Take the Kids to the Magic City: Exploring Birmingham
Birmingham has a lot to offer when it comes to kid and family activities. Just a quick drive south from Huntsville, you’ll find it to be the perfect day trip or weekend destination!
Get Your Science On!
The McWane Science Center is a staple for locals and visitors alike. Parents will find a mix of permanent and traveling exhibits that change throughout the year. McWane also features an IMAX Dome and the Itty Bitty Magic City. Itty Bitty caters to their youngest visitors, Kindergarten and younger, and encourages young children’s love of learning through the four major types of play: Physical, Exploratory, Constructive and Imaginative Play.
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With 3 levels of fun and a hands on mini aquarium in the basement, the McWane Science Center is a great place to spend the day out of the summer heat. You have the option to park in the on-site parking deck for an additional charge. The Bean Sprouts Cafe is inside McWane, or we highly recommend you can take advantage of the Pizitiz Food Hall located across the street from the Science Center. From burgers to traditional Asian Dumplings, the food hall has an eclectic mix of tenants that will make everyone happy!
Take Them Out to the Ballgame
Catch a game at Regions Field, new home of the Birmingham Barons! A state-of-the-art 8,500 seat facility in the heart of downtown. Located in Birmingham’s Parkside District, the stadium features a variety of unique seating areas, creating an intimate atmosphere and offering unique views of the downtown skyline, UAB, Children’s Hospital, Vulcan and Red Mountain.
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The facility incorporates a variety of options for family fun including a Youth Sports Zone, which houses a mini wiffle ball field, a Family Fun Park with inflatables, and Batting Cages located in right field. If a night game isn’t in the cards for you, there are several day games in their schedule each season.
Before the game, spend some time playing at Railroad Park, our Urban Park known as “Birmingham’s Living Room.” 19 acres of green space with a walking track, playground and plenty of grassy area for running free, playing frisbee or just sitting on a blanket enjoying a treat from Birmingham Candy Company, a hometown candy shop, located at the end of the park in a cargo container serving up handcrafted sweets like southern pralines, truffles, and various other treats.
Explore the Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo, like McWane is a staple for families. There are a lot of exciting new exhibits and programs going on at our Zoo. Arrive early to see the Goat Walk every morning at 9:30am, and don’t forget to pack a swimsuit for the kiddos, they’ll enjoy cooling off in the splash pad.
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Shopping and a Movie!
One of our new favorite things to do is catch a movie at Grand River Drive-In. Located just behind the Outlet Shops of Grand River, you can make an entire afternoon/evening by spending some time shopping, having dinner (and an adult beverage) at Neighbors Brew & Pies, then playing a round of Mini Golf or letting the kids have fun on the playground before settling in for a movie on one of their four big screens.
Outdoor Adventures
If exploring the great outdoors is your thing, Birmingham offers many parks for Hiking and Outdoor adventures. Red Mountain Park offers 16 miles of trails and a 6-acre dog park. Oak Mountain State Park is great for hiking, biking, swimming, horseback riding and more. Cabins are available for renting if you’re looking for more than just a day of fun.
Our list of ideas for fun in Birmingham wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention Alabama Adventure & Splash. Two theme parks for the price of one! Slides, waves, and gallons of water fun or ride the rampage roller coaster, get lost in the laser maze or take a spin on the teacups. We hope you enjoy your time in the Magic City!
You Might Also Like…
- 100 Things to do in Birmingham with Kids
- A New Look at Birmingham
- Hit the Road From Huntsville with These Easy Day Trips
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