50 Things To Do In Solihull With Kids (Free & Paid) — The Ultimate Family Guide

Whether you've lived here your whole life or you've just moved to one of the best places to raise a family in the West Midlands, there's one question every Solihull parent asks at some point: "What are we actually going to do this weekend?"

We've got you covered. From completely free afternoons in the park to big-day-out adventures, here are 50 brilliant things to do in Solihull with kids — locals' picks, hidden gems, and all-weather favourites included.

One of the most beloved green spaces in the borough, this gorgeous double park offers ornamental gardens, a lake, mature woodland, a sensory garden, the Brueton Tree Trail, tennis courts, a playground, and the Parkridge Café for a well-earned coffee. It's a full afternoon out for absolutely nothing. 📍 Brueton Avenue, Solihull, B91 3LN

A local hidden gem with a beautiful pond, walking trails, and a play area complete with a zip wire and climbing net. Reviewers rave about the wildlife — keep an eye out for herons, swans, and plenty of ducks. There's also a lovely ornamental garden and free parking. 📍 Elmdon Park, Marston Green, B37 7AY

A spacious, well-rounded family park with something for every age. There's a children's playground, a rose garden, a skate park, tennis courts, a rugby pitch, and wide open fields for a proper run-around. 📍 Haslucks Green Road, Shirley, B90 2EJ

Tucked close to Solihull town centre, this lovely little reserve has a pond with ducks, walking paths, a small play area with a zip line, and an abundance of birdlife. Perfect for a picnic and a bit of nature spotting. 📍 Hillfield Road, Solihull, B91

A charming village-green park in the heart of Knowle. The recently updated play area is popular with little ones, and the semi-natural woodland paths make it a lovely spot for a family stroll. Bring the dog too — it's very dog-friendly. 📍 Station Road, Knowle, B93 0HN

Just over 300 acres of open grassland, wetlands, old hedgerows, and mature woodland. There's a playground near the main entrance, and if you walk far enough, you'll reach a designated plane-spotting area with views straight over Birmingham Airport — a big hit with aviation-obsessed kids. 📍 Ragley Drive, Sheldon, B26 3TU

A beautiful local nature reserve with three lakes, a bat-watching trail (particularly magical at dusk), and easy walking routes along the water. The area is great for wildlife spotting and picnics. Free parking nearby. 📍 Earlswood, Solihull, B94 5SJ

Solihull Council runs a fantastic programme of free library events for children all year round — from Rhymetime for babies and toddlers (with action rhymes and musical instruments) to Storytime for 3–5s. During the summer, the Summer Reading Challenge keeps children aged 4–11 engaged with free rewards and activities. Check the council's events page for the latest schedule. 📍 Multiple libraries across the borough

Touchwood regularly runs free family activities during school holidays and weekends — from Easter trails to summer beach pop-ups. Worth checking their website calendar before you head out. 📍 Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3GG

A surprisingly fascinating free visit for curious kids. This ancient earthwork site is one of Solihull's historical landmarks and makes a great talking point for budding historians. 📍 Hobs Moat Road, Solihull

A stunning medieval church right in the heart of Solihull town centre. In spring, the churchyard is surrounded by beautiful wildflowers. A peaceful, free stroll through local history — perfect for older children who enjoy exploring. 📍 Church Hill Road, Solihull, B91 3RT

A scenic business and nature park with lovely walking paths, a lake, and green open spaces. It's become a popular spot for family walks, cycling, and letting kids blow off steam in the fresh air. 📍 Blythe Valley Park, Solihull, B90 8AJ

Solihull's beautiful tree-lined high street and the surrounding Old Town area make for a lovely free wander. Point out the historic buildings, the old market cross, and the independent shops along the way.

Head to Olton Reservoir or any of the borough's many lakes and let the kids do what kids love — feeding the ducks. Simple, free, and genuinely joyful.

The North Solihull Greenway and surrounding cycle paths offer family-friendly off-road cycling routes through the borough. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it.

When the seasonal outdoor ice rink comes to Solihull town centre (usually October–January), watching the skaters is free — though you'll probably end up joining in. Check Solihull BID for dates.

A 45-minute drive away but absolutely worth the trip. The Royal Air Force Museum at Cosford offers free entry, an incredible collection of aircraft, the National Cold War Exhibition, and an outdoor playground. A full free day out. 📍 Cosford, Shifnal, TF11 8UP

About 20 minutes away, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has free general admission and dedicated children's galleries including the Wild City nature displays. A brilliant rainy-day option. 📍 Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH

A free visit to see over 80 rescued horses, ponies, and donkeys. Open Friday–Monday, 10am–4pm. A lovely outing for animal-loving kids and an opportunity to talk about animal welfare. 📍 Oxhill, Warwickshire, CV35 0RA

Multiple parks across Solihull have outdoor gym equipment installed. Turn it into a family fitness circuit — kids love clambering around the equipment and making up challenges.

Right in the heart of Touchwood Shopping Centre, Spinners is one of the best family entertainment venues in the area. Under-18s are welcome until 7pm accompanied by an adult. The lineup includes Duckpin Bowling, Interactive Darts, Mini Golf, Shuffleboard, and Clay Shooting — plus a menu of loaded sides, artisan pizzas, and mocktails. 📍 Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3GG | spinnerssuk.com

Umberslade has reinvented itself beautifully. The Natural Play Barn includes a toddler soft corner, a wooden toddler tractor and slide, a large adventure play frame, a giant sandpit, and a climbing wall. The Forest School is especially popular — booked in sessions, kids get involved with mud kitchens, den building, and small world play in a secluded woodland. The Espresso Farm coffee shop is excellent for parents too. 📍 Umberslade, Tanworth-in-Arden, B94 5AE | umberslade.com

Open during school holidays only, Umberslade Adventure offers archery, zipwires, tree climbing, and low ropes courses. A brilliant active adventure for older children — check the website for opening dates and booking. 📍 Umberslade, Tanworth-in-Arden | umbersladeadventure.co.uk

A 336-seat professional theatre right in the heart of town. The Core regularly programmes family shows, pantomimes, children's theatre, and school holiday performances. Check the calendar for what's on — there's usually something brilliant around half-term and Christmas. 📍 Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG | thecoresentre.co.uk

Catch the latest family films at Vue in Touchwood. Vue often runs special Kids AM screenings at reduced prices during school holidays — great for a budget-friendly movie morning. 📍 Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3GG | myvue.com

A small, characterful farm and rescue centre where a donation is suggested (around £4 adults, £2 children). Kids can meet and learn about a variety of small animals in a personal, unhurried setting — a lovely alternative to bigger commercial attractions. 📍 Near Solihull — check website for directions

An 18-hole adventure golf course that's great fun for all the family, plus a 28-bay floodlit driving range if you fancy trying something new. There's also a café with a licensed bar on site. 📍 Four Ashes Road, Dorridge, Solihull, B93 8QF | fourashesgolfcentre.co.uk

Solihull's only indoor bouldering centre. Bouldering requires no ropes — just hands, feet, and special climbing shoes (available to hire). Sessions are suitable for beginners and a fantastic physical challenge for older kids and teens. 📍 Check website for location & pricing | touchstoneclimbing.com

Just up the road at Resorts World NEC, Escape Hunt offers 5-star themed escape rooms. Great for families with children aged 10+ who enjoy puzzles and a bit of drama. 📍 Resorts World, NEC, B40 1PU | escapehunt.com

David Lloyd has both indoor and outdoor pools, a splash pool for children, and family swim sessions. They also offer children's swimming lessons from 3 months old. Day passes are available for non-members. 📍 Cranmore Boulevard, Solihull, B90 4LJ | davidlloyd.co.uk

Another excellent family swimming option, with an outdoor pool that's a summer treat. Swimming lessons are available for children from a young age. Non-members can access day passes. 📍 Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3LT | virginactive.co.uk

Several local farms in the wider Solihull and Warwickshire area offer guided alpaca walks — a hilarious, memorable experience for all ages. The alpacas are described by families as gentle, friendly, and endlessly photogenic. Check local listing sites for current providers and booking.

The massive entertainment complex at the NEC offers soft play, bowling, a cinema, restaurants, and more all under one roof. Great for a rainy school holiday day when you want maximum entertainment in one place. 📍 Pendigo Way, Marston Green, B40 1NT

The seasonal town centre ice rink usually opens from October through January. Perfect for a festive family afternoon — check Solihull BID for dates and ticket prices.

There are several paint-your-own pottery cafés within reach of Solihull, ideal for a rainy day or a birthday activity. Children choose a ceramic piece, paint it, and it's fired and ready to collect — a lovely keepsake.

You can't live in this part of the world and not take the kids to Cadbury World. It's close enough for an easy half-day trip and the combination of chocolate history, rides, and unlimited samples makes it a firm family favourite. 📍 Linden Road, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 2LU | cadburyworld.co.uk

One of the UK's best safari parks — a full day out. Drive through lion, elephant, rhino, and giraffe enclosures, then explore the theme park rides and walkthrough animal experiences. Book ahead online for the best prices. 📍 Spring Grove, Bewdley, DY12 1LF | wmsp.co.uk

A spectacular medieval castle with a knight's village, turrets to climb, dungeon experiences, and regular live jousting events. Genuinely one of the best days out in the Midlands for families with children aged 5+. Book well in advance for the best deals. 📍 Warwick, CV34 4QU | warwick-castle.com

A lovely family day out along the River Avon. Hire rowing boats, explore the picturesque town, visit Shakespeare's Birthplace, or catch a show at the RSC's family-friendly productions. 📍 Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37

High-ropes forest adventures, zipwires, and Tarzan swings through the tree canopy. Suitable for children aged 6+ (minimum height 1m for most activities). Must book in advance. 📍 Cannock Chase, Staffordshire | goape.co.uk

A brilliant hands-on science museum in Birmingham with an IMAX cinema, a working steam engine, a planetarium, and interactive galleries covering everything from space to the human body. Children could spend a full day here. 📍 Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG | birminghammuseums.org.uk

A beautiful Tudor manor house with famously clipped yew trees said to represent the Sermon on the Mount. A lovely wander for curious children with family trails available from the National Trust. Entry for NT members is free. 📍 Packwood Lane, Lapworth, B94 6AT | nationaltrust.org.uk

A moated medieval manor house that feels genuinely magical. Kids love the secret priest holes, the moat, and the surrounding estate walks. NT trails and activities available. 📍 Rising Lane, Lapworth, B93 0DQ | nationaltrust.org.uk

A stunning country park surrounding a historic abbey hotel. Includes beautiful gardens, lakeside walks, birdwatching, woodland trails, a large children's play area with an activity course, and a café. Ranger-led activities run during the school holidays. 📍 Brinklow Road, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2AB

A classic Midlands farm attraction that's been a family staple for generations. Animal encounters, adventure playgrounds, craft farm, and a farm shop on site. 📍 Dark Lane, Hatton, CV35 8XA | hattonworld.com

Home to Thomas Land — the UK's most popular Thomas the Tank Engine-themed attraction — as well as bigger rides for older kids and teens. A full-day family adventure. 📍 Drayton Manor Drive, Tamworth, B78 3TW | draytonmanor.co.uk

Keep an eye out for local skating sessions and roller disco events at sports centres and pop-up venues around the borough. These come and go throughout the year and are brilliant fun for all ages.

John Lewis Solihull at Touchwood runs bookable masterclasses and workshops throughout the year, including occasional family-focused sessions. Check the in-store events calendar. 📍 Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3GG

The Solihull Arts Complex and associated venues run classes, workshops, and performances for children throughout the year — from drama to dance to visual arts. Check the local listings for term-time and holiday programmes.

End the list with a proper adventure — a night (or a long weekend) glamping in a bell tent on the gorgeous Umberslade estate in the Warwickshire countryside. With woodland walks, estate grounds, animals to spot, the Espresso Farm coffee shop, and a wood-fired pizza barn open at weekends, it's a magical family escape that's just a short drive from Solihull. 📍 Umberslade, Tanworth-in-Arden, B94 5AE | umberslade.com

Best free days out: Malvern & Brueton Park, Elmdon Park, and Sheldon Country Park are our top picks for a genuinely brilliant free family afternoon.

Best for rainy days: Spinners at Touchwood, Thinktank Birmingham, Umberslade Play Barn, or Vue Cinema.

Best for little ones (under 5): Rhymetime at Solihull Libraries, Hillfield Nature Reserve, Umberslade Play Barn, or any of the local parks.

Best for older kids & teens: Touchstone Climbing, Umberslade Adventure, Escape Hunt, or Go Ape.

Best splurge day: Warwick Castle or West Midlands Safari Park — both are worth every penny and genuinely unforgettable.

Know a brilliant family activity we've missed? We'd love to hear from you — get in touch with the Solihull Spotlight team or drop us a message on social media.

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Tags: things to do in Solihull with kids | free things to do Solihull | family days out Solihull | Solihull kids activities | what to do in Solihull | Solihull days out | Solihull families | West Midlands family days out | Solihull Spotlight