5 Free Fun Things To Do in Birmingham This October Half Term
Looking for free things to do with kids in Birmingham this October half term? From surreal shadow puppets and fossils to outdoor art, wild spaces and family-friendly museums, we’ve rounded up five brilliant ways to explore the city without spending a penny.
Whether you’ve got a budding artist, a little adventurer, a curious scientist or a child who loves making and discovering, there’s plenty here to spark their imagination over the school holidays.
1. Make a Surreal Shadow Creature at MAC
📍 Cannon Hill Park
If your children love making, designing and bringing their ideas to life, head to the Midlands Arts Centre for Surreal Shadow Creatures.
On Tuesday 27 October, children aged 3+ can work with professional puppeteer Lori Hopkins to design and build their own surreal shadow creature, before bringing it to life through shadow puppetry.
The session is free and drop-in, with activities running from 10am–12pm and 1–3pm. It’s creative, hands-on and a little different from your usual half-term craft activity.
Perfect for: imaginative kids, little makers and budding puppeteers.
2. A Day For Little Fossil Hunters
📍 Lapworth Museum, University of Birmingham
For something a little more unusual, head to the Lapworth Museum of Geology for Fossils & Fiction, a free family fun day on Wednesday 28 October.
Children can handle objects from the museum's collections, discover how fossils have inspired myths and stories, follow a LEGO trail and even create their own tales about an alien planet. There'll also be a chance to meet Roary the Allosaurus in his latest costume.
The event runs from 10am–4pm and is completely free.
Perfect for: little fossil hunters, budding storytellers and children who like things a bit strange.
3. Take Art Outdoors at the Barber
📍 University of Birmingham, Edgbaston
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is taking its October half-term creativity outside this year.
On Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 October, 11am–3pm, children aged 4–10 can join The Big Draw, picking up free paint pens and adding their own drawings and designs to the exhibition hoardings around the Barber while the gallery undergoes its transformation.
There's no need to bring anything, and the activity is completely free and drop-in.
It’s a lovely one for children who'd rather make their own art than simply look at it.
Perfect for: little artists, doodlers and creative free spirits.
4. Discover Birmingham’s Urban Orchards
📍 Highbury Community Orchard / Selly Oak
Fancy getting out into nature and learning something new? Nature for the Future is bringing two free, hands-on workshops to Birmingham this October half term, exploring how trees and urban orchards can support wildlife, grow food and bring communities together.
On Tuesday 27 October, families can head to Highbury Community Orchard, or visit Fircroft College in Selly Oak on Wednesday 28 October, with both sessions running from 10am–1pm. The workshops are open to local families and people of all ages, with plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and get involved.
Perfect for: little nature lovers, budding gardeners and curious explorers.
5. Step Into a Week of Free Arts and Performances
📍 Washwood Heath & Ward End
The Neighbourhood Creatives Arts Festival is bringing a week of free family-friendly arts activities and performances to Birmingham from Monday 26 to Saturday 31 October, right over half term.
There’ll be creative activities, performances and opportunities to get involved at venues including Ward End Library, Ward End Park House & Allotments and the Unity Hubb. The full programme is still being announced, but everything is completely free.
It feels like a particularly nice option if you want to experience something a little different from Birmingham's usual museums and attractions, with local artists, theatre and creative activities all coming together across the neighbourhood.
Perfect for: creative families, little performers and children who like trying something new.
Looking for a day or a whole week of seasonal fun?
This October half term, The Strings Club are getting into the spirit of the season with a week of Spooktacular Celebrations. Think music, creativity, games, silly surprises and plenty of Halloween-inspired fun, with a whole week for children to make, play, discover and enjoy together, away from their screens.
Book a day or a week of Camp here!