11 Things To Do In Birmingham To Have An Amazing Day Out  -Happity Guide

11 Things To Do In Birmingham To Have An Amazing Day Out -Happity Guide

Yes it’s time for another one of our Happity city guides. This time we focus on Birmingham’s most-loved local classes, activities, businesses and more for babies, toddlers and parents.

So what is Birmingham well known for? 

Birmingham is often known as England’s ‘second city’. It’s the largest city in England after London. It has the nickname of ‘City of a Thousand Trades,’ because it was the world’s first proper manufacturing town (good pub quiz fact!) Birmingham is also well known as the home of ‘heavy metal’ because of it’s the birthplace of Ozzy Osbourne- singer with ‘Black Sabbath’.

We’re always keen to hear about great classes, activities and businesses for babies and toddlers. If you’re a class provider, we would love to feature you in our listings – you can sign up below.

So here we go! As Birmingham is a large city we have created a classes list with more central things to do and others that are in the surrounding areas so you have a good mix. All of them come highly recommended by you, our parents, our Local Experts!

Birmingham’s best… baby and toddler classes

Do you fancy sampling a class that gives your little one a new skill? Or is it maybe just for fun or relaxation? Try some of these!

 

Classes: Surrounding areas

Moo Music

Come and enjoy the interactive sessions of Moo Music,
with songs, sensory props, games and dances. A great opportunity to have fun and bind with your
little one!

Various locations 

Tappy Toes 

Tappy Toes offer movement classes for little ones that include twirling, galloping, action songs  plus a special imagination section of the class when you pretend you’re a princess, a dinosaur or even a scary monster. These classes are designed to develop coordination and motor skills amongst other things. The classes are held in a range of locations in and around Birmingham. 

Find them at: 72 Walsall Rd, Lichfield WS13 8AF

Happy Mums Club

Pregnancy yoga and hypnobirthing classes. Join other mums to be to gain support for your pregnancy and parenting journey, as well as benefitting from the physical and mental benefits of yoga.

Various locations 

Little Pals Pop in and Play

This stay and play is designed for 0-4 year olds and offers a lot of different activities including singing, role play, arts and crafts, learning and sensory toys, book corner and a dedicated baby area. There are also refreshments included and there is no booking required. 

Find them at: St James Church Mere Green, B75 5BW

Nature Makers

Nature Makers was started because the founder, Faye, was frustrated that some of her local preschool art classes were heavily reliant on using plastic and chemical based products. She wanted to create classes that encouraged children to connect with nature and to help parents learn how to do this too. These classes are offered in a whole range of locations near Birmingham including Tamworth, Droitwich, Lichfield and Walsall- check out their website for more details. 

 

Classes: Central

Birmingham Gymnastics Academy

A 14 minute drive from central Birmingham and you’ll find this gymnastics academy which offers pre-school gymnastics classes for your budding gymnasts out there. The pre-school classes are 45 minutes and run by qualified Gymnastics coaches. Gymnastics is great at teaching pre-school children skills like balance and coordination so why not give them a whirl? 

Find them here: Metchley Lane Gymnastics Centre, Metchley Park Road, B15 2PQ

Birmingham Science Museum 

This fantastic museum space offers a range of classes and activities for preschool children. Every Thursday they have ‘Toddler Thursday’ sessions which are designed to inspire future scientists and astronauts by offering them a relaxed experience in their planetarium. The class will include exploration of the night sky and some ‘immersive space imagery’ perfect for all your mini-space exploration fans.   

 

Things to do in Birmingham: baby-friendly cafes. Image shows a cafe space, with a variety of chairs and tables

Birmingham’s best… Family Friendly Cafe’s

What about stopping off for a coffee or something to eat in a family-friendly cafe? It’s a win win! Here’s a couple of cafes perfect for when you’re flagging and in need a caffeine boost: 

Tamucafe 

This cafe is relaxed and comes recommended for its delicious and healthy menu. Perfect for brunch or just coffee and a slice of cake. 

Find them at: 606 Bearwood Rd, Bearwood, Smethwick B66 4BW

The Coffee Tree

This cafe is an informal meeting place in the church foyer and offers a range of different activities for all ages. There are weekly story time and stay and play sessions for little ones so you can meet other parents and enjoy some delicious cake (never a bad thing!) 

Find them at: Duke Street, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1RJ

Birimingham things to do, image shows outdoor space, green field and trees

Birmingham’s best… Outdoor Spaces

Happity are definitely big fans of outdoor spaces so here’s a couple of recommendations to get your little ones out and about in the fresh air: 

 

Cannon Hill Park 

Located in South Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park is definitely the place to plan a day trip for you and your little one(s). There are lots of different activities  for everyone  to do at this great park from playing mini golf, riding on a train or even taking a swan out onto the lake. There’s also a Garden Tea Room in case you get hungry too. 

Find them at:  Russell Rd, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8RD

Warwick Castle

Okay not strictly a park but this castle does have some beautiful surrounding green spaces and is perfect for children who love to pretend they are princes or princesses. There are live shows and attractions and if you’re keen you can even book to stay overnight in the castle grounds. Roughly an hour’s drive from the centre of Birmingham Warwick Castle has everything you need to keep little ones and adults entertained. 

Find them at: Warwick CV34 4QU

Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?

Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!

10 Places To Take Your Baby Or Toddler in Bristol – Happity Guide

10 Places To Take Your Baby Or Toddler in Bristol – Happity Guide

Another of our Happity city guides. This time we focus on Bristol’s most-loved local classes, activities, businesses and more for babies, toddlers and parents.

Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler?
There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.    

So what is Bristol famous for? 

Voted as one of 2022’s best places to live by ‘The Sunday Times’, It was also named as the UK’s first cycling city and with their annual walking festival it is the perfect place if you’re an active and outdoorsy person. For those who are looking for more chilled out activities, Bristol has always been known as a creative, arty, bohemian hub with the energy of other major UK cities.

You can tell that Bristol is a place popular with families as there are so many things to do and see. We have focused on a small selection of places and activities for you and your little ones to experience, suggested by our Local Experts (you the parents).They vary from relaxing spaces where you can catch your breath through to activities which will use up lots of energy so you get a good night’s rest as your reward (not guaranteed but we live in hope right?)

We’re always keen to hear about great classes, activities and businesses for babies and toddlers. If you’re a class provider, we would love to feature you in our listings – you can sign up below.

Bristol’s best… Soft plays & Cafes

Fancy a bit of soft play action? We all know that soft play is the place where kids can use up lots of that energy (and parents can enjoy a coffee or two or even join in if they prefer). Here’s some of Bristol’s best:

Be Weird, Be Wild, Be Wonderful 

This play hub offers a wide variety of activities for young children. It’s definitely a departure from the more traditional style of soft play (and offers a range of pre-bookable sessions including ‘open play’, ‘Mother and Baby Fitness’, ‘Creatively Curious,’ and ‘Baby Play’).There are also comfy, seated areas where parents can rest up whilst their little one plays. Ideal! 

Find them here: 129-133 Bath Road, Longwell Green, Bristol, BS30 9DD

Boing! Soft Play

A not-for-profit soft play family centre in North Bristol, with play sessions exclusively for 0-5 year olds. They also offer events such as craft sessions, and you can hire the venue for parties. Join them for a cuppa!

Find them here: The Hub Gainsborough Square, Lockleaze, Bristol, BS7 9FB

Ocean Adventures 

This soft play awakens your little one’s imagination, it not only has a mini village to encourage role play but also ‘ocean-themed’ play areas,. for budding scuba divers and ocean explorers everywhere! 

Find them here:  Unit 11 Cheddar Business Park, Cheddar BS27 3EB

Bristol’s best… baby and toddler classes

When it comes to classes, Bristol has a wealth to choose from. We’ve just touched on a few here but the sheer variety and eclecticism is truly inspiring:

Music with Maya

Maya provides interactive music classes for 0-5 year olds. Her USP is that she aims to expand childrens’ knowledge of music and how it’s made through introducing the concepts of pitch, timbre and rhythm. Her playlist is broad and will please parents and little ones alike – from classic Beatles tunes through to nursery rhymes. She also includes percussion, stories, parachutes, bubbles and more. A Happity High Five to Maya! 

Email Maya for more details on locations or to book a party: [email protected]

Rock out Baby

Are you looking for a baby class that turns your little one into a mini-rocker? Or move away from the more traditional nursery rhyme fare so you and your little one can sing along to your favourite rock songs? Rock out Baby is the class for you. Classes are run by working musicians and you’re just as likely to hear the classics alongside some slightly heavier rock anthems. Leather trousers are not required! 

Various locations in Bristol including: The Cafe on the Common, The Ardagh Kellaway Avenue, Bristol, BS6 7YL

Mini Zen Infants 

If you’re looking for a little bit of peace and calm for you and your baby then why not sample a mini-zen class – these classes offer ‘Baby Massage’, ‘Baby Yoga’ and ‘Sensory Classes’. Baby massage and yoga is a great way to bring down the blood pressure and pick up a skill you can use at home whenever you need to create more of a restful atmosphere (and the benefits will be felt by both you and your baby). There are also more active sessions available.

Various locations check website to book an appointment.

 

 

 

Bristol’s best… Family Friendly Cafe’s

Bristol is famous for its rich and diverse cafe culture- there is truly something for every taste. So here’s a couple of cafe recommendations if you want to sip your matcha latte in a family friendly environment:

 

Out There INDOORS 

A community play space, cafe and event venue, this cafe was inspired by a forest school kindergarten. With good food too, this one is not to be missed!

Find them at: Unit 389, Block C, The Paintworks, Bristol BS4 3AR

Skyboat Cafe

Check out this play cafe that has a sensory play section for babies and imaginative play for toddlers. They also offer weekly classes such as baby massage and mum & baby yoga. A real gem!

Find them at: 4 Harcourt Road, Redland, Bristol BS6 7RG

Bristol’s best… Museums

Happity are definitely big fans of museums and so to wrap up our Bristol recommendations here’s a couple for little ones and grown ups alike: 

 

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Fancy seeing some Egyptian Mummies? Or would you rather interact with a gorilla called Alfred? Or are dinosaurs more your cup of tea? There is so much to see including a specific area designed for under 5’s on the ground floor. and What makes it even better – entrance is free. 

Find them at: Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Rd, Bristol, BS8 1RL 

 

Blaise Castle

This is not strictly a museum as it’s a castle but who doesn’t love a day imagining they’re a knight? Or a Queen? In fact it is a folly built in 1766 and sits within the Blaise Castle Estate. There is also a children’s play area included. 

Find them at: Blaise Castle Estate, Kings Weston Road, Bristol, BS10 7QS

Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?

Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!

15 Amazing Things To Do For Under 5’s In Norwich – Happity Guide

15 Amazing Things To Do For Under 5’s In Norwich – Happity Guide

Our city guide to Norwich’s most-loved local classes, activities, businesses and services for babies, toddlers and parents 

Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler?
There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.    

Voted one of 2022’s best places to live in the UK by The Sunday Times, Norwich has always been a great place to put down roots and find things to do. In recent years, the city has seen an even bigger influx of young families, lured in by the enticing combo of urban amenities, great shopping, breathtaking architecture and proximity to plenty of gorgeous countryside. It’s fair to say that the East Anglian city has become way cooler than one of its most famous fictional residents, Alan Partridge.

When it comes to having fun in the city, the very youngest members of Norwich’s population (and their carers) have their pick of activities. So, for one of our first ever Happity local guides, we thought we’d hone in on some of the most-loved activities, destinations and services for little ones.

We’re always keen to hear about great classes, activities and businesses for babies and toddlers. If you’re a class provider, we would love to feature you in our listings – you can sign up below.

Norwich’s best… family-friendly venues

Labyrinth 

This play cafe has it all: a menu of pizzas and paninis, cakes and treats (including plenty of vegan options), good coffee and great activities for kids, big and small – from Make A Bear sessions to laser tag (which grownups can get in on too, if you get a night off!). One thing’s for sure, you won’t get bored here.  

Labyrinth, 1st Flr. Rose Lane Car Park, NR1 1PY.

 

Williams’ Kitchen

Delicious menu: check. Good value soft play: check (just £2.50 for under-1s). Free parking: check. This popular cafe is based at the new YMCA centre on Aylsham Road, meaning you’ll be helping vulnerable young people if you pop by too. 

61a Aylsham Road, NR3 2HF

 

Bowling House

This super-cool venue is great for a family treat. Bowling, karaoke and a great kids menu (as well as delicious food and cocktails for the grownups!) makes for a fun day out. 

7 Dereham Rd, Norwich NR2 4HX

Norwich’s best… baby and toddler classes

Gymboree Play & Music

The beauty of Gymboree is that you don’t need to worry about fitting classes in around feeds and naps – there are multiple classes every day for little ones of all ages and stages.

Notcutts Garden Centre,, Daniels Road, NR4 6QP

The Creation Station

At these arts and crafts sessions you can be sure of a friendly welcome and lots of stimulation for your little one – whether they’re a newborn, bigger baby, toddler, pre-schooler or big kid, there are classes throughout the week.  

Horsford Village Hall, Holt Road, NR10 3DN

Beebops

With a packed schedule of classes around Norwich and the wider Norfolk area, Beebops ticks all those sensory boxes – and you can hire their wonderful teachers for private parties too.

Venues vary – see link above.

Norwich’s best… services for families

No Milk Like Mama’s: Breastfeeding and gentle sleep support

This network of lactation and sleep consultants offer 1:1 services, group workshops and drop-in baby cafes in and around Norwich for when you need that bit of extra support (and a biscuit). 

 

Get Me Out The Four Walls Norfolk

When you’re feeling trapped and need a friendly face and a chat, this charity and thriving Facebook community can help, with meet-ups and support to ease the strain.

 

Singing Mamas, Norwich 

Because sometimes you just need to belt it out, right? Singing Mamas are here for you. 

The Quaker Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, NR2 1EW

Norwich’s best… kids shops

Coccolino

With gorgeous, quality children’s clothes from around the world (and a few great toys too), Coccolino is a great place for presents for little ones. We especially love their cute, snuggly hats. 

25 Timber Hill, NR1 3JZ

 The Baby Man Store 

A mum run shop selling unisex prints, in organic jersey cotton. We especially love the dinosaur prints!

Jarrolds Department Store, 1, 11 London St, Norwich NR2 1JF

Tickety Boo

Warning, you’ll want to sneak into this independent city centre toy shop when your little one is napping in their buggy, as they will almost certainly refuse to let you leave empty-handed. 

55 London St, NR2 1HL

Norwich’s best… Parks and Playgrounds

Eaton Park

To the west of the city, Eaton Park has a large playground, cafe, skate park, lake and plenty more. If you’ve got a little train lover in the house, you’ll want to check out the miniature railway (Sundays only).

South Park Avenue, NR4 7AU

 

Waterloo Park

A great spot for a sunny day, since it has a splash pad – plus a playground, sand pits and a cafe all year round. The ideal destination for a parent meet-up. 

Angel Road, NR3 3HX

 

Mousehold Heath

One for the real nature lovers, this huge (184 acres) country park boasts a huge array of wildlife, so is perfect for little ones who love spotting birds, frogs and all sorts of other bugs and beasts! 

Heartsease Ln, Norwich NR7 9NT 

Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?

Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!