Pirates at the Birmingham Zoo!

Ahoy, Matey! Most pirates set sail, but this spring you’re invited to set rail on the all new Pirate Red Diamond Express Train Ride at the Zoo! The Zoo’s newest attraction promises to be both entertaining as well as inspiring and is designed to send an important message about water conservation. Guests of all ages will enjoy the dozens of life-size, animatronic swashbucklers who are taking over the Zoo trains this May.

The attraction will open May 6!

Click Here for more events happening at the Birmingham Zoo

Weatherfest at McWane

Join the WBRC First Alert Weather Team on the Plaza along with other special guests to learn about all things weather. See special tools used to detect and predict weather, and meet your favorite WBRC Fox 6 personalities.

FREE for activities on the plaza
Regular admission for Adventure Halls and IMAX

In partnership with Wayne’s Environmental and iHeartRadio

Participants include:

WBRC Fox 6
WBRC Weather Watchers
WBRC Storm Tracker Vehicles
Salvation Army
Jefferson County EMA
Barons Radar
Tuscaloosa County EMA
Brett Adair Storm Tracker
Wayne’s Environmental
National Weather Association
The Huricane Hunter
Alabama Partners for Clean Air/Commute Smart
Red Cross
iHeartRadio

The Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Activities

There’s no shortage of fun to be had in Birmingham when it comes to the weekends. Here are our TOP 5 Picks for this weekend!

1. America’s Thrift Store Open House:

Stop by for some FREE family fun and goodies!
Saturday, April 22 10am – 4pm
Alabaster Location

Free hot dogs
Free drinks and cookies (while supplies last)
Free snow cones for the first 100 people from Kona Ice beginning at 1 p.m.
Free giveaways from Pepsi (shirts, caps, water bottles, etc.)
Face painting for the kids from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

You will also have the chance to register for a chance to win a 5 min all you can grab shopping spree (winner drawn at 4 p.m.)

2. Birmingham Barons:

Saturday April 22nd, 6:30pm.

David H. Smith is the highest flying Human Cannonball in the world today with his world record braking human cannonball shots and his dynamic personality. He will take flight after the completion of the game.

Sunday April, 23rd, 3pm

Salute to Armed Forces Sunday
$2 Military Discount when valid Military ID shown at ticket office.

Presented by: NAPA & Marion Military Institute
Autism Friendly Day
Regions Field creates an Autism Friendly environment for fans with Autism to enjoy the game.
Youth Baseball Clinic
Pre-game clinic held by Barons players on the field from 1 pm-2 pm. Encouraged for ages 5-9.

3. Gardendale Magnolia Festival: 

Friday April 21st, 5pm – 9pm
Saturday April 22nd, 9am – 5pm
Gardendale Civic Center

150 Vendor Booths, 3 Stages of LIVE Entertainment, Pooch Parade, Art Contest, Car Show,Free Art Classes, Free Kids Zone, Food! Food! Food!

4. Family Friday at Railroad Park:

Friday April 21st, 6pm

Get the entire family on track to better health with this fun hour of low to high impact activity designed to promote exercise for all ages. Families are invited to enjoy team activities like kickball, soccer or wiffle ball. Each class will begin with a warm up and light stretching, followed by the game of the week. In addition to providing physical benefits, Family Fun Friday also provides mental health benefits and social interaction for the entire family.

5. Earth Day Activities:

Saturday April 22nd

Several things happening around town this weekend to celebrate Earth Day.

Earth Day at McWane: 10am – 2pm
Party for the Planet at the Birmingham Zoo: 10am – 4pm
Earth Day at the Gardens, Birmingham Botanical Gardens: 11pm – 4pm

For more information on these Earth Day Activities, you can see the detailed post here.

Don’t forget to check our calendar for even more events happening in and around Birmingham!

Free and Discounted Summer Movies in Birmingham 2017

Free and Discounted Summer Movies for Birmingham 2017

The Deal:

AMC Classics – Lorna Ridge 10 – Every Monday and Wednesday at 10am. Kids Tickets are $4 + Tax and include a kidpack of AMC Snacks. (Kids popcorn, fountain drink, and fruit snacks)

Amstar Cinemas – Alabaster – Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s. Admission is $4.00 per person, price includes Movie, Kids Drink and Popcorn. All movies will start at 10am, box office opens at 9:30. Seating is limited, first come first served. All movies are G or PG.

Black Creek Park, Fultondale – 6:30pm, Friday Nights. Hotdogs, Popcorn, Candy and Drinks for Sale.

Flicks Among the Flowers – Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Formal Garden in front of the Conservatory. Admission is free, but a $5 donation. A preferred seating area will be available to Members, with each membership allowing two patrons seating until 8 p.m. Members must check in to receive a wristband in Blount Plaza. Gates open at 6 p.m. for the free event. Couples and friends are encouraged to bring a blanket and find a spot on the lawn to enjoy the film.

Free Friday Flicks – Veterans Park in Hoover. Movies begin at 6:30. Free but arrive early to visit local vendors and a Kid Zone!

Phoenix Theaters, The Edge 12 – Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10am, Free. Doors open at 9am.

Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill – Wednesdays, 10am. Admission is FREE

Regal Trussville – Summer Movie Express. Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10am. Admission is $1 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Will Rogers Institute. Both Movies listed play both days.

The Alabama Theatre– Throwback Kids Club. Doors open at 9 a.m. for activities. The movie begins at 10 a.m. $5 adults (over 12) / $3 kids / Kids 2 & Under Free

Movies at Avondale/Crestwood Park – Gates open at 7:30pm

Helena Sundown Cinemas – Friday Nights, shows start at sundown, around 8pm. Helena Amphitheatre.

The Movies:

Wednesday, May 24th

Flicks Among the Flowers: Jumanji

Tuesday, May 30th

Amstar Alabaster: Secret Life of Pets
The Edge: The Peanuts Movie (G) /Ice Age (PG)

Wednesday, May 31st

Amstar Alabaster: Secret Life of Pets
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill: Epic
The Edge: The Peanuts Movie (G) /Ice Age (PG)

Thursday, June 1st

The Edge: The Peanuts Movie (G) /Ice Age (PG)

Friday, June 2nd

Free Friday Flicks, Veterans Park: Sing
Sundown Cinemas, Helena Amphitheater: Moana

Tuesday, June 6th

Amstar Alabaster: The Lego Movie
Avondale Park: Moana
The Edge: Rio 2 (G)/Mr Peabody and Sherman (PG)
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Kung Fu Panda 3/Ice Age, Collision Course

Wednesday, June 7th

AMC Lorna Ridge” Lorax
Amstar Alabaster: The Lego Movie
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill: Ice Age Collision Course
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Kung Fu Panda 3/Ice Age, Collision Course
The Edge: Rio 2 (G)/Mr Peabody and Sherman (PG)

Thursday, June 8th

The Edge: Rio 2 (G)/Mr Peabody and Sherman (PG)

Friday, June 9th

Free Friday Flicks, Veterans Park: Moana

Sunday, June 11th

Avondale Park: Sing

Monday, June 12th

AMC Lorna Ridge: Trolls

Tuesday, June 13th

Amstar Alabaster: Lego Batman
Avondale Park: Willy Wonka (1971)
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Trolls/Alvin & the Chimpmunks, Chipwrecked
The Edge: Megamind (PG)/The Sandlot (PG)

Wednesday, June 14th

AMC Lorna Ridge: Trolls
Amstar Alabaster: Lego Batman
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill: Horton Hears a Who
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Trolls/Alvin & the Chimpmunks, Chipwrecked
The Edge: Megamind (PG)/The Sandlot (PG)

Thursday, June 15th

The Edge: Megamind (PG)/The Sandlot (PG)

Friday, June 16th

Black Creek Park, Fultondale: Sing
Free Friday Flicks, Veterans Park: The Secret Life of Pets

Monday, June 19th

AMC Lorna Ridge: Secret Life of Pets

Tuesday, June 20th

Amstar Alabaster: Storks
Avondale Park: Space Jam
The Edge: Trolls (PG)/Narnia (PG)
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Monster Trucks/Penguins of Madagascar

Wednesday, June 21st

AMC Lorna Ridge: Secret Life of Pets
Amstar Alabaster: Storks
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill: The Croods
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Monster Trucks/Penguins of Madagascar
The Edge: Trolls (PG)/Narnia (PG)

Thursday, June 22nd

The Edge: Trolls (PG)/Narnia (PG)

Friday, June 23rd

Black Creek Park, Fultondale: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Free Friday Flicks, Veterans Park: The BFG

Monday, June 26th

AMC Lorna Ridge: How to Train your Dragon

Tuesday, June 27th

Amstar Alabaster: The Iron Giant
Crestwood Park: ET
The Edge: Home (PG)/Kung Fu Panda 3 (PG)
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Rio 2/Boxtrolls

Wednesday, June 28th

AMC Lorna Ridge: How to Train your Dragon
Amstar Alabaster: The Iron Giant
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill: Penguins of Madagascar
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Rio 2/Boxtrolls
The Edge: Home (PG)/Kung Fu Panda 3 (PG)

Thursday, June 29th

The Edge: Home (PG)/Kung Fu Panda 3 (PG)

Friday, June 30th

Black Creek Park, Fultondale: Back In Black, Batman LEGO Movie
Free Friday Flicks, Veterans Park:  LEGO Batman Movie

Monday, July 3rd

AMC Lorna Ridge: Pup Star

Tuesday, July 4th

The Edge: Curious George (PG)/The Croods (PG)
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Secret Life of Pets/Sing

Wednesday, July 5th

AMC Lorna Ridge: Pup Star
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill Kung Fu Panda 3
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Secret Life of Pets/Sing
The Edge: Curious George (PG)/The Croods (PG)

Thursday, July 6th

Alabama Theatre: Finding Nemo
The Edge: Curious George (PG)/The Croods (PG)

Friday, July 7th

Free Friday Flicks, Veterans Park: The Jungle Book (2016)

Sunday, July 9th

Crestwood Park: Hook

Monday, July 10th

AMC Lorna Ridge: Sing

Tuesday, July 11th

Amstar Alabaster: Angry Birds
The Edge: Minions (PG)/How to Train Your Dragon 2 (PG)
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Kubo and the Two Strings/Ratchet and Clank

Wednesday, July 12th

AMC Lorna Ridge: Sing
Amstar Alabaster: Angry Birds
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill: Trolls
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Kubo and the Two Strings/Ratchet and Clank
The Edge: Minions (PG)/How to Train Your Dragon 2 (PG)

Thursday, July 13th

Alabama Theatre: Beauty and the Beast
The Edge: Minions (PG)/How to Train Your Dragon 2 (PG)

Friday, July 14th

Black Creek Park, Fultondale: Moana
Free Friday Flicks, Veterans Park: Finding Dory

Monday, July 17th

AMC Lorna Ridge: Home

Tuesday, July 18th

Amstar Alabaster: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
The Edge: Secret Life of Pets (PG)/Alvin and the Chipmunks, Chipwrecked (PG)
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Spongebob Square Pants: Sponge Out of Water/The Adventures of Tin Tin

Wednesday, July 19th

AMC Lorna Ridge: Home
Amstar Alabaster: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill: Alvin and the Chipmunks, Road Chip
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Spongebob Square Pants: Sponge Out of Water/The Adventures of Tin Tin
The Edge: Secret Life of Pets (PG)/Alvin and the Chipmunks, Chipwrecked (PG)

Thursday, July 20th

Alabama Theatre: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
The Edge: Secret Life of Pets (PG)/Alvin and the Chipmunks, Chipwrecked (PG)

Friday, July 21st

Black Creek Park, Fultondale: Finding Dory
Free Friday Flicks, Veterans Park: Trolls

Monday, July 24th

AMC Lorna Ridge: Despicable Me

Tuesday, July 25th

Amstar Alabaster: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
The Edge: Sing (PG)/Turbo (PG)
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Happy Feet 2/Cats & Dogs 2: The Revenge of Kitty Galore

Wednesday, July 26th

AMC Lorna Ridge: Despicable Me
Amstar Alabaster: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill:  Shrek
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Happy Feet 2/Cats & Dogs 2: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
The Edge: Sing (PG)/Turbo (PG)

Thursday, July 27th

Alabama Theatre: The Little Mermaid
The Edge: Sing (PG)/Turbo (PG)

Friday, July 28th

Black Creek Park, Fultondale: Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life

Monday, July 31st

AMC Lorna Ridge: The Peanuts Movie

Tuesday, August 1st

Amstar Alabaster: Hotel Transylvania 2
The Edge: Horton Hears a Who (G)/Epic (PG)
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Storks/LEGO Batman Movie

Wednesday, August 2nd

AMC Lorna Ridge: The Peanuts Movie
Amstar Alabaster: Hotel Transylvania 2
The Edge: Horton Hears a Who (G)/Epic (PG)
Regal Cinemas, Trussville: Storks/LEGO Batman Movie
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill:  The Peanuts Movie

Thursday, August 3rd

The Edge: Horton Hears a Who (G)/Epic (PG)

Wednesday, August 9th

Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill: Home

 

About Our Sponsor: Coyote Drive-In is located in Leeds at the Outlet Shops of Grand River. They offer 4 movie screens, indoor/outdoor restaurant, kids play area, mini golf, live music on the weekends, and 2 movies for the price of one! For more information or to see movie times, visit their website.

 

 

Family Friday at Railroad Park

Get the entire family on track to better health with this fun hour of low to high impact activity designed to promote exercise for all ages. Families are invited to enjoy team activities like kickball, soccer or wiffle ball. Each class will begin with a warm up and light stretching, followed by the game of the week. In addition to providing physical benefits, Family Fun Friday also provides mental health benefits and social interaction for the entire family. NOTE: Class instructors are subject to change based on availability, and classes will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

Class cancellations will be determined by 4 pm. For timely updates regarding class schedule, please visit the Park’s Calendar of Events and our Facebook page. This class is FREE thanks to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register. You will be required to sign-in each time you participate in this class.

Friday, April 21st, 6pm

For more fun events happening at the Park, make sure to check the parks calendar

KultureCity and The Gardens partner for Earth Day celebration

Kulture CityKultureCity, one of USA Today’s 2016 Top Nonprofits in the U.S., is a Birmingham based, impact driven nonprofit focused on helping autistic individuals realize their potential by providing tangible help and equipping businesses and the community to relate to children with autism and their families. “The KultureCity Sensory Friendly Initiative was born out of the desire to help businesses and community organizations better understand the needs of individuals with autism and other sensory needs. The goal is to allow these individuals the ability to see and experience all the things a community has to offer, without being overwhelmed by everything going on around them.” – kulturecity.org

KultureCity has provided The Gardens with an evidence-based sensory training program to help increase the knowledge base of staff and volunteers. The training included an initial assessment of staff knowledge relating to autistic individuals, in-person training for staff by a licensed occupational therapist, access to training videos to be used with new or seasonal staff and volunteers and modification recommendations. KultureCity will also provide yearly follow up for training purposes.

Following the staff training, KultureCity performed a site assessment for The Gardens. Their assessment included a facilities walk-through, programs evaluation, intake form assessment and further modification recommendations related to these topics. The site assessment included recommendations for placements of co-branded signage which will convey our partnership to visitors to The Gardens upon their arrival at main entrances and designate “Quiet Space” and “Headphone Zone” areas throughout.

On Saturday, April 22, as part of our annual Earth Day at The Gardens celebration, The Gardens will host a Sensory Friendly Family Event to officially introduce its’ partnership with KultureCity. Families will be provided with updated maps of The Gardens grounds indicating the locations of our designated “Quiet Spaces” and “Headphone Zones” to better plan a walk through our collections. Additionally and as requested KultureCity will provide grab-and-go sensory bags for families to borrow during their visit to The Gardens. These sensory bags will contain items like a fidget toy, a non-verbal communication card and noise-cancelling headphones. Come join us to learn how The Gardens and KultureCity are working together to allow individuals with autism and other sensory needs, as well as their families, the ability to see and experience all that The Gardens has to offer.

For information about KultureCity, visit their website.

The Gardens will join the Birmingham Zoo who was designated a “Sensory Friendly Facility” in 2015

 

Earth Day Activities around Birmingham

Earth DayEarth Day is coming up this weekend and there are several things to do around Birmingham to celebrate!

Earth Day Activities in Birmingham

Birmingham Botanical Gardens:

Earth Day at The Gardens returns on April 22, 2017 from 11 – 4 p.m. in Blount Plaza.

This year, the annual celebration will celebrate the legacy of Dr. George Washington Carver and will be the kickoff of The Gardens new partnership with KultureCity.

Earth Day at The Gardens takes place from 11-4 p.m., and it will include exhibitor booths, local vendors, free activities and live music.

The event is free to the public!

Birmingham Zoo:

Party for the Planet! Join the Birmingham Zoo in celebrating the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ signature event and largest combined Earth Day celebration in North America! Enjoy special activities, animal demonstrations, Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Shows and local Birmingham business booths including Alabama Mineral & Lapidary Society, Alabama Partners for Clean Air, CommuteSmart Birmingham, Highlands School, Red Mountain Park, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and more, all focused on promoting the care and conservation of our planet. Enjoy special keeper talks and enrichments during the day, as well as crafts and activities! This event is FREE with admission to the Zoo.
Saturday, April 22nd 10am – 4pm


McWane Science Center
Let’s give it up for Earth! Not only is it our home planet, it’s also a pretty magnificent marvel of science. Join us in celebrating Earth with cool science programs and demonstrations.
Saturday, April 22nd. 10am – 2pm

 

Giveaway: Day Out with Thomas, Friendship Tour

Day out with ThomasAll aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine invites little engineers to join him for a day of friendship and family fun at Day Out with Thomas: The Friendship Tour 2017. Children everywhere can spend a day with their friend Thomas when the #1 Engine pulls into Calera, Alabama on May 12-14 & 20-21, 2017. Day Out with Thomas: The Friendship Tour 2017 is presented by Mattel.

Day Out with Thomas is a fun-filled event that provides children of all ages the opportunity to climb aboard and take a ride with Thomas as well as participate in Thomas & Friends™ themed activities.  The tour, now in its 22nd year, will make 42 stops across the U.S. and Canada, and is expected to welcome nearly one million passengers in 2017.  For two back-to-back weekends, little engineers and their families are invited to take a 25-minute ride on their favorite engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas & Friends fun.

In celebration of this year’s theme, Day Out With Thomas: The Friendship Tour 2017 will feature an array of friendship-inspired activities. Attendees will be able to participate in events that encourage and celebrate friendship including photo opportunities and a fun activity that invites kids to collect passport stamps throughout the day to receive a trio of Day Out With Thomas friendship bracelets. The 2017 tour theme is in line with this year’s Thomas & Friends global brand campaign, ‘Set Friendship in Motion’ – a campaign that ties together content, social integrations, and event activations across the entire Thomas & Friends franchise to highlight the importance of first friendships and the development of key friendship skills in toddlers.

Thomas the Tank Engine rides depart every 45 minutes, rain or shine. Departure times begin at 9:45 AM through 3:45 PM on Friday and Sundays, and at 9:00 AM through 4:30 PM on Saturdays.  Tickets for Day Out with Thomas are $22, including tax, (plus processing fee when applicable) for ages two and up.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.ticketweb.com/dowt or by calling toll-free 866.468.7630.  For more information and directions, contact The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum at 205-668-3435 or visit http://www.hodrrm.org/.

To Enter:

Leave a comment here on this post.

(Bonus! For an extra entry, head over to our Facebook page and share that announcement with your friends and family)

Winner will be drawn at random from entries received on all social media outlets and comments left on this post, Thursday, April 20th at noon

Winners tickets will be for (Friday, May 12th at 3:00pm) and picked up by will call.  Ticket date/times are firm and cannot be exchanged. Please do not enter if you are unable to make that specific ride.

 

Summer Camp Spotlight: The Dance Foundation

The Dance Foundation has a lot of fun to offer this summer for Children ages 4 and up! Take a look at this line up, something fun for your kiddos.

Once Upon a Fairytale
Daily adventures from classic fairytales are unveiled through a trunk filled with costumes and creative artifacts.  Each day, campers dance, create art, and explore the day’s fairytale.  Camps are directed by Carolyn Rabbani.

entering 4K  | Tu-Th 9am-1pm  |  Cinderella, The Girl Who Wore Too Much, The Snow Queen  |  June 6-8 • June 20-22  |  $135/session

entering 5K  |  M-F 9am-1pm  |  Sleeping Beauty, Living Quan-Yin, Robin Hood, Twelve Dancing Princesses, Peter and the Wolf  |  June 12-16  • June 26-30 | $180/session

Imagination Lab
Campers work together to create their own unique story inspired by the week’s theme, and perform it at the end of the week.  Imaginative adaptations of the theme are discovered through exploration of art, costume and set design, dance, music and acting!  Camps are directed by Sara Wallace.

entering 1st – 3rd graders, half-day  |  “Land of Oz”  |  M-F 9am-1pm  |  June 12-16  |  $180

entering 1st – 3rd graders, full-day  |  “Fairies”  |  M-F 9am-4pm  |  June 19-23  |  $245

Shadow Play
Campers will use shadow play to invent new worlds, design props and learn to tell stories through movement.  Daily classes include creative movement, prop exploration, acting, writing and rehearsal leads to a performance on the last day.  Camp is directed by Rachael Inman.

entering 3rd-6th graders  |  M-F 9am-4pm  | June 5-9  |  $245

Dance Explorations
Explore the art of dance through technique in a variety of styles as well as lessons in dance history, sewing, music, and hair and makeup for the stage.  Daily classes include Ballet, Modern Dance, and Choreography.  The week ends with an informal performance for family and friends.  Camp is directed by Sara Wallace.

entering 3rd-6th graders  |  M-F 9am-4pm   |  June 26-30  |  $245

Theatre Explorations
Explore the art of live acting through classes in voice, movement, improvisation, and scene work.  The week ends with an informal performance for family and friends.  Hands-on sessions also include set design, stage make-up, costuming and stage combat.  Camp is directed by Jennifer Salvant.

entering 3rd-6th graders  |  M-F 9am-4pm  |  June 26-30  |  $245

Workshop for Dancers
Each day’s workshop begins with a Pilates warm-up and Ballet class, followed by a technique class in another style such as Modern Dance, Musical Theatre or Hip Hop.  Surprise guest artists from our local, professional dance scene will be speaking with students about dance as a profession and important topics in the field. Students must have recently completed at least three consecutive years of a dance technique.

entering 7th-12th graders  |  Tu-Th 4pm-7:45pm |  June 27-29  |  $135

If you have children younger than 4, The Dance Foundation offers summer classes for ages 1 and up. To see that schedule, visit their website.

Don’t forget to check our full list of Summer Camps!

 

Tips for Kids On Stranger Danger

Stramger DangerAfter several close call incidents like the one in Huntsville’s Blossomwood Neighborhood and reports of an attempted child abduction in Hazel Green- as a parent you may be wondering what you can do to teach your children to stay safe without scaring them.

It is important for you (the parent) to note that stranger abductions are rare. Most cases involve a family member, or someone your child knows well. A study published by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2002, during a one-year period studied:

– 797,500 children under age 18 were reported missing

– 203,900 of those were the victims of family abductions

– 58,200 of those were the victims of nonfamily abductions

– 115 children were the victims of “stereotypical kidnapping,” where the child was abducted by someone the child did not know who held the child overnight, transported the child 50 miles or more, killed the child, demanded ransom or intended to keep the child permanently.

Deborah Callins, prevention director at the National Children’s Advocacy Center in Huntsville said “Parents do need to be vigilant in knowing where their children are at all times, but the number of strangers who abduct children is very low.”

You may be questioning if your child is old enough to talk to them about strangers. The NCAC has said that if you child is old enough to play in the front yard alone, then they are old enough to hear about stranger danger. Even if it is just at a basic level.

Callins two recommendations for educating your kids are:

  1. Role Playing– when you role play certain scenarios, you can correct your child if they should or shouldn’t do something they mentioned. You don’t have mentally scar your child with outlandish scenarios. Make sure they know the methods strangers use. Don’t ever go with someone who offers you something in return. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, these are the five most used tricks by individuals attempting to abduct children:

– Teach them to listen to that inside voice, that ‘uh-oh feeling’ in their stomach.

– Offering the child a ride

– Offering the child candy or sweets

– Asking the child questions

– Offering the child money

– Using an animal

Those would likely be the most useful role-playing scenarios.

  1. Use the Buddy System– In the summer months or after school when kids don’t have an adult looming over them constantly, it’s crucial that they use the buddy system. Don’t let your child walk to the pool, ride their bike, or explore the neighborhood alone. Make sure they are with a large group of kids or watch them get to wherever they are going.

 

More safety tips for parents can be found on the National Children’s Advocacy Center’s website here.