If you like movies and laid back fun with your family, you need to pay a visit to the Coyote Drive-In.

My girls and I have a movie obsession, and we’ve quickly become big fans of the new(ish) drive in. We’ve been several times now and have several movies we’re planning to see once they’re released. In addition to catching the newest release, we like to make it a night of shopping, dinner, and playing. Here are a few tips that we’ve learned along the way:

1. Arrive Early! We love getting there early so we can get a spot on the front row and take advantage of the grassy area. It’s perfect for our chairs, blankets and letting the kids run around before the movie starts. Coyote Drive In is open 7 days a week and open at 6pm Monday – Thursday, and 5:30pm Friday – Monday. We usually get there shortly after the gates open to ensure our favorite spot.
2. Shop: The beauty of the location (behind the Outlet Shops of Grand River) is you’re able to do a little shopping while you’re there.
3. Eat Dinner: After we shop, we grab dinner at the Canteen. There are plenty of choices that will please everyone in the family, they even have a bar if you want to grab an adult beverage with your dinner or to enjoy while you watch the kids play.
4. Play! After dinner, let the kiddos play on their playground or get in a round of golf on their Miniature Golf Course.
   $4 per person.
   6:00pm – 9:30pm, Mon – Thurs
   5:30pm – 9:30pm, Friday
   11:30am – 9:30pm, Saturday & Sunday.
5. Concessions: Once we’ve shopped, filled our bellies, and played for a bit, we grab our popcorn, and candy then head back to our spot to settle in for our movie.

As you can see, it’s so much more than just seeing a movie, and we look forward to working more of these nights into our summer fun. Here are a few more tips:

• Bug spray, toss some in your bag if you’re planning to sit outside of your car.
• Car Battery. If you’re worried about running your battery the entire time, you can rent a small radio from the bar. If you run your battery down, they have portable chargers to help give you a jump.
• Take a blanket. Even on some of these hot days, the nights can still get a little cool.
• It’s more fun with friends. If you have some friends who are up for a night out, get them to come along. It’s like tailgating before a football game.
• Sunsets. They don’t charge extra for those, but they’re some of the best you’ll see. Make sure you’re there in time for that!

Summer Season Pricing: $7.00 Ages 12+ | $5.00 Ages 5-11 | Ages 4 & Under FREE

Have you seen a movie at the Coyote Drive In? What tips do you have to share with our readers?

Coyote Drive In is located at the Outlet Shops of Grand River. Just a quick drive (It truly is quick) from Birmingham and surrounding areas..

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is teaming up with Operation Lifesaver to bring you Rail Safety Awareness Day.

Free Train Rides & fun family activities!

Alabama Operation LifeSaver, the Alabama Department of Transportation, and the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum co-sponsor Rail Safety Day at the museum! Come see exhibits, safety activities, as well as train rides! 9AM – 3PM Great for the whole family!

Shaved ice will be available for sale!

Date: June 1-2, 2017
Train times: Every 30 minutes between 9:30-4:00.
Train ride last around 1/2 hour to CR 301 and return.

To be eligible for the free ride, you must attend Safety talk by Operation Lifesaver before hand so come early!

Admission: FREE!

Parking: FREE!

Train Ride: FREE after listening to brief safety presentation!

For more information visit the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Website

About Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver’s mission is to end collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and along railroad rights of way. A national network of volunteers provides free presentations on rail safety. For more safety tips or to request a free safety presentation, visit www.oli.org.

• Memorial Day Weekend at the Birmingham Zoo:

  Spend your Memorial Day weekend at the Birmingham Zoo. Splash in the fountains, take a ride on the new Pirate train* and carousel*, enjoy Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Shows and experience all the Zoo has to offer. In honor of Memorial Day weekend, the Zoo is giving FREE admission to veterans as well as all active and retired military and their dependents. Bring your proof of military service (military ID card, dependent ID card, driver’s license, etc.) to take part in all the fun the Zoo has to offer. *Additional cost
  May 27th – May 29th 9am – 5pm

• 7th Annual Salsa Showdown

  A fundraising competition among local restaurants & catering companies to determine who offers the best salsa, guacamole, queso, and specialty dip. Admission will include sampling privileges at each competitor’s station, a ballot for casting an “Audience Choice” vote, Piñata Smash with prizes, kids activities, access to live entertainment, cooking demos, beverage vending, and the Hot Pepper Eating Contest.
  Saturday, May 27th 2pm – 6pm at Cahaba Brewing Company

• Design Zone at McWane Science Center:

  Opening Weekend of Design Zone! Design Zone is a highly interactive, hands-on exhibition where visitors can explore a variety of creative concepts to learn the processes and tools needed to create a successful design. Design Zone is organized into three thematic zones, all highlighting the importance of science and mathematical thinking in areas critical to building creativity and innovation: art, music, and engineering.
  Opening May 27th

• Dixie Reptile Show:

  Dixie Reptile Show was started in 1996 by Terry Heuring to fill the void in the mid-south reptile market. Terry’s life long passion for reptiles lead to a first in the herpoculture world. It is a little known act that he was the first to produce an albino Lampropeltis ruthveni and has since gone on to breeding many other successful projects. Come visit the show. You never know what you might see. No venomous or endangered reptiles allowed.

  Saturday, May 27th | 3pm – 5pm | Gardendale Civic Center
  Adults – $5 | Children under 12 – $1

• Mt Laurel Lego Club:
  The library provides the Legos, the kids provide the imagination and creativity. Families are welcome to drop in anytime between 11 and 1 to build spectacular creations which will be displayed in the library.

  Saturday, May 27th | 11am – 1pm | Mt Laurel Library

The 7th annual Salsa Showdown is a fundraising competition among local restaurants & catering companies to determine who offers the best salsa, guacamole, queso, and specialty dip.  Admission will include sampling privileges at each competitor’s station, a ballot for casting an “Audience Choice” vote, Piñata Smash with prizes, kids activities, access to live entertainment, cooking demos, beverage vending, and the Hot Pepper Eating Contest. A panel of jury members consisting of local personalities will also determine which salsa-maker will get the award for best salsa, guac, queso and speciality dip.

Proceeds from this annual event will benefit the Alabama Moving Image Association/Sidewalk Film Festival arts and education programs including Student Filmmaking Camps, Festival Workshops and Master Classes, 48 Hour Filmmaking Competitions, and the Teen Filmmaking Challenge.

Saturday, May 27th 2pm – 6pm at Cahaba Brewing Company

$10 advance online
$15 at the gate
kids 5 and under FREE.

• McWane After Dark, Science of Sound:
  

Gear up for McWane After Dark: The Science of Sound. Enjoy hands on science activities focused on sound while listening to some incredible acts brought to you by Secret Stages and Birmingham Mountain Radio.

Admission includes three musical acts, access to four levels of McWane Adventure Halls, beer tastings from local breweries, light snacks, awesome activities, and parking.
*parking subject to availability | deck closes at midnight

Friday May 19, 2017 | 7 PM- 11 PM
$20 advance | $25 at the door | 21+ only

• Birmingham Barons V. Tennessee Smokies

The Birmingham Barons are home this weekend! Head out to catch a game and have some family fun!
May 19th, Friday Night Fireworks – game time 7:05pm
May 20th, Kids Tshirt Giveaway – game time 6:30pm
May 21st, Salute to Armed Forces Sunday, Bark in the Park – game time 3:00pm

• Day Out with Thomas:

Take a ride with everybody’s favorite #1 engine, Thomas the Tank Engine, and enjoy Thomas-themed activities at the Imagination Station, including temporary tattoos and hands-on arts and crafts.  Have your photo taken with Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy Storytelling, Inflatable Bounce House, Carpet Golf, Bubble Station, Sandbox, Railroad Signal Yard, and Live Music!

Find exclusive (not available in any store!) Thomas merchandise in the Gift Tent!  Delicious food vendors will be on site.

A fun-filled family experience not to be missed so be sure and bring your camera!

Advance purchase recommended.

Tickets include one train ride with Thomas and all attractions for $22 plus processing fee for ages 2 and up. Processing fee $3.65 for tickets purchased online and $4.25 for for tickets purchased by phone. Children 0-24 months ride free of charge though required to sit in an adult’s lap at all times. For your safety, strollers and infant car seat carriers are not allowed on the train.

Ride Times for Sat May 20: 9:00 am, 9:45 am, 10:30 am, 11:15 am, noon, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:30 pm

Ride Times for Sun May 21: 9:45 am, 10:30 am, 11:15 am, noon, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:00 pm, 3:45 pm

• Do Dah Day:

Do Dah Day grew out of an idea in 1979 and has raised almost $1.5 million since! The South’s craziest parade kicks off at 11:01 a.m. on the streets of Highland Avenue in Birmingham’s Southside. Then, spend the day in Caldwell and Rhodes Parks with friends, pets, arts & crafts, kid’s activities, and a lineup of great bands. Oh yes, we have plenty of food and beverages, and collectible Do Dah Day t-shirts.

All proceeds benefit local animal charities.

Saturday, May 20th 11am – 7pm- Caldwell and Rhodes Park

• 8th Annual Bob Sykes Blues and BBQ:

The event will take place at the beautiful DeBardeleben Park located in historic downtown Bessemer, Alabama from 12-8pm on Saturday, May 20th. Gates open at 11am. You can expect to hear talented award winning national and local blues musicians. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket and set-up your spot for the day. There is something to do for the entire family including a large kids corner with activities and games. Children twelve and under are free with a ticketed adult. The festival offers a variety of booths including arts and crafts, outdoor exhibits, legendary Bob Sykes Bbq, and a diverse selection of food vendors offering tempting bites.

For more events happening in Birmingham this weekend, make sure to visit our Events Calendar