Our tips and tricks for affordable family days out and lunches in Birmingham with a Toddler!
Blog post in collaboration with Tastecard | ad
Our weekends have completely changed since having a toddler. Gone are the spontaneous lie-ins and quiet lunches; instead, life revolves around naps, snacks, and finding activities that keep a tiny human entertained!
But the thing is…we’ve actually come to love this new rhythm. Exploring Birmingham with our little one has become one of our favourite ways to spend time together as a family, and we’ve found that it doesn’t have to be expensive at all.
One of the ways we make it work is by using days out deals. It’s helped us discover restaurants and activities that are genuinely family-friendly, and it makes everything feel a little less stressful when you’re juggling a toddler and a tight schedule.
Lunches That Work for Everyone
Finding somewhere that works for both adults and toddlers isn’t always easy. I’ve learned quickly that the right environment matters just as much as the food! With Tastecard, we’ve been able to explore new places without worrying about overspending, and it’s actually made eating out enjoyable again.
Some of our go-to spots include:
- Toby Carvery – our toddler loves running around a little while we enjoy a hearty roast, and it’s spacious enough for all of us.
- PizzaExpress – a classic, with simple pizzas and pastas for the little one, plus those fun activity packs that make a meal feel like more than just lunch.
- Giraffe – a relaxed spot where everyone can find something they like, and the menu works for toddlers having one of those picky days.
- Prezzo – perfect for a casual Italian lunch, especially when we want a change from the usual takeaway.
Being able to try different restaurants has made meals out feel like a mini adventure rather than a chore. Even small wins, like getting the toddler to sit through a whole plate of pasta, feel like victories!
Days Out That Actually Work
A “day out” with a toddler can sound ambitious, but we’ve learned that it’s all about balance. Some days it’s museums or aquariums, some days it’s indoor play, and some days it’s just a long walk in a park. With a toddler, flexibility is key, but having a little structure helps everyone enjoy themselves.
Some of our favourite ideas in Birmingham:
- Thinktank Science Museum – interactive exhibits that actually keep toddlers engaged and parents interested too.
- The Sealife Centre – this has always been a win ever since he was a little baby!
- Cannon Hill Park or Birmingham Botanical Gardens – easy to wander, picnic-friendly, and full of small discoveries that delight a toddler.
- Seasonal fairs – even a short visit feels exciting when there’s a little treat or activity along the way.
We’ve started pairing these activities with a meal stop using Tastecard deals, which makes a whole day out feel smooth and manageable.
How We Make It Work
It hasn’t been without a little trial and error. Planning has made all the difference, and we’ve learned a few tips along the way:
- Book ahead – popular spots fill up fast, and toddlers don’t love waiting in queues.
- Mix it up – combine indoor and outdoor activities, quiet museums with energetic play areas.
- Check conditions – some deals only work at certain times, so we’ve started checking before heading out.
- Track savings – even small discounts add up, and it’s satisfying to see how far the deals stretch our budget.
Even with careful planning, there are days when nothing goes to plan, a meltdown, a closed playground, or a spilled lunch. But that’s part of the fun. Those moments often become the stories we laugh about later!
Little Adventures That Mean a Lot
Family days out aren’t about ticking boxes or Instagram-perfect photos. They’re about the small things: the toddler’s excitement at spotting a duck in the park, the joy of trying a new dish together, the quiet moment sitting in a café while they colour beside you.
And honestly? Those small moments have turned into some of our favourite memories. Each trip out feels like an adventure, not because it’s expensive or elaborate, but because we’re experiencing it together.
Making Family Days Out a Habit
Using deals to plan our outings has made family trips feel sustainable, not stressful. Over time, it’s become a habit, trying new restaurants, exploring parks, visiting museums, without feeling like we’re stretching ourselves.
We’ve even started little family traditions: a weekly lunch somewhere new, indoor play on rainy afternoons, seasonal walks and picnics, or museum trips that spark curiosity. It’s amazing how a little planning and some helpful deals can turn ordinary weekends into something a bit magical.
Birmingham With a Toddler
Birmingham has more than enough to keep families busy, and using days out deals has helped us enjoy it all without constantly worrying about money. Lunches, play centres, parks, galleries, even the smallest outing feels special when it’s done together.
Parenting a toddler is a whirlwind, but these little family adventures, simple, affordable, and full of laughter, have reminded us that memorable moments aren’t about spending a fortune. They’re about being present, trying new things, and enjoying the city as a family.