Things to do West Midlands May half term 2026

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With May half term 2026 rapidly approaching, it’s time for a list of things to do in the West Midlands. Lots of attractions have events taking place this year and others are reopening for the summer. From family trails to fun days, there’s lots to see and do around the West Midlands. If your dog would like to join you for some half term fun, check out my post about dog friendly days out in the West Midlands.

This post covers the West Midlands County area only. If you are looking for May half term days out in nearby counties, please see below:

• Herefordshire
• Shropshire
• Staffordshire
• Warwickshire
• Worcestershire

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Step into a world of imagination at Birmingham Botanical Gardens with the Green Man’s Wonder Trail. This interactive family adventure is designed to bring the gardens to life in a new way. As children explore winding paths, glasshouses and colourful outdoor spaces, they’ll uncover creative prompts, playful activities and nature-inspired surprises that encourage curiosity and storytelling. It’s a lovely way to combine fresh air, discovery and a little bit of magic, making it a great family day out for kids who love exploring the outdoors.

Dates: 23rd to 31st May 2026.

Website: Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Black Country Living Museum

Step back in time this half term with a family day out at Black Country Living Museum, where history is brought to life through immersive streets, costumed characters and hands-on experiences. The special May half-term event features characters, activities and museum favourites. Try your hand working in various roles from days gone by including a servant, shopkeeper, miner, paperboy and hairstylist. With vintage shops, old-fashioned fairground rides, traditional sweet treats and plenty of space to explore, it’s a brilliant mix of learning and entertainment for all ages.

Dates: 23rd to 30th May 2026.

Website: Black Country Living Museum

Review: Plutonium Sox review of the Black Country Living Museum.

Cadbury World

Join Freddo for his on-stage birthday celebrations this May half term. He’s got a special, high-energy show for visitors including games, tricks and dances to join in with. He’s even baking his own cake. The show is included with Cadbury World admission.

Dates: 23rd to 31st May 2026.

Website: Cadbury World

Review: Plutonium Sox review of a family day out at Cadbury World. 

Cannon Hill Park

Whilst no specific event takes place at Cannon Hill Park this May half term, 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. 

Full information is available on the Cannon Hill Park website.

Coventry Transport Museum  

It’s all about old-vs-new at the Coventry Transport Museum for their half term workshop. Visitors are encouraged to learn about the differences between vintage and modern items around the museum and even invent something that could be used in the future. The museum will loan you reference books, tools and safety gear to tinker with the objects. Then, you’ll make a project using their materials and afterwards, it’s time to play. This year, they emphasise that visitors will be able to take apart everyday objects to explore how they work – without getting told off! Every child needs to be accompanied by a grown up for this workshop.

Dates: 23rd to 30th May 2026.

Website: Coventry Transport Museum

Herbert Art Gallery and Museum

Get creative at Herbert Art Gallery & Museum with Fantastic Faces, a hands-on family workshop all about self-expression through art. Children can design colourful cardboard collage portraits and experiment with pastels to create their own imaginative faces, inspired by the people and characters around them. It’s a fun, relaxed activity that encourages creativity and confidence, and makes a great addition to a family day out exploring the museum’s fascinating galleries and exhibitions.

Dates: 23rd to 31st May 2026.

Website: Herbert Art Gallery and Museum

While you’re at the museum, don’t forget to pay a visit to Dippy the Diplodocus, their resident dinosaur who is currently there for a three-year holiday from his usual home at the Natural History Museum.

Legoland Discovery Centre

There doesn’t seem to be a specific event happening at the Legoland Discovery Centre for West Midlands May half term 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 as well, you can buy a combined ticket online to save money.

Dates: Open daily in half term.

Website: Legoland Discovery Centre.

National Sea Life Centre

Dive into an underwater adventure at National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham with The Great Turtle Odyssey, a family-friendly interactive trail all about the incredible life journey of sea turtles. As you make your way around the aquarium, children can follow activity stations, discover fascinating turtle facts and learn about the challenges these amazing creatures face in the wild. Alongside all the usual SEA LIFE favourites, from sharks and rays to penguins and sea otters, this special experience adds an extra layer of fun and learning, making it a brilliant day out for animal-loving families.

Dates: 23rd May to 11th June 2026.

Website: National Sea Life Centre

Review: Plutonium Sox review of a family day out at the National Sea Life Centre.

Sandwell Valley Country Park

No specific event takes place for West Midlands May half term 2026 at Sandwell Valley. However, this is always a good option for a budget-friendly day out. Enjoy this outdoor space with great bird watching, bike trails and a Green Flag award-winning park.

A traditional farmyard, rabbit village, 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.

Dates: Open daily throughout half term.

Website: Sandwell Borough Council

Selly Manor

Get hands-on with history and creativity at Selly Manor Museum with Fragments: Tapestry Tales, a family-friendly activity inspired by the museum’s fascinating textile heritage. Children can explore how stories have been told through tapestry for centuries, discover colourful historic designs and enjoy creative activities that bring these woven tales to life. Set within one of Birmingham’s oldest Tudor buildings, it’s a lovely mix of crafts, storytelling and local history. Ideal for curious children who enjoy making and discovering.

Dates: 26th to 28th May 2026.

Website: Selly Manor Museum

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 may half term, 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 during May half term.

Website: The Wave

Think Tank Museum

There are a few activities taking place at Thinktank this May half term, the dates of them are all slightly different.

• Fossil fun weekend: A day of fossil-filled activities. Dates: 23rd to 25th May 2026.
• Dino Lab: Head for the Science Garden to time travel in the Dino lab experience. Dates: 25th to 29th May 2026.
• Cinema under the stars – the Flintstones: Watch the Flintstones in the planetarium. Dates: 23rd May 2026.

Website: Think Tank