4th of July Scavenger Hunt

Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2017 by Angie

Here’s a fun little printable for you to take with you to your 4th of July Celebrations.. Just print this out and let the kids spend the day looking for these 4th of July themed items!

Follow this link for your FREE 4th of July Scavenger Hunt!

The Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun! June 16th – June 18th

Posted on Friday, June 16, 2017 by Angie

So much fun to be had around Birmingham this Father’s Day Weekend! Check out our Top Five Picks for keeping the family busy and having fun!

Birmingham Barons V. Jackson at Regions Field

Splash Into Summer at McWane Science Center

Paw Patrol Special Character Event at Skyzone

Sky Zone Hoover is fired up to welcome back a few of your favorite pups! Take your toddlers to the sky & see which helpful pups they can spy! Space is limited, so purchase your ONLINE TICKETS for this special event.
Saturday, June 17th – 8:30am – 10am

Taco Fest at Avondale Brewing Company

Come join us in tasting the best tacos from Birmingham restaurants and food trucks.
Saturday, June 17th – 1pm – 6pm

Celebrate Dad!

Spend some time celebrating Dad this Father’s Day with one of the many special events happening around town, including FREE mini golf at Coyote Drive in with every movie ticket purchased from 5:30 -9:30pm on Sunday! For more fun events for Dad, check our post highlighting all the deals!

Thank you to our Friday Five Sponsor, Ultra Blast Laser Combat Center! Make sure to check out the newest, most advanced, and largest Laser Tag venue in Birmingham. A 9,000 square ft. arena and 4 party rooms. Located at:

157 Resource Center Pkwy, Ste 107
Birmingham, Alabama

Dinosaur Explore At Stone Mountain Park

Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2017 by Angie

A few weeks ago we got the chance to meet “Bagel” the T-Rex who has taken up residence at Stone Mountain Park as part of the new Dinosaur Explore Exhibit. While meeting a T-Rex for the first time can be a little scary, we have to say this guy was pretty sweet.

Dinosaur Explore is now open and will run throughout the 2017 season. The prehistoric creature collection features more than 20 life-size dinosaurs with special effects allowing them to move and roar just like their ancient ancestors. Families will find their favorites among them including the giant Tyrannosaurus Rex, often referred to as the king of the dinosaurs. Two gentle, plant-eating brachiosaurus will tower above guests over 20 feet tall and 33 feet long. The collection also includes the three-horned triceratops, a ferocious allosaurus, a winged pteranodon and many more scientifically accurate species.

Dinosaur Explore is only available on “Attractions Open” days, and is included in a daily Adventure Pass and an annual Mountain Membership. Make sure to check their calendar for dates and hours of operation prior to your visit.

Photo Credit: Scott Butler, LAH Real Estate

In addition to the dinos this summer, Stone Mountain park is full of fun for the whole family! From the Summit Skyride, and the Camp Highland Outpost with it’s exciting outdoor challenges, including rock walls to climb, plus a low ropes course with multiple line bridges, to the spectacular Lasershow happening nightly through August 5th.

Make sure to put this on your list of things to do this summer, if you’re looking for a good day trip or weekend adventure just a short drive from Birmingham!

Think Outside the Gym: On the Go Workouts for Moms- Stadiums

Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 by Contributor

By: Erin Holtz

Are you a busy parent shuttling kids from piano lessons, soccer practice, football games, summer camps, or after school activities? As I Personal Train, I hear daily complaints of how moms (and dads) do not have the time to work out or eat healthy. It’s an ongoing problem now that our lives are getting busier with our children doing extra-curricular activities, sports, and lessons in the evenings and on the weekends.

Whether you are at football practice, the soccer stadium, the splash pad, or the playground there is always a way to fit in your workout. Of course, you don’t want to neglect watching your children, but if they are under a coach’s or instructor’s supervision then it should be safe enough to grab a few of your friends and do a quick workout.

Over the next few blog posts I will be showing you how to make the most of your time while being a taxi service for your kids. Start thinking about what you can use for your workout when you’re waiting on your kids to finish practice at a stadium. Most people only think of running stadium stairs, but there are many more exercises you can incorporate. Try using the stairs for tricep dips, elevated lunges, push-ups, planks, box jumps, and sprints. There are a million things you can do using stadium stairs, but these are a few of my favorites. Check out my quick stadium workout below or create your own.

When you are finished with your workout, throw on a hat, apply a few sprays of dry shampoo, and bring a dry shirt to put on so you can jump back into your busy schedule.

Stadium/field workout: (See Pictures Below)

walk/jog 1-2 laps around stadium to warm-up
1-2 Stair runs
12 incline push-ups
12 jumping jacks
12 tricep dips
walking lunges up steps
repeat 2-3 times

1-2 Stair runs
12 pulls ups using hand rail
12 star jumps
12 high knees
walking lunges up steps
repeat 2-3 times

Cool down and stretch!

About Erin:

Erin is a Personal Trainer, Athletic Trainer, business owner and a mom/ With a degree from The University of Alabama. She now has pursued her dreams and opened up her own local gym in Vestavia Hills, AL named Pure Fitness LLC and is working one on one with her clients, as well as teaching group classes. She specializes in cardiovascular endurance, plyometric training, core strength, rehabilitation after an injury, pre and post term pregnancy, weight loss, strengthening and toning, as well as maintaining a structured nutritional diet.

For more information or to check out their calendar of classes, visit their website.

2017 Father’s Day Fun for Dads in Birmingham

Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 by Angie

It’s time to treat Dad to some fun this Father’s Day. Check out these deals and freebies happening around Birmingham.

Father’s Day Weekend at the Birmingham Zoo

In recognition of Father’s Day, receive a FREE child’s admission to the Birmingham Zoo with the purchase of a full-price adult admission ticket on Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18. Throughout the weekend, guests can watch a Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Show, watch the Red Diamond Sea Lion Show, experience Predator Zone and much more. Guests are invited to participate on Sunday in the World Giraffe Day activities!

*Please note, the Zoo will close at 3pm on Saturday, June 17 for Zoo, Brews and Full Moon Bar-B-Que

Dads are Free at McWane!

Superman is pretty cool, but we all know who the real hero is – Dad. To honor fathers everywhere, “Dear Old Dad” gets in free on Father’s Day with the purchase of a child’s admission.
Sunday, June 18th

Coyote Drive In

To celebrate Dad, Coyote Drive In will offer Free Mini Golf, Sunday June 18^th with every movie ticket purchased from 5:30pm-9:30pm.

Sweet Treat at TCBY

TCBY is celebrating all the awesome dads out there by offering a free treat on Father’s Day this Sun. June 18, 2017. (Varies by location.)

Confirmed locations:

Merchants Walk, 1919 28th Ave S, Homewood, 35209
Essex Square Market Place, McFarland Blvd, Tuscaloosa
Meadowbrook, McFarland Blvd, Tuscaloosa
Anniston 2, 1903 Quintard Blvd, Anniston

Urban Air Homewood

DAD JUMPS FREE! with a purchase of a 2.5 Hour Pass for a family member! And they’ll give additional Savings by making the 2.5 Hour Pass only $15 per person (normally $19.99)
Saturday, June 17th and Sunday, June 18th
Click this Link to purchase tickets

Sky Zone Hoover

Sunday June 18h- Treat Dad to some awesome active fun! Dad jumps FREE with any child’s jump ticket purchased!

Beef O Brady’s

Bring your Dad by for a free meal on Father’s Day! Sunday June 18th

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

Take Dad on a relaxing one hour train ride through the scenic forests of Shelby County aboard our restored historic train cars. Father’s ride at ½ regular coach fare when accompanied by one or more of his children in coach class! All aboard the Father’s Day Limited!
Click Here For more information on times and tickets

Do you know of any deals or special events happening? Message us the details, we would love to add them our list!

All Aboard the Father’s Day Limited!

Posted on Monday, June 12, 2017 by Angie

Choo Choo! Treat Dad to something special and make great memories with your Father by treating him to a day of fun on the Father’s Day Limited!

Want to give Dad the ultimate railroading experience? Then purchase tickets to ride in the locomotive with the engineer or in the caboose with the brakeman!

The Father’s Day Limited will be an experience you’ll remember with Dad for years to come!

The Father’s Day Limited train ride lasts approximately 1 hour. Please arrive 1 hour prior to your departure time to pick up your tickets at the Calera Depot, use the restrooms at the Gift Shop, and get in line at your boarding location. Make sure to visit the exhibits in our Depot Museum, our collection of railroad equipment in Clark Yard, our working Signal Garden, and buy your father a gift at the Gift Shop.

Train Rides:

Saturday, June 18th 11:00 pm, 2:00 pm

Pricing:

Ages 12 and up- $14
Ages 2-11 – $10
0-24 mo. Free
2 Adults 2 Children $40 (Save $8)
Ride with the brakeman! $25
Ride with the engineer! $35

Infant Tickets:
Children 0-24 months ride free of charge though required to sit in an adult’s lap at all times. When ordering your tickets, select “Coach Infant” for no additional charge. If you did not order an infant ticket with your initial order, notify the ticket agent upon your arrival at the Calera Depot that you have a child 0-24 months that will sit in your lap, and you will receive an infant ticket. For your safety, strollers and infant car seat carriers are not permitted aboard the train.

Please Note: Above prices include taxes but not convenience fee. $3.00/ticket purchased on web or $4.00/ticket if purchased through the ticket call center at 205-757-8383.
For more information visit their website

How to Teach Kids to Tell the Truth

Posted on Monday, June 12, 2017 by Brittany Green

Everyone can think of a time when they told a lie. Some may be small, and other maybe a little bigger. But everyone has experiences where they weren’t truthful. When I was a teenager I wanted my parents to give me a long leash. I felt like they never did, and so I made them think I was who they wanted me to be. I lied about everything. Who my friends were, where I was going, and what I was doing. It is one of my biggest regrets in life so far! I spend a lot of time trying to think of how one day I can teach my kids to avoid the heartbreak and embarrassment that comes with lying (without pushing them further away from me with their crazy teenage minds). Here are some of the tips I found that were worthwhile, and applicable to kids of all ages, young and old (er)!

Don’t let your anger overpower you. Parents first reaction is to blow up. Its frustrating when someone lies to you, especially someone who is supposed to respect and obey you. Talk about the lie. The what, when, and why. Turn it into a learning experience instead of just throwing a punishment in their face. Now, you may decide that you child still needs a punishment to help them learn and motivate them not to do it again. But make sure you have that little chat and teach your child about lying and why it is wrong first.

Don’t set a trap. My parents did this all the time. When you set a trap for your child, you are pretty much asking them to cover it up with more lies. If you saw your child do something or found out they told you a lie, approach them with it straight up- don’t put them in a situation where its easier to lie to you than to tell the truth. Kind of defeats the whole learning experience idea.

Don’t call your child a liar. Kids tend to live up to the labels people give them- parents included.

If you catch your child red-handed in a lie, call them on it and give them an opportunity to go back and to tell the truth.

Take notice when your child tells the truth. As parents we are REAL good at picking out the things our kids do that are wrong, and not so much the everyday things they do right. Don’t hold back praise for your children when they make good choices and tell the truth!

*Tips were pulled from drrobynsilverman.com

Travel: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Posted on Friday, June 9, 2017 by Angie

Besides all of the family fun and activities available at Sandestin Golf and Beach resort, seeing the appeal to visit is apparent when you take a look at the view from your ocean front condo. The beautiful white beaches of the Gulf Coast are second to none.

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and it’s Accommodations:

Ridiculously large hole she’s actually standing in.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a 2400 acre destination resort located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay, which makes for some amazing views no matter which side of the resort you’re on. The Resort boasts a collection of 1,250 vacation rentals including studios to 4-bedroom units, condos, homes, villas and penthouses, giving you an enticing array of options that can accommodate any size family, big or small.

Activities at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort:

Well, first off there’s the beautiful beach… For the last several years, we’ve made Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort our spring getaway, and we look forward to coordinating our vacation time and trip with cousins and grandparents who are also there or in the area during that time. We spend our days soaking up the sun, building sandcastles (or digging ridiculously large holes in the sand) and our evenings eating and shopping our way through the shops and restaurants at Baytowne Wharf. We love catching the sunset over the bay while we eat. And no stroll would be complete without some deliciousness from Moo-La-La, the local Ice Cream shop, and a trip to the arcade.

Baytowne Wharf features 16 retail shops, 11 activity and entertainment establishments, and a jam-packed schedule of outdoor festivals and special events for the entire family.

If activities and fitness are your thing, then you’ll love all of the complimentary perks and amenities they offer you as a guest, including the use of bicycles, boogie boards, kayaks, tennis, access to the fitness center and resort-wide tram service. They even offer day camps and parents night out (for an additional charge) through their ClubKZ Kids Program. So, if you want to sneak in a date night while you’re there, they make it super easy to accomplish.

Anyone interested in golf will enjoy their four courses: Raven Golf Club, Baytowne Golf Club, The Links Golf Club and the exclusive and private Burnt Pine Club, as they each have their own special challenges, rewards and unique characteristics. Home to high-profile events and competitions they all share the incredible natural beauty of Sandestin’s 72 holes spanning from the beach to the bay and the dedication of our PGA professionals and staff.

Booking a Trip to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort:

Room rates vary based on the season and day of the week, but you can usually catch a discount online through BirminghamMommy or by checking the Sandestin Offers and Promotions tab on their website.

The opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed or endorsed by any company or third-party, unless clearly stated otherwise. The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the advertiser. It is not the advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

The Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun! June 9th – June 11th

Posted on Friday, June 9, 2017 by Angie

It’s time for our Friday Five! Get out and enjoy the beautiful sunshine this weekend with 1 or more of these fun events happening around the Magic City!

Friday Night Fireworks with the Birmingham Barons:

The Barons take on Mobile, enjoy a 3-D Stadium Collectible Series, the first 1,000 adults, 13 & over, will receive a collectible 3-D model of Rickwood Field, and Friday Night Firework set to Classic Rock hits. Friday, June 9th at 7:05pm

Symphony in the Summer:

The ASO is returning to Railroad Park to play three FREE concerts June 9-11 thanks to Regions Bank! Friday & Saturday night will feature classical favorites, and on Sunday enjoy Family Fun Day with a family-friendly pops concert beginning at 6 p.m. So grab some friends, a blanket, and a picnic, and join us for a fabulous weekend of music!

Friday, June 9 | 8pm
A SYMPHONIC CELEBRATION

Saturday, June 10 | 8pm
DVORAK’S SYMPHONY NO. 8

Sunday, June 11 | 6pm
FAMILY FUN DAY

Dream Big Family Sleepover at McWane Science Center:

Saturday June 10th – Sunday June 11th. This family sleepover will make you Dream Big as you design, build, and test out feats of engineering genius. Create towers, catapults, and anything else you can imagine before heading to the IMAX Dome for a screening of Dream Big: Engineering Our World. Advanced reservations are required. To reserve your family’s spot, please call 205-714-8414.

Prices:

$40 kids/ $35 Adults
Members receive $5 off
*This event is for ages 6 and older.

Steel City Model Train Show:

Steel City Model Train Show with Vendors and Layouts — all scales represented. Held in conjunction with the Southeastern Region National Model Railroad Association Convention

Bessemer Civic Center
Saturday, June 10th 9am – 5pm
$6 per person, kids under 13 free with an adult
Tickets available at the door only

Magic City Caribbean Food and Music Festival:

6th Annual Caribbean festival in Birmingham with food, music, performances and an authentic Caribbean parade featuring costumes live bands and a 15 piece steel band

The festival starts at 11:00am and the parade kicks off at 1:00pm. The event is free and family friendly. The Birmingham Musuem of Art and McDonalds will have arts and crafts for the children and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens will also have a display.

Linn Park, 11am – 8pm

157 Resource Center Pkwy, Ste 107
Birmingham, Alabama