Days out with Kids in West Midlands

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens were opened in 1832. They were designed by J. C. Loudon, a leading garden planner, horticultural journalist and publisher. Apart from the glasshouses, which were added during the latter half of the 19th century, the layout of the Gardens is much the same today as Loudon's original design.

Ten themed galleries of interactive, informative exhibits make up Thinktank, Birmingham’s museum of science and discovery. It’s a truly modern museum where visitors can investigate everything from locomotives and aircraft to intestines and taste buds! This exciting, award winning science centre offers ten galleries of historical artefacts, modern interactives and futuristic facts.

Combining science and entertainment in spectacular fashion there's something at Thinktank for everyone.

Birmingham’s best beach is situated at the National SEA LIFE Centre.

The centre is a nationally renowned tropical paradise boasting a kaleidoscope of colour a rare underwater treat in the heart of such a vibrant evolving city. The adventure is an exploration through coral caves, lagoons, pools and ocean depths where visitors can marvel at sharks, stingrays, playful otters, magical seahorses and giant crabs. Walk on water with green sea turtles, sharks and shoals of tropical reef fish swimming alongside, above you and even beneath your feet. The enormous one million litre ocean tunnel is a unique experience for all ages.

The centre offers a full programme of feeding demonstrations and talks. Visitors have the opportunity to get involved with the Save our Seas Programme (SOS). Sign petitions, watch research at work and find out what you can do to protect these amazing creatures from the brink of extinction.

Fax: 0121 633 4787
Email: slcbirmingham@merlinentertainments.biz

The National Cycle Network is 5000 miles of safe, signed, attractive cycle routes, open and mapped in June 2000. It is made up of traffic-free sections and traffic-calmed road and minor roads, running right through urban centres and reaching all parts of the UK.

Sustrans is the charity co-ordinating the project and will continue to work with local authorities to expand the Network to a target of 10,000 miles by 2005.

For more information on the National Cycle Network and Sustrans and a copy of their free catalogue of maps, information sheets and technical publications please call the number above or visit their website.

E-Mail: info@nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk

West Midland Safari Park situated in Worcestershire is an all day attraction with impressive facilities.

See White Lions and Tigers, Giraffe, Elephants, Indian & African Rhino, African Wild Dogs, Cheetah and white Wallabies in the four mile self drive safari that combines with Discovery Trail - showcasing a Sea Lion Show; Twilight Cave, Seaquarium, Mark O’Shea’s Reptile World, Creepy Crawlies, walk-through Lemur Exhibit and friendly animal encounters as well as an Amusement Area with over 25 family orientated rides.

Web: www.wmsp.co.uk

With centres all over the UK, a fun time of bowling with friends and family is waiting for you. Our centres all offer a wide range of facilities and dining options to make your experience a great one for the whole family.

If you'd like to throw a fantastic party this year, head for Megabowl & Tenpin. We've got a terrific party package that is available for groups of six adults or more and for children aged 5 years and over, our Birthday Party packages are great fun!

Check our website regularly for our latest news as well as to join our online club so you can be the first to hear about our exclusive offers, events and promotions.

Trampolining is a hugely popular activity, and there’s a reason for that. Trampolining is a brilliant way to get your heart pounding and your eyes gleaming. Whether you’re a toddler, a teen, or a teen-at-heart, having a bounce can help you get fit in a way that’s fun and feels great.

Our indoor trampoline parks in Birmingham and High Wycombe boast the very best in bouncing equipment, from assault courses to high performance arenas, from large trampolining areas to dodgeball courts. Rush also offers our infamous Rush Wipeout and Gladiator Battle Beam – you might say adrenaline (and adventure) is in our blood! For our jumpers aged 4 and under we have designated Toddler sessions where they can get the run of the park without the interruption of older children.

You can soar to the ceiling knowing that we have your safety covered. Although trampolining is an extreme sport, our specially made equipment and well-trained staff help you feel the rush without having to worry for yourself or those around you.

For parents that need to work while the little ones play, we have a top notch cafe with excellent coffee and fresh, healthy food for eat in or takeaway.

If you’re looking for a stress-free venue for a kids party, after-school fun for all ages, or an unusual corporate team-building event, we have something for you. We offer a range of adult fitness classes and children’s activities at both of our parks, perfect for any level of confidence. We like to say ‘we have something for everyone!’.

Family friendly trampoline park in:
RUSH HIGH WYCOMBE: Lexmark House, Coronation Road, Cressex Business Park, High Wycombe HP12 3TA
RUSH BIRMINGHAM: Unit 6 Avery Dell, Lifford Lane, Kings Norton, Birmingham B30 3DZ

A friendly welcome awaits you at one of Britain's best open air museums. Discover a fascinating and different world where an old-fashioned village has been recreated by the canal as a living tribute to the skills and enterprise of the people of the Black Country, once the Industrial Heart of Britain.

You can wander around shops and houses, ride on a tramcar or fairground swingboat or just soak up the atmosphere. The exhibits reflect the industrial heritage of the area, an ironworks with rolling mill, a coal mine with colliery engine and a Newcomen Engine (a replica of the world's first steam engine), all in action on specific dates.

UKClimbing.com offers a comprehensive list of local climbing centres throughout the UK.

Web: www.ukclimbing.com/databases/listings/clubs.html