We’re changing things up a bit this week since we’re headed into spring break week. If you aren’t off to the beach, here are some things to keep you and the little ones busy around town!
Lots of movies and fun at your local libraries, the Birmingham Zoo will have special programming each day and the fountains will be open!
Don’t forget about our local parks, and the trails are now open at Red Mountain Park, if you haven’t been out there, Spring Break will be a good time to go!
We know a couple of Spring Break camps still have a few spots available, if you haven’t signed up yet, you might be in luck! But hurry!
It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!
Saturday March 17th:
Kites and Ice Cream – Railroad Park
Kites + Ice Cream + Free + Railroad Park = This Saturday! FREE ice cream & kites this Saturday thanks to Eastview Healthcare Center! “Senior Kite Day”
11am-3pm on the 17th St Plaza. Event is free and open to all!
St Patrick’s Day Science – McWane Science Center
Don’t miss the ooey-gooey green experiments on St. Patrick’s Day!
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
Ruffner Mountain CSI 101: Critter Scene Investagation
Have you ever dreamed of being a detective? After taking this course, you’ll be a true nature investigator. We’ll practice looking at nature evidence, including everything from scat, to tracks and broken branches. We will take a walk to search for clues and put our newfound skills to work! Students will receive a CSI 101 Certificate after completing this course.
$10/ $7 (member)
2 PM – 4 PM
Tannehill Trade Days – Tannehill State Park
Shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures.
8am-4pm
Park admission
$3.00 Adults (12 years and older)
$2.00 Seniors (Ages 62 and older)
$1.00 Children (Ages 6-11) ages 5 and under free
Info Phone: 205-477-5711
Barts Book – Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart selects one book each month about art that he thinks 4–7 year olds will enjoy. This month’s selection is My Dog Thinks I am a Genius by Harriet Ziefert.
11am
Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.
Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some art of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month highlights a different gallery and features a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
11am
Spring Kids Fest – Riverchase Galleria
Join us for free family fun at our Spring Kids Fest! Kids ages 2-12 are invited to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of face painting, crafts, games, music, dancing, prizes, and more.
Plus, the Easter Bunny will make a special appearance from 11:00am to noon.
11am – 3pm
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.
Lucky Tucker Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and read Lucky Tucker. See what happens when Tucker the dog finds some four leaf clovers. We will make a craft and have something from the Cafe.
11am
—————————————————————————————
Sunday March 18th:
Tannehill Trade Days – Tannehill State Park
Shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures.
8am-4pm
Park admission
$3.00 Adults (12 years and older)
$2.00 Seniors (Ages 62 and older)
$1.00 Children (Ages 6-11) ages 5 and under free
Info Phone: 205-477-5711
Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.
Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some art of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month highlights a different gallery and features a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
1pm
—————————————————————————————
Monday March 19th:
Spring Break Cinema – Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
Come watch some fun movies in our children’s story time room. Bring a snack (or lunch), a drink, and a blanket so you can kick back and relax!
*Gnomeo and Juliet
11:30am
Special Aquarium Programming – McWane Science Center
Meet amazing creatures from around the world in the aquarium including sharks, jellyfish, sting rays, an octopus and even sea horses!
Gulf Feedings – 1:30
Pirate Party – McWane Science Center
What arrrrrr you doing this Spring Break?
Dress like a pirate and set sail for an educational voyage during the Pirate Party at McWane Science Center. Join our crew as we explore the museum and aquarium on a treasure hunt with fun activities. As you navigate your way through the aquarium discover an octopus, touch a shark and see a horseshoe crab up close during exciting programs!
TIMES: 10 AM – 4 PM
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
Monday Mammals – Oak Mountain State Park
There are many mammals in Alabama. They should be emerging from their hibernation locations. Let’s see how many we can find. Come to the Campground Pavilion (B-side) at 10a.m. Free after admission into Oak Mountain State Park.
Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
Come join us as your library is transformed into a movie theater with real movie popcorn.
Snacks will be provided.
3:30pm
—————————————————————————————
Tuesday March 20th
Harlem Globetrotters – Pete Hannah Center, Samford University
The World Famous Harlem Globetrotters bring their ridiculous basketball skills and amazing athletes to the Pete Hanna Center in Birmingham, AL. Don’t miss this must see family fun event! Don’t forget to get your discounted tickets here, before you go!
7pm
Spring Break Cinema – Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
Come watch some fun movies in our children’s story time room. Bring a snack (or lunch), a drink, and a blanket so you can kick back and relax!
*Ramona and Beezus
11:30am
Birmingham Museum of Art: * Multiple Event Listings *
Artbreak: Kids Connection:
Looking for something to do over Spring break? Why not explore the art of looking with your child. Assistant Curator of Education Kristen Greenwood gives tips on how connect with art here or anywhere.
12pm
Doodle 4 Google:
Google employees are coming to the BMA to facilitate a contest where kids K-12 can design the next Google logo. The winning design will not only be featured on Google’s homepage, but the winner will receive a $30,000 college scholarship. As for the runner-ups, they get their clever designs hung on the walls of our Museum in a special Doodle 4 Google exhibition starting in July.
Barts Art Cart:
Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some art of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. This Spring Break, learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
11am
Bart’s Books:
Bart’s Spring Break adventure continues! Bart the Art Bat selects books about art that he thinks 4–7 year olds will enjoy. Come out to hear a special reading by a Museum volunteer.
Children’s Films:
Come out to the Museum during Spring Break for a FREE children’s movie marathon in our auditorium!
Library Scavenger Hunt – Hoover Public Library
Unlock the secrets of the library in our fun-filled team scavenger hunt. Grades 6-12. Part of SPRING BREAK: SUSPENSE IN THE STACKS – Free
4pm
Special Aquarium Programming – McWane Science Center
Meet amazing creatures from around the world in the aquarium including sharks, jellyfish, sting rays, an octopus and even sea horses!
Octopus Feedings – 1:30
Pirate Party – McWane Science Center
What arrrrrr you doing this Spring Break?
Dress like a pirate and set sail for an educational voyage during the Pirate Party at McWane Science Center. Join our crew as we explore the museum and aquarium on a treasure hunt with fun activities. As you navigate your way through the aquarium discover an octopus, touch a shark and see a horseshoe crab up close during exciting programs!
TIMES: 10 AM – 4 PM
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
Tuesday Tweets – Oak Mountain State Park
Spring is springing & the birds should be tweeting. Let’s get out, look, and listen for signs of birds.
Meet at 10a.m. at the Treetop Nature Trail (base of stairs) on Terrace Drive. Bring your listening ears and binoculars, if you have them. Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park.
Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for the fun of it! In honor of St. Patrick’s Day we are hosting a very Irish Story Time. All ages welcome.
10:30am
—————————————————————————————
Wednesday March 21st:
The Adventure of Tin Tin – Alabama Theatre
Come join us at the Alabama Theater as we present The Adventures of Tin Tin! Intrepid reporter Tintin and Captain Haddock set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship commanded by Haddock’s ancestor.
Tickets: $7, available at the door. Info Phone: 205-251-0418
11:00am
Spring Break Cinema – Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
Come watch some fun movies in our children’s story time room. Bring a snack (or lunch), a drink, and a blanket so you can kick back and relax!
*We’re Back! A Dinosaurs Story
11:30am
Scooby Dooby Doo – Where are you? Hoover Public Library
The Mystery Machine is back! Watch Scooby and the gang search for clues and track down the bad guy. Featuring the talented staff of the Hoover Public Library. Fun for the whole family! Part of SPRING BREAK: SUSPENSE IN THE STACKS
10:30am
Special Aquarium Programming – McWane Science Center
Meet amazing creatures from around the world in the aquarium including sharks, jellyfish, sting rays, an octopus and even sea horses!
Gulf Feedings – 1:30
In the Woods Wednesday – Oak Mountain State Park
There’s so much to find in the woods. We are going to explore & touch to expand our knowledge of the world around us.
Meet at the Campground Pavilion (B-side) at 10a.m. to explore. Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park.
Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read Kite Day. See what happens when bear and mole decide to make a kite. We will make a craft and have something yummy 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
—————————————————————————————
Thursday March 22nd:
Spring Break Cinema – Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
Come watch some fun movies in our children’s story time room. Bring a snack (or lunch), a drink, and a blanket so you can kick back and relax!
*RIO
11:30am
Special Aquarium Programming – McWane Science Center
Meet amazing creatures from around the world in the aquarium including sharks, jellyfish, sting rays, an octopus and even sea horses!
Gulf Dive – 10:30am
Octopus Feedings – 1:30
Tiny Treasures – Oak Mountain State Park
Let’s get DIRTY! Come dig in the dirt & turn over rocks to see the tiny creatures of the world.
Meet at 10a.m. at the Campground Pavilion (B-side). Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park.
—————————————————————————————
Friday March 23rd:
Spring Break Cinema – Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
Come watch some fun movies in our children’s story time room. Bring a snack (or lunch), a drink, and a blanket so you can kick back and relax!
*Cars 2
11:30am
Special Aquarium Programming – McWane Science Center
Meet amazing creatures from around the world in the aquarium including sharks, jellyfish, sting rays, an octopus and even sea horses!
Gulf Feedings – 1:30
Ribbit Ribbit – Oak Mountain State Park
Have you heard frogs calling after it has rained? Or seen a mass of jelly in a pond & wanted to know what it was? Come learn about the animals we call frogs and toads. Meet at 2p.m. at the Campground Pavilion (B-side). Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park.
—-———————————————————————————
Saturday March 24th:
Family Geocaching – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Geocaching is often described as a combination of an outdoor scavenger hunt mixed with hide and seek. This course is perfect for those interested in learning more about how to geocache, as well as those who just need a little guidance. Families will learn the basics of geocaching and have the opportunity to search for caches on the mountain. Each family needs to have at least one handheld GPS unit or smartphone with a GPS geocaching app. $10/ family. Reservations required. Reserve your spot at shop.ruffnermountain.org.
10am – 12pm
Ride the Train! Opening Day – Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Welcome to the 2012 season! Enjoy a historic train ride through the forests of Shelby County on our family-friendly railroad! Relive the golden age of railroads and the people who built them as you view railroad artifacts, memorabilia, and books in restored depots, and visit the Railroad Signal Yard. Groups welcome!
Train departures at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
Adult $12
Child $8
Caboose $20
Locomotive $30
Info Phone: 205-757-8383
Cartoons and Cereal – Homewood Public Library
Wake up and join us to watch some of the best of Saturday morning cartoons and munch on a bowl of cereal.
9:30am – 11:30am
Barts Book – Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart selects one book each month about art that he thinks 4–7 year olds will enjoy. This month’s selection is My Dog Thinks I am a Genius by Harriet Ziefert.
11am
Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.
Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some art of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month highlights a different gallery and features a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
11am
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
Please join us for Storytime as we read I Don’t Want to Be a Pea. Find out what happens when two friends can’t agree on what to be for a party. We will make a craft and have something delicious from our Cafe.
11am
—————————————————————————————
Sunday March 25th:
Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
In March, Bart will take a cue from an ancient African proverb to construct gold linguist staffs.
Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some art of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month highlights a different gallery and features a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
1pm