what to do iwth a just turned 4 year old in Birmingham for one day?

[wubwubwub]

Running Widow here - DH is off to the running show on Sat 20 Jan. Me and the 4 year old tagging along as it'sa chance for day out - and we would like day out in Brum. Staying near the NEC.
Any suggestions that isn't the Sea Life Centre (as went to London one in December)

We'll have the car, but more than happy to hop on the trains etc

Have a look at the Think Tank. It used to have a great area for under 5s and the outside garden was fab as well.

I would also suggest think tank. Or the cat cafe in grand central is really good.

Think Tank is good

My favourite would be The Nature Centre although it is mostly outside so it would depend a bit on the weather.
Definitely go there if you are nearby when it is warmer.

Check your car is compliant with the Clean Air Zone if you are thinking of driving into the centre.

Think Tank is great, the Lego place near sea life is good for younger children. Not too far from snow dome at Tamworth. And Tamworth Castle is good too. Shops and cinema at Resorts World next to NEC - and an arcade.

Cadbury World?

Think tank is the best and you can get half price tickets with national express, Google it.

Think tank is great- also botanical gardens and the museum near the square

Another vote for Think Tank, fab for children of that age

Another vote for the think tank they have an amazing role play village inside for the little ones.

There is also Drayton manor (Thomas land) sometimes you can still visit Thomas land even is off season.

Snow down do a tots snow play session.

Another vote for think tank.

Think tank (called something else now?) has changed a lot so not sure the role play areas are quite the same as they were ten years ago but definitely still very good for a potter around and there's an outside science gardeny thing. Botanical gardens is a good go to also. Both aren't particularly near NEC but both do have good parking. Bear Grylls Adventure thingy place is based at NEC with various activities but not sure any suitable for a little one.

Is winter wonderland funland still on at the NEC?

Definitely don't drive from NEC to the city centre - get the train!
Also check the parking situation at your hotel - it may be cheaper to park at the train station (Bham International), depending how much your hotel charges.

Has your DH been to the running show before? I've been a few times, and every time I go I think "that was an OK way to spend a few hrs, but I'm glad I didn't travel for it" (takes just 25 mins from home). There are usually some good talks, but the stands etc are a bit rubbish - a lot of the big brands don't go, and it's generally a bit underwhelming. Most of the stands are race organisers trying to flog race places, or running 'gifts'. Not telling you this to say 'don't go', but it's worth managing expectations! It's generally absolutely heaving too - it's not that big but they cram what there is into a small space.

Also came on to say Think Tank, DD loved it at that age, lots of things to press and turn and generally meddle with.

If I remember correctly the food offerings inside were a bit expensive and not great quality but there are lots of cafes not far away or you could take a picnic.

He's going to a few of the talks, and a few of the stalls etc. have a rough itinerary. He's normally happy to wander aimlessly at these things. Plus he might meet up with some other runner pals. I guess he'll be there about 3-4 hours.
He's obviously more than welcome to find us wherever we are once he's done, so will probably stick to public transport

Have booked into the kitty café for lunch, meeting a friend there too for an hour or so.

So might do Think Tank in the morning, do Kitty Café for early lunch,and then have a little wander round the city in the afternoon so.DH can join us.

Thanks guys.

Doesn't look like it is still on.

Okay, got back on a Saturday evening. In case anyone is interested this is our thoughts.

We did think tank, which was okay. A bit tired and the play area at the top felt a bit unloved...and a lot of the interactive stuff didn't work. But my little one had a nice time.

Did end up going the wrong way to get to Think Tank and walked down some rather questionable streets to be blocked by the HS2 works, and realised we had to walk around them...

Then we went over to Grand Central for the Kitty Café. She loved it, service was sloooooooooow though.

Went across to the Bullring. She liked the small soft play in the toy shop, and we got an ice-cream and pretzels.

Overall, it was all a bit shabby, but we had a nice time. We went in on the bus from the airport, and the suburbs to the east look quite deprived and so much rubbish on the pavements and sides of road. However, you can clearly see there's a lot of redeveloping going on in the centre. So I'm sure it will be much nicer in 5-10 years time.

(P.s. DH spent about 4-5 hours at the running show 👍)

@wubwubwub love that you came back to update us! Thank you

😁