellery Quarter.
For info call 0121 303 2834
www.bmag.org.uk
Arts
Gallery 37
Saturday 15 August, 10.30am-4pm
Pavilions Shopping Centre, Lower Level
Gallery 37 will be running free children’s art workshops which are open to all age groups from 5 years upwards. They will offer the chance to have fun with everything from music and drama to painting and craft skills. Gallery 37 2009 is supported by Pavilions Birmingham.
Tel: 0121 303 2434
ArtsFest
11-13 September
Various venues, Birmingham city centre
The UK’s biggest and best FREE arts festival! The city centre will be filled with nearly 600 different events and performances. From ballet to bhangra, classical music to indie rock, and everything in between. www.artsfest.org.uk or tel: 0121 464 5678
Site and Sounds at mac
A programme of free summer events
Cannon Hill Park
Celebrate mac’s re-opening with free events and opportunities including screen printing, walking and talking tours, singing and maze exploration!
www.macartists.co.uk
Libraries
Quest Seekers
This summer 4 – 12 year old Quest Seekers must accept the challenge of Firebird Rising, Mountain Mission and Dragon’s Lair! Read six books over the holiday and you’ll get scratch’n’sniff stickers, puzzles and magnets! Complete the challenge and you’ll win a medal and a certificate. www.questseekers.org.uk
Centre for the Child
Throughout the summer holidays there are free storytimes, activities and craft sessions in Centre for the Child. Highlights include a summer disco party, storyteller Fran O’Boyle and drama with David Calcutt.
Tel: 0121 303 2421
Sand and stories
Free story time sessions at the Monarch Beach every Tuesday afternoon, 2 – 2.30pm from 28 July – 1 September.
For info call 0121 303 2175
www.birmingham.gov.uk/younglibraries
Parks
Birmingham Nature Centre Is a wonderful destination for families with young children to see animals like the lively lemurs, meerkats and otters, plus lots of other animals. There are Reptile Talks every day between 24 – 28 August at 2.00pm.
At £3 for adults and £1 for 5 – 15 year olds, it’s excellent value for money. Booking Essential.
Tel: 0121 472 7775
www.birmingham.gov.uk/parks
Golf
Golf is teeing off this summer with a round of golf for an amazing £12 after 2pm any day of the week. Free for under 13s (when accompanied by a playing adult) and as little as £5 for those aged 13 – 17, so there’s every reason to try out your swing this summer at one of our 7 municipal golf courses.
www.golfbirmingham.co.uk or tel: 0121 464 2012
Events
Monarch Beach
Until Sunday 13 September
Chamberlain Square, Birmingham – Free
Sun to Thur 11am – 6pm. Fri & Sat 11am – 9pm
Feel the sand between your toes on the Monarch beach! With deck chairs, live entertainment and the BRMB Beach Bar and Cafe.
Gardeners’ Weekend
5-6 September / Kings Heath Park
Advance tickets: £5 (£3 concs), family ticket £13
On the day: £8.50 (£5.50 concs)
Tickets: 0121 303 2323
The perfect day out for little gardeners with attractions, show gardens and plant sales.
For info call 0121 303 3008
www.birmingham.gov.uk/leisureevents
Sports and Leisure
Many leisure centres run sports camps, where you can try all sorts of new stuff, like trampolining, dodge ball or even cheerleading. Or you can shape up at an ICE gym, specially for 8-16 year olds.
www.birmingham.gov.uk/getactive or Tel: 0121 464 2012
GB Judo World Cup
19 & 20 September
National Indoor Arena (NIA)
Tickets are on sale now and more information
is available on www.britishjudo.org.uk
EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon
11 October
City Centre
Make a note in your diaries to come and support all the runners.
For info call 0121 464 2012
www.birmingham.gov.uk/sport
Sunday 11 October at 10am.
0844 888 3883
www.birminghamhalfmarathon.com
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