Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is a must if you have a spare few minutes or a spare few hours in town. It is free so there is no pressure to do everything as you can go back again and again! We have visited a few times now and there are a number of childrens hands-on activities dotted around the museum. Most of the staff come across as being quite friendly and helpful, but there are a few stoney faced types who seem to not like children that make sounds! Our favourite gallery for visiting as a family is the 'In Touch' where you can find out more about paintings and objects. You can squeeze into a corset chair which is funny! There are also 'listening in' stations, drawers to explore, jigsaws and arty activities to join in with. Check out their website before you go to see if there are any special events on. There are family activities each weekend which may have a small charge. Some of the exhibitions charge for entry too, but most of the museum is totally free. The museum has toilets and a cafe. TIP: If you are visiting with a wheelchair or pushchair you need to use the entrance round the corner (Gas Hall entrance) where there is a lift. There are a lot of stairs at the main entrance.