Birmingham Events Calendar: February 8th – February 15th

Posted on Sunday, February 8, 2015 by Angie

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

Valentine’s day is less than a week away, if you haven’t made your cards for Children’s hospital, you still have time! Check out which local libraries are participating in the program this year.

Lots of heart filled storytimes happening around town this week, several special events taking place at the Birmingham Zoo, and a fun celebration at the Boutwell Auditorium to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Have a great week!

Sunday February 8th:

American Girls Just Like Me: Baking from the Heart – Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Creating something yummy for our tummy and sharing with another is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Gardens. 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 a delicious treat in honor of Heart Day.
$15 members | $20 non-members

OReilly World of Wheels – BJCC Exhibition Halls
O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels is held annually, during the second weekend of February, at the beautiful Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. The show utilizes over 220,000 square feet of exhibition space to put on one of the best and most beautiful custom auto shows in the country.
Child (ages 5 & under) ……… FREE!
Child (ages 6-11) …………….. $5
Adult ……………………….. $18 ($15 at all O’Reilly Auto Parts stores)
11am – 6pm

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Monday February 9th:

Tot Time with Mrs. Eve – Avondale Library
Roses are red, violets are blue, Ihope to see you at Tot Time, too! Please bring your valentines to exchange with all your Tot Time friends! Signed: XOXO, Mrs. Eve. 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

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

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Tuesday February 10th:

Cupids, Candy and Hearts, Oh My – Hoover Public Library
Join us to make valentine crafts and snacks. All ages.
6:30pm

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
This is the story of Very Little Red Riding Hood who is off to her Grandmama’s for a sleepover, and she won’t let anything stand in her way – not even a Wolf.
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, Wear/Where– 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?

Wear/Where: Clothing From Around The World will explore self-expression through garments worn in cultures across the globe.
10:30am

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Wednesday February 11th:

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

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Thursday February 12th:

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

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Friday February 13th:

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Saturday February 14th:

Birmingham Zoo – Multiple Events

Audubon Tom Imhof Zoo Bird Walk
Join the Birmingham Audubon Society and the Birmingham Zoo in a two-hour guided birding trip through the Zoo. The walk begins at the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul’s Children’s Zoo gate and continues into the natural areas of Alabama Wilds. Bird lovers of all ages are invited to bring their binoculars, bird field guides and cameras for an experience like no other!

Great Backyard Bird Count
This annual event unites birdwatchers from across the globe as they track bird species found in their own backyards, parks and local spaces. Hear birdwatching tips from Birmingham Audubon Society experts and take part in bird conservation activities in the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul’s Children’s Zoo and Alabama Wilds.

Woo at the Zoo
Join the Birmingham Zoo this Valentine’s Day as we discuss “love” in the animal kingdom at the Birmingham Zoo Auditorium. The Zoo invites you to enjoy animal greetings, wine and desserts, while the Zoo Staff presents an engaging presentation on animal courtship and other interesting factoids.
*Must be 21 years or older to attend

9th Annual Chinese New Years Festival – Boutwell Auditorium
The Birmingham Chinese American community will be showcasing Chinese Dance, Music, Acrobat, KongFu, Chinese Traditional Educational activities, and Chinese Food. The most colorful, rich stage performance will start at 11:30am.
Open ceremony for dragon dance will start at 11am sharp. Doors open at 10:30am; There will be stage performance starts at 11:30am and have a 15 minute intermission for the stage performance; Serve hot food and cold drink. Enjoy this rich, colorful and educational Chinese New Year festival!
$2 for adult, children under 12 is free!

Lowes Build and Grow – Homewood
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build this Sweetheart Picture Holder!

Register your kids for a FREE Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic. Bring the kids to your local Lowe’s every other Saturday at 10:00 a.m. to build a wooden project they get to build and keep.
10am

Kidz Kitchen with the Queen of Hearts – Hoover Public Library
Make some tarts for your sweethearts with the Queen of Hearts as this holiday starts! All ages.
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!
Ring in Chinese New Year by making your own movable dragon!
11am – 1pm

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 Valentine’s Day Storytime and activities featuring I Love You Just Like This! There are many ways to say “I love you” – and Elmo and his Sesame Street friends are ready to tell you.
11am

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Sunday February 15th:

Holy Inappropriateness! We couldn’t find any special events happening in the ‘Ham today. Make sure to check our list below for fun exhibits happening daily at our local attractions.

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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:

Lorikeet Aviary – Our Lorikeet Aviary has more birds than ever! Zoo guests can feed these exotic birds every day. You and your family will see these birds’ behavior as they eat nectar out of your hand.
Weekends 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

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.

Homemade Heart Chalk, Great for Your Tiny Valentine

Posted on Friday, February 6, 2015 by Angie

It’s Valentine time and many schools and classrooms no longer allow candy when swapping cards with classmates. We love looking for different things to do that will allow the kiddos to get involved, and what could be better than some heart shaped chalk? All kids love chalk, right? We go through buckets like crazy. This is super easy to do but you have to start now because they take a little time to dry.

Here’s what you need:

Plaster of Paris
Tempera Paint (PinkRred, liquid or powder, we used liquid)
Mixing Bowl (make sure it’s ok if it’s not usable for anything other than crafts after, I picked up a plastic mixing bowl from the $ store)
Spoon
Heart shaped mold (I used a soap mold from Hobby Lobby, less than $3 makes 8 hearts at a time)
Warm Water
Plastic gift bags/tags/Ribbons – anything you would like for embellishments. (We cut out some card stock in fun valentiney patterns to use as a backing inside of clear treat bags. )

What You’ll Do:

To fill 2 molds at once we used:

Mix 1 1/2 Cups Plaster of Paris with 3/4 Cup of Warm Water
Once it’s mixed well, begin adding in your paint until you reach your desired color, mix until color is even.
Once you’ve reached your desired color, pour plaster mixture into molds, make sure to smooth it out and try to keep them about the same level so they turn out the same size.

Once your molds are full, slide over to a safe place and allow to dry in the mold for 24 hours.

After 24 hours, carefully flip molds over and chalk will pop out easily. Allow hearts to dry on a paper towel for another 24 hours before packaging.

Add your tags and you’re done! Homemade chalk!

Beaker Bash, 2015 McWane Science Center

Posted on Friday, February 6, 2015 by Angie

Beaker Bash is back, have you gotten your ticket yet? It’s not too late!!

McWane Science Center Invites You to Unlock the Puzzle At This Year’s Beaker Bash!

McWane Science Center will be hosting the 14th annual Beaker Bash: Unlock the Puzzle. Area families are invited to attend this event and test their brain power and problem-solving skills throughout the museum. Guests will enjoy food, beverages, and educational demonstrations featuring the newest exhibit, Mindbender Mansion. Beaker Bash is McWane Science Center’s family-friendly fundraising event that directly supports statewide science education programs and makes field trips affordable
for thousands of students in our community.

Beaker Bash will be held at the McWane Science Center, this Saturday Night, February 7th. 5pm – 8pm
to purchase your tickets, visit the McWane Website

**Please note that McWane will close early on February 7th for set up.

Valentines for Children's Hospital, 2015

Posted on Monday, February 2, 2015 by Angie

Each year several of our local Libraries provide a space for making or dropping of Valentines cards to help spread some love to the patients at Children’s Hospital. This year we haven’t confirmed as many as in years past but there are still a few options, if this is something you look forward to this time of year!

Homewood Public Library
Swing by the Children’s Department to make a Valentine for the children at Children’s Hospital! Supplies are provided, so come by any time to share the love with a personal valentine!
February 2nd – 10th

Hoover Public Library
Want to share the love with the patients at Children’s of Alabama? Bring a signed valentine to the preschool desk in the Kid Zone. The valentines can be store-bought or homemade, but they cannot include any candy. When you turn in your card, you’ll receive a special treat. We are accepting these valentines February 1-11, 2015.

Leeds Jane Culbreth Library
Valentine’s for Children’s Hospital and our Veterans.
Stop by and make a Valentine for our Veterans and Children’s Hospital! Stop by anytime this week and make a special card for some special people!
February 2nd – 6th

North Shelby Library
The Library is collecting Valentine Cards for patients at Children’s Hospital. You can make a card in the Children’s Dept or drop one off. Deadline is the end of the day on February 12th.

Southside Branch
Teen Time Valentine
Create a valentine for yourself and one for Children’s Hospital.
February 10th
4pm

If you know of another library or place participating in this program, we would love to add them to our list! Shoot us a message and let us know!

DIYC: Cupcake Liner Valentines Day Wreath

Posted on Monday, February 2, 2015 by Angie

Kicking off this “Month O’ Love” we thought we would share with you a super easy, really inexpensive Do It Yourself wreath!

I needed something for my front door to make it a little festive for Valentines. It’s been a little naked since taking down the Christmas Wreath. I don’t like to pay a lot for these little holidays so I decided to make one on my own… For less than $5! It’s easy peasy and you can do it too! The texture of the cupcake liners make for a beautiful whimsical decoration for your front door or anywhere in your house

What you need:

– Approximately 100 Cupcake liners – Valentine Themed. (My front door is red so I went with pink and white)

– Coordinating Ribbon

– Heart Shaped board (I bought one for less than $2 at Hobby Lobby, it’s a lightweight wood in the Valentine section)

– Hot glue/Glue Gun

What you Do:

– Scrunch your cupcake liners up from the bottom like little flowers
– Hot glue it on to your board working in small sections

– Once you are finished gluing on your liners, use your ribbon to make a large loop (measured to the desired length for your door) Hot glue the ends on the back of the heart board and let dry.

Extra Steps/Alternatives:

– Paint your board so the edges are pretty
– Use more than one pattern, don’t be afraid to mix it up or add in some solids
– Use a foam wreath (from the dollar store) wrapped in ribbon in place of the board

That’s It! In and out for less than 5 bucks and about 30 minutes! You can even get the kids involved by letting them help bunch up the liners. (Caution: This might make your 30 minute craft into more like an hour craft)

If you try it, let us know how it turns out!

Birmingham Events Calendar: February 1st – February 8th

Posted on Sunday, February 1, 2015 by Angie

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

Brrr…. A chilly start to our week this week and will the Groundhog see his shadow or no? We’re crossing our fingers for an early spring!

Several local Home Depots will be hosting their kids workshops this weekend, you’ve got Beaker Bash at McWane Science Center, a Free Family Festival at the Birmingham Museum of Art, and the World of Wheels will be rolling into the Magic City later this week. Lots to choose from on this weeks Calendar!

Monday February 2nd:

GROUNDHOG DAY!!

Tot Time with Mrs. Eve – Avondale Library
Calling all cowhands…mosey on over to the Tot Time corral where we’ll be having a roundup of our favorite western stories! 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

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Tuesday February 3rd:

LEGO Mini Build – Riverchase Galleria
Space Shuttle
Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. Models are not for sale and cannot be purchased. One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. Ask a Brick Specialist for details.
beginning at 5:00 pm until supplies last

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
New York Times bestseller Oliver Jeffers introduces a new cast of oval, mischievous creatures who prove that standing apart can be accomplished even when standing together. Cute and simple – Join us!
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

Wear/Where: Clothing From Around The World will explore self-expression through garments worn in cultures across the globe.
10:30am

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Wednesday February 4th:

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Thursday February 5th:

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Friday February 6th:

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Saturday February 7th:

Beaker Bash – McWane Science Center
Don’t miss McWane Science Center’s annual fundraising event Beaker Bash: Unlock the Puzzle. This unique evening event will test the brain power and problem solving skills of even the most experienced puzzlers. This annual, family-friendly fundraising event directly supports statewide science education programs and makes field trips affordable for thousands of students.
5pm – 8pm
For ticket pricing and information.. Click Here

Fancy Nancy’s Hearts and Tarts – Homewood Public Library
Put on your fancy clothes for a very special, very FANCY storytime for all ages with Ms. Laura, complete with fancy treats!
10:30am

African Culture Celebration – Birmingham Museum of Art
Join the Birmingham Museum of Art for a celebration of African culture! “Kuna Karamu” means “let’s celebrate” in Swahili, and we plan to do just that! All ages are welcome for a day of exploring African art, music, fashion, food, and more.

· Create your own Adinkra and Kente cloth or make a clay pot in the African tradition
· Listen and learn about African drumming, then make your own drum
· Discover the art of “gele” (head-wrapping) in an interactive demonstration
· Sample African food
· Watch a fashion show of West African designs
· View original short films from Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa
· Hear a story in the African gallery
· Take a docent-led tour of the Museum’s African art collection
· Go on a scavenger hunt throughout the Museum
Noon – 4pm

Home Depot Kids Workshop – Multiple Locations
At this Valentine’s Day workshop, all kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Bring your kids to learn how to build a heart box in time for Valentine’s Day at this FREE hands-on workshops! Designed for children ages 5 – 12.
Locations: Hoover, Inverness, Eastwood, Trussville, Pelham
9am – Noon

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
Join us for Storytime and activities featuring Ready Rabbit Gets Ready! Ready Rabbit, it’s time to get ready! Join us for a fun reading of Ready Rabbit Gets Ready! and see if he is able to get ready for school in time.
11am

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Sunday February 8th:

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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:

Mindbender Mansion: McWane Science Center

Posted on Friday, January 30, 2015 by Angie

BirminghamMommy got a sneak peek of the new exhibit opening at the McWane Science Center this Saturday!

Mister E. and the Mindbender Society invite you to enter the wonderfully puzzling world of Mindbender Mansion, an eclectic place full of puzzles, brainteasers, and interactive challenges guaranteed to test the brain power and problem solving skills of even the most experienced puzzlers. Adults and children alike will enjoy exercising their minds as they try to master each of the 40 individual brain teasers and the five group activities in this fun and unconventional new exhibit.

If you love puzzles, you’re going to love this completely interactive exhibit. From numbers to spelling, it covers everything. I tried my hand at several of the puzzles, some I got, some I didn’t. I think my favorite game was the giant Spelling Bee Disco Dance Floor. The game will ask you a series of questions and you have to spell out the answers by stepping on the correct tiles.

Mindbender Mansion is incredibly engaging for all ages and generations, as grandparents, parents and children learn from each other to solve the 40 brainteasers and 5 group activities. The exhibit is also great for school groups as it provides teachers the opportunity to engage their students in inventive, out-of-the-classroom problem solving and critical thinking that inspires teamwork and demands creativity.

Photos by Scott Butler.

Bourbon Street, Baby Style.

Posted on Monday, January 26, 2015 by Angie

Not able to make it down to The Big Easy this year for Mardi Gras? Not sure you would even want to if you could? Well you don’t have to miss out on all the fun, in fact, if you invite the right friends over, I’m sure you can have as much fun celebrating at home as you would on Bourbon Street… well, almost.

Now that we have kids, the debauchery that is Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras may be put on the back burner, but it doesn’t mean you can’t still have a good time, make this Fat Tuesday full of family fun..

First up. Food. Choosing food for the event shouldn’t be too difficult when you factor in all of the choices that you get from NOLA. Try some Jambalaya, Gumbo, Etouffee, Po-boys, Red Beans and Rice, or Muffuletta’s, are you hungry yet? I’ll leave you with just one more option.. Shrimp and Grits. For dessert, try your hand at duplicating some Cafe Du Monde Beignets, or you could have some more fun by seeing who gets the baby in the King Cake. If you don’t want to try and make one, you can pick one up from your local Publix.

Of course it wouldn’t be a Mardi Gras celebration without the signature drink… The Hurricane. Why not let the kiddos in on the fun with this Virgin Hurricane Recipe, put it in a fun glass, with an umbrella, then make a not so virgin recipe for the adults. Sit back and you’ll swear you can hear the dueling pianos…. Oh wait, that’s dueling 4 year olds… Sorry!

Now for the real fun, dig out the dress up box. Find all of those feathered boas, crazy hats, glasses and the beads you’ve saved from Mardi Gras past. Don’t worry, no one has to know how you earned them..

Then, set up a parade route through the house and have the kiddos march in a parade while playing some festive music, if you’re feeling super crazy, throw some beads or Moonpies of your own.

Tell us how you celebrate with your family, do you have any Mardi Gras traditions we should know about?

Birmingham Events Calendar: January 25th – February 1st

Posted on Sunday, January 25, 2015 by Angie

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

Lots of fun happening this week at the local Libraries, story times, LEGO’s, and a Beach Bash to make you forget about the cold weather we’re having here.

If you like Bull Riding, check out Shelby County Extreme Bull Riding this Saturday or Sunday. A new exhibit opens at the McWane Science Center that’s sure to keep you entertained!

Have a great week!

Sunday January 25th:

Ringling Bros. and Barnum Bailey Circus XTREME – BJCC
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ® Presents CIRCUS XTREME! It’s time for your family to be amazed by all the X-TRAORDINARY things you know and love about America’s favorite live family entertainment experience. Be astonished by UN-XPECTED circus spectacles you’ve never seen before and that can’t be seen anywhere else but at The Greatest Show On Earth ®. Get ready for an X-HILARATING adventure with X-TRAORDINARY circus artists and magnificent X-OTIC animals! It’s time to awaken the spirit of Children Of All Ages and stir the imagination of your family! Ringling Bros. ® Presents CIRCUS XTREME ! It’s time to have XTREME fun with your family! Get your tickets today!

Tickets Information
$16 – $76 plus fees
Tickets available through Ticketmaster and the BJCC Central Ticket Office. The CTO is open 9-5 daily.
11am and 3pm

Repticon Reptile and Exotic Pet Show – Zamora Shrine Temple
Repticon Birmingham is a reptile event featuring vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages, and merchandise as well as live animal seminars and frequent free raffles for coveted prizes. Exciting, educational, family-oriented fun for everyone!
10am – 4pm
Adults – $10, Children (5-12) – $5, Under 5 – Free
Visit our website for special offers on 2-day and VIP tickets

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Monday January 26th:

Tot Time with Mrs. Eve – Avondale Library
It’s a Winnie the Pooh Celebration! Join us as we share stories and songs celebrating our very good and wise friend, Winnie the Pooh. 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

Family Fun Night, Beach Bash – Avondale Library
It’s time to grab your sunglasses, put on your summer attire, and lay out on your beach towel as you join us for our 2nd Annual January Beach Bash! It’s fun in the cool winter sun Avondale style.
Free but registration is required.
6:30pm

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Tuesday January 27th:

LEGO: Let’s Make it Happen – Hoover Public Library
Lego program for grades 1-3. Registration begins Jan. 9.
4:30pm

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime, activities and lots of fun. We can’t wait to see you!
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

Wear/Where: Clothing From Around The World will explore self-expression through garments worn in cultures across the globe.
10:30am

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Wednesday January 28th:

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Thursday January 29th:

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Friday January 30th:

Shelby County Extreme Bull Riding – Shelby County Exhibition Center
The Shelby County Extreme Bulls is a professional bull riding competition. Each night bull riders from across the country try to ride the rankest bulls alive to compete for thousands of dollars and a gold buckle! The event is indoors and heated for you comfort. A full concessions stand, seating, and restroom facility’s are on site. This event is family friendly and is hands down the greatest show on dirt! Each night of competition you should expect to see Pyrotechnics, Fog, Lights, great music and a bull riding competition that will blow your socks off! Don’t let me forget….. You will also be entertained by one of the funniest men alive, Professional Funny Man Jake Wilcox. You should also expect to see some of the same Bulls and Riders as seen on the PBR Built Ford Tough Series. Trust me…. YOU DONT WANT TO MISS THIS!
$15.00 Adults (over the age of 12) $10.00 Kids (ages 5-12) KIDS 4 AND UNDER ARE FREE
The event Starts each night (Fri. and Sat.) at 7:30 P.M. and usually last around 2 hours.

Bull Fest – Blount County-Oneonta Agir Center
No other sporting event in the world combines the drama and danger of bull riding. Bucking bulls may weigh nearly a ton, yet have surprising agility. Most have bad tempers and often it’s after bucking down the cowboy that the most danger occurs…when the bull tries to go romping and stomping over the top of him. Bull riding may appear more a matter of endurance than anything. Not so. Courage, physical fitness, a keen sense of balance, and superior mental attitude are the qualities demanded. Watch how the rider uses his free arm, jerking and thrusting to counter the bull’s spins and lunges; how the rider lunges his own body forward as though to jump over his riding hand, and moves his feet forward to keep grabbing a new hold.
Tickets Day of Event/At the Door
Adults, $15
Kids (6-12), $10
Kids (0-5), Free
Gate opens at 6:00 p.m. each evening. Show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Storytime Live – Hoover Public Library
Stories, songs, poetry, puppetry and more for ages 3 and up. Groups must register.
10:30am

PJ Storytime – Hoover Public Library
Wear your pajamas to this storytime! Kids of all ages can enjoy stories, finger plays, songs, and a bedtime snack.
6:30pm

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Saturday January 31st:

GRAND OPENING! Mindbender Mansion – McWane Science Center
Mister E. and the Mindbender Society invite you to enter the wonderfully puzzling world of Mindbender Mansion, an eclectic place full of puzzles, brainteasers, and interactive challenges guaranteed to test the brain power and problem solving skills of even the most experienced puzzlers. Adults and children alike will enjoy exercising their minds as they try to master each of the 40 individual brain teasers and the five group activities in this fun and unconventional new exhibit.

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.

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Sunday February 1st:

Holy Inappropriateness! We couldn’t find any special events happening in the ‘Ham today. Make sure to check our list below for fun exhibits happening daily at our local attractions.

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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:

52 New Things, The Wrap Up

Posted on Friday, January 23, 2015 by Angie

Well.. We made it. A year’s worth of trying something new every week.

Angie:

This is my second go at trying something new every week for a year. We did this project several years ago here on the site and included several other local bloggers at the time. While I did make a concerted effort to try new things, I feel like to make it more interesting the things needed to be bigger. Taking my kids to Disney was probably the biggest and most memorable New Thing I did this year. And while Disney wasn’t new to me, it was ‘new to me’ seeing it through the eyes of my kids and for that, it will be my favorite new thing for 2014.

I think over all the experience has made me more aware of how even the little things, like a new chapstick can feel like you did something different, and some days, feeling like you’re getting out of your Groundhog Day routine, a little something can be a big thing.

Kristen:

52 New Things was a sometimes tough but always interesting experience for me. Some weeks, I was scrounging to think of something new to try (and some weeks I just cheated like the week Scandal started back and I was too distracted to find a new thing.) But other weeks the project pushed me to move out of my comfort zone just a little. I’m proud of trying (almost) 52 New things this year and plan to continue seeking out cool experiences in 2015.

Did you participate in making a conscious effort to try new things this year? What was your favorite?