You just have to love Spring Time in Birmingham! The yo-yo weather and calendar full of events make for some fun times around the city!
The State Fair has arrived at Oak Mountain and there are a couple of Earth Day Celebrations happening, check out Railroad Park for a picnic of the Earth or Ruffner Mountain where they’ll be showing The Lorax.
The Barons are at their beautiful new home until Wednesday, it’s perfect weather for catching a game!
Have a great week!
It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!
Sunday April 21st:
Picnic for the Earth – Railroad Park
Get outside and celebrate Earth Day with good food and great company! The Nature Conservancy will host its second annual Picnic for Earth: All Hands on Earth Picnic benefiting The Nature Conservancy at Railroad Park.
The event includes a variety of environmental-themed activities; live music from the Magic City Choral Society, Red Mountain White Trash and Phil & Walon; a fun-filled kids’ area complete with giant Earth balls and animal encounters from The Birmingham Zoo; outdoor works of art on display for sale; and lots of picnicking. This free event is a part of the Conservancy’s worldwide effort to unite millions for a healthy planet!
Pack a picnic or purchase food onsite from Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q. They will sell picnic lunches during the Picnic with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The Nature Conservancy’s conservation work in Alabama.
Noon – 3pm
Lorax Earth Day Fun – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Join us for this family fun Earth Day celebration! Dr. Seuss wrote about environmental concerns in his book “The Lorax,” published in 1971, with a conservation message that still rings true today. We will kick off the celebration with a reading of “The Lorax” at 1:30 pm. Activities will include: recycled and nature inspired crafts, a guided 1/2 mile hike at 2:30 pm, meeting and learning about native Alabama animals at 3:30 pm, and learning some of the ways we can help out our planet.
Birmingham Barons – Regions Park
Barons take on Hunstville
3:00pm
Oak Mountain, State Fair
The Oak Mountain State Fair has partnered with North American Midway Entertainment, the world’s largest traveling outdoor amusement park. They provide a safe midway experience including Rides, Games and Food to over 15 million fair-goers every single year in 20 states and 4 Canadian provinces, including 10 of the top 50 fairs in North America.
Your family will experience a clean and safe environment while at the Oak Mountain State Fair with something for everyone from babies to 70 years old.
On our music stages we have Casey James, winner of Fox6’s American Idol; Colt Ford and Alan Jackson w/ Tate Stephens, from Fox’s X-Factor. You also won’t want to miss the Nerveless Knocks or Animal Planet’s Gator Boys.
This is guaranteed fun for the whole family!!
1pm
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Monday April 22nd:
Birmingham Barons – Regions Park
Barons take on Hunstville
11:30am
Toddler Tales – North Shelby Library
A story program for children and a caregiver. Stories, songs, finger plays and crafts make up a lively program designed especially for short attention spans. Best suited for ages 19 months to 3 years. Must Register
9:30am and 10:30am
Oak Mountain, State Fair
The Oak Mountain State Fair has partnered with North American Midway Entertainment, the world’s largest traveling outdoor amusement park. They provide a safe midway experience including Rides, Games and Food to over 15 million fair-goers every single year in 20 states and 4 Canadian provinces, including 10 of the top 50 fairs in North America.
Your family will experience a clean and safe environment while at the Oak Mountain State Fair with something for everyone from babies to 70 years old.
On our music stages we have Casey James, winner of Fox6’s American Idol; Colt Ford and Alan Jackson w/ Tate Stephens, from Fox’s X-Factor. You also won’t want to miss the Nerveless Knocks or Animal Planet’s Gator Boys.
This is guaranteed fun for the whole family!!
5pm – 11pm
Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
All ages welcome. Delicious freshly popped popcorn along with juice will be served to all children in attendance.
3:30pm
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Tuesday April 23rd:
Birmingham Barons – Regions Park
Barons take on Huntsville
7:05pm
Hippo Adventures – Birmingham Museum of Art
Meet at the Information Desk outside Bart’s ArtVenture! Join us for a new in-gallery family experience! Children aged 3 – 8 and their adult companions are invited to join Museum educators to explore Hip, Hippo, Hooray!, discover activities that make looking at art fun and exciting, and create new family memories about art and hippos.
No reservations required. Hippo Adventures are also available by appointment for groups of 10 or more children aged 3 – 8. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 205.254.2964.
10:30am
Auntie Litter Earth Day Celebration – Birmingham Zoo
Guests will learn about the dangers posed to the environment, how to eliminate litter, practice the environmental 3 R’s (Reuse, Reduce Waste and Recycle), conserve natural resources and protect the environment. Activities will include a performance by Auntie Litter, science shows, educational exhibits and a Wildlife Show.
*These activities are included with the price of Zoo admission.
School groups are welcome to attend this special Earth Day event. Click here to place your group reservation.
Oak Mountain, State Fair
The Oak Mountain State Fair has partnered with North American Midway Entertainment, the world’s largest traveling outdoor amusement park. They provide a safe midway experience including Rides, Games and Food to over 15 million fair-goers every single year in 20 states and 4 Canadian provinces, including 10 of the top 50 fairs in North America.
Your family will experience a clean and safe environment while at the Oak Mountain State Fair with something for everyone from babies to 70 years old.
On our music stages we have Casey James, winner of Fox6’s American Idol; Colt Ford and Alan Jackson w/ Tate Stephens, from Fox’s X-Factor. You also won’t want to miss the Nerveless Knocks or Animal Planet’s Gator Boys.
This is guaranteed fun for the whole family!!
5pm – 11pm
Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for the best part of your week with stories that make you laugh and songs that make you dance! Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome. For large groups, a call to 332-6619 is nice.
10:30am
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Wednesday April 24th:
Birmingham Barons – Regions Park
Barons take on Huntsville
11:ooam
Oak Mountain, State Fair
The Oak Mountain State Fair has partnered with North American Midway Entertainment, the world’s largest traveling outdoor amusement park. They provide a safe midway experience including Rides, Games and Food to over 15 million fair-goers every single year in 20 states and 4 Canadian provinces, including 10 of the top 50 fairs in North America.
Your family will experience a clean and safe environment while at the Oak Mountain State Fair with something for everyone from babies to 70 years old.
On our music stages we have Casey James, winner of Fox6’s American Idol; Colt Ford and Alan Jackson w/ Tate Stephens, from Fox’s X-Factor. You also won’t want to miss the Nerveless Knocks or Animal Planet’s Gator Boys.
This is guaranteed fun for the whole family!!
5pm – 11pm
Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we read The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot! What will happen when a little boy says he saw Bigfoot, and will anyone believe him? We will make something fun and have a yummy treat from the Cafe.
11am
Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am
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Thursday April 25th:
Oak Mountain, State Fair
The Oak Mountain State Fair has partnered with North American Midway Entertainment, the world’s largest traveling outdoor amusement park. They provide a safe midway experience including Rides, Games and Food to over 15 million fair-goers every single year in 20 states and 4 Canadian provinces, including 10 of the top 50 fairs in North America.
Your family will experience a clean and safe environment while at the Oak Mountain State Fair with something for everyone from babies to 70 years old.
On our music stages we have Casey James, winner of Fox6’s American Idol; Colt Ford and Alan Jackson w/ Tate Stephens, from Fox’s X-Factor. You also won’t want to miss the Nerveless Knocks or Animal Planet’s Gator Boys.
This is guaranteed fun for the whole family!!
5pm – 11pm
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Friday April 26th:
Oak Mountain, State Fair
The Oak Mountain State Fair has partnered with North American Midway Entertainment, the world’s largest traveling outdoor amusement park. They provide a safe midway experience including Rides, Games and Food to over 15 million fair-goers every single year in 20 states and 4 Canadian provinces, including 10 of the top 50 fairs in North America.
Your family will experience a clean and safe environment while at the Oak Mountain State Fair with something for everyone from babies to 70 years old.
On our music stages we have Casey James, winner of Fox6’s American Idol; Colt Ford and Alan Jackson w/ Tate Stephens, from Fox’s X-Factor. You also won’t want to miss the Nerveless Knocks or Animal Planet’s Gator Boys.
This is guaranteed fun for the whole family!!
5pm – 11pm
Bargain Carousel – Former JCPenney location at the back of Century Plaza mall.
A 1000-family garage sale, Bargain Carousel has been labeled the “largest garage sale in Birmingham.” The Junior League of Birmingham’s Bargain Carousel provides shoppers with quality items at affordable prices.
The proceeds raised at Bargain Carousel are returned to the community through the Junior League of Birmingham’s 30 Community Projects.
3pm – 7pm
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Saturday April 27th:
Earth Day at the Gardens – Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Alabama’s longest continuously-running Earth Day event, Earth Day at The Gardens. Over 40 earth-friendly exhibitors will have booths displaying family friendly activities and information. Dozens of local and regional organizations focused on issues such as conservation, energy efficiency and clean air will fill the Formal Garden, the lawn in front of the Conservatory, with fun-filled, family-focused activities.
9am – 5pm
Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from our galleries and art activity each month. Stop by to make art with Bart!
April Abstractions // African Patterns! Try your hand at creating textures and patterns found in the new African Ceramics gallery.
11am
Bargain Carousel – Former JCPenney location at the back of Century Plaza mall.
A 1000-family garage sale, Bargain Carousel has been labeled the “largest garage sale in Birmingham.” The Junior League of Birmingham’s Bargain Carousel provides shoppers with quality items at affordable prices.
The proceeds raised at Bargain Carousel are returned to the community through the Junior League of Birmingham’s 30 Community Projects.
8am – 5pm
Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.
Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read Super Ladybug to the Rescue. We will find out how a ladybug rescues animals in trouble. We will make something fun and have a treat from the Cafe.
11am
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Sunday April 28th:
Oak Mountain, State Fair
The Oak Mountain State Fair has partnered with North American Midway Entertainment, the world’s largest traveling outdoor amusement park. They provide a safe midway experience including Rides, Games and Food to over 15 million fair-goers every single year in 20 states and 4 Canadian provinces, including 10 of the top 50 fairs in North America.
Your family will experience a clean and safe environment while at the Oak Mountain State Fair with something for everyone from babies to 70 years old.
On our music stages we have Casey James, winner of Fox6’s American Idol; Colt Ford and Alan Jackson w/ Tate Stephens, from Fox’s X-Factor. You also won’t want to miss the Nerveless Knocks or Animal Planet’s Gator Boys.
This is guaranteed fun for the whole family!!
1pm – 11pm
Family Fun and Fitness Day – City of Montevallo, Orr Park
The City of Montevallo will hold its annual family festival, Montevallo Family Fun and Fitness Day. This year, through the efforts of the Park and Recreation Board, the University of Montevallo, ValloCycle, and the Boys and Girls Club, the event will offer a variety of activities and demonstrations. Health, nature, and sustainability will be emphasized in displays through out the park.
Participants in the Montevallo Elementary School PE ½ Marathon and the Middle School Marathon Run will complete their challenge beginning at 3:00 pm on FFF Day and receive medals for their accomplishments.
Hikers will have an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Parks Trail and bikers will have a guided 3-4 mile ride. Exciting activities such as rock climbing, golf, tai chi, yoga and zumba will be demonstrated during the day.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a day of outdoor activities with your family! Admission to the event is FREE! Crafts and food will be available for purchase.
2pm – 4pm
Bargain Carousel – Former JCPenney location at the back of Century Plaza mall.
A 1000-family garage sale, Bargain Carousel has been labeled the “largest garage sale in Birmingham.” The Junior League of Birmingham’s Bargain Carousel provides shoppers with quality items at affordable prices.
The proceeds raised at Bargain Carousel are returned to the community through the Junior League of Birmingham’s 30 Community Projects.
1pm – 5pm
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Local Attractions Open Daily!
McWane Science Center:
IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: The Last Reef, Santa and the Snowman, Rocky Mountain Express
The Tornadoes of April 27th – Looking Back — Moving Forward, a new exhibit at McWane Science Center, reflects on the experiences of the April 27th, 2011 storms. The exhibit shares personal stories from those who experienced the devastation of the storms firsthand, while emphasizing the importance of tornado preparedness and explaining the science behind tornadoes.
Photos and stories from The Birmingham News help tell the story of the storms and the affect they had on survivors, volunteers, and the community as a whole. Students from Daniel Payne Middle School also help tell the story of their school and community through photos and artifacts from the storm for the exhibit. UAB students worked with the children from Daniel Payne Middle School to create short documentaries that can be seen in the exhibit as well.
In addition to sharing the personal stories from that day, the goal of this exhibit is to inform the community about how to prepare for extreme weather conditions, explaining the science of tornadoes and stressing awareness.
With vivid displays, the exhibit allows visitors the opportunity to learn about the scientific side of tornadoes. Graphics within the exhibit illustrate tornado formation and anatomy, educating visitors on how such extreme weather conditions develop. Additionally, the exhibit displays statistics and disputes common myths concerning the destructive storms.
Guests can watch live video from the storms that rolled across our state on April 27th, 2011, including the
weather forecasts from that day and actual images of the tornado as it made its way through our area provided by FOX6 WBRC. The exhibit is located in the City Gallery on Level 2 of the museum this summer.
Be Ready Alabama Exhibit Presented by:
The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
www.readyalabama.org
Animal Grossology
Experience a new exhibit that is oozing with science as you meet some of the slimiest and yuckiest creatures on Earth! You’ll never look at the animal kingdom the same way after you see “ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY!”
The Animal Grossology exhibition, based on a popular series of books by science teacher Sylvia Branzei, is an educational experience grounded in the theory that the best way to get kids interested in science is to present it in terms they find most appealing. Let’s face it, topics such as slime, vomit, dookies and other gross stuff are completely fascinating for your average six to 14-year-old.
By physically stepping into the Animal Grossology exhibition, these subjects have become an interactive, larger-than-life biology lesson that harnesses kid’s natural curiosity about themselves and teaches them about how animals function.
Oozing with disgusting science and interactive learning games, the all-new “Animal Grossology” exhibit is sure to provide a unique perspective on the animal kingdom. Museum guests will experience some of the slimiest, stinkiest and downright yuckiest creatures on earth.
The exhibition contains solid science and introduces it in a way that makes kids giggle. It’s science disguised in interactive entertainment and kids are more apt to learn when they’re having fun doing it. You may think leeches are pretty gross but they’re used after some surgeries to assist in the healing process. Did you know that cows are one of the gassiest animals on earth? Learn why the dung beetle is nature’s living pooper scooper and why scientists are studying slug and snail slime production for clues in treating cystic fibrosis.
Animal Grossology is a temporary travelling exhibit created and produced by Advanced Exhibits, a division of Advanced Animations LLC, in collaboration with Sylvia Branzei, the author of the GROSSOLOGY series of books. The books are published through Price Stern Sloan, a member of Penguin (USA) Inc.
Birmingham Zoo:
Lorikeet Aviary – Our Lorikeet Aviary has more birds than ever! Zoo guests can feed these exotic birds every day. You and your family will see these birds’ behavior as they eat nectar out of your hand.
Weekends 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.
RHINO ENCOUNTER – Embark on an African adventure and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Southern White Rhino. Watch from only feet away as our zookeepers engage in hands-on interaction with the animals inside their African-themed exhibit. Don’t miss this exciting encounter with one of the largest mammals on the planet!
Weekdays: 3pm – 3:30pm
Weekends: 11:30am – Noon & 3pm – 3:30 pm
GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am & 2pm – 3pm
Vulcan Park and Museum:
Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!
Railroad Park:
Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.
Southern Museum of Flight:
Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm
Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!
** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call, especially when weather can impact the event.
