Absolutely horrendous, me, my dad, my brother and his girlfriend all went to this zoo in hopes that…read moreit would be A fun family outing. My mom bought the tickets for the wrong day so she couldn't come with us. We got there and went in, showed the tickets we had bought and weren't allowed in as my mother wasn't with us. My dad stated that she couldn't come with us. The man who was working in the kiosk / ticket booth was having none of it. He was quite the rude man and was telling us that we had to buy new tickets under my dad's name. Keep in mind that the tickets you buy online are NON REFUNDABLE. If I could I'd give zero stars. Absolutely terrible.

Where else meerkats can be seen in Birmingham area? Not the only good reason for visit this…read morefacility but just in case you have ever been there, Birmingham Nature Centre is on Pershore Road, behind the Cannon Hill Park, in Edgbaston. The tickets cost £ 4 (adults) and children from 5 to 15 years (£ 1.50), but the little ones (under 5 years old) have free admission. I have been a couple of times, and a part the cockroaches, it always a pleasant spending some hours contemplating wild life and nature over there. The most popular animals are still the meerkats, but obviously that the wildcats, guinea pigs, among other exotic animals also add to the whole experience. Definitely a children's friendly spot, perfect for a picnic in family, if you fancy bringing your own snack. If not, there is a café on the site. A better way of finding more information about the Nature Centre is visiting their facebook page because their page at Birmingham City Council website is very simple and just provides basic information about the locale.

If there's one activity that my friends and family are mutually fanatic about, then its bowling! We…read moreoften head down to Bowlplex, which is in the Broadway Plaza complex. Underground paid parking is available, although you could be cheeky and look for side-street parking. Bowlplex isn't limited to just bowling. There's a restaurant area, bar, arcade and American Pool upstairs. So, in general there's something to keep all ages engaged. Parties can be booked here too, so don't be surprised to find a whole load of balloons and excited kids if you go at the weekend! They usually have offers available during the holidays, although it gets very busy at this time. Generally, the more games you play, the cheaper it is. There is also a "Munch and Play" deal where you can eat from the grill and bowl (although not simultaneously!) for £13.50 for adults. It's a fun-day out for the family, especially when it's too cold to be outdoors!

Who loves Bowling?? Then if you do, Bowlplex is somewhere you should go. It's situated in the same…read moreBroadway complex where AMC cinema, Frankie & Benny's, Subways and more are located. Bowlplex (Broadway Complex) is situated just before you get to Hagley Road and just after the big six ways roundabout near Broad Street. Bowlplex is a great place to take kids if you have any because of the fun factor. It's a brilliant way to entertain the family but also as a parent enjoy and relax in the bar area which they have- you can even treat yourself to a cold beer or maybe just stick to a J20 which your kids play. They also serve food in the restaurant/bar area but if I remember rightly there is an age restriction in the bar area, so you'll need to be aware of this. I don't have kids so it's something I didn't enquire about when I last went. Not to worry about that though, as there's plenty of activities kids can do; not just bowling. There are arcade type games which the small and the big kids will all enjoy.

I decided to take my son and niece to Rock Up last Saturday afternoon to see what all of the hype…read moreis about. As my son is a little young for the actual climbing we let them loose in the soft play area. On first impressions, I really like this venue. It seems to have something for everyone. There are lots of climbing walls/activities that appeal to all ages up to adulthood. The pre-schoolers can get their fill in the soft play maze, which is a great size as it is not so big that your child can get lost. Unlike, many of these type of attractions the café sold half decent food. The coffee was easily drinkable and they offer a varied menu including paninis, pizza, kids meals, pasta, cakes, fruit and more. To drink they have the usual hot drinks, including Mocha, plus cold favourites including milkshakes and fresh fruit smoothies (blended on site upon ordering). My only complaint was that all of the staff were very young and clearly inexperienced. While there I made a number of very basic requests which were met with blank gazes, or else took at least three members of staff to answer. There was also quite a long wait for the simplest of items from the menu.

Ever since I first dabbled into the world of Crazy Golf at Alton Towers, I have been hooked. There…read moreis just something about a group of adults with miniature putters and different coloured plastic balls walking around on fake grass that both amuses and entertains me greatly. When putting together a Weekly Yelp on fun things to do in the city, I spotted Mohamade A's review of this place and bookmarked it for something new to do on a Sunday. After a mad Friday night and busy Saturday, I just wanted to get out of house and do something fun (but not too intensive). Mini golf seemed to be the perfect low energy, silly activity for me and Dan to enjoy. First thing to note, Star City can be accessed by bus but offers plentiful free parking if you plan on driving. I haven't been here in a few years and was surprised to see quite a few newer businesses here (including at least a couple of independents). Adventure Island is at the front of the building and easy to spot with it's clear signage. As we had to get to the supermarket before it closed (ROCK'N'ROLL), we opted to do 18 holes instead of the full course. There are two different courses to choose from and you can do one for £6.45, the full 36 for £10.95 or there are combo deals for bowling and lazer tag as well. We decided on the "Lost Hut Trail" and off we went! Thus proceeded 45 minutes of frustration, fun and giggles around the course. In retrospect, we wish we had done both or opted for the "Hidden Cove" course (which boasts a volcano in the middle), but we will be back to try this at some point. It's of note that the venue has a bar (for golf/beer times) and does a 2-4-1 offer on a Wednesday. It would make a fun place for a date or a birthday party. Yeah, it's not high brow entertainment... but if you want to challenge someone to a duel - there are worse ways than with a miniture putter and a brightly coloured plastic ball. Recommended.

Since we always go bowling when in star city, we decided to try something else. We had amazing time…read morehere withgroup of friends. We thought it was going to be empty since it didn't look like anyone was going in or out by the entrance. We were suprised it was full of people. From couples to families. So many different crazy courses to keep you entertained and competitive till the end.

Now.....who doesn't like sweets??? I find it hard to believe that anyone wouldn't completely fall…read morein love with this place. Based on the traditional sweet shops of the past Mr Chill's has every sweet that you can imagine! The shelves here are literally packed full of traditional sweets in large jars that literally go from floor to ceiling. The hardest part of a visit here is deciding what to have....after much deliberation I went for a quarter of sherbet strawberries. Such a classic! The shop itself is located on the edge of the Arcadian and is very easy to find but a word of warning, it does seem to have limited opening hours. Be sure to have a check if its going to be open before you head down to have your sweet craving satisfied!

I love a good old-fashioned sweet shop. Mr Chill's is an authentic 1930s sweet shop that is part of…read morethe historic National Trust Birmingham Back to Back houses. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time. The dark wood counter is laden with all sorts of tooth-rotting fun, like gobstoppers, licorice whips and sherbet fountains. The shelves behind heave under the weight of giant jars of boiled sweets. Some old-style sweet shops tend to feel rather fake and forced, but the historical setting of Mr Chill's and the authentic interior make it all seem real. It must be said that the sweet prices are far from old fashioned, with a 100g setting you back about £1.20. Best get saving that pocket money!

Redpoint climbing center, the super friendly staff, the super yummy cakes/coffee are awesome…read more I am so shocked to see two reviews on here that are less than 5 stars, no disrespect intended but were you guys on drugs or drunk when you climbed there? A very clean and tidy place with great (real graded)routes, the staff are awesome there all great climbers so if you need advice /pointers/help with a climb or whatever they are always more than willing to ablige. Great work guys keep on rockin.

Booked my daughter's 11th birthday party at Redpoint for her and 7 friends - what a fantastic…read moreplace! The kids all loved it (even the ones that were scared of heights). The staff were brilliant - excellent team leaders and confidence builders. I just wish I could've had a go - but my daughter said I'd embarrass her too much! The party was 10 days ago and the kids are still saying it's the best party they've ever been to. I would highly recommend it!

Just received my order from them, couldn't be happier with the service! Will be using again :)read more

This place is another indoor play area for kids, they seem to be the only places I get to visit…read morenowadays!! It is actually fairly small and so can get fairly crowded at weekends and durin the school holidays. There are seperate areas for over and under fives and free squash for the kids . The party area is very small and i really would not recommend this. I once went to a party that they had double booked and all the parents and kids had to traipse into the attached pub for the party food. Because the pace was packed we had to stand in the aisles watching our children eat while other diners gave us dirty looks!!! Not fun on a saturday afternoon i can tell you. It is worth going to todler time during term time though as the entrance fee is a little cheaper and also parent/ carer gets a free drink and there is hardly anyone there. So you can take a book or watch the big screen tv while your child is occupied and happy and you can enjoy a bit of R & R. Parking is great and for those parents needing the support of an alcoholic beverage prior to any type of kids activity, the pubs next door.

treasure island is similar to wacky warehouse. It isnt…read morelinked to a pub but you are able to get snacks and drinks there. the under 5s area is great for my under 1,but probably less entertaining for 4 and 5 year olds who like to run riot and end up in the older one anyway, the over 5s is fantastic and provides hours of fun for the kids. the whole place has a happy feel about it, and the staff are fantastic and helpfull. the prices are around average for what you get. but my kids love it and it provides cheap fun.

This is an indoor play area for kids very similar to wacky warehouse, but not linked to a pub,…read morewhich may be a good or a bad thing depending on your point of view. It is fairly small and the under fives area is fairly boring but ableit accessible if your an over anxious first time mum/ parent who likes to constantly be watching your child. Food and drink is ok, i would recommend the nachos but with the amount of cheese on them you may as well spread them on your thighs immediately cause thats where they're gonna end up anyway. The over fives area is compact but looks good fun, wouldnt mind having a go myself! The kids get an excellent workout and you get a an hour or so reading a mag or relaxing. They also do parties and have a party room complete with birthday throne and a big furry mascot who comes out to unintentionally scare the kids. Parking is limited but you can park easily in the shopping centre carpark and if you take your ticket with you they will refund you two hours parking. Overall very reasonable place and makes a change from the wacky!

This is a really cute place. I'm not a huge beer drinker, but my best friend is. He loves his craft…read morebeer, and his beer app, so there was plenty of choice hung up on the clipboards on the wall. I don't normally go for beer (and I don't drink coffee, their other awesome offering on here, made the bar area smell great though) so I was excited by the actual offerings of speciality tea past calling twining's earl grey as such... staff are lovely, and there were some sexy looking cakes sat on the bar. Then it comes to the pinball machines, up and downstairs- tens of them. We played Star Wars and hobbit pinball, but I wanted to play pretty much every machine. It's awesome, it knows what it is and pulls it off.all reasonably priced too. Ps: great place to find facial hair.

This place is pretty much ideal. It's is not only satisfying the pinball lover in me but also the…read morecaffeine addict and the craft beer rookie. I love everything about the design here, it is clean and minimal with pinball boards in the walls. I had a perfect latte and a slice of lime cake this afternoon but could not resist a quick blast on the Adams family pinball. There are about six machines in total and they are all in epic. The only decision you have to make is not of you want to play, it's which machine to get on which is the hard part! This shop has not been here long and is 100% worth a visit. It's spot on and very me. I am definitely one of tilts new regulars.