Birmingham Events Calendar: April 19th – April 26th

Posted on Sunday, April 19, 2015 by Angie

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

Rain, Rain go away!! Who else is ready to see some sun? Birmingham is buzzing right now with so many events to choose from and this week is no exception. The Barons are back home this week, there are storytimes, festivals and crawfish galore! Don’t let the rain get between you and some of these amazing events.

Have a great week, everyone!

Sunday April 19th:

Kite Flight – Railroad Park
Defy gravity and experience the fun of flight! The Southern Museum of Flight celebrates National Kite Month with STEM-based aviation and aerospace activities. Kites, Flying Discs, Quad copters, Remote Control Aircraft & Rockets! Enter a paper airplane flying contest to win a family membership to the museum. Demonstrations will occur throughout the day from Alabaster R C Association, Birmingham Ultimate Disc Association, S. Museum of Flight, Oak Mountain Hobbies. Meet the Birmingham Pinups raising money for the Mary Alice Beatty scholarship for young women ages 15-25 pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace technology. Aerial42 will be taking photos and video of the festivities with its Quad copter for Facebook & Twitter. Hoop for Fitness & Magic City Face Art will be there to help celebrate. If you forget your kite, Railroad Park will have some for sale and the museum will have a kite making activity center.
10-2 pm on the West Green

Band Geeks – Red Mountain Theatre Company
A high-stepping tribute to high school marching bands and misfits everywhere!

In the tradition of Glee and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, comes Band Geeks – a celebration of the tribulations of the millions who have spent football halftimes pounding out Sousa-like renditions of “Maria.” Whether you were in the band, on the team, or in the stands, you’ll recognize the woes and revel in the fun of Band Geeks.

Band Geeks’ uncanny ability to bring smiles to audiences’ faces is undeniable. A performer and director’s dream, every new character that takes the stage is more dynamic than the last. Expertly structured, the piece can provide an incredibly unique opportunity to feature performers who are also skilled musicians. Perfect for nearly any stage – from your high school or college to your community theatre – Band Geeks is a rousing and triumphant musical for all ages!
Tickets starting at $20
2pm and 7:30pm

Thomas the Tank Engine – Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Peep! Peep! Thomas the Tank Engine™ is celebrating friendship at Day Out With Thomas®: The Celebration Tour 2015, and families across North America are invited aboard! Little engineers everywhere are invited to join Thomas when the #1 Engine pulls into Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

This fun-filled event offers little engineers and their families the opportunity to take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends® series. In addition, children will meet Sir Topham Hatt™, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas-themed activities including arts & crafts, storytelling and more.

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

—————————————————————————————

Monday April 20th:

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. Pensacola Blue Wahoos
7:05pm

Time for Tales with Ms Eve – Avondale Library
Is it a fly? Is it a bee? I hope it’s not a mosquito looking for me! Come on in to Tot Time and catch the buzz…. Tot Time is designed for 2 to 4 year olds with a parent or caregiver. 24-hour advance registration is required.
9:30 and 11am

—————————————————————————————

Tuesday April 21st:

Recycled Crafts – Hoover Public Library
Celebrate Earth Day by upcycling. Registration begins April 7. Grades 1-3
4:30pm – 5:30pm

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Everything’s out of whack at the backwards birthday party! Everything is backwards – from clothes worn inside out, to an upside-down cake. This is the zaniest birthday ever.
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

Family Tours, Kids at Play– 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?

Kids At Play! See all the shenanigans kids get into, as displayed in works of art from our collection..
10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Wednesday April 22nd:

Art in Action – Springville Road Library
We’ll be making cool art projects for any elementary school students who want to join in the fun.
4pm

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

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

—————————————————————————————

Thursday April 23rd:

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 – Free Parking
5:30pm – close

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
We are now featuring two Mommy & Me Story Times with Miss Renee! Due to high demand (and high squish quotient), we are opening availability to create a flexible time schedule that includes all of our eager young patrons (comfortably). You can now choose between two back-to-back Story Times on Thursday mornings; the first begins at 9:30 a.m., the second at 10:30 a.m.

Come by the round auditorium for lots of music, dancing, and of course, the bean-bag song! Miss Rene uses drama, wit, and a hefty dose of fun things to shake to keep your young one entertained and educated.
9:30am and 10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Friday April 24th:

Tails in the Trails – Birmingham Zoo
Don’t miss this evening full of entertainment and help us celebrate our 60th Anniversary in the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo! Adults 21 and up are invited to enjoy live music by Gentleman Zero, bar-b-que, a cash bar, silent auction and animal encounters at the Birmingham Zoo Junior Board’s fifth annual event. Guests can also enjoy a ride on the Jane H. Brock Soaring Safari Zipline Adventure (additional cost). Be sure to purchase your tickets here before April 23 to save! Net proceeds from the event will benefit the Barbara Ingalls Shook Black Bear Trail, coming soon to the Birmingham Zoo.

New this year, meet International Animal Expert and TV Personality Jack Hanna, star of the Fox show, “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild!” Click here for more information.

Click here for tickets, $20 through April 23
$25 at the door

Gardendale Magnolia Festival – Gardendale Civic Center
Featured on Food Network and Cooking Channel! Voted Birmingham Parent magazine’s Family Favorite Fair/Festival 2014. 205-514-6799. The Total Family Experience., www.magnoliafestival.org, gdalemagfest@gmail.com, Free admission, free parking. 3 stages FREE live entertainment. Gardendale Civic Center, 857 Main Street-200 vendor booths, midway carnival, 3 eating contests, free art classes all day for kids, pooch parade, classic car show, silent auction and more!
Free parking, free admission, free live entertainment, free kids art classes
5pm – 10pm

Magic City Art Connection – Linn Park
FIND ART! Make your way to downtown Birmingham’s historic Linn Park and settle in for Magic City Art Connection’s spring infusion of fresh artistic talent, sights, sounds, tastes and aromas. The 32nd annual contemporary art festival presents 220 juried artists from around the country and much more to thousands of visitors hungry for arts and culture, creativity, entertainment, food, community and fun. Be one of the art curious, art collecting, art newbies and other festival goers perusing the thousands of works on display. All mediums, styles, and price points are represented. On the other side of the art buying experience, much more awaits like the 18th annual Corks and Chefs food and wine tasting event, now with exclusive VIP upgrades and offerings, including the BBVA Compass. VIP Experience featuring World’s Best Pastry Chef in 2014 awarded by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Jordi Roca. Plus there’s Imagination Festival’s 20 interactive ?art workshops for kids, live music and performances on stage from local talent, large scale art installations by emerging student artists, special exhibitions right across the street at the Birmingham Museum of Art, a Lincoln Luxury test-drive opportunity with complimentary gifts, lingering with friends at one of the festival lounges, and eating all day at the Park Place Café. Find Art and more the last full weekend in April!

Festival Admission: $5 Adults, Kids 12 & under free
Tickets for Corks & Chefs Food and Wine Tasting are $35 advance/$45 at the door, which includes admission to the festival.

Check their site for more information on the weekends events
10am – 6pm

Leaps and Bounds – Homewood Public Library
Join us for a fun and energetic movement class designed specifically for children ages 2 1/2 to 4 years. Registration is required and begins on the Monday prior to the class that week.
10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Saturday April 25th:

Earth Day at the Gardens – Birmingham Botanical Gardens
This year, the annual celebration will commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the end of World War II by highlighting
Victory Gardens.

Displays and demonstrations will feature topics such as: 1940’s Victory Garden design, archival display of Victory Garden memorabilia, World War II Victory Garden propaganda movies, Victory Garden inspired art crafts, Story time with American Girl Molly and Victory Garden character actors. Focus will be maintained on how urban gardens impacted American culture during World War II and how they impacts us today.

The event is free to the public.
11am – 4pm

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.*

Festival Admission: $5 Adults, Kids 12 & under free
Tickets for Corks & Chefs Food and Wine Tasting are $35 advance/$45 at the door, which includes admission to the festival.

Check their site for more information on the weekends events
10am – 6pm

Family Fun Day Presented by Glenwood Behavioral Health Systems
Bring the kids to Hollywood Pools to celebrate Autism Awareness Month with Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center. Purchase beautiful plants for your yard and house at the Glenwood plant sale at the event.
Food, Drink, Ice Cream, Inflatables and Facepainting
10am – 2pm

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!

Matchbox Guitars: Make like the kids in our François Hubert Drouais painting and play the guitar. Create your own matchbox guitar to strum when you’re at home!
11am

Hope For Autumn Foundation Crawfish Boil – Ross Bridge Welcome Center
The Hope for Autumn Crawfish Boil will be an afternoon of music, food, and fun. There will be live music and plenty of activities for the kids. Proceeds from the event benefit the families of area pediatric cancer patients, as well as the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorder’s Developmental Therapeutics Program which seeks to find new and innovative treatments for children with difficult to treat cancer.
Crawfish prepared by Louisiana native John Hein. There will be hamburgers and hot dogs for the kids, as well as bounce houses, face painting, and balloon artists. Soda and water will be provided, bring your own adult beverages. Live music by Rollin in the Hay and Downright. Tickets are $30 online and $35 at the door. Children 12 and under are free. Visit www.hopeforautumnfoundation.org for more information and to purchase tickets.
$30/online – $35 at the door
3pm – 9pm

8th Annual Jubilee Joes Crawfish Boil – Pelham Event Center
The event will return to the Pelham Event Center from 1:30 pm -10:00 pm and feature a “Touch of New Orleans” this year.
This year’s headliner is the nationally known band Sister Hazel with thousands of loyal fans throughout the Birmingham area. Cajun/Zydeco dance instructors will be on hand interacting and teaching the crowd dance moves along with street performers including a fire dancer, magician, flow artist, statue men, stilt walker, juggler, tarot card reader, face painter and caricature artist. There will also be a variety of vendors at the event selling merchandise. There is something to do for the entire family including a large kids corner with activities and games including a crawfish race. Children 10 and under can enter the festival at no charge when accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket. The event will also feature thousands of pounds of fresh Louisiana crawfish from Jubilee Joe’s restaurant. A portion of the festival proceeds will benefit the “Boot Campaign” a 501(c)(3) created to provide assistance to military personnel, past, present, and their families.
General Admission ticket cost March 1-April 13 is $22
General Admission ticket cost April 14-25 is $25
Kids 10 and under are free.
Food and drinks are sold separately.
1:30pm – 10pm

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
Violet Van Winkle isn’t a regular girl. She’s an inventor of flying machines. If only people knew! Join us as we read about Violet’s plan to enter an air show and the adventure she has on the way.
11am

—————————————————————————————

Sunday April 26th:

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.*

Festival Admission: $5 Adults, Kids 12 & under free
Tickets for Corks & Chefs Food and Wine Tasting are $35 advance/$45 at the door, which includes admission to the festival.

Check their site for more information on the weekends events
10am – 5pm

Family Fun and Fitness Day – Montevallo Chamber of Commerce
Spend time with the family enjoying a day of fun and fitness in Montevallo’s beautiful Orr Park! Organized activities feature games for children, bikes, health-related vendors, and more. Pets welcome
2pm – 4pm

—————————————————————————————

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.

Practical Hacks for Parents: Tips for Surviving Your Family Beach Trip

Posted on Friday, April 17, 2015 by Angie

If you’ve had the “pleasure” of hauling your family and all of the endless gear to the beach, you’ll understand that any short cut you can find is like gold.

Here are some tips and tricks we’ve come across that will help make your next beach vacation with the tiny humans easy peasy. (ish)

The closer to the Sand the Better– The only thing worse than having to pack all of the gear you’ll need for your kids is having to haul it back and forth to the beach. If you can afford to, book a place on or as close to the sand as you can get. Condos over hotels if possible. A washer/dryer is a plus for drying those beach towels and swimsuits, and doing laundry if you’re there for an extended time. Having a kitchen to store bottles, baby food and snacks or to even cook is helpful in saving on eating out every single meal.

You’ll have more space for the kiddos and that’s super nice if you end up stuck in the room if the weather isn’t the best. Plus, separate rooms are great for napping children or parents who aren’t ready for lights out at 8pm. If a condo isn’t in the budget, consider a place with a Junior Suite. You’ll still have more room.

Snacks – Snacks, Snacks and more Snacks! You can never have enough Snacks when you’re at the beach. Pack them for the car ride, the poolside time and load up your beach bag or insulated cooler with Snacks. There’s just something about the sand and salty air that make kids want to eat Snacks.

Don’t Skimp on the Beach Toys – Embrace it. Go with it, don’t try to fight it. In theory, they’ll have more to keep them busy and to share. Sharing is key when at the beach. My kids have hit the age of making friends at the pool and beach and this is a glorious thing.. Glorious, I say. The more they have to share, the better chance you have of getting to sit in your beach chair and read for 8 minutes before someone starts yelling for a Snack.

Add Baby Power and Detangler to your beach bag – Baby powder to remove sand from bodies, detangler so the sand and salty sea water don’t leave hair a painful mess.

Spray Bottle of Vinegar – Pack a small spray bottle filled with vinegar in your beach bag. If anyone gets stung by a jellyfish, vinegar takes the sting out.

Sunscreen – It goes without saying that you’ll need sunscreen, lots of it! But don’t forget the other ways you can help protect the littles from the sun. Oversized hats (that they’ll fight to take off) sunglasses (that they’ll also fight to take off) umbrellas (that they won’t stay under) are all great ways to try and keep their skin from getting burned.

Inflatable Baby Pool – This might sound strange, but hear me out.. If you’re traveling with a little that can barely walk, and definitely can’t swim. Consider bringing or buying an inexpensive, inflatable baby pool to set up next to your beach chairs. Fill it with a couple of inches of water, toss in some toys and it will be the perfect place to let the little one play in the water and will help keep them cool while under your watchful eye.

What tips or tricks can you share to help make beach trips a little easier this summer?

Review: Day out with Thomas

Posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 by Angie

By Kristen Berthiaume:

If you’re considering a Day out with Thomas this weekend, here’s why you should go ahead and get those tickets!

On Sunday, my husband and I took our three kids, ages 8, 5, and almost 2 to Day Out with Thomas at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera. If you’ve never been there, the beautiful old trains alone are reason enough to visit! But the chance to ride an actual train with Thomas at the helm – who could pass that up? Ticket pick-up is in the Calera Depot, which houses a wonderful museum filled with train and railroad memorabilia. Of course, there was nothing Thomas-related in there so we didn’t stay nearly as long as the adults would have liked. When it was time to board the train, the kids loved handing their tickets to the “conductor” and stepping on to the double-decker train car. As you might expect, we had to proceed immediately to the upper deck! The train ride itself was a good 20 minutes – long enough to see some sites but not so long that children got bored and started dangling themselves off of luggage racks. After we disembarked, we were able to see the Thomas engine up close and take pictures. There was much debate about whether he was “the real” Thomas or not and whether Calera was, in fact, Sodor.

The fun didn’t stop after the train ride – Day Out with Thomas was filled with activities, games, and food options! The kids took pictures with Sir Toppham Hat (forgive me if you’re not Thomas-literate – Sir Toppham Hat is the head of the railway), listened to fun live music, and played mini golf (very, very badly). Of course, we had to stop for Thomas tattoos and make visits to the jumpy house and train tables!

The event was well organized and efficient, and the activities were laid out so that parents could watch their older kids go from station to station without having to stay right with them. After all, sometimes parents need a Thomas break! Day Out with Thomas was so much fun for us all and a great excuse to visit the Railroad Museum. This will definitely have to be a family tradition!

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Heart of Dixie Railroad website.

(Photo Credit: Scott Butler)

Birmingham Events Calendar: April 12th – April 19th

Posted on Sunday, April 12, 2015 by Angie

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

Looks like it’s going to be a rainy week here in Birmingham but the calendar is packed! Let’s hope it moves on out by the weekend because there will be plenty to keep you busy! From the annual Gumbo Gala benefiting Episcopal Place, to a Party for the Planet at the Birmingham Zoo! On Sunday, go fly a kite with a special event hosted by the Southern Museum of Flight!

Have a great week, everyone!

Sunday April 12th:

—————————————————————————————

Monday April 13th:

—————————————————————————————

Tuesday April 14th:

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
This is a beautiful book with bright bold colors and the simple story of the friendship between Sophie and Goose.
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

Kids At Play! See all the shenanigans kids get into, as displayed in works of art from our collection..
10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Wednesday April 15th:

LEGO Club – Springville Road Library
LEGO fans! Come build with us. We’ll have the blocks and bases provided. Just bring your creativity!
4pm

—————————————————————————————

Thursday April 16th:

Band Geeks – Red Mountain Theatre Company
A high-stepping tribute to high school marching bands and misfits everywhere!

Little Critter Camp Out – Homewood Public Library
Bring your sleeping bags for stories, songs and snacks with Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter.
6:15pm

—————————————————————————————

Friday April 17th:

Band Geeks – Red Mountain Theatre Company
A high-stepping tribute to high school marching bands and misfits everywhere!

—————————————————————————————

Saturday April 18th:

Gumbo Gala – Regions Field
Join Birmingham’s best Professional and Backyard Gumbo chef’s as they compete for the bragging rights to the title of Birmingham’s Best Gumbo. Consistently listed as one of the top 25 food festivals and events to put on your calendar by The Birmingham News and al.com, you know it must be a great time!

Enjoy great music by Rollin’ in the Hay, a kids zone, incredible gumbo and a graet time all for a great cause.

Episcopal Place provides seniors and disabled adults with restricted income a safe and affordable housing option and access to related services in a home-like environment.

Party for the Planet – Birmingham Zoo
Join the Birmingham Zoo as we celebrate AZA’s signature event and the largest combined Earth Day celebration in North America! Enjoy visiting booths in Trails of Africa from local Birmingham businesses such as, Highland School, Cahaba River Keepers, Friends of Shade Mountain, Commute Smart Birmingham, AL Mineral and Lapidary Society, DC Scientific Pest Control, Alabama Partners for Clean Air, Red Mountain Park and more as they promote the care and conservation of our planet. Learn about conservation as you explore the different booths with giveaways, crafts and activities for children. Enjoy lessons and demonstrations about healthy cooking and eating at the Junior League of Birmingham Yummy Truck!

While you’re here, feed the lorikeets* in the new Schaeffer Eye Center Lorikeet Aviary, take a ride on the new Wild Slide*, glide through Alabama Wilds on the Jane H. Brock Soaring Safari Zipline Adventure*, watch an exciting new Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Show, get an up-close animal encounter and feed the giraffes at the Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter*, cool off in the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo splash pads, ride the train* and carousel* and more!
*Additional cost

Schedule of Activities:
10am – 2pm: Enjoy Earth Day themed crafts and activities in Trails of Africa
10am: Enjoy a keeper talk in the Primate Building and learn about orangutans and palm oil conservation
10:30am: See an elephant feeding and learn about the 96 Elephants conservation efforts at the Safari Peak in Trails of Africa
11am: Enjoy a sea lion keeper talk and demonstration and learn about the Seafood Watch App at the Red Diamond Sea Lion Splash Show exhibit
11:30am: Learn about the Birmingham Zoo’s Passion into Conservation Action grants and Cassowary conservation by the Cassowary exhibit
12pm: Montevallo Zoo tour* beginning in Trails of Africa
1pm: Montevallo Zoo tour* beginning in Trails of Africa

*University of Montevallo students enrolled in an Environmental Interpretation Class will be offering two conservation themed tours of the Zoo at 12pm and 1pm. The tour is open for up to 15 guests each. Sign-up is first come first serve and will be available at Trails of Africa.

Irondale Spring Fest – Grants Mill Station
Hosted by the City of Irondale, the Irondale Spring Fest will be a family-friendly event, featuring live music, food, and arts & crafts, free of admission! Join the fun at Grant’s Mill Station on Beacon Drive!
11am – 8pm

Earthounds Earthfest – Avondale Brewing Company
A beloved event is returning for all who enjoy live music, clean water, and local food, beer, and art. Earthbound will play their annual outdoor rock concert, Earthbound’s Earthfest.

The family friendly concert is open to all ages, although guests under 21 must be accompanied by a parent. Suggested $5 donations at the door – as well as proceeds from merchandise, art, beer, Saw’s Street Kitchen, and Red Mountain Crawfish Company – will support Black Warrior Riverkeeper. The event’s top sponsor is Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, followed by MacLellan, Inc., their award winning water treatment partner, and Skates 280.
2pm – sundown
$5 suggested donation at the entrance benefits Black Warrior Riverkeeper.

Band Geeks – Red Mountain Theatre Company
A high-stepping tribute to high school marching bands and misfits everywhere!

Matchbox Guitars: Make like the kids in our François Hubert Drouais painting and play the guitar. Create your own matchbox guitar to strum when you’re at home!
11am

Bart’s Books – 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 Nadine Bernard Westcott’s The Lady with the Alligator Purse.
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 and Patton Creek
Join us for Storytime and activities featuring Aqualicious. Pinkalicious and her family go on a trip to the beach for a day of sun, fun and sand castles! Find out all of the pink, amazing things to do at the seashore.
11am

—————————————————————————————

Sunday April 19th:

Band Geeks – Red Mountain Theatre Company
A high-stepping tribute to high school marching bands and misfits everywhere!

—————————————————————————————

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:

Birmingham Barons Kickoff Event – Railroad Park

Posted on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 by Angie

The Birmingham Barons are Back!! To celebrate the first crack of the bat of 2015 at Regions Field, Railroad Park is hosting its inaugural Barons Bash Saturday, April 11 from 3pm-6pm. With inflatables, tunes, and good eats, Railroad Park’s community celebration will come to a close just before the Barons take to the field at 6:30 in a game against the Mobile BayBears.

Inflatables will be placed along Railroad Park’s West Green. Painted Personalities will be onsite doing elaborate face painting, and a good old-fashioned photo booth will be turning out the original “selfie.” Babe Ruff will be the Barons Bash guest of honor, interacting with the crowd and posing for photographs. From 5pm-6pm, attendees can “Dunk the Director” as Camille Spratling, Executive Director of the Railroad Park Foundation, takes to the dunking tank. Railroad Park’s Boxcar Cafe will be open, selling tasty meals and snacks. WQEN, 103.7 the Q will be the DJs, providing the music for the afternoon. Railroad Park’s Barons Bash is free and open to the public, with small charges for some activities.

Make plans to take the family out for all of these fun pregame festivities!

Cahaba River Walk, Mountain Brook

Posted on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 by Angie

The much-anticipated Cahaba River Walk, off Overton Road and River Run Road is set to open to the public this Friday, April 10th. Formerly, Cahaba River Park, the improvements to the area have been in the works for a couple of years.

The short walking trail runs right along the river with stone steps that allow you to walk right up to the waters edge. Plenty of shade and a paved path make this a great place for a stroll.

A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. this Friday, and is a family friendly event. Several city leaders are expected to address the public, and refreshments will be available.

Even if you can’t make it to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, put this on your list of places to check out when you’re looking to get outdoors this spring and summer!

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Posted on Monday, April 6, 2015 by Angie

This recipe is AMAZING!! For serious, I can’t even begin to tell you how delicious this casserole is. I saw it floating around on Facebook a while back and finally decided to give it a try. After a few changes, I think I’ve probably made it 4 times in the past 2 weeks, it’s that good. I also may or may not have licked my plate when I was finished eating. Just Sayin’

What you’ll need:

Large head of cauliflower – broken into bite sized pieces.
8 slices of bacon cooked to extra crispy and crumbled
1/2 cup Mayo
1/2 cup Sour Cream
2-3 cups of Colby Jack Cheese (the more cheese the better, in my opinion)
1 cup of green onions – chopped

What You’ll Do:

Preheat oven to 425

In a large pot, boil water and cook cauliflower pieces until tender, 8-10 minutes. Drain and let cool

In a large bowl mix Mayo, Sour Cream, 1/2 of your bacon, 1/2 of your cheese and 1/2 of your green onions.

Add cauliflower

Mix until all coated and pour into a 9 x 12 baking dish. Top with remaining bacon, and cheese, then bake for 15-2o minutes.
Top with remaining green onions and serve!

Yum-O!!

Kids Eat Free in Birmingham

Posted on Sunday, April 5, 2015 by Angie

Eating out when you have kids can take a toll on the budget. Fortunately, there are many Birmingham Restaurants that take mercy on us parents and offer up some great Kids Eat Free (or cheap) options. Here’s a list of places you’ll want to add into your eating out rotation.

Asian Rim Sushi Company 1 kids meal w/ adult meal purchase Tuesdays.

Baumhower’s Wings Kids eat free per $10 adult entrée (2 children under 10 per $10) Wednesdays.

Beef O’Brady’s One free kids meal w/ purchase of an adult entree Thursdays.

Buffalo Wild Wings Kid’s Meals .99c Mondays.

Captain D’s 2 free kids meals w/ adult entrée purchase (dine-in) Thursday

Chik-Fil-A 1 free kids meal per adult combo purchase Tuesday. 5:30p – 7:30p. Varies by location. Check with your favorite store to verify. (Confirmed: Trussville and Parkway East do not participate.)

Denny’s 2 free kids meals w/ adult entrée purchase Everyday

Firehouse Subs Kids eat free w/ purchase of adult meal Monday and Wednesday

Golden Corral Children 3 and under eat free w/ adult buffet purchase Everyday. 5pm – 9pm

Golden Rule BBQ 1 kids meal per adult meal purchase Everyday. After 4pm

Golden Rule BBQ – Pelham 1 kids meal per adult meal purchase Tuesday. After 4pm

IHOP Kids 12 and under eat free w/ adult meal purchase Everyday. 4pm – 8pm **not confirmed

Johnny Ray’s BBQ 1 kids meal per adult meal purchase Everyday. After 5pm, Dine in only

La Catrina 1 free kids meal w/ eat adult meal purchase Monday

Lonestar Steakhouse Kids 12 and under eat free w/ adult meal purchase (limit 2) Tuesday

Max’s Delicatessen 1 free kids meal w/ adult meal purchase Tuesday

McAlister’s Deli 1 free kids meal w/ adult meal purchase Saturday and Sunday

Moe’s BBQ 1 kids meal per adult meal purchase Tuesday

O’Charley’s Kids 12 and under eat free Monday – Friday

Piccadilly Cafeteria Kid’s Meals $1.99 – 12 and under Thursdays and Sundays. 11am- 4PM

Quizno’s Kids eat free w/ adult meal purchase Everyday

Schlotzsky’s Deli 1 free kids meal per adult combo purchase Wednesday. After 4pm

Steak n Shake 1 free kids meal for every $8 spent Saturday and Sunday

Texas Roadhouse Kid’s Meals .99c Monday

*Disclaimer! Please note that this list could change without notice to BirminghamMommy.com and could vary by location. It’s always best to make a quick call if you are unsure. If you know of something we’ve missed or posted incorrectly, please help us out and drop us an email at contact@birminghammommy.com

(Last update: 3/27/15)

Birmingham Events Calendar: April 5th – April 12th

Posted on Saturday, April 4, 2015 by Angie

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

Spring Time is Busy Time in Birmingham! Lots of activities to choose from this week, especially this weekend! Our Birmingham Barons are Back!! Opening their season this week against the Mobile BayBears. If you’re looking for some festivals, there are plenty to choose from, as well as Farm Day at the Birmingham Zoo.

Have a great week, everyone!

Sunday April 5th:

HAPPY EASTER!

—————————————————————————————

Monday April 6th:

Time for Tales with Ms Eve – Avondale Library
We’ll be sharing lots of stories and songs about man’s best friend during today’s Tot Time – and that’s the long and short of it! Tot Time is designed for 2 to 4 year olds with a parent or caregiver. 24-hour advance registration is required.
9:30 and 11am

—————————————————————————————

Tuesday April 7th:

LEGO Mini Build – Riverchase Galleria
LEGO^® UFO: beginning at 5:00 pm until supplies last.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Sadie wants to send an elephant to her Great-Aunt Josephine, but it takes too many stamps! Join us to find out how she decides to send it another way that involves a plane, an alligator, and who knows what else!
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

Kids At Play! See all the shenanigans kids get into, as displayed in works of art from our collection..
10:30am

—————————————————————————————

Wednesday April 8th:

—————————————————————————————

Thursday April 9th:

PJ Storytime – Hoover Public Library
Cozy up with this extra-special storytime in your comfiest pajamas in the round auditorium for nighttime tales and a bedtime snack!
6:15pm

—————————————————————————————

Friday April 10th:

17th Annual Lebanese Food Festival – Saint Elias Maronite Catholic Church
Two day event featuring food and culture of Lebanon. Authentic food including kibbee, grape leaves, tabouleh, grilled chicken, homus, baklawa and more. Dancing by our children performed on stage throughout Friday evening and Saturday.

Professional Lebanese band from New York, Amin Sultan, performs each night in tent outside from 6:00 – 9:00 pm.
Daytime Church Tours Showcasing the beautiful Stain Glass Windows of St. Elias and our newly renovated interior.
Self-Guided tours 11:00 am – 8:00 pm both days, except during Saturday Vigil Liturgy from 5:00 – 6:00 pm.
Guided tours start on Front Steps of the Church at each top-of-the-hour beginning at 11:00 am and ending at 7:00 pm.
Traditional Lebanese Dancing by our youth on inside stage Friday evening beginning about 6:00 pm, and Saturday afternoon and evening beginning about 12:30 pm.
Silent Auctions both days.

10am – 9pm

—————————————————————————————

Saturday April 11th:

Mt Laurel Spring Festival – Mt Laurel
Mt Laurel’s Spring Festival is a family-friendly event that offers plenty of activities to entertain children, including inflatables, hayrides, face painting, and a petting zoo. Children can also enjoy the playground at Olmstead Park—available to families anytime during the year.

This year’s festivities also include food from Jim ‘N Nick’s, food trucks, crafts from local vendors, live music, and fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers. With jewelry, art, flowers, and handcrafted goods available from more than 150 vendors, the Mt Laurel Spring Festival truly celebrates the bounty of the season.
The festival will take place rain or shine, and admission is free.

Birmingham Barons Kickoff Party – Railroad Park
From 3-6pm prior to the 6:30 Barons game, Railroad Park will have some inflatables, face painting, a photo booth and a dunk tank. The event is free and open to the public, with small charges for some activities.

TEMPO – A Family Fun Festival – Crestwood Park
Childcare Resources’ mission, to make quality child care happen, is taking on a new twist with the 3rd Annual TEMPO – A Family Fun Festival.

The free public event, planned to offer families of all ages with unique entertainment, healthy food choices, bicycling activities, games and community resources, will engage the community in building awareness and promoting strong, healthy families.

Bring your bike and wear your helmet! Children’s bikes will also be available to borrow for child-friendly cycling activities. Children’s bike helmets will be given away to the first 500 children.

Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the Park.

Enjoy entertainment by The Fettucini Brothers.

Plan now to bring the entire family to enjoy a day outside and a variety of entertainment in beautiful Crestwood Park.
10am – 2pm

Farm Day – Birmingham Zoo
Bring the family and join us for Farm Day! Take a look at Alabama’s agricultural heritage with a fun and educational peek into daily farm life during this annual event in the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo and Alabama Wilds. Watch horseshoe making demonstrations, create rural-themed arts and crafts, examine several antique tractors and farm equipment, watch a goat show and much more! Enjoy learning about affordable healthy meals and snacks at the Junior League of Birmingham Yummy Truck! Don’t miss the exciting event at the Zoo!

Schedule of Activities:
10am–12pm: Interact up-close with the Dwarf Nigerian Goats in the Corral
10am–2pm: Visit the booths featuring local farmers and agricultural groups located around the Kudzoo Café
10am–3:30pm: Enjoy seeing antique tractors located in the parking lot, near Kudzoo Café and near the Carousel
11am–12pm: Experience a Sheep Shearing in the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo Barn
1pm–2pm: Play a Jeopardy style Trivia Game in the Corral to win prizes!
1pm–2pm: Enjoy a Children’s Zoo Livestock Keeper Chat in the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo Barn
2pm–2:30pm: Enjoy a Goat show in the Corral
2pm–2:30pm: Experience a Farrier Demo with Napoleon the Pony in the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo Barn
2:30pm–3pm: See a Hoof Trimming Demo in the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo Barn
3pm-3:30pm: Enjoy a Goat show in the Corral

5th Annual Girls Inc. Cajun Cook Off – Railroad Park
Make plans to attend this casual, family-friendly event featuring a Cajun cooking competition as well as live music in downtown Birmingham’s beautiful Railroad Park. Enjoy taste-testing all your Cajun favorites including gumbo, etouffee, jambalaya, red beans and rice and more! Your vote will help determine the winner of the cook-off competition.

We’ll also have fun activities for kids including face painting and a balloon artist! Last year’s event was attended by more than 900 people, and we’re expecting an even bigger crowd this year.

All funds generated by the Cajun Cook-off will benefit Girls Inc. programs that inspire Central Alabama girls to be strong, smart and bold!

A rain date will not be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Tickets for the Cajun Cook-off are $20 for adults and $5 for children 10 years old and younger. Children 3 years old and younger enter for free. Tickets include unlimited food samples from participating teams, entertainment from the Ray Reach Band, fun activities for kids, and nonalcoholic drinks. No outside food or drinks may be brought in.

Tickets may be purchased from Girls Inc. representatives, online or at the gate. The last day to purchase online tickets is April 9th.
11am – 2pm

Professional Lebanese band from New York, Amin Sultan, performs each night in tent outside from 6:00 – 9:00 pm.
Daytime Church Tours Showcasing the beautiful Stain Glass Windows of St. Elias and our newly renovated interior.
Self-Guided tours 11:00 am – 8:00 pm both days, except during Saturday Vigil Liturgy from 5:00 – 6:00 pm.
Guided tours start on Front Steps of the Church at each top-of-the-hour beginning at 11:00 am and ending at 7:00 pm.
Traditional Lebanese Dancing by our youth on inside stage Friday evening beginning about 6:00 pm, and Saturday afternoon and evening beginning about 12:30 pm.
Silent Auctions both days.

10am – 9pm

Matchbox Guitars: Make like the kids in our François Hubert Drouais painting and play the guitar. Create your own matchbox guitar to strum when you’re at home!
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 and Patton Creek
Join us for for Storytime and activities featuring Barnes & Noble’s Picture Book of the Month, I Wish You More. This sweet, uplifting book is perfect for wishers of every age.
11am

—————————————————————————————

Sunday April 12th:

—————————————————————————————

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:

Celebrate 60 with the Birmingham Zoo!

Posted on Thursday, April 2, 2015 by Angie

Help the Birmingham Zoo kickoff their 60th Anniversary during this weekend of celebration! Activities throughout the weekend include feeding the lorikeets in the new Schaeffer Eye Center Lorikeet Aviary*, riding the new Wild Slide*, gliding through Alabama Wilds on the Jane H. Brock Soaring Safari Zipline Adventure*, experiencing special animal enrichments, face painting, new Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Shows, giraffe feedings*, playing in the Splash Pads and more.

The first 60 guests to arrive on Saturday, April 4 will receive a FREE Birmingham Zoo 60th Anniversary tote bag (one per family). An interactive Get Rhythm® Drum Circle will take place at 11:30am on Saturday, April 4 in Trails of Africa for a community music-making experience. At 12pm on Saturday guests can enjoy FREE Bud’s Best Cookies while supplies last, special 60th Anniversary buttons and more. On Saturday and Sunday enjoy 60 cent ice cream sandwiches while supplies last in the Kudzoo and Safari Cafes!

On Sunday, April 5, guests born in or before 1955 get in FREE! You won’t want to miss this exciting weekend at the Zoo full of activities that the whole family is sure to enjoy!
*Additional cost

Friday, April 3
Daily: Enjoy the Foam Zone
Daily: Experience Camel Rides
9:30am-11:30am: Get up-close and Feed a Giraffe at Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter
10am-2pm: Enjoy Educational Activities in the Special Events Yard
11am: See a new Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Show
12pm: Enjoy the Bear Enrichment near the Predator Building
1pm-3pm: Get up-close and Feed a Giraffe at Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter
2pm: Enjoy the Komodo Dragon enrichment
3pm: Experience a Behind the Scenes with Educational Animals at the Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Stage

Saturday, April 4
Daily: Enjoy the Foam Zone
Daily: Experience Camel Rides
9:30am-11:30am: Get up-close and Feed a Giraffe at Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter
10am: Enjoy a Lion enrichment
10am-2pm: Enjoy Educational Activities in the Special Events Yard
11am: See a new Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Show
11am-1:30pm: Make Music at the Get Rhythm Drum Circle in Trails of Africa
11am: Play “Simon Says” with an elephant in the Boma Yard
12pm: Enjoy Free Bud’s Best Cookies while supplies last in the Special Events Yard
1pm-3pm: Get up-close and Feed a Giraffe at Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter
1pm-3pm: Enjoy Face painting and crafts at Trails of Africa
2pm: Enjoy a Komodo Dragon enrichment
2:30pm: Experience a Rhino encounter by the Rhino exhibit in Trails of Africa
3pm: Experience a Behind the Scenes with Educational Animals at the Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Stage

Sunday, April 5
Daily: Enjoy the Foam Zone
Daily: Experience Camel Rides
9:30am-11:30am: Get up-close and Feed a Giraffe at Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter
10am-2pm: Enjoy Educational Activities in the Special Events Yard
11am: See a new Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Show
1pm: Watch Kumar, the Malayan Tiger, during a training demo
1pm-3pm: Get up-close and Feed a Giraffe at Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter
1pm-3pm: Enjoy Face painting and crafts at Trails of Africa
2pm: Enjoy a Komodo Dragon enrichment
3pm: Experience a Behind the Scenes with Educational Animals at the Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Stage