Schools out! 8 things to do with the kids this summer

Remember the thrill of the last day of school before summer? You would play games with the class, suddenly maths didn’t really matter and teachers became the most chilled out people on earth. But now when the summer holidays are approaching, many of us feel dread and think ALREADY?! There is no need to panic about what you can get up to this summer with the kids though, we’ve done the hard work for you…

1. Thinktank
Just because the kids aren’t at school doesn’t mean they need to spend every day on their game console. Thinktank, Birmingham’s award winning science museum, is the perfect fun day for the whole family. Discover everything from steam engines to talking robots and explore the science garden and planetarium as well as over 200 hands-on displays that the kids will love. Find out more here.

2. Water World
Take a drive up to Stoke-on-Trent this summer and treat the kids to a day out at Water World. The UK’s No.1 indoor aqua park is fun whatever the weather. Stay inside and ride the slides and bob along in the rapid river or if the sun is out, splash about in the outdoor pool. Water World is open from 10am every day during the summer holidays so can be easily squeezed into your schedule. Find out more here.

3. Birmingham Treasure Hunt Trail
Discover Birmingham’s history on this wonderful treasure hunt trail with the kids. Follow the trail route and solve clues on buildings and monuments in the city centre whilst discovering the location of buried treasure. The Red Rag to a Bull tour is ideal for those who want to squeeze something between shopping and getting lunch. The trail is done in your own time and at your own pace, so there is no need to rush around either. Find out more here.

4. Planet Ice
Head to Planet Ice in Coventry this summer to have some serious fun on the ice with the kids. The venue offers a good introduction to ice skating every Monday and Saturday which is ideal for those with children between 18 months and 5 years old. Kids nervous about getting on the ice? There are penguin skating aids and toys for them to enjoy on the ice, they will soon be skating around like the next Olympic champion. Find out more here.

5. Dudley Zoo
Dudley Zoo, which is location within the grounds of Dudley Castle in the Black Country, is a great day out with the kids. Take the family along to see hundreds of exotic and endangered animals, with everything from alpacas and java sparrows to sea lions and wallabies. There are also lots of things to see and do and it is the perfect place to head to in the sunshine. Find out more here.

6. BBC Birmingham
Take the kids along to BBC Birmingham Public Space this summer to give them the opportunity to become news readers at Newsround, Midlands Today or even the local weather. Kids can also have their photo taken with Dr Who’s Tardis and an old Dalek. Take the kids Nan and Grandad down with you too as they will be able to take a touchscreen-tour of the radio drama studio where The Archers record. You will also be able to take a sneak peek into BBC WM radio station too. Find out more here.

7. Hatton Adventure World
Head to Hatton Country World in Warwick during the kids’ time off and let them run free at Hatton Adventure World. There are a whole range of activities for them to get involved in, including an indoor and outdoor play centre, a tractor safari, sheep racing, a falconry centre, laser combat and a whole range more. Hatton Adventure World is open daily from 10am-5.30pm. Find out more here.

8. Go Ape
Let the kids swing from the trees this summer and cheer them on whilst they complete crossings and fly across zip wires. Bit of a thrill seeker yourself? Don’t worry, they have plenty to do for adults too. There are also lots of wildlife to marvel at too, from rare butterflies and fallow to muntjac. Go Ape is in the Wyre Forest near Kidderminster, so get your boots and fleeces ready for an unforgettable day. Find out more here.