birmingham city parks

[kiwibella]

Dh is working in Birmingham on Friday so we're all going with him for a (cheap) day out (ie, his work is paying the transportation!). Can you recommend any local parks or playgrounds where I can take dd (4) for a run around? We'll be very central... and probably eat somewhere near the shops. Dd1 will want to do some shopping.

any locals with their favourite spots about?

There aren't any parks or play areas right in the city centre but if you go up to the Central Library and then walk through past the Symphony Hall to Brindley Place there are a few 'running around' spots (and Brindley Place has lots of places to eat as well).

If you don't mind a short bus ride, Cannon Hill Park is good and has the Nature Centre too and the Arts Centre for a decent (often v busy though) cafe.

There's not that much near the city centre, but Cannon Hill Park is great. Massive boating lake, arts centre, huge playground, massive area to run around in. It's a short bus ride out - I'm pretty sure the no. 1 still stops right outside but there are more regular services along the Pershore Rd then it's a short walk.

Caveat: I moved out of Brum 14 years ago, but my parents still live there and they have been recently. Hopefully someone more local can advise.

OP, unfortunately Birmingham is not like London in terms of having central green spaces - there really aren't any parks within close proximity to the main shopping area (ie. walking distance). The closest green space to the shops is a grassy area surrounding St Philips Cathedral, where your DD could probably stretch her legs.

The area around the canals and the convention centre is nice for a walk and lunch, though may be a bit far for a 4 year old.

I think the closest actual park is probably Canon Hill Park, which is by Edgbaston Cricket Ground, just outside the city centre, but definitely a bus journey away.

Ah, x post with Remus. Great minds think alike.

It's really not a long bus journey to Cannon Hill park. A local can advise, but I'd call it a 15 min bus ride from New Street station (on the 35?? Don't take my word for it). That would drop you the right side for the Nature Centre, which is really a small zoo. Meerkats, otters, snakes etc.

My grandparents live just by there

I agree that Cannon Hill (free) Park is your best bet. The Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston are nice but charge for entry.

Does anyone know about the artificial beach they are creating? I've tried googling but can't find details.

As an alternative, if you trust your 4y.o., you could stay central and explore the canal network (trivial fact: Birmingham has more canals than Venice). The busiest bit is Gas Street basin near the ICC.

wow, interesting fact about the number of canals! I can't wait to explore. Actually, hubs is working in Brindley Place. We are driving across, parking has been organised, and I can come and go if I want. Thanks so much for the helpful advice.

Don't know if I'm too lste and you have already made your plans, but I live by Cannon Hill Park. You will find places to run around near Brindley Place though they aren't green. Or you can walk along the canals. Cannon Hill Park is great (my BIL, who is an adult, said it was the best park he had ever been to). There are a couple of playgrounds, lots of green space to run around, a boating lake and the MAC which has a very nice cafe. There is also a nature centre, which is like a small zoo, and only costs a few pounds. This week there is a "beach" in the park, where they have put down loads of sand to play on and deckchairs for parents to sit down. The beach appears to be free, and there is also a fairground there unti the weekend but you do have to pay for that. Children's TV characters are appearing too for some reason. We saw Peppa Pig there on Monday and Fireman Sam is also on the posters and other characters that I can't remember/ didn't recognise as DD is only 4m old. From the city centre you can get bus number 1 from the town hall to the cricket ground and the park entrance is across the road. Or get bus 45 or 47 from outside new st station. It takes about 15mins depending on traffic. Have fun whatever you end up doing.