Weather got you down? Not to worry. Birmingham’s great range of indoor activities means that there’s an adventure suitable for everyone no matter the weather. Explore all of things to do in the city’s cinemas, museums and even cat cafes in this article for a boost of inspiration on what to do in Birmingham when it’s raining.
1. Birmingham Hippodrome
A cultural hub situated in Chinatown, Birmingham Hippodrome is a theatre, which hosts a wide variety of award-winning musicals and is the home of the Birmingham Royal Ballet. The Hippodrome actually beats some of the theatres in London when it comes to visitor numbers, hailed as the most popular single auditorium in the UK with over 500,000 visitors yearly.
Moreover, Birmingham Hippodrome is an incredibly accessible gateway to artistic escapes for students. Their tickets start from as little as £20 for renowned shows, with occasional ‘relaxed’ shows catered towards any who may find the theatre otherwise overwhelming.
Address: Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB
2. Cadbury World
One of Birmingham’s most prominent attractions. Dive into a world of all things chocolate and explore the history and process of chocolate-making led by experts. Cadbury World allows you to take a dip into the past within its recreational Victorian bull street.
Students even get special discounts at various times of the year. You can even join in with the chocolate-making experience during Cadbury’s ‘Have a go zone.’ Perfect for practising your piping skills!
Address: 69 Linden Rd, Birmingham B30 1JR
3. National SEA LIFE Centre
Home to the UK’s only 360° ocean tunnel, SEA LIFE is absolutely not one to miss on this list of top Birmingham indoor activities for adults (and students). There are several adorable marine residents, including hundreds of fish species, otters and even penguins right at their doorstep!
If you’re wanting to get a real feel of SEA LIFE, be sure to stop by the rock pool where you can touch a select few creatures. Experts will be there to ensure your cuddly encounter goes smoothly.
Address: The Water’s Edge, Brindley Pl, Birmingham B1 2HL
4. MeetspaceVR
Why not dip your toes into another world? Then why not check out what virtual reality has to offer? Meetspace VR is home to several games, such as pirate shooters, sci-fi, adventure and even zombie survival games. Simply put on your headset, have your weapon ready and see if you can get onto the scoreboard.
Address: Unit 1, Park Regis, 158 Broad St, Birmingham B15 1DT
5. Escape Hunt
If you like the sound of the last suggestion on this list, but don’t fancy a virtual trip, then an escape room may be the perfect solution for you. Escape Hunt hosts many themed rooms for you to explore (and then try to get away from), ranging from pirate-themed games to even a unique Doctor Who-based experience for any Whovians.
Escape Hunt takes groups of up to 6 people, so invite your friends and put your teamwork to the test. Students also get 15% off!
Address: The Square, 120-122 Corporation St, Birmingham B4 6SX
6. Teamworks
Got a need for speed? Look no further. Birmingham’s only city centre karting circuit hosts six tracks and promises an exciting day out. If you feel like flying solo, definitely check out Teamworks’ 30-minute slots. Or, if you happen to have thirty or more friends to bring along, why not hold your own grand prix and race to the finish.
For any drivers who can’t get enough of the experience, Teamworks hosts Unlimited Racing events on Monday nights.
Address: 202 Fazeley St, Birmingham B5 5SE
7. Laser Quest
Another adventurous idea for those looking for a high-energy activity. LaserQuest is the ideal laser tag arena for anyone who enjoys a battle simulator. From team games to solo games, enjoy fast-paced and dynamic sessions. LaserQuest provides all the kit needed, including a futuristic body pack and a laser.
Moreover, the labyrinth-style arenas provide excellent hiding spots for any more subtle players.
Address: Westley Rd, Acocks Green, Birmingham B27 7UH
8. Kitty Cafe
A personal favourite of mine on this list, Kitty Cafe is an adorable experience which combines two of the best things in the world, food and cats! The cafe itself is designed to be a haven for kitties looking for a new home. You’ll see cats roaming all across the cafe, often zooming from one end to another through kitty bridges! The cafe is entirely cat-led and puts the well-being of their feline residents first.
Moreover, the cafe offers delicious menu items, a personal favourite of mine being the cakes! Be sure to visit the gift shop on your way out for kitty-themed merch.
Address: Grand Central, Unit 12, Birmingham B5 4BF
9. Paws and Breathe
If you’re more of a canine-lover, or anyone looking for a new way to relax, then puppy yoga may be perfect for you! Paws & Breathe offers regular puppy yoga therapy sessions, combining relaxation and well-being with an extra dose of cuteness. The sessions aren’t just great for people, they’re a fabulous way for the puppies to socialise whilst burning off energy. Paws & Breathe sessions even include a 30-minute slot dedicated to puppy playtime. Definitely not one to miss from this list!
Address: 92-95 Livery St, Birmingham B3 1RJ
10. Funstation
An incredibly popular attraction located in Star City, Funstation combines several fan-favourite games all under one room. These include several arcade games such as Pacman and Mario Kart, as well as beloved Carnival Games such as ‘bean bag toss’! Moreover, Funstation is a cashless site, skipping over the usual hassle of finding any spare coins for arcade machines.
Address: Star City Leisure Park, 32 Watson Rd, Nechells, Birmingham B7 5SA
11. NQ64
If you liked the sound of Funstation but think something’s missing, then why not combine the joy of arcade games with a cheeky drink? NQ64 is an arcade bar offering game-themed drinks alongside retro machines. They’re open until late all week, making it the perfect option for a midnight outing. Though, be sure to book in advance as this location is a firm resident favourite!
Address: The Custard Factory, Gibb St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4BG
12. Chance and Counters
Or, if you’d rather a quieter night of board games, be sure to check in next door to Chance & Counters, a more relaxed-style bar/cafe with over 600 games available to choose from. If you’re hoping to meet some other like-minded people, their staff can help match you up if you pop in on Mondays.
Address: Courtyard Studio 8 Scott House Custard Factory, Birmingham B9 4AA
13. Creative Coffee Hub
If you’re hoping to combine a relaxing lunch hour with a soothing activity, then why not check out Creative Coffee Hub? This cafe hosts a range of ceramics to either paint in-store or to take home for an evening project.
Additionally, for any crochet lovers, the cafe hosts a crochet club every Saturday which is absolutely worth checking out!
Address: 17a Raddlebarn Rd, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6HJ
14. Ikon Art Gallery
Visit this critically-acclaimed art gallery free of charge to deepen your artistic knowledge. Ikon boasts several incredible exhibitions, many of which are produced by local talent. Their exhibits cover all sorts of media, such as paintings, photography, sculptures and cinematography.
Moreover, Ikon is home to Birmingham’s only specialist art bookshop, for anyone looking for a unique present for an artist friend, or even for yourself!
Address: Brindleyplace, 1 Brindley Pl, Oozells Sq, Birmingham B1 2HS
15. Thinktank Museum
Museums are a classic go-to activity for when it’s raining. But Thinktank is a bit more fun and different than your typical ones. It’s Birmingham’s award-winning science museum that’s both educational and fun. Whether you’re interested in astronomy, archaeology or engineering, Thinktank hosts a diverse range of exhibits, meaning there’s something for everybody, including a wealth of history about Birmingham’s scientific past. Did you know that Birmingham was a major transport hub during the Industrial Revolution?
If you happen to be free on a Wednesday, absolutely take advantage of Thinktank’s free student admission on Wednesdays!
Address: Millennium Point, Curzon St, Birmingham B4 7XG
16. Treetop Golf
Who would have thought that Birmingham has a jungle in its very own Bullring? Treetop Golf provides a magical world and an enjoyable golfing experience all in one! You can pick between two indoor courses, each with 18 holes. You could even score a chance to win an extra game if you happen to score a lucky 19th shot!
Treetop also hosts monthly quiet sessions for those looking for a more relaxed experience.
Address: Ground Level, Bullring & Grand Central, Birmingham B5 4BA
17. Library of Birmingham
One of Birmingham’s most fantastic resources, Library of Birmingham makes a stunning day out for any book lovers. Library of Birmingham hosts thousands of books and archives, including the world’s second-largest Shakespeare collection. There are over 10 floors, including a cosy coffee shop on the ground floor and a scenic terrace up on the seventh. The Library of Birmingham also hosts regular events and workshops such as a weekly crochet club on Tuesday evenings.
Address: Centenary Sq, Birmingham B1 2ND
18. Redpoint Climbing Centre
Redpoint Climbing Centre is open to all ages and experience levels, making it perfect for even the most novice climbers. As well as being a welcoming environment, Redpoint provides a unique three-dimensional experience through its diverse range of shapes and angles for anyone looking for an athletic challenge.
After putting your athletic ability to the test, be sure to check out their vegetarian cafe to refuel.
Address: 77 Cecil St, Birmingham B19 3ST
19. Rush Trampoline Park
Another exciting adventure to keep your spirit high on a rainy day, Rush Trampoline Park is one of the highest-rated attractions in Birmingham. Sessions vary from 1 to 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore their indoor dodgeball court, giant foam pits and even more!
Looking for even more thrills? Stop by on a Friday or Saturday night during Sunset sessions to try their rush sessions, an exciting mixture of contact sports and trampolining accompanied by upbeat music!
Address: Avery Dell, Lifford Ln, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 3DZ
20. Roller Jam
Birmingham’s designated indoor roller disco is certainly not one to be missed from this list. Located in the heart of Digbeth, Roller Jam hosts a spacious skating rink for skaters of all levels to enjoy, as well as private booths for those wanting a calmer experience. Between live DJs, stage shows and cinematic screens, Roller Jam is sure to provide you with an upbeat background to hype up your skating experience and is the perfect Birmingham indoor activity for students.
Address: 68 Glover St, Birmingham B9 4EL
21. Birmingham Back to Backs
Next is an authentic Brummie experience. Dive into the past and discover what life was like for Birmingham’s residents across the 19th and 20th centuries. The (mostly indoor) tour navigates between the 1840s and 1970s and provides an intimate insight into history, letting you even smell and hear sensations from the past.
Be sure to book in advance to secure your guided tour!
Address: 50-54, 55-63 Inge St, Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4TE
22. Sandbox VR
Fancy playing Squid Game in real life (well not real life but as close as it gets without it being pretty scary)? Sandbox VR are one of the best futuristic VR experiences in Birmingham for groups and host a range of different games. You can physically interact with all the people and objects so it’s like you’re in another world, thanks to amazing technology like motion capture cameras, 3D body trackers and more! Try this fun indoor activity out next time it’s raining in Birmingham – although it’s certainly worth trying no matter the weather.
Address: Unit 25A, Grand Central Shopping Centre, Birmingham, B2 4BF
Now that you’ve sorted your next Birmingham indoor activities for when the weather is crappy, why not check out these free student activities in Birmingham to make the most of your time whilst on a budget?
Last Updated on September 3, 2024
Published on April 17, 2024
I’m a current student teacher working in primary schools. I completed a BA in English in 2023 and love all things to do with arts and linguistics! When I’m not teaching, I love reading, journaling and painting. I also love learning languages, I’m bilingual in English and Portuguese and I’m currently learning Welsh!
