Across our region we are fortunate enough to have plenty of outdoor activities right on our doorstep. Countryside walks, lakes, parks and woodlands – we have it all!
If you are looking to have some family fun without price-tag we have some great suggestions bought to you by the Quick Find team.
Umberslade Adventure – Hockley Heath
Visit the website
Cost: £2.00 for an activity pack
Open to the general public, there is plenty of fresh air to be had at Umberslade Adventure. You can take part in the scavenger hunt, or see what interesting wildlife you can find on the nature trail. There are lots of hidden treasures for the kids to find via treasure hunt sheets and a fun scavenger hunt which the whole family can get involved in for only 50p.
Furthermore, we love the Nature trail activity packs which include; spotter sheets, animal/bugs/tracks identification, puzzles, colouring sheet, stickers, crayons and a small pack of sweets for only £2.00. Great value for a couple of hours of fun!
Arrow Valley Country Park – Redditch
Visit the website
Cost: FREE
At 900 acres Arrow Valley Country Park is the largest area of open space in Redditch – and it’s not just a beautiful environment, it’s packed full of things to see and do.
The park is set over 2.5 miles of countryside, with plenty of excellent wildlife habitats as well as numerous walking routes, holiday activities and a super park for the kids.
At the heart of the park is the lakeside Arrow Valley Visitor Centre, which houses a café with panoramic views across the water. Alternatively take a picnic and choose from a variety of scenic locations to enjoy your lunch.
Evesham Abbey Park
Visit the website
Cost: FREE
Based in the heart of Evesham, Abbey Park provides hours of outdoor fun for families. Central to the town and originally the grounds to Evesham Abbey, the park provides hours of fun for families; and is not too far from central Birmingham!
Major investment transformed the area back in 2010 when the old play area was completely renewed. The renovated play zone includes an underground bank slide, a trampoline, basket swing, climbing units, wide slide, and a huge sand play area.
It has a wonderful setting with a natural terrace and excellent views from the higher levels over the adjacent river Avon, perfect for a picnic. Wonderful for a lazy bank holiday day out!
Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
Visit the website
Cost: Adults £6.25
Children 3-15 £3.30
Under 3’s Free
Located close to the heart of Birmingham City Centre, the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is home to a unique collection of animals from across the world, including Red Pandas, lemurs, reptiles, meerkats, otters, birds, wallabies and a large collection of monkeys.
We recommend you keep an eye out for the feeding times throughout the day. There is also a coffee shop onsite with a built-in soft play area for under 5’s.
Sheldon Country Park
Visit the website
Cost: FREE
Sheldon Country Park covers an area of just over 300 acres, comprising open grassland, wetlands, old hedgerows and some mature woodland. Situated on the very edge of the city, the land has escaped development and has become a haven for wildlife.
Old Rectory Farm has been fully restored and operates as a demonstration farm, showing city dwellers traditional methods of farming. Animals kept at the farm include Jersey cattle, pigs, goats, ponies, ducks, chickens and geese.
Birmingham International Airport borders the park, so if you have any budding plane spotters in your family you must be sure to visit the designated viewing area.
The farm is open to visitors every day throughout the year and admission is free. There is also a children's playground, picnic areas and a cafe.
Kingsbury Water Park – Sutton Coldfield
Visit the website
Cost: Car parking fees apply
Kingsbury Water Park is a haven for those of you who love the great outdoors! The park has 15 lakes situated in over 600 acres of country park. Stroll along the surfaced paths, explore hidden corners, spot birds and wildlife, hire a bike, play on the parks….the list is endless.
Visit the information centre on arrival to pick up walking maps and learn about the seasonal activities available. During school holidays activities there are usually plenty of activities on offer to keep the whole family entertained.
The Old Barn Cafe is perfectly located in the park, ideal to grab a drink or a bite to eat.
Hartshill Hayes Country Park – Warwickshire
Visit the website
Cost: Car park fees apply
Hartshill Hayes is the perfect location to discover a sea of emerging bluebells, coupled with a variety of walks to choose from, a beautiful park and stunning views from the hill.
The woods provide an excellent place for younger explorers to have a good run around, coupled with a play area. Hartshill is perfect for an afternoon stroll with plenty of potential walking routes to keep you busy. You can recharge afterwards with a drink from the Tea Kiosk.
The Stratford Upon Avon Treasure Trail
Visit the website
Cost: £6.99
This is a great way for the family to explore Stratford-Upon-Avon. In this self-guided treasure trail, you follow the route provided and solve the sneaky clues set on existing buildings, permanent features and monuments to discover the location of the buried treasure.
The Trail begins at the Tourist Information Centre near Bancroft Gardens and is packed full of Shakespearean facts and trivia. The route will show you the best bits of Stratford-Upon-Avon town, including Bancroft Gardens and the final resting place of William Shakespeare.
The route is around 2 miles long and should take you around 2 hours to complete. By the end of the route, you will be a leading source of knowledge concerning all things William Shakespeare! The best part? All correct entries can be entered into a monthly prize draw to win £100. Be sure to visit the website to get the trail in a format that suits you.