TL;DR: NEC Lakeside is a free outdoor family space at the NEC Campus in Birmingham, open daily from 9.30am until the end of August. Outdoor cinema, children’s play area, activity trail and garden games – all completely free, no booking needed. Just turn up!
Looking for free things to do in Birmingham this summer? NEC Lakeside is one of the best free family days out in the city right now. Set on the NEC Campus, this outdoor space combines a proper cinema screen showing beloved family films with a children’s play area, activity trail, garden games and picnic seating. CBeebies plays daily from 9.30am, and featured family films screen at 2pm on selected dates throughout July and August.
The best bit? It’s completely free and no booking is required. Whether you’re after a spontaneous morning out or a full day with the kids, just turn up and enjoy!
What is NEC Lakeside?
NEC Lakeside is a free outdoor family space on the NEC Campus in Birmingham, running daily until the end of August. Here’s everything that’s included:
- Outdoor cinema – CBeebies from 9.30am daily, plus featured family films at 2pm on selected dates
- Children’s play area for younger visitors to burn off energy
- Activity trail to explore across the site
- Garden games for all ages
- Picnic seating and food and drink vendors on site
It’s a brilliant option for free summer holiday activities in Birmingham that genuinely work for all ages.
Is NEC Lakeside Cinema Free?
Yes – entry and all screenings are completely free. No tickets, no booking, no catch.
No booking. No tickets. No charge. Just turn up from 9.30am and enjoy.
The only costs you might encounter are food and drink from the on-site vendors – but you’re welcome to bring your own picnic!
NEC Lakeside Cinema Film Listings
Here’s the full lineup of featured family films showing at NEC Lakeside this summer. Films are shown at 2pm on selected dates, so check the date carefully before you head out. We’d also recommend checking the NEC website before you travel, as screenings are subject to change.
July Film Listings
| Date | Film |
|---|---|
| Friday 17 July | Flushed Away |
| Saturday 18 July | Little Mermaid |
| Sunday 19 July | Finding Nemo |
| Friday 24 July | Kung Fu Panda |
| Saturday 25 July | The Incredibles |
| Sunday 26 July | Monsters Inc |
| Friday 31 July | Beauty and the Beast |
August Film Listings
| Date | Film |
|---|---|
| Saturday 1 August | The Secret Life of Pets |
| Sunday 2 August | Tangled |
| Thursday 6 August | Wreckit Ralph |
| Friday 7 August | The Lego Batman Movie |
| Saturday 8 August | Minecraft Movie |
| Sunday 9 August | Coco |
| Thursday 13 August | Angry Birds |
| Friday 14 August | Inside Out |
| Saturday 15 August | Frozen 2 |
| Sunday 16 August | The Lego Movie |
| Friday 21 August | Madagascar |
| Saturday 22 August | The Lion King |
| Sunday 23 August | Zootopia |
| Friday 28 August | Ratatouille |
| Saturday 29 August | Cars |
| Sunday 30 August | Trolls |
What a lineup! Pixar classics like Coco and The Incredibles sit alongside firm family favourites like Frozen 2 and The Lion King. There really is something for every age group.
Films screen at 2pm on selected dates. CBeebies plays daily from 9.30am for younger visitors.
Always check the NEC website before you travel, as screenings are subject to change.
What Else Can Families Do at NEC Lakeside?
The outdoor cinema is just the start! NEC Lakeside is set up as a full free family day out, with activities to fill the whole day:
- Children’s play area – perfect for younger kids to run, climb and burn off energy before the film
- Activity trail – a fun way to explore the site, great if you arrive early
- Garden games – for all ages, keeping older kids and grown-ups entertained too
- Picnic seating – bring your own lunch, or grab something from the food and drink vendors on site
It’s one of those rare summer finds that genuinely works for toddlers, primary-age kids and parents alike!
Where is NEC Lakeside?
NEC Lakeside is located on the NEC Campus in Birmingham, one of the UK’s best-known event and exhibition venues. The campus sits just off the M42, making it easy to reach by car. Birmingham International train station and Birmingham Airport are both a short walk away.
Already planning a bigger day out at the NEC? NEC Lakeside is located near Peppa Pig World of Play Space Adventure at the NEC Campus, so you could combine both into one brilliant day out for younger children!
If you’re exploring days out in the West Midlands this summer, the NEC Campus is well worth adding to your list. Parking is available on site at the NEC, though charges may apply depending on when you visit.
FAQs
Do you have to pay to get into NEC Lakeside Cinema?
Yes! Entry to NEC Lakeside and all outdoor cinema screenings is completely free. There are no tickets to purchase and no booking fees. Just turn up and enjoy!
What time do films start at NEC Lakeside Cinema?
Featured family films start at 2pm on selected dates throughout July and August. CBeebies content plays daily from 9.30am for younger visitors.
Do you need to book NEC Lakeside Cinema?
No booking is required at all. NEC Lakeside operates on a walk-up basis, so you can simply arrive on the day and enjoy the cinema and activities without any advance planning. We do recommend checking the NEC website before you travel, as screenings are subject to change.
Where is NEC Lakeside Cinema?
NEC Lakeside is located on the NEC Campus in Birmingham. The campus is easily accessible by car (just off the M42), and Birmingham International train station and Birmingham Airport are both a short walk away.
What films are showing at NEC Lakeside Cinema?
The summer 2025 programme includes a fantastic mix of family favourites across July and August, including Flushed Away, Zootopia, Minecraft Movie, Finding Nemo, Frozen 2, Monsters Inc, Beauty and the Beast, The Secret Life of Pets, Tangled, Kung Fu Panda, The Lego Batman Movie, The Little Mermaid, Coco, Angry Birds, Inside Out, The Incredibles, The Lego Movie, Madagascar, The Lion King, Ratatouille and Trolls. See the full listings above for specific dates.
What else is there to do at NEC Lakeside?
As well as the outdoor cinema, NEC Lakeside features a children’s play area, an activity trail, garden games, picnic seating and food and drink vendors. CBeebies also plays on the outdoor screen daily from 9.30am. It’s a brilliant free day out for the whole family!