The Best STEM Days Out In and Around Birmingham This Summer Holidays (2026)
Looking for ways to keep curious minds busy this summer? Whether your child dreams of becoming an engineer, loves dinosaurs, can't stop asking "why?", or simply enjoys building, experimenting and discovering, Birmingham is packed with fantastic STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) attractions.
As a Physics teacher, I firmly believe that some of the best science lessons happen outside the classroom. Real-world experiences help children make connections that simply can't be replicated from a textbook.
Here are some of my favourite STEM-inspired family days out within around an hour of Birmingham.
1. Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you only visit one STEM attraction this summer, make it Thinktank.
With over 200 interactive exhibits spread across four floors, children can explore everything from electricity and engineering to space, medicine and transport. Younger children will love MiniBrum, while older children can challenge themselves with hands-on experiments throughout the museum.
Highlights include:
Interactive science galleries
The 4K Planetarium
The outdoor Science Garden
Historic steam engines and aircraft
Dinosaur exhibits
MiniBrum for younger visitors
Perfect for ages: 3–16+
Curriculum links:
Forces
Electricity
Space
Materials
Human Biology
Engineering Design
It's an excellent rainy-day option and easily one of the best science museums in the Midlands.
2. Jodrell Bank Observatory (Cheshire)
If your child is fascinated by space, planets or black holes, Jodrell Bank is well worth the drive.
Home to the famous Lovell Telescope, one of the world's largest radio telescopes, children can learn how astronomers study distant galaxies, pulsars and even signals from spacecraft.
Expect:
Space exhibitions
Interactive science galleries
Planet trails
Outdoor discovery areas
Science shows
Beautiful gardens
Curriculum links:
Space
Electromagnetic Waves
Gravity
Light
Technology
As a Physics teacher, this is one of my favourite recommendations for older primary and secondary students.
3. RAF Museum Midlands (Cosford)
One of the UK's finest aviation museums—and it's free!
Children can get up close to historic aircraft while learning about:
Flight
Aerodynamics
Engineering
Radar
Space exploration
Materials science
There are plenty of hands-on exhibits and family activities throughout the holidays.
Perfect for aspiring pilots and engineers.
Curriculum links:
Forces
Air Resistance
Materials
Engineering
Design Technology
4. National Space Centre (Leicester)
Just over an hour from Birmingham, the National Space Centre is a fantastic day out.
Inside you'll discover:
Real rockets
Space capsules
Astronaut training
Planetarium shows
Interactive exhibits
Children can explore:
The Solar System
Gravity
Satellites
Rockets
Future space missions
If you've been studying space at home, this is a brilliant extension activity.
5. Black Country Living Museum
STEM isn't just about laboratories—it also includes engineering and innovation.
At the Black Country Living Museum children discover how Britain became an industrial powerhouse through:
Steam engines
Coal mining
Victorian engineering
Traditional manufacturing
Canal transport
You'll gain a real appreciation for the science and engineering that shaped modern Britain.
Curriculum links:
Industrial Revolution
Materials
Energy
Transport
Engineering
6. West Midlands Safari Park
Believe it or not, zoos are fantastic STEM destinations.
Children naturally begin asking scientific questions:
Why do giraffes have long necks?
How do lions hunt?
Why are some animals endangered?
How do ecosystems work?
Topics explored include:
Evolution
Adaptation
Food Chains
Conservation
Habitats
Biodiversity
A brilliant opportunity for biology lovers.
7. Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Another surprisingly strong STEM destination.
Plants provide opportunities to explore:
Photosynthesis
Pollination
Plant reproduction
Adaptation
Climate
Ecosystems
Bring along a notebook and encourage children to sketch unusual plants while asking scientific questions.
8. Severn Valley Railway
Steam trains are one of the best ways to introduce engineering.
Children can investigate:
Steam power
Heat transfer
Energy
Friction
Mechanical engineering
Many stations also run family engineering events during the holidays.
9. National Memorial Arboretum
Although primarily known as a place of remembrance, it's also excellent for environmental science.
Children can investigate:
Tree identification
Habitats
Biodiversity
Climate
Sustainability
Ideal if you're looking for a quieter educational day out.
10. Cadbury World
Chocolate makes chemistry surprisingly exciting!
Children can learn about:
Melting points
States of matter
Manufacturing
Food science
Industrial processes
It's also a great opportunity to discuss Birmingham's industrial heritage.
Make Your Own STEM Challenge
Wherever you go this summer, encourage your children to become "STEM Detectives."
Ask questions like:
Why was this designed this way?
What forces are acting here?
How does it work?
What materials have been used?
How could it be improved?
What scientific principle is being demonstrated?
You'll be amazed how quickly children begin thinking like scientists and engineers.
STEM Doesn't Have to Be Expensive
Some of the best scientific learning happens simply by encouraging curiosity.
Whether you're exploring a museum, visiting an observatory, walking through a botanical garden or riding a steam train, every trip provides opportunities to ask questions, investigate and discover.
At Physics Mastery by Sarah Chauhan, I'm passionate about helping children develop confidence in science through curiosity, practical exploration and problem-solving—not just exam preparation.
Have a fantastic summer, and happy exploring!
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