Birmingham Events Calendar: May 17th – May 24th

Posted on Sunday, May 17, 2015 by Angie

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

Summer is so close, can you feel it?? Disney on Ice presents, Frozen is rolling into town this week and there are a few story times happening around town. Check out the fun happening at the Birmingham Zoo over Memorial Day Weekend and of course, Itty Bitty Magic City is OPEN at McWane Science Center! Have a great week!

Sunday May 17th

Itty Bitty Days – McWane Science Center
McWane will open their newest space, Itty Bitty Magic City to the public for the first time. They will have special activities and guests all day long to join in on the celebration. Guests include: a Petting Zoo, Junior League Yummy Truck, Birmingham Fire Department, Birmingham Children’s Theater, Villager Yoga, Get Rhythm Drum Circle, Children’s Dance Foundation, inflatables on the Plaza, visits by Vulcan, Babe Ruff and so much more!

Make plans to be there to enjoy our new space. In order to accommodate all guests who want to enjoy Itty Bitty Magic City, you will receive an assigned time at ticketing when you arrive on the opening days; this way everyone will get a turn! Timed sessions will be every hour for guests; this is just for Itty Bitty Magic City, not the entire museum.

Tannehill Trade Days – Tannehill State Park
shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures.
Park admission:
$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
8pm – 4pm

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Monday May 18th:

Member Monday – McWane Science Center
As a thank-you to all of our members, McWane Science Center offers Member Mondays.

Every Monday, McWane Science Center members receive extra perks while visiting!

A Special Gift for kids when checking in at the Ticketing Counter
30% Discount on all Really Cool Stuff purchases
$1 Small Popcorns at the IMAX Concession Stand

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Tuesday May 19th:

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Imagination’s Destination: Kids in grades 1 to 6, join Barnes & Noble’s annual Summer Reading Program. Read eight books, complete your journal and get a free book at your local Barnes & Noble store.
11am

Family Tours, Flights of Fancy– 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?

Flights of Fancy: Discover fantastical creatures in the exhibition, Between Fantasy and Reality: Frank Fleming, and look for whimsy in the Museum collection!
10:30am

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Wednesday May 20th:

Disney Presents, Frozen on Ice – BJCC
Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond all imagination at Disney On Ice presents Frozen Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt. The heartwarming Academy Award®-winning tale you love is now LIVE and skating into your town. You’ll be magically whisked away into the wintry world of Arendelle, where you will be dazzled by amazing special effects and astonishing skating. Sing and dance along to inspiring songs, including “Let It Go.” Join royal sisters Anna and Elsa, the hilarious snowman Olaf, Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven and the mystical trolls as they journey to discover that true love is ultimately the most magical power of all! Hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, with special guest appearances by your most beloved Disney Princesses and characters from favorites like Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Disney’s The Lion King, this unforgettable celebration of love and friendship will leave your family with memories to last a lifetime.
7pm

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

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Thursday May 21st:

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Friday May 22nd:

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Saturday May 23rd:

Memorial Day Weekend at the Birmingham Zoo
In honor of Memorial Day weekend, all active, disabled and retired military personnel and their dependents can enjoy FREE admission to the Zoo with proof of a valid military I.D. Guests are invited to feed the lorikeets in the newly renovated Schaeffer Eye Center Lorikeet Aviary*, glide through the treetops on the Jane H. Brock Soaring Safari Zipline Adventure*, take a ride on the new Wild Slide*, cool off in the splash fountains, take a ride on the train and carousel*, enjoy a new Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Show and experience all the Zoo has to offer. *Additional cost

World Turtle Day – Birmingham Zoo
From 9am-12pm, guests can enjoy a special meet and greet with zoo keepers and animals in the Reptile Building. From 10am-12pm guests can meet the giant tortoises in Trails of Africa. This is an exciting and informative event you won’t want to miss!

Bart’s Art Cart – Play with Clay
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!

Play with Clay: Create a sculpture in the whimsical manner of Frank Fleming! Use self-hardening clay to create an animal, a make-believe figure, or whatever comes to mind!
11am

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Dragons love tacos — chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos and teeny tiny tacos. So if you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should serve tacos. Buckets and buckets of tacos. Join us as we read this hilarious story by Adam Rubin.
11am

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Sunday May 24th:

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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: Tornado Alley, Great White Shark, To the Arctic, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar

Birmingham Zoo:

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

RHINO ENCOUNTER – Embark on an African adventure and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Southern White Rhino. Watch from only feet away as our zookeepers engage in hands-on interaction with the animals inside their African-themed exhibit. Don’t miss this exciting encounter with one of the largest mammals on the planet!
Weekdays: 3pm – 3:30pm
Weekends: 11:30am – Noon & 3pm – 3:30 pm

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am & 2pm – 3pm

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.

Grand Opening! Itty Bitty Magic City

Posted on Thursday, May 14, 2015 by Angie

BirminghamMommy.com got a chance to sneak a peek at the much anticipated Itty Bitty Magic City, that will be open to the public this Saturday at McWane Science Center.

I have to say that I’m so completely jealous and sad that my kids are too old to play in this new area, so sad that I’m actually making plans to borrow children in order to play in Itty Bitty myself!

Itty Bitty Magic City is nothing short of amazing, from the custom made mural that greets you when you walk up, all the way back to the vacuum wall and water area, there is plenty to keep the itty bitty’s in your family, busy for hours!

This new section of McWane Science Center will cater to their youngest visitors, Kindergarten and younger, and will encourage young children’s love of learning through the four major types of play: Physical Play — Exploratory Play — Constructive Play — Imaginative Play.

Some of the highlights of Itty Bitty Magic City are:

Main Street: This area captures the look and feel of a downtown main street area complete with storefronts, sidewalks and street lights. Main Street includes a fire station, a farm, a veterinarian clinic, a market, a diner and a garage.
Tot Spot: The toddler area provides a secure space for McWane’s youngest visitors to explore and play.
Water Play: Water domes, ball vortices, squirters, pumps, damming activities, and an observation dome are elements sure to fascinate in the Water Play area.
Climbing Structure: designed to engage early learners at every skill and developmental level and encouraging them to safely challenge themselves physically.

You can check it all out for yourself this weekend as they host their Grand Opening with special activities and guests BOTH days to join in on the celebration.

On Saturday, May 16th look forward to: a Petting Zoo, Junior League Yummy Truck, Birmingham Fire Department, Birmingham Children’s Theater, Villager Yoga, Get Rhythm Drum Circle, inflatables on the Plaza, Vulcan, Babe Ruff and so much more!

On Sunday, May 17th: a Petting Zoo, Publix Supermarkets snacks, a rhythm band, a Barbershop Quartet, Birmingham Children’s Theater, Children’s Dance Foundation, Get Rhythm Drum Circle, Villager Yoga, inflatables on the Plaza, and so much more!

In order to accommodate all guests who want to enjoy Itty Bitty Magic City, you will receive an assigned time at ticketing when you arrive on the opening days, this way everyone will get a turn! Timed sessions will be every hour for guests, this is just for Itty Bitty Magic City, not the entire museum.

(Photos: Scott Butler)

Giveaway: Disney on Ice, Frozen!

Posted on Thursday, May 14, 2015 by Angie

Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond all imagination at Disney On Ice presents Frozen Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt. The heartwarming Academy Award®-winning film is now LIVE and skating into Birmingham with dazzling special effects, astonishing skating, and inspiring songs like “Let It Go.” Join Anna and Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven as they journey to discover that true love is the most magical power of all, with special guest appearances by your most beloved Disney Princesses and favorite Disney characters. This unforgettable celebration of love and friendship will leave your family with memories to last a lifetime.

BirminghamMommy.com has 2 family 4 packs of tickets to giveaway for the Wednesday, May 20th show at 7pm. And we’ve decided to do something a little different with this giveaway, and it will give you 2 chances to win!

Here’s how to enter:

Explore Birmingham!

Take and submit a picture of your favorite Frozen character exploring Birmingham. Take your doll, barbie, stuffed lovie, your child or yourself in costume, to one of your favorite spots/landmarks in Birmingham and snap a picture! Submit to: contact@birminghammommy.com for 1 entry.

Create A Frozen Meme!

Get creative with one of the meme apps on your phone (mematic, Instameme…) or simply add text to a photo you already have (this photo can be of you, your child your pet… etc) Submit your ORIGINAL meme to: contact @birminghammommy.com for 1 entry.

Just remember, the more creative, the better. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

2 winners will be drawn from the submissions Sunday Night, May 17th at 6pm. Winner will be contacted via email and Facebook. If you are unable to attend the show on May 20th, at 7pm please do not enter.

BirminghamMommy.com has the right to post some or all of the submitted photos and memes on our site and or social media platforms throughout the giveaway. Your submission serves as permission to share your photo.

Birmingham Events Calendar: May 10th – May 17th

Posted on Sunday, May 10, 2015 by Angie

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

We hope you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day! Lots of fun happening around the Magic City this week, kicking off tomorrow with our Barons on a Home Stretch and looking forward to Do Dah Day on Saturday! Just a week or two more of school before Summer!

Have a GREAT week!

Sunday May 10th

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, MOMS!!

Free Admission for Moms – Birmingham Zoo
In recognition of Mother’s Day, all mothers will get in FREE to the Birmingham Zoo on May 10 with the purchase of a full-price child’s admission ticket!* The first 60 mothers to enter the Zoo on Sunday, May 10 will receive a FREE 60th Anniversary tote bag! All guests can feed the lorikeets in the new Schaeffer Eye Center Lorikeet Aviary**, take a ride on the new Wild Slide**, see a new Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Show, glide through Alabama Wilds on the Jane H. Brock Soaring Safari Zipline Adventure** and more. Take a spin on the carousel**, feed the giraffes at the Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter**, check out the four African bull elephants at Trails of Africa, ride on a camel** and so much more. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to support and pay tribute to orangutan mothers missing around the world. Create memories that will last a lifetime, and support this important cause by visiting the Birmingham Zoo this Mother’s Day weekend. For more information on orangutan conservation, please click here.
*This offer is exclusive for Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10 only.
**Additional cost.

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Monday May 11th:

Member Monday – McWane Science Center
As a thank-you to all of our members, McWane Science Center offers Member Mondays.

Every Monday, McWane Science Center members receive extra perks while visiting!

A Special Gift for kids when checking in at the Ticketing Counter
30% Discount on all Really Cool Stuff purchases
$1 Small Popcorns at the IMAX Concession Stand

Member Mondays also include an exclusive, FREE members-only evening event every month! On the 2^nd Monday evening of every month, McWane Science Center will open its doors from 6 to 8 P.M. for its members .

AND DINNER TOO: In additional to Member Monday evening events, themed buffet dinners will be available. The cost of dinner is $8 for Adults and $5 for Children. Dinner orders may be placed when you make your reservation but must be made by the Wednesday before each event.

Dinner payment must be made at the time of Reservation and will not be available for purchase the night of the event.

Reservations are required for each Member Monday event. Reserve your spot today by calling (205) 714-8414.

THEME: Blast Off into Space

Experience space as never before with a screening of our latest IMAX film, Journey To Space. Then experience McWane Science Center’s very own Star Dome planetarium to explore what makes each planet special and other objects that make up our universe.

Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
Come by the library after school for hot, fresh popcorn and a fun family movie!
3:30pm

Birmingham Barons – Regions Field
The Barons are looking to build on a record-setting two-year span at Regions Field that saw them welcome over 800,000 fans to downtown Birmingham while being named the 2013 Ballpark of the Year by Baseballparks.com.
vs. Chattanooga
7:05pm

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Tuesday May 12th:

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Have you ever woken up grumpy? Maybe you need some magic sunglasses like Pete the Cat!
11am

Wee Ones Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us on Tuesday mornings for a unique new Storytime specifically tailored to your one year old!
9:30a and 10:30a

Flights of Fancy: Discover fantastical creatures in the exhibition, Between Fantasy and Reality: Frank Fleming, and look for whimsy in the Museum collection!
10:30am

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Wednesday May 13th:

May Play Day – Homewood Public Library
We’ll provide the stations, and you provide the imagination for a fun morning of play with your child in the Round Auditorium.
10am

Wiggleworm Wednesdays– Homewood Public Library
Storytime for all ages! Join us for music, puppets, dancing, and so much more in Storytime with Ms. Mandy. Look in the round auditorium every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. for your Storytime pals!
Large groups, we appreciate your call to 205-332-6619 to ensure adequate space.
10:30am

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Thursday May 14th:

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Friday May 15th:

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Saturday May 16th:

Toytopia – McWane Science Center
Stage Nine Exhibit Design presents its highly acclaimed TOYTOPIA exhibition. TOYTOPIA is an immersive and interactive exhibition focusing on the various histories and legacies of toy makers throughout the past century of toy making. Visitors learn about the origins of toys, who made them, and why they are fun and dear to us. Explore a larger than life Doll House, get retro in the Arcade featuring video games from the 80’s and 90’s, stroll down memory lane with classic toys from the 1900’s, and create new structures with Legos and Lincoln Logs. The possibilities are endless for young and old alike in TOYTOPIA!

Do Dah Day – Caldwell Park
The South’s craziest parade kicks off at 11:01 a.m. on the streets of Highland Avenue in Birmingham’s Southside. Then, spend the day in Caldwell and Rhodes Parks with friends, pets, arts & crafts, kid’s activities, and a lineup of great bands. Oh yes, we have plenty of food and beverages, and collectible Do Dah Day t-shirts.

All proceeds benefit local animal charities.
Parade at 11:01 a.m. The parade route follows Highland Ave. westbound, past Rushton & Rhodes parks and ends at Caldwell Park.
Festival in the Caldwell and Rhodes Parks after the parade.

Cahaba Lily Festival – West Blockton
he program begins in the morning with indoor presentations by various nature/wildflower groups. Botanist Larry Davenport, an expert on the lilies, presents an informative presentation about the lilies. Lunch is served just before attendees go to the river for viewing the lilies.

There is no registration fee for the Cahaba Lily Festival. Donations are accepted to cover the cost of the lunch. The Cahaba River Society offers $20 canoe rentals for those interested in canoeing among the lilies. The canoes are available between 1 and 3 pm on a first-come basis. T-shirts, caps, artwork and various nature-related crafts will also be available from attending vendors for those interested.
9am – 5pm

Bart’s Art Cart – Play with Clay
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!

Play with Clay: Create a sculpture in the whimsical manner of Frank Fleming! Use self-hardening clay to create an animal, a make-believe figure, or whatever comes to mind!
11am

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Patton Creek
Join Erin for Storytime and activities featuring our picture book of the month, Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret. In this intriguing story, once Ballet Cat and Sparkles the Pony share their secrets, will their friendship end, or be stronger?
11am

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Sunday May 17th:

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Birmingham Zoo:

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am & 2pm – 3pm

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Railroad Park:

Southern Museum of Flight:

Talking about Teen Depression is Depressing

Posted on Friday, May 8, 2015 by Angie

By: Drew Read, COO Paul Anderson Youth

We all feel sad, down, blue or discouraged at times. That’s pretty normal. Sadness, disappointment, and pessimism are natural reactions to the hassles of life. I regularly feel a bit blue during football season as I watch my beloved Oakland Raiders lose each week. The reality is that, in the scheme of things, the loss of a favorite team is not that meaningful when compared to an argument with a friend or loved one.

For teens, there are many things that can cause stress: a breakup, a best friend moving, doing poorly on a test, or not performing at an athletic event. Such events may even make them feel pessimistic about the future. We’ve all been there. In most cases, we manage to overcome these feelings with a little time and care. Depression, however, is different.

Depression is a lingering mood of sadness and hopelessness. It can last weeks or months and is fairly common among teenagers. Statistics suggest that adolescent girls are twice as likely to experience a period of depression as compared to boys. At Paul Anderson Youth Home (PAYH), many of our young men come to us with a diagnosis of depression.

So why do teens get depressed? Well, for the same reason we adults get depressed. Internal and external pressures cause stress. The difference is, as adults, we have learned to work through those feelings, emotions and stressful situations. Maturity has made us better managers of our emotions and feelings. But our children are still learning how to navigate their emotions and manage those pressures. Their skills are limited. It is critical for us as parents to be able to recognize the signs of depression in our children, as depression often leads to thoughts of suicide.

AVOIDING TRAGEDY!

Approximately two million teens attempt suicide each year! Girls are more likely to consider and attempt suicide, while boys are more likely to succeed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among teens, behind unintentional accidents (largely car) and homicide. This is tragic on multiple levels, not only for the teens suffering from feelings of hopelessness but also for the families who feel the aftershocks.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

A teen who is contemplating suicide will manifest warning signs. It is these signs that we as parents must pay attention to, especially when we know our children are struggling through break-ups, arguments with friends, academic struggles, insecurity, being bullied, crisis at home, addiction, conflict, or major disappointment.

In most cases, a teen considering suicide progresses through 3 stages:

Stage 1 – Thinking seriously about suicide

Stage 2 – Talking about suicide and making a plan

Stage 3 – Implementing the plan

Parents must pay close attention. As I have said before, don’t say, “that can’t happen with my child.” It is our tendency as parents to think this way, but the truth is it can happen to anyone. Be on guard. Listen to your teen. Know what is going on and try your best to understand what they are experiencing. When they express feelings of hopelessness, listen to them. When they feel trapped in their emotions, gently show them a way out. When they make statements about everyone being better off without them, confront this as un-truth!

Remember, we all go through times of sadness. But when it is more than occasionally feeling blue, sad, or down in the dumps, it is a sign of something deeper. Understand that it is normal for your teen to experience feelings of sadness and discouragement. It is part of the process of growing up. However, it’s important that we are aware of the signs of depression and suicide so we can recognize when these feelings become a cause for concern.

“Drew Read, COO of the Paul Anderson Youth Home in Vidalia, Ga., is a passionate advocate for youth and strongly believes that the home is the foundation of society. Drew frequently speaks and writes on the topics of identity, technology, culture and high-risk behaviors affecting today’s youth. Learn more about the services PAYH provides and its familySTRONG resources
at http://payh.org.”

Summer Reading Fun Around Birmingham

Posted on Thursday, May 7, 2015 by Angie

We love that there are so many programs offered during the summer months that encourage the kiddos to keep reading even when they don’t “Have To.”

Here are some of the places getting in on the summer fun this year!

Books a Million

Books-A-Million inspires young readers to pick up a book this summer with its Summer Quest Reading Ambassador program, which features a reading list of over 75 popular books for both kids and teens. Between May 4 and August 8, summer reading lists will be available at all Books-A-Million stores or by visiting Summer Quest Reading Ambassador online. To participate and receive a Camp Half-Blood tote bag celebrating the 10^th anniversary of the popular “Percy Jackson & The Olympians” book series by Rick Riordan, participants must read four books from the reading list and return the completed list to a Books-A-Million store.

Not only will the reading list feature Rick Riordan’s “Heroes of Olympus” and “The Kane Chronicles” book series, but young readers will be able to choose from over 75 books from many popular authors. With titles like “Peter and the Starcatchers” by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, “The Secret Series” by Pseudonymous Bosch and “Kingdom Keepers” from Ridley Pearson, young readers are certain to find one of their favorites or discover a new adventure.

Upon completing the reading list form and returning it to Books-A-Million, participants will receive the Percy Jackson 10^th anniversary Camp Half-Blood tote bag. Exclusive merchandise from the popular book series will also be available, including 10 pairs of wayfarer sunglasses, 20 camp bumper stickers, an activity poster and more while supplies last.

Barnes and Noble

The Barnes and Noble summer reading program for kids gives kids a free book when they read 8 books over the summer.The Barnes and Noble summer reading program for 2015 is called Imagination’s Destination.

Visit Barnes and Noble summer reading program to download and print a reading journal. Fill out the student information on the first page of the journal. A parent must sign on this page in order for the child to get a free book.

After your child reads a book they need to write down the title, author, and who they would recommend the book to and why in the reading journal. Your child will need to read 8 books to be able to get a free book from the Barnes and Noble summer reading program.

Bring the completed and signed reading journal into your local Barnes and Noble book store between May 19, 2015 and September 7, 2015. Present it to an employee and they will let your child choose a book from the free book list.

The Barnes and Noble summer reading program is only available to school-aged children in grades 1-6.

Only one book is available for each child who completes a reading journal and choice must be made from the selected books available at the store.

Chuck E Cheese

A summer reading program where kids can earn 10 free Chuck E. Cheese tokens for reading each day for 2 weeks. Print your calendar and get started!

Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge

The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge™ is a free online reading program for children. Kids read and then go online to record the minutes they’ve read this summer. They’ll also be able to take weekly challenges to earn rewards.
Join today and help set a new reading world record for summer 2015! (May 4 – Sept 4, 2015)

Sylvan Learning’s Book Adventure

Sylvan Learning’s Book Adventure program is more than just a summer reading program because it goes on all year long. It’s a great way to motivate kids to read by earning prizes.

When a child participates in Book Adventure, they get to take quizzes over books they’ve read and then exchange their quiz points for prizes.

Visit Book Adventure and register your child to get them started.

Local Libraries

Birmingham Public Libraries are a great source for summer fun and great reading incentives. This year’s theme will be “Every Hero Has a Story.” Check your local library for their specific line up of programs and prizes, as they vary by location.

Happy Reading!

Moms Night Out! Shopping Event with Fab'rik Homewood

Posted on Monday, May 4, 2015 by Angie

As we all know, May is the month to celebrate Moms, it also happens to be BirminghamMommy.com’s Birthday Month and we’re going to throw a party!

We’ve teamed up with our friends over at Fab’rik, an amazing Women’s Boutique in Homewood. They have clothes, shoes, super cute accessories and will be offering you a 20% discount during our event!

Now would be a great time to drop a hint to the husband and children that a Fab’rik gift card would make the perfect present for Mother’s Day, then you can double up and take advantage of our discounted shopping!

We’ll have food provided by Urban Cookhouse, Chicken Salad Chick and yummy dessert from Pastry Arts.

Join us for Discounted Shopping, Food, Wine and of course some BirminghamMommy Swag for the first 50 shoppers!

Tuesday, May 12th
6pm – 8pm

Summer Camp Spotlight: Acting Out Academy

Posted on Monday, May 4, 2015 by Angie

Do you have a child that has a flare for the dramatic? A child with an amazing imagination? Then you’ll want to check out all of the great things happening with Acting Our Academy. Give them a place to channel their creativity and sign up for one of these great Movie Camps happening this summer!

What is Movie Camp? Only the coolest camp in the South! Where kids will star in a film while working with Acting Out’s coaches to perfect their craft! At the end of the week, they will debut the film at a red carpet premiere at a local theater for friends and family! Their movies have even made it into film festivals!

CAMP DETAILS:
When: July 20th-25th and August 3rd-7th (please note the June 1st-5th session is SOLD OUT)
Where: TBD but in the Vestavia/ Birmingham Area
Times: 9:30-3:00 Monday through Friday
Cost: $325

They are doing 3 movies this summer and as always it is first come, first served. To register your child, please fill out the information below. You will receive confirmation shortly and more specific camp info the closer we get to camp time. If you have any questions, please call Meg at 205-440-2699 or email her at meg@actingoutacademy.com or click here to register, only a few spots left!

Birmingham Events Calendar: May 3rd – May 10th

Posted on Sunday, May 3, 2015 by Angie

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

Looks like some beautiful days are in our future! Get out and enjoy as much of them as you can! Barons are home Sunday and Monday, the Mindbender Mansion is ending at the McWane Science Center and next weekend, Moms can enjoy free admission to the Birmingham Zoo.

Have a great week, everyone!

Sunday May 3rd:

Mindbender Mansion – McWane Science Center
Last day to check out this exhibit! Don’t miss it!

Oak Mountain State Fair – Oak Mountain Amphitheater
Live music, petting zoos, all-ages carnival rides, and deep-fried Oreos celebrate the spring season
Visit one of the largest Collection of exotic animals In North America. These animals Love to eat and you can hand feed them all. Enjoy some of the worlds Greatest fair food traditions such as Roasted Corn. Something Everyone loves!
$8 Admission – $5 Parking
12pm – close

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Monday May 4th:

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Tuesday May 5th:

Free Lego Mini Build – Riverchase Galleria
LEGO^® Koala: Beginning at 5:00 pm until supplies last.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for a special Mother’s Day Storytime and read about becoming an expert grandma sitter in How to Babysit a Grandma by Jean Reagan, followed by Mom School by Rebecca Van Slyke, a delightful story about a little girl who imagines where her mom picked
11am

Wee Ones Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us on Tuesday mornings for a unique new Storytime specifically tailored to your one year old!
9:30a and 10:30a

Flights of Fancy: Discover fantastical creatures in the exhibition, Between Fantasy and Reality: Frank Fleming, and look for whimsy in the Museum collection!
10:30am

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Wednesday May 6th:

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Thursday May 7th:

May Playday – Homewood Public Library
We’ll provide the stations, and you provide the imagination for a fun morning of play with your child in the Round Auditorium.
10am

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Friday May 8th:

The Monogram Event – The Outlet Shops of Grand River
REWARD YOURSELF WITH A COMPLIMENTARY MONOGRAM!

Simply spend;
$75 at Tommy Hilfiger, or
$75 at J.Crew Factory, or
$50 at VF Outlet, or
$50 at Talbots Outlet*

Monogrammers will be at the center for demonstrations and consult from 12p-6p

Select colors & fonts available for complimentary monograms.
Orders are fulfilled off-site & returned within 7-10 business days.*

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Saturday May 9th:

Mother’s Day Craft – Oak Mountain State Park
Moms are special, want to make a special gift for her? Come out to the B-side Pavilion in the Campground to make a Mother’s
Day Craft.
2pm

Bart’s Art Cart – Play with Clay
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!

Play with Clay: Create a sculpture in the whimsical manner of Frank Fleming! Use self-hardening clay to create an animal, a make-believe figure, or whatever comes to mind!
11am

Free Admission for Moms – Birmingham Zoo
In recognition of Mother’s Day, all mothers will get in FREE to the Birmingham Zoo with the purchase of a full-price child’s admission ticket!* All guests can feed the lorikeets in the new Schaeffer Eye Center Lorikeet Aviary**, take a ride on the new Wild Slide**, see a new Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Show, glide through Alabama Wilds on the Jane H. Brock Soaring Safari Zipline Adventure** and more. Take a spin on the carousel**, feed the giraffes at the Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter**, check out the four African bull elephants at Trails of Africa, ride on a camel** and so much more. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to support and pay tribute to orangutan mothers missing around the world. Create memories that will last a lifetime, and support this important cause by visiting the Birmingham Zoo this Mother’s Day weekend. For more information on orangutan conservation, please click here.
**Additional cost.

The Monogram Event – The Outlet Shops of Grand River
REWARD YOURSELF WITH A COMPLIMENTARY MONOGRAM!

Simply spend;
$75 at Tommy Hilfiger, or
$75 at J.Crew Factory, or
$50 at VF Outlet, or
$50 at Talbots Outlet*

Monogrammers will be at the center for demonstrations and consult from 12p-6p

Select colors & fonts available for complimentary monograms.
Orders are fulfilled off-site & returned within 7-10 business days.*

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit and Patton Creek
Join us for a special Mother’s Day Storytime and read about becoming an expert grandma sitter in How to Babysit a Grandma by Jean Reagan, followed by Mom School by Rebecca Van Slyke, a delightful story about a little girl who imagines where her mom picked
11am

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Sunday May 10th:

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, MOMS!!

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Birmingham Zoo:

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am & 2pm – 3pm

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Railroad Park:

Southern Museum of Flight:

Carmike Cinemas Launches "Summer Kid's Nights" Movie Series

Posted on Friday, May 1, 2015 by Angie

We are excited to announce that Carmike Cinemas is launching a new program this summer in conjunction with their Summer Kid’s Series! It will be called “Summer Kid’s Nights” and each Tuesday evening beginning at 6:30 pm at all three locations running the Summer Kids Series, Carmike will have that week’s feature playing for the same $4, which includes admission, one 53 oz popcorn, and one 16 oz drink. All features are presented in their 2D format.

This Summer Kids Night Program is exclusive to the Birmingham market and we think this is a great option for working parents to get out and watch the features that were played in the mornings, at the same price only now in the evenings when they may have a chance to bring their children.

Take a look over our list of Free and Discounted Movies to see which Tuesday Night your family will be headed to the movies!