20 Best Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Wolverhampton, UK [by a Wolves Local]
LOOKING FOR BEST THINGS TO DO IN WOLVERHAMPTON WITH KIDS?
As a longtime Wolverhampton local (I’ve lived here 11 years) I’ve scoped out kid-friendly activities in our home town. Trust me, Wolverhampton a.k.a “Wolves” is an underrated gem. Here’s my curated list for a great day out.
Tracing its roots back over a millennium, Wolverhampton has no shortage of fascinating museums, landmarks, and galleries to provide a glimpse into its rich past.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH MY FAVOURITE RESOURCES
→ Best Accommodation site: Booking.com
→ Book an Activity or a Day Tour here: Viator.com
→ Compare Bus, Coach & Train Prices here: Omio.com
→ Reserve your Rental Car here: DiscoveryCars.com
Quick Look: Top 3 Activities
1: Moseley Old Hall and Gardens
17th century manor and gardens where King Charles II hid during the Civil War
2: Royal Air Force Museum
A must for aviation buffs, WW2 and Cold War enthusiasts
3: Visit the Molineux Stadium and museum
Tour the home of iconic Wolves FC and learn about the club’s past dominance of English football
1. Wander Wightwick Manor and Gardens
For a glimpse into 19th-century life, visit the magnificent National Trust – Wightwick Manor. This stately Victorian home brims with original Arts and Crafts furniture and décor.
One of the best free fun things to do in the West Midlands, Wightwick Manor’s sprawling gardens are packed with herb gardens, orchards, and ponds, making for a great day out for all the family.
(Google Maps location)
Admission: Adults – £13; Kids – £6.50; Family – £32.50; Family (1 adult) – £19.50. Group tours available.
Opening times: 10am-4pm daily
2. Stroll through West Park
This city park puts on a range of events and offers meadows, playgrounds, and duck ponds. Perfect fun days out idea for kids to burn energy.
West Park has been my go-to spot for bike rides, relaxing, and feeding the ducks since I was a student at Wolverhampton University.
(Google Maps location)
Admission: Free
Opening times: 7:30am-8pm daily
→ Further reading: The Wrekin Guide: Climbing Shropshire’s Iconic Peak
3. Take a tour of the Molineux Stadium
Football fans can’t miss a tour of Molineux Stadium, the home turf of the iconic Wolverhampton Wanderers FC that once dominated English football.
Explore the trophy room, dressing rooms and tunnel. Learn about the club’s rich history while seeing trophies and memorabilia.
Molineux Stadium Tours run certain days for about an hour and fill up fast, so book ahead to soak up the atmosphere at this famous English football ground.
(Google Maps location)
How to get there: 11 mins walk from the bus station, 14 mins from the train station.
Admission: Free. Match day tickets cost approx. £33. Book tours in advance.
→ Further reading: Black Country Slang: [A Yam Yam’s Guide]
4. Explore Wolverhampton Art Gallery
For fans of art and culture, Wolverhampton Art Gallery is a must-see. The Neo-Classical hall houses a vast collection from pop art to Victorian.
Built in 1884 with Bath stone, one of the more modern exhibitions that ran recently included fascinating insights and artefacts on the rise of women’s football and the cultural and social impact behind it.
(Google Maps location)
How to get there: 4 mins walk from the bus station and 7 mins from the train station.
Admission: Free
Opening times: 10:30am-4:30pm Mon to Sat, 11am-4pm on Sundays
➤ Psst… Looking for a place to stay?
Find all the best Wolverhampton hotels on Booking.com. Easily find, book and enjoy great hotel deals with free cancellation on one easy platform. Our top suggestion: A Park View Hotel, a superbly-rated executive king room suite in the heart of the town centre.
→ Read more: Staffordshire Royal Market Towns: A Local’s Guide
5. Moseley Old Hall
National Trust Moseley Old Hall is most famous as the hiding spot for King Charles II after his 1651 defeat at the Battle of Worcester.
Wander the 17th century manor and grounds where Charles II once hid, and imagine life here during England’s Civil War era. The home still has the priest hole where the monarch evaded capture.
(Google Maps location)
Admission: Adults – £9.50; Children – £4.75; Family – £23.75; 1 Adult, 3 children – £14.25.
Prices are for Standard Admission, group tours available.
Opening times: 10am–4pm (Sat–Sun).
After exploring the sights, understand the sounds! Read our Black Country Slang guide, and learn to tell the difference between Brummie and Yam Yam with our Brummie vs Yam Yam culture guide here
6. Visit Bantock House Museum
An Edwardian house with history exhibits, Bantock House Museum puts on free and fun workshops and events for kids.
Workshops, talks, and tours make Bantock House a fun educational outing. It’s the perfect place to spend a weekend morning discovering the town’s heritage.
(Google Maps location)
How to get there: Bus 4 (13 mins), bus 10 (18 mins).
Admission: Free
Opening times: 11am-5pm Sat-Sun (closed Mon-Fri).
→ Read: Best Time to Visit the West Midlands (by a Local)
7. The Royal Airforce Museum
The Royal Air Force Museum is dedicated to the history of the world’s first air force the RAF, and history of aviation in general.
This West Midlands highlight traces the RAF’s central role in aviation history through aircraft, engines, and artifacts galore.
Don’t miss the fascinating Cold War Exhibition Tour, and my favourite moment was seeing the world’s first-ever vertical take-off jet; the Harrier Jet, on display.
(Google Maps location)
Admission: Free
How to get there: 20 mins by car.
Opening times: 10am-4pm daily
While you’re in the area, I recommend checking out the top sights and activities around Shifnal.
➤ What’s the best way to get around Wolverhampton?
Driving around Wolverhampton is the best option as many of the top attractions like the RAF Museum and Boscobel House are a short drive out of town – plus parking is relatively cheap. We recommend renting a car from DiscoverCars for transparent and genuine reviews.
While not as flexible or as quick, public transport is a cheaper option – compare prices on Omio for booking the bus and trains.
You may also like: 24+ Lesser-Known Black Country Facts
8. Wolverhampton Civic Hall
Pay a visit to the historic Civic Hall, which hosts a huge range of events and tours.
Constructed in the impressive Art Deco style of the 1930s, this venue boasts a grand entrance and 2,500-seat auditorium, hosting popular music events and more.
(Google Maps location)
How to get there: 7 mins walk from the Bus Station and 10 mins from the train station.
Admission: Free
Opening times: 11am-4pm Mon to Sat (closed on Sundays)
→ Further reading: A Guide to Market Towns in Shropshire
9. Lose Yourself in the 007 Escape Rooms
Located in central Wolverhampton, the 007 Escape Rooms experience is a live-action, Bond-themed interactive game where players are locked in a themed room and have to solve a series of thrilling puzzles and clues to escape.
Want more exciting games? Why not take part in a fun Zombie Scavenger Hunt!
(Google Maps location)
Admission: £55 up to 6 people
How to get there: Buses no. 5, 6, 10, 15 take 6 mins, or you can walk in just 8 mins.
Opening times: 10am-10pm daily
10. Bilston Craft Gallery
Pick up some new skills at Bilston Craft Gallery and join an afternoon of art and crafts, fairs and range of events that’ll keep the kids company for hours.
With family-friendly spaces and free art workshops for all ages, Bilston Craft Gallery makes an ideal outing for art lovers young and old, perfect afternoon visit.
(Google Maps location)
How to get there: Bilston Central railway station is a 2-minute walk from the museum.
Admission: Free
Opening times: 12-4pm (Thurs-Sat); closed Sun-Wed.
11. Walk along the Wolverhampton Canal
Taking a walk along the scenic Wolverhampton Canal is an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
I used to live right next to the peaceful and meandering Essington and Wyrley Canal, which flows through Wolverhampton all the way down to Birmingham.
Related post: head to nearby Cannock Chase Forest for the perfect day out packed with treks, cycling trails, outdoor adventure courses and more!
12. Enjoy the city’s International Cuisine
Wolverhampton is well known for its range of various eateries, restaurants, and food shops catering to different cuisines from around the world.
From Lebanese kebab houses to Punjabi restaurants, Irish pubs, Jamaican takeaways, and food shops catering to the local Polish and Filipino communities.
Is there a good selection of food and drink in Wolverhampton?
You’ll find various cuisines in the city of superb quality. One of my favourite restaurants is Dosa Hut, specialising in South Indian cuisine. Read my review on Dosa Hut here.
13. Pick a Rose at David Austin Roses
David Austin Roses is a fragrant farm on the road to Worcester that specialises in unique varieties of roses combining old-world charm and modern convenience.
Breeder David Austin spent over 55 years perfecting his signature English Roses, prized for their repeat-blooming, beautifully fragrant blooms.
(Google Maps location)
Admission: Free.
Opening times: 9am-5pm daily
Spending a Day trip in Birmingham? The train from Wolverhampton to Birmingham takes just 16 minutes, or by car it’s 35 minutes.
14. Explore Boscobel House and The Royal Oak
The historic Boscobel House is a Grade II* listed building situated near the village of White Ladies Aston.
A famed hiding spot of King Charles II, this 17th-century timber-framed home, a pivotal player in the English Civil War, concealed the king from capture after his 1651 defeat.
(Google Maps location)
How to get there: 23 mins drive from the city centre.
Admission: Free
Opening times: 10am-5pm daily
15. Baggeridge Miniature Railway
Baggeridge Miniature Railway is a narrow gauge railway in Baggeridge Country Park, near the city centre.
Operating Sundays and holidays, tickets get you a single or return trip through scenic nature. Special holiday events like Easter Egg and Santa Specials delight families and keep kids company.
(Google Maps location)
Admission: Free
Opening times: 9am-5pm
16. Stroll around Himley Hall Park
Make for sprawling Himley Hall Country Park and its stately 18th century manor house.
Stroll through natureand around the lake, walled garden, and serene Japanese garden, with events such as car boots, arts and crafts fairs and more. Sample local fare at the cafe between woodland walks or fishing by the water.
(Google Maps location)
How to get there: 17 mins drive from the city centre.
Admission: Free
Opening times: 7am-5:30pm Sat and Sun only
→ You might also like: 27 Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Shropshire
17. The Locksmith House Museum
Explore Wolverhampton’s lock-making legacy at the Locksmith House Museum.
This museum celebrates the town’s legacy as a global leader in locks and lock-making, specifically through the lens of the prominent Chubb family.
The museum traces how the Chubbs pioneered many of the locks we still use today. At one point, nearly 90% of all locks worldwide originated in Wolverhampton factories!
(Google Maps location)
How to get there: Bilston Central railway station is a 6-minute taxi ride from the museum.
Admission: Adults – £5; Children – £5
Opening times: 11am–5pm (Mon–Fri); closed Sat-Sun.
Other Things to See & Do:
18. Paddle Boarding and Kayaking: The nearest spot is SUP Wolverhampton. Read about the best paddleboarding in the West Midlands here.
19. Go Ape Adventure Park: thrilling outdoor activity centre in Cannock Chase with high rope courses and segway tours perfect for all the family! Book your visit here:
20. WILD Zoological Park: packed with educational events and exciting day trip at a conservational zoo, and one of the top activities in Telford, perfect for kids and families (Google location)
21. Northycote Farm: perfect for all the family to join in hands-on activities feeding farm animals, learn some new skills on site
Are there any good places to stay in Wolverhampton?
Here are my best budget, mid-range and luxury recommendations:
◉ Baron’s Court Hotel (Deluxe Double Room) £ – Very Good 8.3
◉ A Park View Hotel (Executive King Room) – ££ Superb 9.1
What to do today in Wolverhampton for families?
Wolverhampton offers several attractions, including West Park for outdoor fun, Wolverhampton Art Gallery for creative activities, Wightwick Manor for history, and Wild Zoological Park for animal encounters. For indoor entertainment, try Jump In Trampoline Park or the Light House Media Centre for family movies.
Is it worth visiting Wolverhampton?
Wolverhampton is worth visiting for its rich industrial heritage, diverse cultural attractions, and family-friendly activities. The city offers a mix of historical sites, green spaces, and modern entertainment venues. Its central location in the West Midlands also makes it a good base for exploring the region.
What is Wolverhampton best known for?
The city is famous for historic industrial sites, particularly in metalworking and manufacturing. It’s known for Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, its historic Victorian architecture, and as the birthplace of Slade and Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski. The city also has a rich brewing heritage.
Where can I take my 3 year old in West Midlands?
For 3-year-olds in the West Midlands, consider Dudley Zoo and Castle, Birmingham Sea Life Centre, or the Black Country Living Museum. Parks like Sandwell Valley Country Park offer outdoor fun. In Wolverhampton specifically, see sheep and pigs at Northycote Farm or the playground at West Park.
Wolverhampton Travel Tips
- Getting there: Trains from Birmingham take 16 mins.
- Best time: May–September for weather.
Final Thoughts
From history to nature, this concludes the best days out Wolverhampton has to offer for local families and visitors alike. Explore the city’s events, art, and castle ties for a packed itinerary!
→ You may also like: 18 Best Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Ironbridge
