Things to do in the West Midlands: Summer holidays 2026
With the West Midlands summer holidays 2026 rapidly approaching, it’s time for a list of things to do in the area. Lots of attractions have events taking place this year, both indoors and outside. From family trails to fun days and activity camps, there’s lots to see and do around the West Midlands.
If you’re on a budget, check out my post about free things to do in the West Midlands. If you’re planning on booking any of these attractions in the West Midlands, do check out my post about discount deals on UK attractions and days out. There are often quite a few discounts available in the local area, so I personally resent paying full price!
For holiday clubs in the West Midlands where you can drop the kids off to have fun without you, check out my West Midlands holiday clubs 2026 info post.
This post covers the West Midlands County area only. If you are looking for days out in nearby counties during the summer holidays, please see below:
Black Country Living Museum (BCLM)
Whilst no particular event is taking place during the West Midlands school summer holidays 2026, the Black Country Living Museum is open daily. It’s always a lovely place to visit with
Worth knowing: Whilst the Black Country Living Museum isn’t usually dog friendly, you can visit with your dog on Sunday 12th July 2026. Check out this post for more dog friendly days out in the West Midlands.
Dates: Open daily from 1st July to 30th September 2026.
Website: Black Country Living Museum
Review: Plutonium Sox review of the Black Country Living Museum.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Whilst there’s not a dedicated school summer holidays event at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens this year, they do have multiple events taking place that will appeal to families. Check out the website for dates and times. Activities include:
- Pop-up food traders
- Live music at the bandstand
- Animal handling
- Garden cinema
- Garden theatre
Dates: Open daily throughout school summer holidays 2026.
Website: Botanical Gardens.
Cadbury World
Cadbury World usually have a theatre show taking place during school holidays, but there isn’t one publicised for this year as yet. However, it is always a great day out, with some sneaky learning in there for the kids while they enjoy themselves and eat plenty of chocolate.
Dates: Open daily throughout school summer holidays 2026.
Website: Cadbury World
Review: Plutonium Sox review of a family day out at Cadbury World.
Cannon Hill Park West Midlands Summer Holidays 2026
Whilst no specific event takes place at Cannon Hill Park during summer holidays, it’s always a great day out with plenty to do for all ages. Toilet facilities are available and you can purchase food and drink or enjoy a picnic. Activities include:
- Fun Park: The fun park has rides, activities and games for children aged up to 10 years old.
- Golden Putter: 36-hole mini golf.
- Land Train: Tour the park on the land train.
- Swan Lake Boating: Hire a pedal boat and relax in the park’s lake.
- MAC Birmingham: Check out the exhibitions, galleries, theatre, cinema, crafts and workshops.
- Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park: Visit animals including red pandas, monkeys and reptiles and meet the keepers to learn more about them.
- Sports Facilities: Participate in tennis, fishing, running, cycling and walking.
Website: Cannon Hill Park.
Coventry Transport Museum
Tinker | Make | Play Engineers – Big Vs Small at Coventry Transport Museum is a hands-on family event that invites budding engineers of all ages to explore the world of big and small vehicles. Visitors can get stuck into creative tinkering and making activities, comparing everything from massive machines to tiny transport, with plenty of opportunities to build, play, and problem-solve together. It’s a brilliant summer holiday outing for families who love all things that go — expect lots of interactive fun, discovery, and a chance to see the museum’s incredible collection from a fresh, playful perspective.
Dates: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 29th July to 29th August 2026.
Website: Transport Museum.
Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust
Whilst I can’t find a particular event for school summer holidays 2026, the Dudley Canal and Tunnel trust is open daily with various boat trips available. This is a lovely opportunity to learn about the canals and caverns while enjoying a gentle boat ride.
Dates: Open daily from 1st July to 4th September 2026 with various boat trips available.
Website: Canal and Tunnel Trust.
Herbert Art Gallery and Museum West Midlands Summer Holidays 2026
Nature’s Wonders: Step into the beauty and diversity of the natural world. This exhibition brings together stunning artworks and specimens that celebrate the intricate patterns, colours, and forms found in nature — from delicate botanical studies to dramatic landscapes and wildlife. It’s a thoughtful, visually rich experience that encourages you to slow down and appreciate the wonder of the environment around us, perfect for a relaxed afternoon of discovery at the museum.
Dates: 25th July to 30th August 2026, excluding Mondays.
Doze under Dippy: Children aged 6 to 11 years old and their families can sleep under the 26-foot Diplodocus. This event also includes a torchlight tour of the museum, arts and crafts and learning about Dippy.
Date: 25th to 26th July 2026.
Website: Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.
Legoland Discovery Centre
There doesn’t seem to be a specific event happening at the Legoland Discovery Centre for West Midlands summer holidays 2026. However, visitors booking a standard play session can enjoy the ultimate indoor Lego experience. Create a masterpiece at a build station, check out the mini Midlands, have fun in soft play and take advantage of the 4D cinema and two rides.
If you decide to visit the National Sea Life Centre, Cadbury World or Warwick Castle as well, you can buy a combined ticket online to save money.
Website: Legoland Discovery Centre.
National Sea Life Centre
Sea Creature Rescue Squad at the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham invites families to dive into an interactive, hands-on adventure where you become the hero of the deep. This engaging experience lets little ones step into the role of a real marine rescuer, learning how to care for injured sea creatures and help them return to their ocean home. Along the way, you’ll discover fascinating facts about marine life, the challenges they face, and the important conservation work SEA LIFE does behind the scenes. It’s a fun, educational day out that sparks curiosity and a love for protecting our oceans.
Dates: 11th July to 6th September 2026.
Website: National Sea Life Centre Birmingham
Review: Plutonium Sox review of a previous mermaid event at the National Sea Life Centre.
Sandwell Valley Country Park West Midlands Summer Holidays 2026
No specific event takes place for West Midlands summer holidays 2026 at Sandwell Valley. However, this is always a good option for a budget-friendly day out and they do have a few one-off events that get listed on their Facebook page. Enjoy this outdoor space with great bird watching, and a Green Flag award-winning park. A traditional farmyard, walled kitchen gardens, a small museum, and award-winning tea rooms are all part of the fully restored working Victorian farm. Additionally, Forge Mill Farm has a farm store, a small animal area, a farm trail, and a playground for kids. There’s even an aerial assault course if you’re feeling adventurous. Football fields, crazy golf, tennis courts and pitch-and-put are also available for visitors.
Website: Sandwell Borough Council.
The Wave
The Wave is one of the UK’s largest and newest indoor waterparks, located in Coventry city centre. Whilst it doesn’t have a specific event taking place during the summer holidays, it’s always worth a visit. It features six epic slides, a large splash pad, the Wave Pool, Mana Spa, a 120 station gym, a 25m swimming pool, a class studio and squash courts. If you’re heading there for a day out during half term, look out for the Torrent with its disappearing floor, the cascade with its exciting plunge pool and a roller coaster ride on the rapids. Little ones will enjoy the splash pad and if you’d rather chill out, the lazy river is for you.
Dates: Open daily from 17th July to 2nd August 2026. I assume it will stay open daily until the end of the summer holidays but at the time of writing, no further dates have been added to the booking availability.
Website: The Wave Coventry.
Think Tank Museum West Midlands Summer Holidays 2026
Dino Lab at Thinktank, Birmingham Museums invites budding palaeontologists to step into a world of prehistoric discovery. This hands-on event lets children dig for fossils, examine real and replica specimens, and learn what it takes to be a dinosaur scientist. With interactive activities and expert guidance, it’s a roaring good day out that brings the ancient past to life. Great for curious minds who love all things Jurassic.
Do check the website for other events as well. There are quite a few one or two day events taking place over the summer that children will enjoy.
Dates: Open daily in the summer holidays until 30th August 2026.
Website: thinktank Birmingham Science Museum.
