July is finally upon us and with schools closing for the summer next month, families are looking for activities across the coming weeks. Thankfully, there is no shortage of options, from new outdoor toddler play areas, school holiday clubs, and waterparks, there's so much to keep the kids entertained. Below are seven options and special offers available across the month of July.
New Outdoor Toddler Play Area
A new toddler play area at Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn is planned to open by the second week of July. Based on the Chillington Hall Estate in Brewood, Staffordshire, it is being designed specifically for children aged zero to four-years-old. The development will include a new shaded zone for little ones with age-appropriate slides, play features, toys and musical instruments.
Bring It On Brum
Bookings for Birmingham's big school holiday programme launched today (June 29), once again bringing the annual scheme back for children throughout the city. It offers hundreds of free holiday clubs, including indoor and outdoor games, cookery skills, arts and crafts, sports, park activities and more. Activity packs will be delivered between Monday 20th July and Friday 31st July 2026.
Waterpark
Whitchurch in Shropshire boasts beautiful buildings dating back to Medieval times, but it also has a waterpark with a brand new swing this summer. Nearby Alderford Lake has a huge 120-person, on-the-water Aquapark obstacle course. Fans of Total Wipeout will get a kick out of this, with the location bringing together obstacle courses, kayaking, canoe hires, and so much more.
Compton Verney
If that wasn't enough water for you, Compton Verney is just an hour away from Birmingham. From July 10 to 12, Park Farm in Compton Verney is offering visitors wellbeing activities and other attractions as part of the ALSO festival. It also offers live music, comedy and food experiences, such as the River Cottage Long Table Woodland Lunch, Bingo Brunch and Rum Shack cocktails.
Ticket to Ride
Vintage Trains is launching a Birmingham to Liverpool steam special, giving passengers a chance to journey to the city in a heritage locomotive. Included are exclusive partner discounts at two of the city's landmark attractions: The Beatles Story at the Albert Dock, and the Mersey Ferry, the cross-river service that has carried passengers since the 1800s. The Ticket to Ride experience will take place on Saturday July 11.
Bournville Picnic
Bournville is hosting its first ever 'Bake Picnic', offering cakes, brownies, scones and 'sourdough still warm from the oven'. It is hosted by Bournville Trust and Abinchi, a popular Birmingham-based social dining and private events company that specialises in curated foodie events at secret locations across the city. The event takes place on Saturday August 1.
Europe's Biggest Free Hot Air Balloon Festival
This one is slightly further afield, but being just down the M5 makes it well worth the 100 minute journey (or under-90 minute journey by train). The Bristol Balloon Fiesta is free to attend and takes place over three days during the summer, boasting over 100 hot air balloons and multiple mass ascents throughout each day. The 40-year-old festival runs from August 7 to 9, 2026 at Ashton Court, just on the outskirts of Bristol.
