As parents ourselves, we know that keeping children entertained throughout the school holidays is no mean feat, and how costs for attraction tickets can quickly add up. We thought we'd help out by sharing five exciting things to do with children in Birmingham this October Half Term which won't cost you a penny!

1: Celebrate the power of light with Sampad Arts‍‍

Kick off the Half Term week by joining with a celebration that embraces community, unity, love, and the radiant power of light. In these family-friendly, hands-on workshops, you can paint your own Diya (lamp), create intricate Mehndi hand designs, and craft enchanting paper lanterns. You can also enjoy a Yakshagana performance combining storytelling, music and dance. Young poets and singers will also have a chance to shine as they showcase their talents.

Saturday 28 October 2023
The Exchange, Birmingham, B1 2DR

2. Join the Pumpkin Party at Lichfield Cathedral

About 30 minutes’ drive from central Birmingham, this ancient Cathedral is hosting a special afternoon alternative to a Halloween party for children of all ages. There will be pumpkin crafts, pumpkin fancy dress, tasty treats from the coffee house, and pumpkin crafts. This includes the unique chance to decorate a pumpkin to look like the earth, taking inspiration from Luke Jerram’s Gaia - the incredible touring artwork installation, currently on display in the Cathedral’s nave, letting you contemplate our planet from a perspective usually only reserved for astronauts!

Tuesday 31 October 2023
Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire WS13 7LD

3. Get Arty at Aston

Aston Hall has watched proudly over Birmingham for more than 400 years, and is said to be one of the most haunted buildings in the UK - so where better to visit during Halloween week! Join them for a free arts club, suitable for adults and children alike, and make something inspired by this iconic building and its incredible history. On 4 November the club will be led by artist Daniella Turbin, creating large-scale chalk drawings inspired by the Hall or perhaps Bonfire Night!

Saturday 4 November 2023 (and first Saturday of every month this autumn)
Aston Hall, Birmingham, B6 6JD

4. Learn how to play the Talking Drums

The one time you won’t hear “shhh” in the library! This 90-minute African Percussion Workshop, aimed at 8-15 year olds, offers the exciting opportunity for kids to have a hands-on introduction to playing some amazing historical musical instruments which date all the way back to 3000 B.C. Together they will learn how to handle and play the Talking Drums, create rhythm, and form a musical bond with other young players at the workshop.

Saturday 4 November 2023
Birchfield Library, Birmingham B6 6AH

5. Get back to nature at Sheldon Country Park

Wrap up warm and get some fresh air at Sheldon Country Park - a “countryside in the city” right next to a busy airport (which is great for plane spotting!). Covering 300 acres of trees, flowers, grassland, wetland, old hedgerows, two winding brooks and mature woodland, it is a true wildlife haven. Come along to enjoy the invigorating surroundings, burn off kids' energy in the playground, and to see demos of traditional methods of farming, with animals including Jersey cattle, pigs, goats, geese and ponies.

Open every day from 10.30am
Sheldon Country Park, Birmingham, B26 3TU

Half Term Holiday Activities Near You

If you’re looking for fun, free and exciting things to do with your children, we hope our ideas above provide some inspiration. But if you’re looking to give your child an unforgettable October Half Term whilst you work, then we'd love to welcome your child to one of our Holiday Camps near you.

With over 100 5* independent reviews via Feefo from parents this year, The Strings Club welcomes children from one day to the whole experience.

There are multiple ways to save on our Holiday Camps, including 10% off for first time bookers, childcare vouchers and tax free childcare.