Birmingham day with ds13

[Brumplan]

I am going to be in Birmingham with ds13 on Wed from about 10am until 3ish. Can anyone help with ideas of things to do?

I was looking at a canal trip. Was wondering if there were any interesting independent shops? Maybe a museum? I wanted to go to the 'Back to backs' but they are booked up. Any fun ideas for a lunch venue?

Also parking. Will be coming up from Gloucester on M5 in the morning but then travelling on to Stafford on the M5 in the afternoon.

All suggestions would be very welcome. I need some insider knowledge! Please help!

Depends what you want to do? Canals are in Birmingham City Centre - and you have the sealife centre too relatively nearby. Cadbury World in Bournville is good too. Given it is half term in the midlands this week. It will most likely be busy!!

We have been to Cadbury World recently so not there. I will look up the sea life centre. Ds loves a mooch about so I think a boat trip will suit him. Is there an area with independent shops/cafes at all?

Loads of great options I can think of.

The Thinktank is the Birmingham Science Museum at Millennium Point, B4 7XG. The Custard Factory might also be interesting for for your DS.
A visit to the library in the centre is also a good, and free, mooch. There is usually bits happening in half term. The BFI there is worth a visit.
The Jewellery quarter has loads of independent restaurants and cafes. The Quarter has over 200 listed buildings including the last Georgian Square in Birmingham. The Peaky Blinders escape room is there as well.
Specific food recommendations for teens I would highlight Tiger Bites Pig,
just around the corner from New Street station, it’s casual with a handful of tables (and no toilet). The bao are made fresh every morning on site.
Medicine bakery has a New Street branch or is in the Mailbox. There are cruffins, doughnuts and cinnamon buns, but also brunches like sausage or halloumi brioche with sweet chilli jam.
Original Patty Men serve some of the best burgers. They are under
the railway arches near Moor Street station but check if they are open on Wednesdays.

Think tank may be a good shout( the main museum is closed for renovations atm)
there are regular canal trips if you head towards brindley place. (They may be seasonal though so you would have to check)
The library is good for a wonder and to go on the garden balcony, if you go to the top floor there’s good views and the Shakespeare room.

sealife will take an hour max

check and see if there are any matinees on at the rep or the old rep-

loads of food places wherever you step really

you could always go broadway plaza too. There’s mini golf, rock climbing, bowling.

parking is cheap in digbeth or the ncp but driving around town is a nightmare atm because of the building works going on… everywhere🤣

you could also venture out a bit further and visit Aston Hall, out of town and worth a visit www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/aston-hall

Thanks for this I will start checking all this out and make final plans tonight!

Mr Mulligans crazy golf
InflataNation (Stetchford)
Cadbury World
Sea Life
Botanical Gardens
Star City
Vortex at Resorts World

Thanks for the info. We started in the library which was fab then Tiger Bites Pig which was a huge hit. Ds had never had Bao before. After then we had a wander down to Brindley Place but canal boats weren't running although this wasn't on their website. Had a mooch about and found the rather impressive apple store.amonst other things, then Medicine for cake which was another huge hit. I was told to make sure I thanked the 'mumsnet person'. Finished up with Mr Mulligans for crazy golf and air hockey. Thanks for the tips everyone.

If you were driving out of the city, the Black Country museum is brilliant. Canal trips cost extra but are also available. You can also convert your day ticket to an annual pass for free.

There's a clean air zone charge if you don't have a newish vehicle. www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones

If you do go to the sea life centre, the ikon gallery nearby has a lovely café and shop even if art isn't your thing. But the singing lift is brilliant

Oh you've been already @Brumplan 😂 Sounds great. I love Birmingham!

Medicine for cake which was another huge hit. I was told to make sure I thanked the 'mumsnet person'.

Ooooo that's me! (Glowing with undeserved praise)