How To Have Fun in Birmingham
[/box]Birmingham is a great city for families. For those of you heading down from Huntsville, we have some great ideas for you!
First Stop
McWane Science Center is a favorite in town. There’s so much to do, even a great hands-on mini-aquarium in the basement! This summer, Dora and Diego occupy the 3rd floor, making it very popular. We suggest Mondays to avoid crowds, and, if you’re here by 9am that keeps you out of the crowds as well.
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Hang with the Animals
Another option is of course the Birmingham Zoo. The plus of the zoo is that it also has a small (very small) splashpad that you can use to cool the kids off. Note- you can’t bring your own lunch in. If you’re interested in trying the best finger sandwiches to ever touch your mouth, head to Ousler’s in Mountain Brook (very close to the zoo). These little sammies are divine!
Kiddos Interested in Flying?
Take them to the Southern Museum of Flight. Since this is on the north end of town, you could always zip right over to the outlet mall or Bass Pro Shop. The Bass Pro Shop has a great summer line up of free family camps!
Want to Shop?
We have two ideas for you. One is the Summit. Great store selection, along with great kid-friendly lunch stops- Johnny Rockets, Urban Cookhouse (healthy, local food, great kids’ menu), Which Wich, Chuy’s (may have a wait, but kids get a push-up at the end of their meal!), and so many more. If the heat is too much, pop in to the Carmike on a Thursday for a discounted show- $2 for the movie and small drink/popcorn. The other hot shopping spot is the new outlets at Shops at Grand River. They’re located northeast of town, but well worth the drive. These aren’t your 2nd quality or irregular outlets, these have high quality merchandise at great prices! These just so happen to located across the street from the Bass Pro Shops.
Lunch
You can grab some food and head to Railroad Park for a picnic. If you prefer indoor dining, hit up one of these fun local eateries: Slice Pizza (yummy, indoor/outdoor seating), Rojo (mix of Mex/Amer food, indoor/outdoor, eclectic- people bring their dogs on the patio), or Ted’s Restaurant (a B’ham icon).
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On the Way Home
Gardendale Splash Pad is a few miles north of Birmingham, the perfect place to stop on your way home. It’s free, clean, and will keep the kids happy. There’s a playground as well as the amazing splash pad. Best part? After an hour or so in the sun, there’s a big chance the kiddos will nap the whole way home!
We hope you enjoy your visit to the Magic City! We love our home and can’t wait to share it with you!
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Great info!! I’ve been wanting to take my son to McWane, but wasn’t sure what the best day/time was. Thanks!!
Awesome information! I’ve been wanting to take my boys to Birmingham and this is a great list of things to do in the area!
Thanks for this cool information! We were already planning a weekend trip to Bham. Now we are sure to leave happy!
Thank you for this post! We have friends in Birmingham we want to go visit and hang out with; this gives us some ideas!!
Money saving tip for McWane: currently, our Chick-fil-a’s have a coupon on every bag for one free child’s admission.
Wow!! Which Chicfila are you referring to? I will def. stop in on our way there. Thanks!!
Any of the ones in B’ham, there are 2 downtown that are close to McWane.
We definitely need a day away. McWane sounds like a great idea!
We love McWane! My kids thoroughly enjoy it and beg to go back. I wish our center here was as nice!
Love this place, totally worth the drive from Hsv!
I love the idea of child friendly day (and how about half day) trips. I was just looking at a time to hit the zoo or McWane center. I hear the zoo has a suds area for the kids.
This sounds like a blast!! Thanks for the info!!!
Thanks for the info! I have been thinking about taking my kids to McWane Center.
Thank you so much for this information! We are into day trips, but never know which way to go. Looking forward to your other day trip articles to be posted throughout the month!
We love McWane! My family went a few years ago and had a blast. I need to take my kiddos back soon. I know my youngest would love the Dora and Diego exhibit!
Thanks for all the info about Birmingham!! We have never been to the Mcwane center, sounds like a fun place!!
Lots of great options! Thanks!!
Love the McWane center…and museums in general. Definitely a great way to beat the heat and enjoy a day with the kids.
Sounds like fun!
Great info!
I would love to win the tickets and take my 3 kids to the McWane Center. They have been wanting to go there. I hope we win. It would make them so happy!
I have been wanting to plan a trip to B’ham for a while now so this is very timely!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful info. 🙂
Flip Burger Boutique is great at the Summit in Birmingham…really interesting menu and hip decor. Good for older and well-behaved children.
The Oak Mountain State Park in Birmingham, AL is great. Take time to visit the Petting Farm!