Budget-friendly family days out - kids travel free this August!
Summer holidays are full of memorable moments, but they also come with one familiar question:
“What are we doing today?”
The good news is you don’t have to travel far to find a great family day out. With a whole host of free or low-cost activities from museums and parks to big family adventures, there’s plenty to explore across the West Midlands.
To make summer even more fun for the family, from 1 to 31 August, children aged 5 to 15 can travel free on participating bus services across the West Midlands, making days out even easier during the holidays. Find out more about free bus travel this August.
If the sun is shining…
Pack a picnic and head outdoors. There are plenty of green spaces for you and your family to explore in the West Midlands without breaking the bank.
Sandwell Valley Country Park
Hop on the bus and start your day at the beautiful Sandwell Valley Country Park spanning over 1,800 acres, including the free Sandwell Valley Visitor Centre, walking trails and an adventure playground.
Grab a summer saver ticket and enjoy Forge Mill Farm’s Summer of Fun. Here, the whole family can meet new friends and learn more about the farm’s rare breed animals including sheep, donkeys and Highland cows.
Sutton Park
One of the largest urban parks in Europe with over 2,400 acres of land, Sutton Park is the perfect place to go outdoors in the West Midlands this summer.
With routes for cycling, walking and wildlife spotting as well as playgrounds and pit stops for refreshments, you can enjoy a fun and free day out for the whole family.
Walsall Arboretum
Let the kids burn off some energy at the playground and free splash pad, open every day during the summer holidays. Relax by the lake before taking a short walk or bus ride into Walsall Town Centre to explore more local attractions. Find out more about what’s on in Walsall this August.
For a rainy day…
A change in the weather doesn’t mean you have to change your plans. The West Midlands is home to museums and galleries packed with hands-on activities to keep curious minds entertained over the holidays.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
With free general admission and no booking required, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is a fantastic place to enjoy summer fun come rain or shine.
Discover world-famous art collections and let the kids’ imaginations run wild. Look out for free and low-cost activities taking place over the holidays.
New Art Gallery Walsall
In the heart of Walsall Town Centre, the kids can get creative this August with free summer craft sessions at New Art Gallery Walsall. If you happen to visit on a day where the sun’s out, why not pair your visit with a trip to Walsall Arboretum?
Wolverhampton Art Gallery
Just a short walk from Wolverhampton Bus Station, explore inspiring art and free exhibitions. With regular family-friendly activities planned, there’s plenty to keep creative minds entertained this summer.
If you’re looking for big family fun…
On the days you’re looking for an adventure, look no further than the West Midlands, home to attractions for everyone to enjoy.
With the UK Government's Great British Summer Savings scheme offering discounts on select attractions throughout summer, you can be sure to find a memorable day out for all the family this August.
Cadbury World
Step into a world of chocolate this summer. With savings through the whole holidays, discover the home of Cadbury right here in the West Midlands. Learn how confectionery is made, journey through interactive experiences and enjoy a sweet treat along the way. Book tickets here.
Coventry Transport Museum
Discover Coventry’s motoring history through iconic vehicles and interactive exhibits for the whole family to enjoy, including the world’s largest publicly owned collection of British road transport. Be sure to book in advance to unlock savings.
Dudley Canal and Caverns
Enjoy the scenery on an open water cruise through Dudley’s canals or discover what lies underground in the tunnels and caverns on an immersive family-friendly adventure.
There are savings to be had all summer long, so why not treat yourself and relax by the waterways with a cake and coffee at the new Tow Path Coffee and Gift Shop after your visit? Get 15% off family tickets to The Underground Experience through the Summer Savings website.
Leave the car at home
All of these attractions can be reached by bus, and with free travel for kids this August, you can leave the car at home and enjoy the journey together.
Not sure where to start?
Visited your family favourites already? This summer is the perfect opportunity to discover somewhere new.
Our journey planner can help you discover places to explore by bus this summer. Simply enter where you're travelling from and where you'd like to go to see journey times, routes and ticket options. Wherever you choose, have a fantastic summer exploring the West Midlands together.
