Family friendly events West Midlands May half term 2017
We’ve only just got past the Easter holidays and yet in just a few weeks, the children will be off school again. This post is about local attractions running specific events for May half term. You’ll notice that there are several family favourites missing from this list. This is simply because whilst they’re open, they’re not doing anything in particular that week. So for a more comprehensive list of places to go, check out these 58 family friendly days out in the West Midlands.
Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) – Stratford-upon-Avon
There are workshops and activities for children aged from 4 to 17 at the RSC from 30th May to 2nd June. From an introduction to Shakespeare for young children to learning about plays and theatre for the older ones. While you’re there, I highly recommend a visit to the ongoing interactive exhibition the Play’s the Thing.
National Sea Life Centre – Birmingham
This half term, there is a pirate theme at the Sea Life Centre from 27th May to 4th June. Children are invited to dress as pirates and help find treasure hidden within the aquarium. We were ambassadors for the National Sea Life Centre in 2015 and 2016 and it’s always a brilliant day out.
Cadbury World – Bournville, Birmingham
From 27th May to 4th June, there will be live performances from magicians and ventriloquists. There will also be the opportunity to have your photograph taken with Cadbury characters.
Warwick Castle – Warwick
This half term at Warwick Castle sees the first in a series of Wars of the Roses live shows. The shows take place daily from 27th May to 4th June and include stunt riders, jousting and special effects. You can also stay in the Knight’s village for a War of the Roses themed sleepover.
All Things Wild – Evesham
The wild explorers’ holiday club runs from 20th May to 2nd June at All Things Wild. Children can get outdoors, interact with nature and benefit from access to the site for an hour before it opens to the public. There will be animal and reptile encounters, nature walks and messy play.
Hatton Adventure World – Hatton
There’s a pirate festival taking place at Hatton Adventure World this half term. From 27th May to 4th June, there will be a live pirate theatre show, a treasure hunt and panning for gold. There will also be a falconry display, fun slides and and tractor rides.
Eastnor Castle – Herefordshire
Eastnor Castle has several events on over half term. There’s a vintage event taking place on 28th and 29th May with steam engines, garden games, a carousel and a chair swing. Then from 30th May to 1st June there are runaround activity days for children. The castle then becomes a giant crime scene on 4th June for FBI Academy, where children can check fingerprints and DNA and hunt for clues and evidence. Check our our review of another Eastnor Castle day out – it’s dog-friendly too.
Ironbridge Museums
Ironbridge. This is a collection of 10 museums and each will have a historical heroes theme during half term. At Blists Hill, the theme will be historical inventors and engineers with hands-on activities. Check the website for details of dates and events at all the museums.
Avoncroft Museum – Bromsgrove
It’s all about the Famous Five at Avoncroft this half term, from 29th May to 2nd June. There are mysteries to be solved by little adventurers. They suggest bringing a picnic for some good old-fashioned fun. You can even bring the dog.
Kenilworth Castle – Kenilworth
There are two events going on at Kenilworth over half term. The first is the Elizabeth: The Pageant on 28th and 29th May 2017. The castle gardens will be transported back to their heyday as a hotbed for parties during the era of Elizabeth I. There will be music, jousting, falconry and entertainment fit for a Queen. Then from 30th May to 2nd June, the castle has a knights and princesses theme.
Black Country Living Museum – Dudley
This half term, the Black Country Living Museum will be exploring the role of children in industry. You can get hands on with brick making, watch demonstrations and follow a discovery trail. There are boredom-banishing street games to play and children can have a lesson in the Victorian classroom.
Croome National Trust – Worcestershire
There is a 50 things outdoor trail to follow at Croome over half term. There are clues to follow around the estate and a prize at the end. Children will also love the RAF themed play park and the natural play area.
Brockhampton National Trust – Herefordshire
There’s a trail to explore at Brockhampton too over half term. This one is based on the Secret Garden, a story published in 1911. You can find out how children of the era played in the gardens of Brockhampton. There is a prize for successfully completing the trail.
Hanbury Hall National Trust – Droitwich
As with Croome and Brockhampton, it’s all about the National Trust 50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4. At Hanbury they’ve created a trail to allow you to tick a few things off your list. You can build a den, make some wild art, climb a huge hill and go bird watching.
West Midlands Safari Park – Bewdley
27th May to 4th June is rhino week at the West Midlands Safari Park. Children can be rhino rangers on the discovery trail, do rhino themed crafts and learn more about the animal in the rhino ranger tent. Funds raised during rhino week will go to charities supporting this endangered species.
National Forest Adventure Farm – Burton Upon Trent
There’s a mad science week happening at the National Forest Adventure Farm this half term. The mad science team will be attending to put on spectacular science shows to entertain and amaze guests. There will also be sheep races, sheep shearing demonstrations and a water splash-out. These are in addition to normal daily activities including feeding and interacting with the farm animals and indoor and outdoor play.
Ray’s Farm – Bridgenorth
There’s a fairy and troll trail around Ray’s farm during May half term. There’s even a competition for the best dressed fairy or troll with prizes to be won. Within the fairytale forest and mythical woods, you can discover 50 magical wooden sculptures.
