☰

Building a Reader at Home

Posted on by Angie

Great reading habits start at home and building those habits aren’t as difficult or as tiring as you might think. Here are some tips on encouraging your kids to read.

Read, Read, Read! Read at least 20 minutes each day!

Reading is like food for your brain. Your brain actually develops as you feed it with the experience of reading. It improves listening skills and academic success. For every year that a person spends reading (either independently or being read aloud to), his/her lifetime earning potential goes up considerably. For a time investment of approximately 87 hours a year (20 minutes a day for 5 days a week), you can increase your child’s ability to support him or herself in the future considerably.

A student who reads 20 minutes per day will read 1,800,000 words by the end of the sixth grade, compared with a student who reads one minute per day, who will read only 8,000 words. The student who reads one minute per day will only read .004% of what the 20 minute reader will read. That’s a huge difference!

Explore Books! Give your child an opportunity to explore books. Visit a bookstore, or library. This will give your child the chance to find topics that interest them.

Make it Fun! Reading shouldn’t be a chore. Intentionally read with your child/discuss books but also research topics and do book activities together.

Be an Example: Children learn by example, so let your child see you read whether it’s a book, magazine, newspaper or cookbook.

How are you building good reading habits at home with your kids?

Yummy Eats: Chicken Portobello (in the crock pot!)

Posted on by Angie

There’s nothing like a yummy and easy recipe for the crock pot on a nice chilly Fall evening.

Chicken Portobello

4-5 frozen* boneless chicken breasts
1 bottle zesty Italian dressing
1 package Portobello mushrooms
1 box angel hair pasta

Place chicken in your crock pot, put mushrooms on top of the chicken and
pour in the bottle of dressing. Cook on low for 6 hours.

When done, cook pasta according to directions. Top with chicken mixture
and ENJOY!

*it works best with frozen chicken, because the moisture mixes
in with the dressing and makes a “sauce.”

Birmingham Events Calendar: September 27th – October 4th

Posted on by Angie

Fall is here and that means a calendar that is full of activities to choose from! Storytimes are in full swing and the weekend is packed with festivals. Boo At the Zoo kicks off this week with discounted admission. If you’re looking for more festivals and fall fun check out our full list here.

Have a great week!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday September 27th:

Our World Our Library – Homewood Public Library
Stories, activities, and crafts about multiculturalism and diversity, designed for Kindergarten-3rd grade.  We look forward to finding out about our world with you!
2:30pm

Hispanic Heritage Celebration Day – Birmingham Zoo
Celebrate, welcome and highlight the natural culture of Birmingham’s growing Hispanic and Latino community. Animals of Central and South America will be featured through keeper chats, animal encounters and other activities throughout the Zoo. This is a celebration of nature in Central and South America, but also a welcoming event for all parts of the Birmingham community. Enjoy a special visit by the Junior League of Birmingham Yummy Truck! This rain or shine event is FREE to Zoo Members and included in admission for Zoo guests!

Storytime with Books A Million – Birmingham Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo invites you and your family to enjoy story time hosted by Books-A-Million! This event is free with admission. Guests will enjoy hearing an animal-themed story and creating a themed craft. Story time at the Zoo is a fun, educational experience you won’t want to miss!
2:30pm

Homestead Hollow Arts and Crafts Festival –
A one of a kind – hand made, hand decorated arts and crafts. Talk to our pioneer demonstrators the old time days- see wood carving, blacksmithing, soap making, wood stove cooking, quilting, and whiskey making at our original working still, tour our original cabins as they were built by the early settlers. Visit the apiarist and learn about bee keeping. Relax by one of our many streams and listen to live local entertainment all day. Enjoy great food from our food court, bbq, funnel cakes, fried pies, ice cream, beans, greens, footlong corn dogs and so much more! Children’s activities: wagon rides, bunjy jump, moonwalk, face painting Homestead Hollow’s General store is open for you to visit and shop for those home-made fried pies and other great items all day during show dates. Homestead Hollow is located in Springville, Alabama, just 2 miles off I-59, exit 154. 27 acres of parking and our golf cart shuttles make it easy to park, get to the entrance and start having fun immediately.
Adults – $7 ~ Children (ages 3 to 12) – $3
Children (ages 2 and under) – Free.
Free Parking. NO PETS ALLOWED.
9am – 5pm

—————————————————————————————

Monday September 28th:

Monday Makerspace Minecraft Mania- Homewood Public Library
It’s time for some pixilated, crafty Creeper fun!  Join us after school at 3:30 p.m. for Monday afternoon family fun.  We provide the materials, and you provide the imagination!

—————————————————————————————

Tuesday September 29th:

Story Day with Nay Nay – Homewood Public Library
Fun-filled storytime.  Children ages three and under and a parent or caregiver are invited to shake their beanbags and listen to this amazing storyteller!
9:30am or 10:30am

Max the Brave – Barnes and Noble Summit
 Join us for Storytime and activities featuring Max the Brave, a fearless kitten with a problem – he needs to know what a mouse looks like!
11am

Family Tours, Fall into Fall– Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join the Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience! Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover?

Fall into Fall: The leaves are changing and the harvest is starting! Celebrate autumn and learn about seasonal traditions around the world.
10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Wednesday September 30th:

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 October 1st:

Greek Festival – The Holy Trinity – Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral Church
This is one of Birmingham’s oldest cultural food festivals and most highly anticipated events. The festival is an act of love of Birmingham’s Greek community going back to 4 generations. Besides delicious Greek cuisine, you’ll enjoy live Greek music, Greek dancing performances, and a warm, spirited atmosphere that embraces everyone as family. As thousands of returning patrons can attest, you will leave a devoted fan.

Free parking is available in the old Liberty National building on 3rd Avenue and 20th Street South.  Drive-Thru and Take-Out are also available all three days and for orders of 10 or more call 205-716-3086.

The event is free admission, offers indoor and outdoor dining, and food plates are individually priced. Be sure to visit The Greek Market Place which has imported food, icons, fine jewelry, art, and much more.
10:30am – 10pm

Brookwood Live! – Colonial Brookwood Village
Free rockin’ concert on Village Lane! Band: Rock Candy
5pm – 9pm

Scooby Doo Monster Mash – North Shelby Library
Join us at 6:30 pm for a spooky (and family friendly) evening of Halloween fun! Sign up to help us solve the mystery of the stolen Scooby Snacks, make a scary monster mask, and stick around for our Monster Mash dance party! Costumes encouraged but not required. Scooby Snacks will be served…if they’re found! All ages welcome. Registration is required.

Story Day with Nay Nay – Homewood Public Library
Join Ms. Nay Nay every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. for this fun-filled storytime.  Children ages three and under and a parent or caregiver are invited to shake their beanbags and listen to this amazing storyteller.

—————————————————————————————

Friday October 2nd:

Greek Festival – The Holy Trinity – Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral Church
This is one of Birmingham’s oldest cultural food festivals and most highly anticipated events. The festival is an act of love of Birmingham’s Greek community going back to 4 generations. Besides delicious Greek cuisine, you’ll enjoy live Greek music, Greek dancing performances, and a warm, spirited atmosphere that embraces everyone as family. As thousands of returning patrons can attest, you will leave a devoted fan.

Free parking is available in the old Liberty National building on 3rd Avenue and 20th Street South.  Drive-Thru and Take-Out are also available all three days and for orders of 10 or more call 205-716-3086.

The event is free admission, offers indoor and outdoor dining, and food plates are individually priced. Be sure to visit The Greek Market Place which has imported food, icons, fine jewelry, art, and much more.
10:30am – 10pm

Alabama Butterbean Festival – City of Pinson
This year is the 10th Annual Alabama Butterbean Festival, the state’s 2nd largest festival.  It features live local entertainment, food and non-food vendors (arts and crafts, local organizations), carnival rides, petting zoo, pony rides, and plenty of fun for people of all ages. There is a huge firework show on Friday night at approximately 9:30
6pm – 10am

—————————————————————————————

Saturday October 3rd:

Boo at the Zoo – Birmingham Zoo
Make plans to head to the Birmingham Zoo to kick-off the first weekend of Boo at the Zoo presented by Wells Fargo. Members and guests can enjoy discounted $5 (plus tax) admission for the first weekend of Boo at the Zoo. Watch as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions for 17 nights of Boo at the Zoo presented by Wells Fargo.

Be sure to come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume to ride the Spider Slide*, jump on the Eerie Express train*, see a Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Show, ride the new ghost rollers*, experience a Haunted Hayride*, take a spin on the Scarousel*, visit Cajun Sadie’s Fortune Telling Adventure*, travel down trick-or-treat lane and SO much more! Boo at the Zoo presented by Wells Fargo is one spook-tacular event you won’t want to miss! *Attraction fees apply.

All attractions can be purchased individually for $3.50 each plus tax. This includes the train, carousel, slide, ice skating*, Cajun Sadie, roller racers and hay ride. *Ice skates are available for rent for $1.50 plus tax, or visitors may bring their own ice skates.
5pm – 9pm

Greek Festival – The Holy Trinity – Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral Church
This is one of Birmingham’s oldest cultural food festivals and most highly anticipated events. The festival is an act of love of Birmingham’s Greek community going back to 4 generations. Besides delicious Greek cuisine, you’ll enjoy live Greek music, Greek dancing performances, and a warm, spirited atmosphere that embraces everyone as family. As thousands of returning patrons can attest, you will leave a devoted fan.

Free parking is available in the old Liberty National building on 3rd Avenue and 20th Street South.  Drive-Thru and Take-Out are also available all three days and for orders of 10 or more call 205-716-3086.

The event is free admission, offers indoor and outdoor dining, and food plates are individually priced. Be sure to visit The Greek Market Place which has imported food, icons, fine jewelry, art, and much more.
10:30am – 10pm

Alabama Butterbean Festival – City of Pinson
This year is the 10th Annual Alabama Butterbean Festival, the state’s 2nd largest festival.  It features live local entertainment, food and non-food vendors (arts and crafts, local organizations), carnival rides, petting zoo, pony rides, and plenty of fun for people of all ages.
9am – 4pm

Bluff Park Art Show – Bluff Park Community Center
Artists will display their work from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. in the front of the Bluff Park Community Center, located at 517 Cloudland Drive, Hoover, AL 35226.  In addition to art, we have several food vendors scattered throughout the park. Children ages 3-8 can be entertained with the hands-on art activities.  Music will be provided by high school jazz bands.
Admission to the show is FREE!  There is NO PARKING at the site.  Free parking and shuttle buses are available at the Bluff Park United Methodist Church, Shades Mountain Independent Church, Shades Mountain Plaza, Bluff Park Village Shopping Center, and Shades Crest Baptist Church.  Follow the signs from I-65 at Alford Ave and Tyler Road.  If you make a purchase, art carts will be provided to get your piece to your car.

Fiesta – Linn Park
FIESTA presented by McDonald’s kicks off its 13th year with a Celebration of Every Taste.  Alabama’s premiere Hispanic culture festival will bring an exciting line up of Hispanic and Lation entertainment, cultural awareness and family fun to this year’s event. The festival is adding a new village, Cocina Latina, a separately ticketed tent where patrons can sample various Latin foods from approximately 12 local restaurants. Presenting sponsor, McDonald’s is bringing back their FiestaTour, which has been completely revamped for 2015. The tour is only making 18 stops this year, with Birmingham, AL being one of them. This year’s tour will have a larger footprint, bringing in a trivia game with Arch card prizes, photo booth, gaming area and Latino artist memorabilia. For more information, visit www.fiestabirmingham.com.

FIESTA’s goal is “to educate the mainstream public about the many different Hispanic countries and cultures through the best of art, music, dance and food.” FIESTA passionately tells the stories and shares the rich cultures and traditions of Alabama’s diverse Hispanic community, while raising scholarships for Hispanic students through the state. For more information, visit www.fiestabirmingham.com.
Admission to Fiesta is $8 per person in advance and $10 at the gate. Children 12 and under are admitted for free. Donations to the scholarship fund at Fiesta are encouraged at the event.
Noon – 8pm

12th Annual Oktoberfest – Moody City Park
Lots of family fun at Moody City Park including Football Games on the Big Screen TV at Aarons Tailgate Party, Arts & Crafts, Vendors, Pony Rides, Bungee Jumping, Great Food, Live Entertainment, Fantastic Car Show, Mascot Challenge, Face Painting, Clowns, Prizes and much, much more.

Bring your family and invite all of your friends, Showcase your Business, Vendor Booth Space Available, Festival Sponsorships Available, and Festival Team Volunteer Positions Available.

This is a FREE event with FREE parking and is hosted by the Moody Area Chamber of Commerce which has record crowds each year.
10am – 4pm

Bark in the Park – Veteran’s Park Alabaster
Hosted by Alabaster Parks & Recreation, this is a free, family and dog-friendly event you don’t want to miss.  Bark in the Park will celebrate the bond between people and their pets with a great day full of music, arts and crafts, food and children’s activities.  If you are looking to add a four-legged member to your family, Shelby Humane Society and other rescue groups will have adoptables available. Vendors will be onsite for the latest and coolest products for you and your pets.  Activities and demonstrations will keep everyone entertained along with the Mutt Strutt dog parade/walk!
9am – 2pm

Build a Firetruck – Home Depot, Gadsden Hwy

  • Get hands-on for Fire Safety Month by building a free fire truck
  • Start the conversation with your kids about fire safety
  • FREE hands-on workshops; designed for children ages 5 – 12
  • All kid get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.
  • Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin.
  • Kids Workshop activities are scheduled on a first come/first served basis. Please do not arrive before 9:00 a.m.
  • Thank you for registering online to help us better plan our craft kit quantities needed

9am – 12pm

LEGO Club – North Shelby Library
The library provides the Legos, the kids provide the imagination and creativity! Families are welcome to drop in anytime between 10:00 and 11:00 to build spectacular creations. Creations will then go on display in the Children’s Department. All ages welcome. No registration required.
10am

We’re in the Wrong Book – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime and activities featuring Barnes & Noble’s Picture Book of the Month, We’re in the wrong book!
11am

Family Tours, Fall into Fall– Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join the Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience! Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover?

Fall into Fall: The leaves are changing and the harvest is starting! Celebrate autumn and learn about seasonal traditions around the world.
10:30am

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!
Drumming Up Fun!: Welcome the return of autumn with music and dancing! Make your own drum and stick to ring in the harvest season.
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.

—————————————————————————————

Sunday October 4th:

Boo at the Zoo – Birmingham Zoo
Make plans to head to the Birmingham Zoo to kick-off the first weekend of Boo at the Zoo presented by Wells Fargo. Members and guests can enjoy discounted $5 (plus tax) admission for the first weekend of Boo at the Zoo. Watch as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions for 17 nights of Boo at the Zoo presented by Wells Fargo.

Be sure to come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume to ride the Spider Slide*, jump on the Eerie Express train*, see a Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Show, ride the new ghost rollers*, experience a Haunted Hayride*, take a spin on the Scarousel*, visit Cajun Sadie’s Fortune Telling Adventure*, travel down trick-or-treat lane and SO much more! Boo at the Zoo presented by Wells Fargo is one spook-tacular event you won’t want to miss! *Attraction fees apply.

All attractions can be purchased individually for $3.50 each plus tax. This includes the train, carousel, slide, ice skating*, Cajun Sadie, roller racers and hay ride. *Ice skates are available for rent for $1.50 plus tax, or visitors may bring their own ice skates.
5pm – 9pm

Whispers From the Past – Aldridge Gardens
Take a trip back in time to rediscover the culture and contributions of Native Alabamians at Whispers From the Past – A Native American Experience.
Native American life will take shape through demonstrations of flintknapping, pine needle basket weaving, and hunting weapons, along with activities like leaf pounding, bead weaving on looms, corn grinding, gourd painting, and pottery. Children can try their hands at games and activities. Hear the sounds of drums and flutes, and the highlight of the day – three dance performances by Native American Pow Wow dancers. The Pow Wow demonstrations will last approximately 45 minutes and will take place at 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. Authentic Native American food will be available for purchase as well as handmade flutes, woven cane baskets, bows and arrows, plus commemorative coins and artifacts.

$10 for visitors 18 and older
$5 children 2 and older, and all crafts are included
Children younger than 2 are free
10am – 6pm

—————————————————————————————

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: Ocean Oasis, Horses, Journey to Space

Birmingham Zoo:

The Birmingham Zoo offers a variety of daily activities from Giraffe and Pelican Feedings to Bird Tours and Lion Training. For a daily schedule of whats happening at the Zoo, visit their site.

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.

Birmingham Area Fall Festivals and Pumpkin Patches – 2015

Posted on by Angie

Happy Fall, Ya’ll!

Pumpkin patches are opening up starting this weekend and there are many festivals and other seasonal activities on the schedule! Here’s our rundown of what’s happening this fall around Birmingham.

Pumpkin Patches:

Old Baker Farm – Harpersville – September 26th – October 31st. Just off Hwy 280.
Open weekdays 3pm – dark
Saturdays 9am – dark
Sundays 1pm – dark
ADMISSION COST:
$10 per person (children under 2 free)
Admission includes pumpkin and all events except food, arts and crafts, and horseback rides.
Visit Site for more information.

  • FESTIVAL WEEKEND Open Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25, 9am-5pm(*Entrance Gate Closes Each Day at 5pm)
  • LIVING HISTORY DAY ’15 – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. Teachers, bring your classroom to the farm for a challenging, learning experience
  • Western Cowboy Day – Saturday October 10th, 9am until Dark and Sunday, October 11th, 1pm until Dark
    Shootouts, Western Music, Hay Wagon Rides, Hay Mountain, Pumpkin Patch, & More!
    Kids, come dressed in your western attire! Cost: $10 per person; kids under 2 free (Payment types accepted: Cash or Check only) Admission Fee includes pumpkin and all events except food, arts and crafts, horseback rides
  • Cotton Pickin’ Celebration – Saturday October 24th 9am – 5pm and Sunday October 25th 9am – 5pm.
    Cost: $10 per person; kids under 2 free (Payment types accepted: Cash or Check only) Admission Fee includes pumpkin and all events except food, arts and crafts, horseback rides

Great Pumpkin Patch – Hayden – 65 North to the Hayden Corner Exit. September 26th – November 1st
Open Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm,
Friday and Saturday 8am – 6pm,
Sunday 1pm – 6pm.
Admission to the Pumpkin Patch is free, pay for each activity.

Bennett Farms – Heflin –   I-20 toward Atlanta, exit 199.  In October – Open Friday, 2pm – 5pm,  Saturday 9am – 5pm and Sunday 1pm – 5pm. Live Music on Saturdays, 11am – 1pm.

$10 admission per child. 1 year and under free!
Pumpkins are not included with price of admission. Admission includes all activities: hayride, petting farm, corn crib, hay maze, pipe slide, tire crawl, pipe swing, wagon train. $5 admission per adult. Admission includes all activities. Pumpkins are not included with adult admission

Pumpkin Patch Express – Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum– Open Every Saturday and Sunday in October. The entire family will enjoy an autumn ride aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express. Join in the fun as we visit the pumpkin patch for a hayride, jumpstation, cornstalk maze, coloring, and fun tattoos. Snacks, soft drinks, and good ol’ fashioned boiled peanuts available for purchase. Pick your favorite pumpkin from the patch for an additional charge.

The Pumpkin Patch event will take approximately 90 minutes.

**Tuscaloosa Barnyard
EVERY Fri 9-1; Sat 9-3 & Sun 1-5, $16 per person-one price for ALL activities: boat rides, bread for ducks/fish; bottles for piggies; animal food; petting bunnies & holding chicks; pony/horse rides; playgrounds; hayrides; pumpkin; photo-booths; jumping pillow; fishing (byop) and popsicles.

4D Farm
Visit 4D Farm this fall and experience a day of family fun and yummy food!  We have new activities that  you’ll love, just wait until you see our “Goats on the Barn at 4D Farm!”

We’re located in Cullman…just a short county drive from Birmingham and Huntsville!

Farm Location:
4D Farm
7182 County Road 703
Cullman, AL 35055

Local Libraries:

Emmet O’Neal Public Library

  • A Night Dark and Grimm: October 16th, 6pm
    Games, Crafts and prizes, and a sing a long movie with characters.
    6pm
  • Family Storytime 10:30am and Trick or Treat Around the Library – October 31st

Homewood Public Library

  • Dress up in your favorite costume and join us on Halloween morning with the Peanuts Gang as we play games, make crafts and eat some yummy treats. October 31st, 10:30am

Hoover Public Library

  • Scooby’s Kidz Kitchen – Scooby is a terrible chef. Help him whip up some favorite spooky treats and maybe even solve a mystery, too! Saturday, October 10th, 10:30am
  • Annual Pumpkin Painting Event – Bring a pumpkin to decorate with your own design. Then enter into an our contest. Entries accepted until Oct. 30. Tuesday, October 13th, 6:30pm
  • Trick or Treat! Wear your costume and trick or treat throughout the library. All ages. October 31st

Festivals and Miscellaneous Happenings:

Boo at the Zoo
Be sure to come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume to ride the Spider Slide*, jump on the Eerie Express train*, see a Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Show, ride the new ghost rollers*, experience a Haunted Hayride*, take a spin on the Scarousel*, visit Cajun Sadie’s Fortune Telling Adventure*, travel down trick-or-treat lane and SO much more! Boo at the Zoo presented by Wells Fargo is one spook-tacular event you won’t want to miss! *Attraction fees apply.

All attractions can be purchased individually for $3.50 each plus tax. This includes the train, carousel, slide, ice skating*, Cajun Sadie, roller racers and hay ride. *Ice skates are available for rent for $1.50 plus tax, or visitors may bring their own ice skates.

October 3-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23 – 31 (5-9pm)

Preview Weekend, October 3rd and 4th – Members and guests can enjoy discounted $5 (plus tax) admission for the first weekend of Boo at the Zoo. Watch as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions for 17 nights of Boo at the Zoo presented by Wells Fargo.

Town of Mt Laurel

  • Annual Fall Festival is happening on October 17th from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Fall Festival offers plenty of family-friendly fun with inflatable bounce houses, hayrides, and a petting zoo. Savor the best of Birmingham food with a rich menu of items from Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ and Mt Laurel restaurants. Plus, enjoy live music while you shop for fresh produce, seasonal flowers, jewelry, art, and handcrafted goods from more than 150 local vendors and farmers.
  • Movie Night showing of E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial just in time for Halloween on Friday October 23rd at 7p.m. •             Come out in your best Halloween costume and watch the sci-fi favorite E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for a free screening under the stars in beautiful Bryson Square. Get here early to eat dinner at one of Mt Laurel’s delicious restaurants, Mr. Harry’s Chickin De-Lux, Area 41 Pizza, Shiki Sakura, or the Townhouse Tea Shop. The movie will start at 7 p.m. and the Friends of the Mt Laurel Library will sell popcorn, glow sticks, drinks, and other concessions with proceeds going to support the Mt Laurel Library.

Heritage Festival – Jefferson Christian Academy
Families can enjoy a variety of entertainment such as carnival rides, huge inflatables, live music, arts and crafts vendors, informational booths, several food choices, great values in the silent auction, pony rides, games and more! This event is a great forum for crafters, small businesses and area retailers to have one-on-one exposure to all ages.
October 17th

Dawson Baptist Church
Please join us for this year’s Family Fall Festival!. We will have free carnival games and rides for all ages. There is minimal cost for carnival food, including cotton candy, pizza, Chick-fil-A, and much more!
October 23rd, 6pm – 9pm

BooPalooza – Morning Star United Methodist Church
Boopalooza is an event for the whole community of Chelsea to celebrate the fall season and trick or treat the local businesses and community groups that make Chelsea awesome! Join the fun this year! If you are a business or small group, church, or community group, let us know to reserve your booth space for FREE! This is a FREE event to the community as well- we will have bouncy houses, music, games, and LoTS of CaNdY!
October 24th
4pm – 7pm

Hoover Hayride – Veterans Park on Valleydale
The Hoover Hayride & Family Night is an annual family-friendly event held in October.  The event includes hayrides around the park and a large exhibitor pavilion where children can gather treats throughout the night.

  • Hayrides around the park
  • Expansive Exhibitor Area
  • Candy & Giveaways
  • Food Vendors
  • Balloon Artists
  • Face Painting

October 29, 2015
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Veterans Park on Valleydale. Parking at Spain Park High School, Complimentary shuttles to the park

Tannehill –
The Tannehill Halloween Festival, a non-scary fun-filled holiday event focused on the campgrounds, annually attracts over 6,000 visitors, most of them children. Begun in 1992, the October 31 event features park-sponsored programs during the afternoon and traditional Halloween candy “trick or treat” stops at more than 200 campsites during the evening. Park events include a moon walk, clowns, face painting, pony rides and sand art. A special tradition is the festival’s annual Halloween Festival T-shirt. Campground site decorations and lights are extensive, creative and surreal.
October 31st

Desoto State Park –
Spookapalooza! Storytelling, Treats, Fun, & Games!

Fun for the entire family…snacks, treats, costumes, and excellent slap-your-knee-&-shiver storytelling!
A weekend of fun events guaranteed to run shivers up and down your spine! Trick or treating, games, storytelling, games & more are in store during this popular annual event. Grab your favorite costume, bring the family, & come stay with us!
All events are free to the public & great for all ages!
Date: October 30th- November 1st, 2015
DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama

McWane Science Center –
Spooky Science
Join us for our public demonstrations filled with spine tingling experiments.  Bring your little monsters for a not-too-scary but totally spooky adventure! Try science “tricks” like sticking your hands in slime, learning how to mix mysterious potions, and even touching pumpkin guts!
October 30th and 31st

Homewood Parks and Recreation –
West Homewood Park
Fall Festival – Event provides a variety of games, goodies, concessions,  attractions and candy!
Saturday, October 31st 10am – 2pm
Unlimited Attraction Wristband $5.00 per individual

If you have a festival or fall event you would like added to our list, email us at: contact@birminghammommy.com subject line, Fall Festival

Birmingham Events Calendar: September 20th – September 27th

Posted on by Angie

What’s happening in Birmingham this Week? We’ve got you covered with our weekly events list. Storytime at the Birmingham Zoo, Homestead Hollow, Bat Day at Barnes and Noble and plenty to keep you busy at your local Library! Have a GREAT week!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday September 20th:

Trucks By the Tracks – Railroad Park
The 4th Annual Trucks by the Tracks local food truck festival has been increasingly popular over the years, with over 20,000 people attending in 2014! Railroad Park Foundation and the Railroad Park Jr. Board coordinate this event in an effort to promote Birmingham pride in local food, local music and the growing downtown district.

This year, Railroad Park will be charging attendees a $5 entry fee. Kids 12 and under will get in free. Along with your upfront truck/cart fees, this entry fee will help raise funds for the operation of Railroad Park, which has been a huge catalyst for the revitalization of downtown Birmingham.

In addition to the food truck participants, the event will feature live, local music, local beer, and a cash bar.
11am – 5pm

Vulcan Aftertunes – Vulcan Park and Museum

—————————————————————————————

Monday September 21st:

LEGO Club – Homewood Public Library
An exciting new building challenge for Kindergarten-5th grade.  Bring your imagination, and we will provide the rest!
This event is held in the Round Auditorium, which is accessible through the Children’s Department.
3:30pm

Member Monday -McWane Science Center
Bring your grandparents to explore McWane Science Center as we celebrate National Grandparent’s Day with a special evening of activities. Reserve your family’s spot by calling (205) 714-8414.

Chicken fingers, potato wedges and corn on the cob will be available for purchase.

The cost of dinner is Adults: $8, Children: $5.  Dinner orders may be placed when you make your reservation.  Payment must be made at time of reservation and will not be available for purchase the night of the event.

Tot Time with Mrs Eve – Avondale Regional Library
Wear your favorite fall colors as we celebrate fall with my favorite festive and funny stories. Tot Time is geared for 2 to 4 year olds with an individual caregiver; no groups please. 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30 and 11am

—————————————————————————————

Tuesday September 22nd:

Story Day with Nay Nay – Homewood Public Library
Fun-filled storytime.  Children ages three and under and a parent or caregiver are invited to shake their beanbags and listen to this amazing storyteller!
9:30am or 10:30am

Geronimo Stilton – Hoover Public Library
Spend some time in the world of your favorite newspaper mouse.  Games, crafts and snacks.  Register starting Sept. 8.  Grades 1-3
4pm

Cinderella Event – Gardendale Public Library
Come Watch the new Cinderella Movie dressed as Cinderella or Prince Charming. Enjoy FREE popcorn but bring your own drink! Meet and greet at 5pm with Cinderella and friends, craft a magic wand, tiara, or prince charming crown.
5pm – 8pm

Wild Cards – Homewood Public Library
How many card games do you know? Learn a new card game to play with your friends and family.  You show us your favorites, and we’ll share some with you!
3:30am

Bug in a Vacuum – Barnes and Noble Summit
 A bug flies through an open door into a house, through a bathroom, across a kitchen and bedroom and into a living room … where its entire life changes with the switch of a button. Will there be light at the end of the tunnel? Join us to find out at this
11am

Family Tours, Fall into Fall– Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join the Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience! Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover?

Fall into Fall: The leaves are changing and the harvest is starting! Celebrate autumn and learn about seasonal traditions around the world.
10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Wednesday September 23rd:

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 September 24th:

Story Day with Nay Nay – Homewood Public Library
Join Ms. Nay Nay every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. for this fun-filled storytime.  Children ages three and under and a parent or caregiver are invited to shake their beanbags and listen to this amazing storyteller.

—————————————————————————————

Friday September 25th:

 Move and Groove Storytime – Homewod Public Library
Join us for an interactive and energetic movement storytime for all ages every other Friday at 10:30 a.m.  We’ll move, dance, do yoga, and HAVE FUN!
10:30am

Homestead Hollow Arts and Crafts Festival –
A one of a kind – hand made, hand decorated arts and crafts. Talk to our pioneer demonstrators the old time days- see wood carving, blacksmithing, soap making, wood stove cooking, quilting, and whiskey making at our original working still, tour our original cabins as they were built by the early settlers. Visit the apiarist and learn about bee keeping. Relax by one of our many streams and listen to live local entertainment all day. Enjoy great food from our food court, bbq, funnel cakes, fried pies, ice cream, beans, greens, footlong corn dogs and so much more! Children’s activities: wagon rides, bunjy jump, moonwalk, face painting Homestead Hollow’s General store is open for you to visit and shop for those home-made fried pies and other great items all day during show dates. Homestead Hollow is located in Springville, Alabama, just 2 miles off I-59, exit 154. 27 acres of parking and our golf cart shuttles make it easy to park, get to the entrance and start having fun immediately.
Adults – $7 ~ Children (ages 3 to 12) – $3
Children (ages 2 and under) – Free.
Free Parking. NO PETS ALLOWED.
9am – 5pm

—————————————————————————————

Saturday September 26th:

Irondale Whistle Stop Festival – Historic Downtown Irondale
The Whistle Stop Festival brings in a wide variety of art and food vendors from around the region.
9am – 5pm

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic – Homewood Location
Fire Safety Month is coming up in October. Bring your kids into Lowe’s this Saturday and they can build this awesome Fire Truck!
10am

Homestead Hollow Arts and Crafts Festival –
A one of a kind – hand made, hand decorated arts and crafts. Talk to our pioneer demonstrators the old time days- see wood carving, blacksmithing, soap making, wood stove cooking, quilting, and whiskey making at our original working still, tour our original cabins as they were built by the early settlers. Visit the apiarist and learn about bee keeping. Relax by one of our many streams and listen to live local entertainment all day. Enjoy great food from our food court, bbq, funnel cakes, fried pies, ice cream, beans, greens, footlong corn dogs and so much more! Children’s activities: wagon rides, bunjy jump, moonwalk, face painting Homestead Hollow’s General store is open for you to visit and shop for those home-made fried pies and other great items all day during show dates. Homestead Hollow is located in Springville, Alabama, just 2 miles off I-59, exit 154. 27 acres of parking and our golf cart shuttles make it easy to park, get to the entrance and start having fun immediately.
Adults – $7 ~ Children (ages 3 to 12) – $3
Children (ages 2 and under) – Free.
Free Parking. NO PETS ALLOWED.
9am – 5pm

Crestline Rocks – Crestline Village
The 3rd Annual Crestline Rocks music festival, brought to you by Regions Bank, benefitting PreSchool Partners is returning! The event has a new format that will feature six bands that are voted into the lineup through a Vote by Donation process online at preschool-partners.org.  The participating bands are:  Bailey Coats, Denson Camp, Evan Pezant, the Drennen Blues Band, Riverbend and Rockhill. Taking the stage along with local music talent are Hugh Rowe Thomas, Will & Sarah Mason and Sarah Simmons from Season 4 of The Voice.

Burgers and hotdogs will be grilled on-site and kid-friendly entertainment will provide activities for all ages.

All proceeds from Crestline Rocks will go directly to PreSchool Partners’s programs that prepare 3- and 4-year-old at-risk children and their families for kindergarten in the Birmingham City Schools.

Tickets for Crestline Rocks are $10 for ages 12 and up and $5 for 11 and under and can be purchased at the Pants Store in Crestline and online at www.preschool-partners.org.  All Crestline Rocks festivities are rain or shine.  Coolers and blankets are welcome.
$10 ages 12 and up; $5 for 11 and under.
4pm – 10pm

Batman Day– Barnes and Noble Summit
Holy Event Batman! It’s Batman Day at Barnes & Noble. Join us for superhero sized fun as we play games, create our own Batstaches and listen to stories featuring the Caped Crusader. We’ll be giving away many great prizes, too.
11:30am

Storytime: Max the Brave – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime and activities featuring Max the Brave, a fearless kitten with a problem – he needs to know what a mouse looks like!
11am

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!
Drumming Up Fun!: Welcome the return of autumn with music and dancing! Make your own drum and stick to ring in the harvest season.
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.

—————————————————————————————

Sunday September 27th:

Our World Our Library – Homewood Public Library
Stories, activities, and crafts about multiculturalism and diversity, designed for Kindergarten-3rd grade.  We look forward to finding out about our world with you!
2:30pm

Hispanic Heritage Celebration Day – Birmingham Zoo
Celebrate, welcome and highlight the natural culture of Birmingham’s growing Hispanic and Latino community. Animals of Central and South America will be featured through keeper chats, animal encounters and other activities throughout the Zoo. This is a celebration of nature in Central and South America, but also a welcoming event for all parts of the Birmingham community. Enjoy a special visit by the Junior League of Birmingham Yummy Truck! This rain or shine event is FREE to Zoo Members and included in admission for Zoo guests!

Storytime with Books A Million – Birmingham Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo invites you and your family to enjoy story time hosted by Books-A-Million! This event is free with admission. Guests will enjoy hearing an animal-themed story and creating a themed craft. Story time at the Zoo is a fun, educational experience you won’t want to miss!
2:30pm

Homestead Hollow Arts and Crafts Festival –
A one of a kind – hand made, hand decorated arts and crafts. Talk to our pioneer demonstrators the old time days- see wood carving, blacksmithing, soap making, wood stove cooking, quilting, and whiskey making at our original working still, tour our original cabins as they were built by the early settlers. Visit the apiarist and learn about bee keeping. Relax by one of our many streams and listen to live local entertainment all day. Enjoy great food from our food court, bbq, funnel cakes, fried pies, ice cream, beans, greens, footlong corn dogs and so much more! Children’s activities: wagon rides, bunjy jump, moonwalk, face painting Homestead Hollow’s General store is open for you to visit and shop for those home-made fried pies and other great items all day during show dates. Homestead Hollow is located in Springville, Alabama, just 2 miles off I-59, exit 154. 27 acres of parking and our golf cart shuttles make it easy to park, get to the entrance and start having fun immediately.
Adults – $7 ~ Children (ages 3 to 12) – $3
Children (ages 2 and under) – Free.
Free Parking. NO PETS ALLOWED.
9am – 5pm

—————————————————————————————

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: Ocean Oasis, Horses, Journey to Space

Birmingham Zoo:

The Birmingham Zoo offers a variety of daily activities from Giraffe and Pelican Feedings to Bird Tours and Lion Training. For a daily schedule of whats happening at the Zoo, visit their site.

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.

Parenting with a PhD: Help! My Kids' Homework is too Hard

Posted on by Angie

We’ve passed the Honeymoon Phase of school, which means we’ve entered the Oh-Crap-We-Forgot-We-Were-Supposed-To-Do-That-Tonight Phase. This phase, of course, lasts the rest of the school year (don’t forget those hand-engraved, super expensive, personalized, home-baked gifts for the teacher on the very last day!!). Assuming you actually remember to sit your child down for homework, what happens when you try to help…and can’t? Aside from confirming your kid’s suspicion that you do not, in fact, know anything, there’s a lot of anxiety for child and parent when homework is left unfinished whether because neither of you were sure how to complete it, there were too many tears, or you ran out of time. Here are some ideas for reducing homework stress:

The first thing to remember – and this is vitally important – IT’S NOT YOUR HOMEWORK. You’ve already finished 3rd grade (I assume) and no one is holding you personally accountable for every answer being correct. Yes, younger children will need some parent assistance understanding what to do, especially if they don’t read, but the work sent home is meant to be the student’s. Keep in mind that teachers won’t generally assign homework unless students have already had practice with it during the school day. Be sure to convey to your child that this is her work – not yours and not ours. “We don’t have homework. You have homework.” By 1st grade, most kids are expected to write down what their assignments are. Have your child refer to the assignment book in order to get started and to only call you if she gets stuck. Be close but don’t feel like you need to hover. If your child senses that you’re eager to help with the work (or do it for him), he just might ask even if he doesn’t need it. Emphasize to your child that part of doing homework includes labeling it with her name and putting all materials away so assignments go
back to school with her the next day. Otherwise, you’ll be packing her bookbag before every college class and living in the dorm room…

Sometimes, despite everyone’s best attempts, your kid just isn’t going to understand his homework. If it’s a simple clarification issue, of course it’s fine to step in. Help her complete one item and then, once she remembers how to do it, let her finish the work on her own. However, in many cases, particularly in math, strategies taught are very different than those we learned in school and your child will be pretty adamant that THAT’S NOT HOW WE’RE SUPPOSED TO DO IT If you show them your way to solve a
problem. Get some advice early on from your child’s teacher on how you should handle this. Do you ask your child to work for 20 minutes completing what he understands and leaving the rest blank? Should you have your child do extra reading instead of working on assignments he doesn’t understand so that the teacher can go over them with him tomorrow? Also, find out whether the teacher would like for you to check over your child’s work and have him correct mistakes or if she wants to see what he knew on his own with no parent involvement. Usually, it’s the latter. Checking with your child’s teacher ahead of time will help you and your child create a homework philosophy that is (hopefully) low stress. Most teachers see homework as a chance for the child to practice something she has practiced in class and as an opportunity to gather feedback on how well each child learned the material. With too much parent help, the information coming back to the teacher is muddied – did you know it or did your child?  Yes, homework is important but no, it’s not worth hour-long screaming fits and migraines. Help your child to see that, many times, it’s better to send homework back blank with a note about the difficulties he had with it than it is to spend hours trying to do something he just doesn’t get.

You’ll both be in a better place to problem solve homework completion if you’re calm when you get started. Be strategic about how many afterschool activities your child is signed up for; the busier he is in the afternoons, the more stressed and rushed you’ll both be during homework time. Once home, give your child a snack and some chill out time for no more than 30 minutes before getting started. If your kid has trouble transitioning from this break to homework time, consider limiting the kinds of activities (e.g., no T.V or internet, etc.) she can do during break so that it’s easier to move into work mode. If stress levels go up during homework time, agree to both take 5 minutes – stretch, get water, leave the room – and then start working again. If one or both of you continues to get upset, take that as a sign that your child may not understand what he is being asked to do or may be too tired to do it. Let the teacher know what was going on. If you sense that your child’s problem with homework completion stems from a lack of motivation, consider putting into place a point system where he can earn prizes or privileges for good effort without excessive whining. Of course, if your child has particular academic struggles, it might be helpful to talk with her regular or special education teacher on strategies for handling homework. In many cases, it may be possible to reduce the amount of homework she needs to
complete to ensure she’s not wrestling with it until past bedtime.

About this column: Send your parenting- and kid-related questions my way and I’ll tell you what I can: parentingwithaphd@gmail.com Please be aware that email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information so it’s best to keep your questions general. If your question is featured, your name and email will not be published. Submitting a question does not constitute a professional relationship in any way and this column is not meant to substitute for face-to-face therapy. If you feel you’re doing the best you can and still need help, it may be time to bring in a professional. Start by talking with your child’s pediatrician to get a referral.

Kristen Berthiaume, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with Grayson and Associates. She obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Kentucky. She completed a predoctoral internship in clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a post- doctoral fellowship in the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) Program at Duke University Medical Center. She specializes in providing assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families dealing with the following issues: ADHD, learning disorders, social skill deficits, organizational problems, behavioral difficulties, anxiety, and depression. She generally focuses on behavioral and cognitive- behavioral techniques, but maintains a flexible approach to therapy. Her other day job is as mom to her daughters, ages seven and one, and four-year-old son.

Event: Trucks By the Tracks at Railroad Park

Posted on by Angie

You had us at Food Truck.. Add in one of our favorite locations in Birmingham and we’re so there!

Trucks by the Tracks is back for it’s 4th year!

Birmingham’s best food trucks will gather at Trucks by the Tracks Sunday, September 20th, from 11am to 5pm serving up everything from po boys & gourmet burgers to cupcakes & gelato. It’s Birmingham at its best, with giant lawn games and activities set up throughout the park. Live bands will take to the stage as everyone enjoys the city’s best mobile cuisine. Bands include American Animal, Avonwood, Five Shot Jack, GiGi Scott & Trouble Town, Two State Nation and Omari Jazz.

Trucks by the Tracks is Railroad Park’s only annual fundraising event. Admission is *$5.00, and children 12 & under get in free. Attendees pay the trucks directly for food. Thank you for supporting our efforts to spur development and revitalization in Birmingham!

New this year is a VIP section with plenty of shade, free sodas, waters, snacks, and reserved seating. A limited number of VIP tickets are available. *$30.00 for individual tickets, *$100.00 for a group of four.

Admission is *$5.00. Kids 12 and under get in free.

*Plus credit card convenience fee.

Food Trucks Confirmed so far:

watch Facebook and Twitter for announcements of more food vendors

Brianca’s Snack Shack
Cantina on Wheels
Cheezin
Dreamcakes
Full Moon BBQ
The Heavenly Donut Company
Lazy Boy BBQ
Melt

Notorious P.I.G
Off the Hook
Premium Ice Delights
Repicci’s Italian Ice and Gelato
Saw’s Street Kitchen
Shindigs
Slice Pizza & Brew
Travis Chicago Style Polish Sausages & Burgers

Food Carts Confirmed so far:

Big Spoon Creamery
TheBomb.com
Brianca’s Snack Shack
Magic City Sweet Ice
Naughty but Nice Kettle Corn

Nola Ice
Pina Colada Carribean Style
Saw’s Street Kitchen
Steel City Pops
Treats So Sweet

Birmingham Events Calendar: September 13th -September 20th

Posted on by Angie

Everything to do with your kids in Birmingham this week is right here on our Events Calendar! Member Monday at McWane Science Center, lots of special storytimes at local libraries, and if you’re a fan of Food Trucks, check out Railroad Park on Sunday for a great day of family fun and yummy food with some of Birmingham’s Favorite Food trucks!

Moms!! Our 5th Annual Moms Rock event is this Thursday!! If you haven’t gotten a sitter, get on it! You don’t want to miss out on this great night of fun honoring some amazing local women! If you haven’t met our nominees, check them out and cast your vote!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday September 13th:

Adventure Days at Red Mountain Park
We would like to express our sincere thanks for your excitement surrounding Red Mountain Park-6,000 of you are visiting each month! To show our MEGA thanks, we will offer a discounted MEGA time on the MEGA Zip on September 12th and 13th. Receive $10 off the Mega Zip by using the code AdventureDays2015 when you visit our website www.redmountainpark.org.

—————————————————————————————

Monday September 14th:

Member Monday -McWane Science Center
Bring your grandparents to explore McWane Science Center as we celebrate National Grandparent’s Day with a special evening of activities. Reserve your family’s spot by calling (205) 714-8414.

Chicken fingers, potato wedges and corn on the cob will be available for purchase.

The cost of dinner is Adults: $8, Children: $5.  Dinner orders may be placed when you make your reservation.  Payment must be made at time of reservation and will not be available for purchase the night of the event.

Tot Time with Mrs Eve – Avondale Regional Library
Join us for a fun-filled morning of stories, songs, and crafts as we kick off a new season! Tot Time is geared for 2 to 4 year olds with an individual caregiver, no groups please. 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30 and 11am

Monday Movie, Muppet Treasure Island – Homewood Public Library
Join us for some after-school family fun.  We’ll have popcorn, drinks, and a swashbuckling adventure with Kermit and the gang!
3:30pm

—————————————————————————————

Tuesday September 15th:

West Homewood Farmers Market – Shades Valley Community Church
Come enjoy the amazing music of the band called FIREKID (http://firekidmusic.com/) at the West Homewood Farmer’s Market.
The market is open on September 15th from 5pm-8pm featuring 30+ vendors (farms, arts and crafts, and so much more) along the best food trucks in Birmingham (SAWs BBQ, Cantina, and Old Town Pizza with a wood burning stove on the back of their truck!!).

Grab some veggies, throw them in the car, and find a seat or bring a lawn chair to enjoy FIREKID between 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The Holsombecks will open up the night’s performance between 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm.

Wee Ones Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join Ms. Mary for a fun and energetic storytime for 24 months and under.
10:30am

Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa – Barnes and Noble Summit
 Llama Llama loves Gram and Grandpa! Join us for this very special Storytime book selection – and bring your own Gram and Grandpa.
11am

Family Tours, Fall into Fall– Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join the Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience! Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover?

Fall into Fall: The leaves are changing and the harvest is starting! Celebrate autumn and learn about seasonal traditions around the world.
10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Wednesday September 16th:

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 September 17th:

MOMS ROCK 2015!!

Come Celebrate at the Ultimate Moms Night Out. Presented by Monogram Maternity at St. Vincents Health System and Royal Cup Coffee. We’ll have swag, prizes, food, live music and of course some rockin’ cocktails.

Get a sitter and get your girlfriends together for a night honoring you, a Rockin’ Mom!

The event is free to attend and we’ll have swag bags available for the first 100 guests to arrive.
6:30pm – 8:30pm

Saint George Middle Eastern Food Festival – St. George Melkite Greek Catholic Church
Underneath a huge white tent, the parish of Saint George Melkite Catholic Church will host its 34th Annual Middle Eastern Food Festival. With homemade Middle Eastern Food, live music and dance, the sights and sounds will be reminiscent of a Middle Eastern wedding.

Proceeds will benefit local charities and maintenance of the church. Food will be served all day, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Downtown delivery will be available for lunch on Thursday and Friday with a $75.00 minimum order. For takeout and delivery call 205-492-9621.A drive through service will operate until 7:00 P.M. Most major credit cards accepted.

Homemade foods include Kibbee, rolled grape leaves, Mediterranean style chicken. A tasty selection of vegetarian foods include spinach pies, falafel, and hummos. A wide variety of pastries and cakes will be available at the “mile long” sweet booth.

Various vendors will feature: hand crafted olive wood from the Holy Land; Byzantine icons and literature; glass jewelry made from the church’s original stained glass; and St. George’s Middle Eastern food cookbook, “Our Favorite Recipes”.

Baking from the Heart, Mini Apple Tartes – Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Creating something yummy for our tummy is the perfect way to celebrate back-to-school as we make lunchbox treats using garden favorites like apples and cinnamon! As we explore the story of the 2015 American Girl of the Year, Grace Thomas, an enthusiastic young baker, we’ll learn a little about French culture and bake mini tarte aux pommes (apple tarts) in honor of fall.
$12 Members | $15 Non-Members
4pm

Who Let the Dogs Out – Homewood Public Library
Join us for some doggy fun at our monthly family night event on Thursday at 6:00 p.m., complete with doggy tricks and doggy snacks the whole family will enjoy!
This event will be held in the Large Auditorium.
6pm – 7pm

Story Day with Nay Nay – Homewood Public Library
Join Ms. Nay Nay every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. for this fun-filled storytime.  Children ages three and under and a parent or caregiver are invited to shake their beanbags and listen to this amazing storyteller.

—————————————————————————————

Friday September 18th:

Zoo Gala – Birmingham Zoo
Save the date for the Birmingham Zoo’s biggest annual event, IBERIABANK ZooGala 2015. Guests are invited to the VIP Party from 6pm-8pm and the main event from 8pm-11pm. Enjoy dinner and dessert by Kathy G & Company, cocktails, music by Compozitionz, dancing, a silent auction (get a sneak peak of the items here) and more. This cocktail attire event is for guests 21 and older. Help us celebrate the Zoo’s 60th Anniversary at this spectacular event you won’t want to miss. Tickets are non-refundable. ZooGala 2015 is a rain or shine event. Complimentary valet parking will be provided. To purchase tickets, please click here.

Saint George Middle Eastern Food Festival – St. George Melkite Greek Catholic Church
Underneath a huge white tent, the parish of Saint George Melkite Catholic Church will host its 34th Annual Middle Eastern Food Festival. With homemade Middle Eastern Food, live music and dance, the sights and sounds will be reminiscent of a Middle Eastern wedding.

Proceeds will benefit local charities and maintenance of the church. Food will be served all day, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Downtown delivery will be available for lunch on Thursday and Friday with a $75.00 minimum order. For takeout and delivery call 205-492-9621.A drive through service will operate until 7:00 P.M. Most major credit cards accepted.

Homemade foods include Kibbee, rolled grape leaves, Mediterranean style chicken. A tasty selection of vegetarian foods include spinach pies, falafel, and hummos. A wide variety of pastries and cakes will be available at the “mile long” sweet booth.

Various vendors will feature: hand crafted olive wood from the Holy Land; Byzantine icons and literature; glass jewelry made from the church’s original stained glass; and St. George’s Middle Eastern food cookbook, “Our Favorite Recipes”.

—————————————————————————————

Saturday September 19th:

The Neverland Pirates – Homewood Public Library
Celebrate “Talk Like a Pirate Day” at the Homewood Library!  Tinkerbell and her pirate friends will lead you on a swashbuckling adventure in fun, Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m.!

International Red Panda Day – Birmingham Zoo
Join the Zoo in celebrating International Red Panda Day 2015. Participate in red panda fact games to test your knowledge, enter the coloring contest (download and print the coloring sheet here) for a chance to win a behind-the-scenes tour, create your own red panda mask and learn how these unique animals survive in the wild by becoming a “red panda ranger.”  Don’t miss a red panda enrichment with a keeper chat at 1pm and a red panda training with a keeper chat at 2pm! Be a part of this important cause and help the Zoo raise awareness for red pandas. The red panda is a part of the Species Survival Plan® Program, a cooperative breeding and conservation program between the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Birmingham Zoo. Fun for the entire family, don’t miss out on this day full of activities!

Take a Pet Home – Nadaeu Birmingham
Stop by Nadeau and adopt an adorable pet! That’s right, we are hosting a pet adoption event with the help of The Whole Dog Market who will be providing treats for the animals and Little Donkey who will be bringing snacks and refreshments. So be sure to come by Nadeau Birmingham between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm for a chance to meet all the lovely pets.

The Day the Crayons thew a Party – Hoover Public Library
The crayons have quit, come home and now they are taking over the library!  Go crazy with dancing, crafts and games!  All ages
10:30am

Saint George Middle Eastern Food Festival – St. George Melkite Greek Catholic Church
Underneath a huge white tent, the parish of Saint George Melkite Catholic Church will host its 34th Annual Middle Eastern Food Festival. With homemade Middle Eastern Food, live music and dance, the sights and sounds will be reminiscent of a Middle Eastern wedding.

Proceeds will benefit local charities and maintenance of the church. Food will be served all day, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Downtown delivery will be available for lunch on Thursday and Friday with a $75.00 minimum order. For takeout and delivery call 205-492-9621.A drive through service will operate until 7:00 P.M. Most major credit cards accepted.

Homemade foods include Kibbee, rolled grape leaves, Mediterranean style chicken. A tasty selection of vegetarian foods include spinach pies, falafel, and hummos. A wide variety of pastries and cakes will be available at the “mile long” sweet booth.

Various vendors will feature: hand crafted olive wood from the Holy Land; Byzantine icons and literature; glass jewelry made from the church’s original stained glass; and St. George’s Middle Eastern food cookbook, “Our Favorite Recipes”.

Bug in a Vacuum– Barnes and Noble Summit
A bug flies through an open door into a house, through a bathroom, across a kitchen and bedroom and into a living room … where its entire life changes with the switch of a button. Will there be light at the end of the tunnel? Join us to find out at this
11am

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!
Drumming Up Fun!: Welcome the return of autumn with music and dancing! Make your own drum and stick to ring in the harvest season.
11am

Bart’s Book – Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart’s Books is a storytelling program for children ages 4-7. Bart selects a new book and related work of art each month that he thinks kids will enjoy.
This month, Bart has selected Uk-Bae Lee’s Sori’s Harvest Moon Day.
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.

—————————————————————————————

Sunday September 20th:

Trucks By the Tracks – Railroad Park
The 4th Annual Trucks by the Tracks local food truck festival has been increasingly popular over the years, with over 20,000 people attending in 2014! Railroad Park Foundation and the Railroad Park Jr. Board coordinate this event in an effort to promote Birmingham pride in local food, local music and the growing downtown district.

This year, Railroad Park will be charging attendees a $5 entry fee. Kids 12 and under will get in free. Along with your upfront truck/cart fees, this entry fee will help raise funds for the operation of Railroad Park, which has been a huge catalyst for the revitalization of downtown Birmingham.

In addition to the food truck participants, the event will feature live, local music, local beer, and a cash bar.
11am – 5pm

—————————————————————————————

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: Ocean Oasis, Horses, Journey to Space

Birmingham Zoo:

The Birmingham Zoo offers a variety of daily activities from Giraffe and Pelican Feedings to Bird Tours and Lion Training. For a daily schedule of whats happening at the Zoo, visit their site.

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.

Vote! Moms Rock 2015!

Posted on by Angie

Another year and another Amazing group of Nominees. We once again received some great stories and heart felt nominations from friends, Husbands, kids, and family members..  It’s always tough narrowing it down, because we know that every single Mom that is submitted, Rocks.

Meet this years Nominees and cast your vote for one of these Incredibly Rockin’ Moms! Voting will close on Thursday September 17th at Noon. Our winner will be announced at the event later that evening!

 

Jenny Clark:

Jenny is a giver. Simple. As.That. There really is no other better way to describe her, but I’ll try. As a single mom to four children (two “tummy babies,” one via adoption, and one via foster care), Jenny gives her all to raising her children, but it doesn’t stop there. She is passionate about overlooked children, foster care, adoption, and teaching others about how they too, can make an impact in the lives of children who are often left behind right here at home and all around the world. She works tirelessly to provide for her family, for the spiritual needs of our community’s children, and she also spends time volunteering in her children’s schools. You can see what kind of mother Jenny is, not only by her own example, but through the character of her children. Simply put, they rock because she does!

 

 

Karla Thomas:

Karla works as a nurse in UAB’s Operating Room and is a wonderful, loving wife and mother to two boys, ages 7 and 4. Despite working a demanding surgical job at Alabama’s main level-one trauma hospital, Karla always finds time for her family, and her friends. She believes that fun family bonding is at the center of a happy family and always seeks out any new and interesting family activities to experience together. It seems like she never stops always giving 110% of herself to her career and family. She also demonstrates her love and compassion for others by giving to charities such as Stop Hunger Now, Ovarian Cancer Research, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the American Heart Association. She is truly an amazing woman with a great work-life balance.

 

 

 

Rachel Corscadden:

Rachel is a young driven mom of two boys (5) (2) and is battling stage 4 breast cancer – she started chemo two years ago when she was 24 weeks pregnant, the cancer has now spread to her spine and 3 lesions in her brain. She still goes to work on Tuesdays after chemo on Monday and still manages to walk her kids to school each day and pick them up after. She is full of JOY and always positive to those around her. She is not letting this affect her JOY, but she is weak – yet still providing for her family. She is not embarrassed but reaches out to others to ensure they have a great day! She believes in her God and her faith and a medical miracle even though doctors are not always hopeful.  She embraces her community and her current job – she verbally praises her kids and husband every day and embraces all of her prayer warriors.

Leslie Pitts:

Leslie is a pediatric nurse practitioner specializing in endocrinology at Children’s Hospital. Leslie treats children with all kinds of medical issues, but she is especially passionate about working with children who have type 1 diabetes. Leslie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a young child herself. Leslie has two small children of her own (Sam 9 months and Lucy 4 years). Her husband has recently gone back to school full time, so they are currently living on one income. She is doing most of the parenting herself as her husband is going to school out of town and studies a lot when he is home. They’re living on a tight budget but Leslie never complains and always puts her children first, planning and taking advantage of all the free and fun things to do around Birmingham.

 

 

Linda Martin:

Although Linda has not given birth to any children, she is the adoptive mom of seven and has been a foster mom to over 100 children. As a therapeutic foster parent, she always has her door open to children in crisis for short- or long-term care, whether they be babies straight from the hospital or troubled teens. In addition, she is also very involved with her grandson. She has taught foster parent classes for many years and is employed as a school counselor. She also works tirelessly with her church nursery and with the organization Family Promise, which provides housing to homeless families. Linda has been instrumental in helping countless children to feel safe and loved and asks for no recognition for all that she does!

 

Cast your vote by following this Link!

VOTE MOMS ROCK 2015

 

Birmingham Events Calendar: September 6th – September 13th

Posted on by Angie

Everything to do with kids in Birmingham this week! We’ve got your weekly calendar and some of our favorite fall events are starting to pop up, that means cooler weather and pumpkin everything is getting very close!

There are a few Labor Day events happening, check out Let’s Build It at McWane Science Center, and special activities at the Birmingham Zoo. It’s the last few days to see the LEGO Americana Roadshow at the Riverchase Galleria. And if you’re looking forward to the weekend it’s Oktoberfest, so start perfecting your Chicken Dance and we’ll see you there! Have a great week!!

 

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday September 6th:

Labor Day Events – Birmingham Zoo
Come to the Zoo this holiday weekend and take advantage of the Birmingham Zoo’s many activities! Visit the American black bears in the all-new Barbara Ingalls Shook Black Bear Trail, take a ride on the Jane H. Brock Soaring Safari Zipline Adventure*, the train* and carousel*, feed the giraffes at the Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter* and cool off in the Splash Pads at the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo! Don’t miss the thrill and excitement of the Red Diamond Sea Lion Splash Show and see the butterflies in Granny’s Butterfly Garden before the exhibit closes on September 7. *Additional cost.

The LEGO American Road Show – Riverchase Galleria
Riverchase Galleria will host THE LEGO® Americana Roadshow, a highly visual, educational and free traveling installation of larger than life LEGO replicas of some of our nation’s most beloved landmarks. Ten one-of-a-kind, large scale models of American Landmarks made completely out of LEGO bricks by LEGO Master Builders – including the U.S. Capitol Building, White House, Supreme Court, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Old North Church – take over Riverchase Galleria and entertain customers with stunning visuals and fun facts.

ADDITIONAL ON-SITE VISUALS AND ACTIVITIES:

LEGO Brick Play Area: Children of all ages can build whatever their imaginations dream up

Virtual Interactivity: Download the LEGO Connect app and watch time-lapse video of the building process for a handful of the LEGO landmarks right in the mall.

10am – 9pm

—————————————————————————————

Monday September 7th:

LABOR DAY!!

You Build It! – McWane Science Center
Calling ALL Builders!

Unroll your blue prints! Grab a hammer and nail! And get ready for a constructive day at McWane Science Center as we literally have a “block” party inside the museum. From Legos to Lincoln Logs there will be something for all ages! Building challenges will happening throughout the museum and if you are in between the ages of  2-10 you can create your own structure with our Big Blue Blocks and enter the national Imagination Playground Build-A-Thon contest and have a chance to enter to win over 500 prizes, including Imagination Playground blocks!
10am – 5pm

Labor Day Events – Birmingham Zoo
Come to the Zoo this holiday weekend and take advantage of the Birmingham Zoo’s many activities! Visit the American black bears in the all-new Barbara Ingalls Shook Black Bear Trail, take a ride on the Jane H. Brock Soaring Safari Zipline Adventure*, the train* and carousel*, feed the giraffes at the Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter* and cool off in the Splash Pads at the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo! Don’t miss the thrill and excitement of the Red Diamond Sea Lion Splash Show and see the butterflies in Granny’s Butterfly Garden before the exhibit closes on September 7. *Additional cost.

Labor Day Celebration and Moon Pie Eating Contest – Tannehill State Park
On Labor Day you can participate in Alabama’s largest moon pie eating contest and compete for prize money in both children and adult categories. Across the park, the United Mine Workers hold their annual Birmingham District Labor Day celebration. There’s also plenty of good BBQ and some “picking and singing” too.
$4.00 Adults (12 years and older)
$3.00 Seniors (Ages 62 and older)
$2.00 Children (Ages 6-11) ages 5 and under free
8:30am – 4:30pm

The LEGO American Road Show – Riverchase Galleria
Riverchase Galleria will host THE LEGO® Americana Roadshow, a highly visual, educational and free traveling installation of larger than life LEGO replicas of some of our nation’s most beloved landmarks. Ten one-of-a-kind, large scale models of American Landmarks made completely out of LEGO bricks by LEGO Master Builders – including the U.S. Capitol Building, White House, Supreme Court, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Old North Church – take over Riverchase Galleria and entertain customers with stunning visuals and fun facts.

ADDITIONAL ON-SITE VISUALS AND ACTIVITIES:

LEGO Brick Play Area: Children of all ages can build whatever their imaginations dream up

Virtual Interactivity: Download the LEGO Connect app and watch time-lapse video of the building process for a handful of the LEGO landmarks right in the mall.

10am – 9pm

—————————————————————————————

Tuesday September 8th:

50th Anniversary Family Night Funikijam – Emmet O’Neal Library
Help us celebrate the library’s 50th anniversary with a music-filled Family Night. Start with a picnic dinner on the lawn at 5:30 pm, then stick around for the show at 6pm.

Wee Ones Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join Ms. Mary for a fun and energetic storytime for 24 months and under.
10:30am

The Full Moon at the Napping House Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
 In this long-awaited companion to the beloved classic The Napping House, a full moon is keeping everyone in the napping house awake! Finally, a musical visitor sends sleepy Granny, her energetic grandson, and their menagerie off to dreamland.
11am

Family Tours, Fall into Fall– Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join the Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience! Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover?

Fall into Fall: The leaves are changing and the harvest is starting! Celebrate autumn and learn about seasonal traditions around the world.
10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Wednesday September 9th:

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 September 10th:

Story Day with Nay Nay – Homewood Public Library
Join Ms. Nay Nay every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. for this fun-filled storytime.  Children ages three and under and a parent or caregiver are invited to shake their beanbags and listen to this amazing storyteller.

—————————————————————————————

Friday September 11th:

Oktoberfest – Das Haus
Freunde Deutscher Sprache und Kultur (FDSK) presents The 39th Original Birmingham Oktoberfest @ Das Haus 2318 2nd Ave N, B’ham 35203
LIVE MUSIC 6PM – Midnight Europa & Wolfgang Moritz in the Beer Garden $10.00 cover includes one coffee or tea

$10.00  or Free admission for those dressed in dirndle or ledderhosen!

Pay admission Friday and come back Saturday for no cover!

Foothills Festival – Jasper

Sister Hazel to Headline Free Festival!  The City of Jasper, AL will be hosting its annual Foothills Festival with headliner, Sister Hazel. The Foothills Festival is a free music festival in the heart of downtown Jasper, AL. This family friendly event will include numerous national and local music acts.  Hundreds of diverse vendors and artists will be lining the streets, along with a fall carnival, delicious food and drinks. This free event will be held from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m
Courthouse Square in downtown Jasper, AL.

—————————————————————————————

Saturday September 12th:

Oktoberfest – Das Haus
Freunde Deutscher Sprache und Kultur (FDSK) presents The 39th Original Birmingham Oktoberfest @ Das Haus 2318 2nd Ave N, B’ham 35203
LIVE MUSIC 6PM – Midnight Europa & Wolfgang Moritz in the Beer Garden $10.00 cover includes one coffee or tea

$10.00  or Free admission for those dressed in dirndle or ledderhosen!

Pay admission Friday and come back Saturday for no cover!

Read and Romp – Learning Tree Park
Read and Romp-Birmingham is an exciting, innovative FREE family literacy event. Read and Romp-Birmingham is unique in that it is a collaboration of organizations that have early childhood literacy and family engagement as priorities.

At Read and Romp-Birmingham, children will be engaged in fun, learning-based activities themed around favorite children’s books. Children will leave the event with goodies that they have either created or earned by completing each station along with a stamped passport and a bag of brand new books.
9am – 12pm

Adventure Days at Red Mountain Park
We would like to express our sincere thanks for your excitement surrounding Red Mountain Park-6,000 of you are visiting each month! To show our MEGA thanks, we will offer a discounted MEGA time on the MEGA Zip on September 12th and 13th. Receive $10 off the Mega Zip by using the code AdventureDays2015 when you visit our website www.redmountainpark.org.

Foothills Festival – Jasper
Sister Hazel to Headline Free Festival!  The City of Jasper, AL will be hosting its annual Foothills Festival with headliner, Sister Hazel. The Foothills Festival is a free music festival in the heart of downtown Jasper, AL. This family friendly event will include numerous national and local music acts.  Hundreds of diverse vendors and artists will be lining the streets, along with a fall carnival, delicious food and drinks. This free event will be held from 10:00 – 10:00 p.m
Courthouse Square in downtown Jasper, AL.

Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa– Barnes and Noble Summit
In this long-awaited companion to the beloved classic The Napping House, a full moon is keeping everyone in the napping house awake! Finally, a musical visitor sends sleepy Granny, her energetic grandson, and their menagerie off to dreamland.
11am

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!
Drumming Up Fun!: Welcome the return of autumn with music and dancing! Make your own drum and stick to ring in the harvest season.
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.

—————————————————————————————

Sunday September 13th:

Adventure Days at Red Mountain Park
We would like to express our sincere thanks for your excitement surrounding Red Mountain Park-6,000 of you are visiting each month! To show our MEGA thanks, we will offer a discounted MEGA time on the MEGA Zip on September 12th and 13th. Receive $10 off the Mega Zip by using the code AdventureDays2015 when you visit our website www.redmountainpark.org.

—————————————————————————————

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: Ocean Oasis, Horses, Journey to Space

Birmingham Zoo:

The Birmingham Zoo offers a variety of daily activities from Giraffe and Pelican Feedings to Bird Tours and Lion Training. For a daily schedule of whats happening at the Zoo, visit their site.

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.

Advertisements