Stay Cool while Having Fun Indoors In Birmingham

We’re expected to get some excessive heat this week here in Birmingham which is going to leave us looking for some ways to beat the heat while keeping the kiddos entertained… Here are some ideas:

Dave and Buster’s- If arcade fun is your jam, Dave and Buster’s is the place to be. Go on Wednesday’s for 1/2 price games all day, every Wednesday throughout the summer.

Take advantage of a free or discounted movie in a cool theater! Hit up one of the local theaters for their Free or Discounted movie day and it’s a win/win, stay cool way saving a little cash!

McWane Science Center. The Science Center has lots to do year round and and their new exhibit Brickologyo opens July 1st. McWane is great for all ages, and if you’re up for a movie, check out the IMAX, BONUS! They have covered parking which is great on rainy summer days.

Check out the Indoor Play Places: Urban Air, Defy, Surge Trampoline Park, Chuck E Cheese, and Let’s Play.

Sparetime in Trussville – Lasertag, arcade and Kids Bowl Free!

Your local library! As you know, your library can be a great resource for so many things, including storytimes, arts and crafts and more, plus they’re all offering some fun summer reading incentives!

How will you be beating the heat this week?

Celebrate 4th of July in Birmingham with these Fun Events

Where to Celebrate 4th of July in Birmingham

Are you searching for the best places to celebrate the 4th of July in Birmingham? Look no further! We’ve got your run-down of family fun in the Magic city for this Independence Day! So mark your calendars because the fun kicks off later this week!

I love America Night at Wald Park

I Love America Night is a fun, family-friendly event to celebrate the independence of our country! Enjoy FREE swimming at the Aquatic Complex, sponsor booths, children’s activities, a live concert and a spectacular Grand Finale! Shuttle service will be available from Walmart Neighborhood Grocery, Southminister Presbyterian Church, the former Sprouts, Library in the Forest and City Hall.

June 22nd, 6pm

Calera First First Friday

The community is invited to celebrate Independence Day with a Bang on Main Street. Guests can expect an outstanding firework display after dark. There will be even more vendors, food, fun and games. Those in attendance are encouraged to bring chairs to sit, eat and enjoy the live music of Bob Marston and the Credible Sources and stay after dark for all the explosive fun.

Friday, June 30th, 5pm – 10pm

Alabaster Fireworks Show

Food Trucks, Bounce Houses, Games including Corn Hole, Badminton, Bocce Ball, Lawn Bowling, Crossnet, and more.
Coca Cola Music Truck, There will be Light Up toys for sale including swords, rings, balls, and wands.
Activities listed above are subject to change.
Fireworks at 9pm

Viewing areas will include all parking areas on school property and the open meadow areas in front of the school depending on how wet the grounds are.
Absolutely NO parking allowed on any grassy area on school property!
Parking will be prohibited on State and County road right of ways during the show.
Kent Dairy Road: Traffic will be able to enter and exit from Kent Dairy Road to and from THS at all times.

Saturday, July 1st, Activities start at 6pm, Fireworks at 9pm

ChelseaFest and the Big Kaboom

ChelseaFest and the Big KaBoom features great music on the main stage, food from many different food trucks and, of course, one of the largest fireworks shows in Alabama!

Saturday, July 1st, Activities start at 6pm, Fireworks at 9pm

City of Hoover Fireworks Show

Sunday, July 2nd
9pm
Hoover Met Parking lot. Set up a chair by your car and get ready for the show! Music broadcast on 87.9

Fire on the Water at Oak Mountain

Food vendors, swimming, music, activities, and fireworks!

Gates open at 7 am! Come and spend the day with us! Grab a good spot on the beach and enjoy the day in the park as you wait for the show to start!

In the interest of public safety, a limited number of tickets will be sold for Fire on the Water. They cost $15, however, Pelham residents may purchase them at a discounted rate of $10 per ticket. Each ticket is valid for one vehicle carrying up to four people. A state-issued ID or utility bill is required for proof of residency.
Pelham residents also have the benefit of purchasing tickets a week before they officially go on sale. Pelham residents can buy tickets beginning Tuesday, June 1st, and sales open to everyone on June 8th.
No event tickets will be sold on July 3rd, and regular entrance fees will apply. Cash only at the gate.

Both gates will CLOSE to the public at 7 pm SHARP. Please plan accordingly!

Monday, July 3rd Activities start at 5pm, Fireworks start at 9pm sharp.

Birmingham Barons Independence Day Celebration

Celebrate your Independence Day with the Birmingham Barons as they take on the Rocket City Trash Pandas and enjoy a Fireworks show after the game.

Monday, July 3rd 6:05pm

Free Old Town Live July in Helena

Celebrate America’s birthday in style with Helena’s dazzling 4th of July fireworks show & a FREE Concert! A night of patriotic fun and a stunning display of pyrotechnics that will light up the sky. Free Family Event free event, grab a front-row seat, and get ready to be amazed by the firework show that will light up the sky. Don’t miss this exciting celebration of America’s independence!”

Monday, July 3rd Activities start at 4:30pm

Independence Day 1776 at American Village

Patriotic event happening throughout the day ending with fireworks. Music and dance, Games, food trucks, encounters with patriots of the past and more. $5 admission. Veterans, active military and children ages 4 and under are free.

Tuesday, July 4th
11am

4th of July Family Festival at Railroad Park

Live music, food vendors, kid’s activities & more! At 9 PM you’ll have an amazing view of the fireworks at Vulcan Park and Museum!

Tuesday, July 4th, 5pm – 9pm

Thunder on the Mountain

The state’s largest 4th of July celebration will again ignite the sky atop red mountain with an array of fireworks in honor of both the cities’ sesquicentennial and our nation’s birthday. Find a spot around town where you can see Vulcan and you’ll be able to see the show!

Tuesday, July 4th
9pm

Trussville Freedom Celebration

Food, fun and fireworks on the mall in Trussville.

Tuesday, July 4th on the Mall in Trussville
6pm -9pm

Birmingham Area Kids Eat Free Guide

Eating out with kids can no doubt put a strain on the budget, but we’ve done a little legwork and put together a list of places around Birmingham where kids eat free!

Where Kids Eat Free In Birmingham

Monday:

Moss Rock Tacos: one kid eats free per $10 adult purchase
Huddle House – get one free kid’s meal with every adult entrée purchase of $6 or more (dine-in only)

Tuesday:

Baumhowers – one free kid’s meal with purchase of adult entree of $10 or more
Vecchia – one kid’s meal per adult meal purchase
Big Whiskey’s – kids eat free all day
Moe’s Original BBQ – one free kid’s meal per adult entrée after 5:00 p.m.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – kids eat for $2.99 all day
Huddle House – get one free kid’s meal with every adult entrée purchase of $6 or more (dine-in only)
Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux (Stadium Trace) – kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree

Thursday:

Tazikis – kids eat free from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Brusters Ice Cream – half price banana splits when you provide your own banana (Offer may vary. Participating stores only)
Friday
Ruby Tuesday – kids eat free with adult purchase all day

Saturday:

Steak ‘n Shake – one free kid’s meal for every $9 spent

Sunday:

Steak ‘n Shake – one free kid’s meal for every $9 spent
Moe’s Southwest Grill – kids 12 & receive one kid’s meal free with purchase of an adult meal (locations may vary)

Every Day:

Bruster’s Ice Cream – free baby cone to anyone under 40″ tall

Please note these specials may vary by location and are subject to change without notice to BirminghamMommy, please always check with the location prior to your visit for details.

Partners in Kids Health: Keeping your child safe while near water this summer

Summer is right around the corner, meaning families will spend more time in the water. Safety experts say swimming and boating are two of the most popular activities over the next few months.

“Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages one to four,” said Marie Crew, the director of the Health Education and Safety Center. “We definitely need to educate parents on how to keep children safe when they are in or near the water.”

Crew says one way parents can ensure their children stay safe at the pool is by having a water watcher. A water watcher is a responsible adult who agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions and wear a Water Watcher card. She also advises parents to think about their child’s age and developmental level before they start swim lessons.

“It’s going to prepare a child for being out in the water and to be able to do things that will save their life literally,” said Crew. “They need to be taught how to orientate themselves in the water and how to swim towards safety.”

Crew says she strongly recommends that every parent learns CPR.

Learn more on this important topic by visiting the Children’s of Alabama site.

10 Things to do in Birmingham this Summer

Are you ready to make the most of your summer in Birmingham? It’s time to explore all the fun and exciting things our city has to offer! Whether you’re a local looking for new experiences or a visitor seeking the best of the city, we’ve got you covered!

10 Things To Do in Birmingham This Summer!

Check out a Free Friday Flick in “Birmingham’s Living Room” every Friday night in June at Railroad park, enjoy a family movie night on the lawn. Bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy a movie under the stars. Movies start at dusk. For a full line up you can see a schedule here

Grab a discounted summer pass to McWane Science Center: If COOL was a thing, it’d be a McWane Science Center Summer Pass! Stay cool and explore science with McWane Science Center this summer with their $85 Summer Membership Pass. It allows you unlimited admission for 2 named adults and up to 4 kids under the age of 18 | Free parking in McWane Science Center’s parking deck when available and ASTC Passport Program – Free or discounted admission to over 300 science centers worldwide.

Take me out to the Ballgame! Go catch a Barons game! With promotions such as fun giveaways, family nights, and wet nose Wednesday where you can bring your furry friends, this is a Birmingham summer stable. Arrive early to grab a drink at Good People Brewing before the game, or take your little ones to the fun kid zone. There’s something for the whole family!

Catch a movie at Grand River Drive In: Thursday – Sunday during the summer time you can catch a double feature, dine at one of the many restaurants at The Backyard Leeds or play putt-putt. They have a wide variety of food options with a bar with handcrafted brews and cocktails. Movies start at approx. 8:30pm

Float the Cahaba to cool off! What’s more relaxing than floating down the river? Check out Limestone canoe and tube for info and plan a day!

Thunder on the Mountain at Vulcan. Birmingham’s Annual 4th of July fireworks show from atop red mountain. If you can see Vulcan, you can see the fireworks!

Photo from Rachel Callahan

Trussville’s Entertainment District: Now with two breweries; Ferus Ales and Steele Hall, and many options for restaurants, with live music and a few summer movies. There’s always something fun happening and plenty of space for the tiny humans to play!

Check out the Newest Trail at Oak Mountain! ​​The dirt trail features varying widths, and is designed to be a haven for mountain biking, running and walking. The path circles the lake and provides breathtaking views of the water as it meanders along the shoreline and through the forest.

Beat the heat at Alabama Splash Adventure! Open 7 days a week, if you’re looking for thrills on both rides and slides you’ll find it here at our amusement and water park. Offering free parking, free sunscreen and drink refills. (*and if you pre purchase your ticket online, everyone pays kids pricing, for a limited time)

Check out Birmingham’s CityWalk Downtown! One of our city’s newest attractions… City Walk offers 10 blocks of fun including a playground, skating rink, skatepark, and many other activity areas. The kids will love this new attraction.

If you’re looking for a list of FREE things to do with your kids this summer make sure to check out THIS LIST

 

Thank you to our site sponsors, Sophia Leece and Scott Boudreaux with LAH Sotheby’s. For more information on what’s happening in the Birmingham Housing Market, or to schedule a free home buyer/seller consultation, you can reach them:

Sophia Leece, 205.895.9120 | sleece@lahrealestate.com
Scott Boudreaux, 205.835.9787 | sboudreaux@lahrealestate.com

Everyone’s favorite ogre is coming to Red Mountain Theatre: Shrek The Musical, live on stage June 2-25, 2023

Red Mountain Theatre is thrilled to present Shrek The Musical, a theatrical extravaganza for the whole family. Based on the 2001 DreamWorks film, the musical version takes the familiar story in new directions with witty songs, goofy dance numbers, elaborate sets and costumes, and the pizazz that can only come from live actors.

As Director Roy Lightner says, “Shrek is an iconic movie, and we hit all the same story beats. What’s fantastic about the musical is that the songs add even more feeling and humor to every scene. Shrek is this ridiculous tale that will make you laugh until your face hurts, but at its heart is a message of acceptance and understanding.”

The cast bringing the beloved characters to life is one of the most accomplished troupes seen at Red Mountain Theatre. Familiar faces to both RMT and Opera Birmingham fans, Caleb Clark steps into the title role, with Alie B. Gorrie taking the stage as Princess Fiona. The lead pair is joined by Dorian (Donkey), Halo Wheeler (Dragon), Blake West (Lord Farquaad), and a ensemble of gifted RMT veterans and exciting new talent. NYC-based Choreographer Sara Brians has enjoyed the camaraderie among the
cast. “The fun and creativity we cultivate in the rehearsal studio is reflected in the joy and brilliant storytelling you’re going to see on stage.”

However, adapting an animated movie to a three-dimensional stage version requires top talent behind the scenes too, with costuming, makeup, prosthetics, puppetry, and special effects in just about every scene. Says Lightner, “This is the largest musical we have produced in our new home, and I’m lucky enough to be collaborating with artists who make it look effortless!”

Performances run June 2nd through 25th. Show times are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now! To save $5 on tickets follow this link and use our special code: “PARFAIT” Tickets start at $32/adults and $25/child. The show is recommended for all ages.

Memorial Day Weekend at the Birmingham Zoo

If you’re staying in town this Memorial Day weekend, the Birmingham Zoo is the perfect place to spend some time!

On Saturday, the Zoo invites you to join them for a very special Sea Lion Send Off! Longtime residents and fan favorites of your Birmingham Zoo, California sea lions, Farley and Giovanni (Gio) will be moving to the New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts.

“While we are very sad to see them go, we are excited about this great opportunity for them,” explains Mollye Nardi, Birmingham Zoo’s General Curator.
Join our education team on Henley Lawn and learn more about sea lions, how to help marine life in the wild, and hear more about what it takes to transport animals to their new homes! The community will also be able to express their well wishes on a banner that will travel with Farley and Gio to the New England Aquarium where a larger habitat and colony awaits them. The New England Aquarium will collaborate with your Birmingham Zoo for future updates on how the pair are settling in this summer.
Location: Send-Off Celebration on Henley Lawn
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sea lion demos are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.*
*Weather permitting

In addition to the Sea Lion Send off Your Birmingham Zoo will be open on the Memorial Day holiday, Monday May 29th, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. In honor of the holiday, all active and retired military veterans, including their dependents (up to six) will receive FREE admission to the Birmingham Zoo throughout Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 27 through Monday, May 29, with proof of valid military identification.

Kids Bowl Free Offers Summer Fun in Birmingham!

When it comes to keeping the kids entertained during the summer, free activities are always a winner. And if you’re looking for a fantastic way to beat the summer heat while saving some money, look no further than Kids Bowl Free at Spare Time in Trussville!

The Kids Bowl Free program is back and runs now through August and allows registered children 15 years and younger to enjoy two free games a day Monday through Saturday. Bowling shoes must be worn during the game and are available for rent.

Spare Time Trussville offers luxury bowling lanes, a huge Game Zone arcade, full restaurant and bar, and a state-of-the-art laser tag arena! Plenty of fun for everyone!!

Where:
Spare Time Trussville
3600 Roosevelt Blvd · Trussville, AL 35235
205-655-4500

Who:
Registered Children Ages 2-15

Click HERE to register here before your first game!

Free and Discounted Movies in Birmingham Summer 2023

If you love movies, popcorn and saving money, this list is for you! Here’s where you can catch FREE or DISCOUNTED movies around Birmingham all summer. It’s a great way to beat the summer heat and get the kiddos out of the house!

FREE AND DISCOUNTED SUMMER MOVIES IN BIRMINGHAM

Amstar Cinemas – Alabaster

Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s. Admission is $5.00+tax per person, price includes Movie, Kids Drink and Popcorn. All movies will start at 10am. Seating is limited, first come first served. All movies are G or PG. For more info or pre purchase tickets

May 30th and 31st: Captain Underpants
June 6th and 7th: Home
June 13th and 14th: Chicken Run
June 20th and 21st: Madagascar
June 27th and 28th: Megamind
July 4th and 5th: Boss Baby
July 11th and 12th: Trolls
July 18th and 19th: The Bad Guys
July 25th and 26th: Kung Fu Panda
August 1st and 2nd: Over the Hedge

Free Friday Flicks – Railroad Park (please note the new location)

Outdoor movie series, every Friday night in June. Each movie is scheduled to start at dusk. The sun sets between 7:53 and 8:01 p.m. during the weeks the movies are scheduled. Food trucks and Kids zone are scheduled to return this season

June 2nd: Encanto
June 9th: Drumline
June 16th: The Princess and the Frog
June 23rd: Minions: Rise of Gru
June 30th: Back to the Future

Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City

Summer Kids Fest. Wednesday and Thursday, 10am and 11am. Admission is FREE. Website

June 7th and 8th: DC League and Super Pets
June 14th and 15th: Hotel Transylvania 4
June 21st and 22nd: The Bad Guys
June 28th and 29th: Minions The Rise of Gru
July 5th and 6th: Paw of Fury
July 12th and 13th: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
July 19th and 20th: Lyle Lyle Crocodile
July 26th and 27th: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Regal Cinemas Trussville

Summer Movie Express. Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10am. Admission is $2. Both Movies listed play both days. Website

May 23rd and 24th: How To Train your Dragon | Abominable
May 30th and 31st: The Croods: A New Age |Shrek Forever After
June 6th and 7th: Puss in Boots | Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
June 13th and 14th: Sing | The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water
June 20th and 21st: Minions: The Rise of Gru | The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
June 27th and 28th: Sonic the Hedgehog | Dora and the Lost City of Gold
July 4th and 5th: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish | Clifford the Big Red Dog
July 11th and 12th: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 |The Paw Patrol
July 18th and 19th: The Bad Guys |Playing with Fire
July 25th and 26th: Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank |Sing 2
August 1st and 2nd: The Boss Baby: Family Business | Dolittle
August 8th and 9th: Kung Fu Panda 3 | Curious George
August 14th and 15th: Minions | How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
August 22nd and 23rd: Shrek | Kung Fu Panda
August 29th and 30th: Trolls World Tour | Despicable Me
September 5th and 6th: Despicable Me 3 | Spirit Untamed

Trussville Entertainment District/Ferus Ales

Free Summer Movie Series, 6pm

June 22nd: Jumanji (with a live mini exotic animal show)
July 27th: Finding Nemo (with a bubble party)
August 24th: The Incredibles (with a superhero costume contest)

**Please note: times and movies are subject to change without notice to BirminghamMommy.com, it’s always best to double check with the theater or the theater website to confirm. Outdoor movies are subject to cancelation due to weather, make sure to check social media/event pages before you go.

8 Birmingham Area Splash Pads to Cool you Down this Summer

As the temps heat up, it’s time to cool down with these Birmingham Area splash pads!

Photo via: Moody Splash pad

City of Clay Splash Pad

Behind the ballpark off of Old Springville Road
Thursday – Saturdays 10am – 6pm and Sundays 1pm – 6pm

Timed Entry—Maximum 4 hour time slots only. Payment for entry must be charged by card, no cash accepted on premises

Entry Fees
$2 for Clay Residents
$5 for Non-Clay Residents

Explore Splash Pad in Hoover

1060 RV Trace, Hoover, AL 35244
Open Tuesday – Sunday 9am – 7pm
Opens May 16th for the season

Gardendale Splash Pad

2191 Fieldstown Road
Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – Dusk
May 1st – Sept 30th

Leeds Splash Pad

804 Park Drive
Hours Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Monday: Closed for maintenance (unless it falls on a holiday such as Memorial Day and Labor Day)
Opens Memorial Day 2023 (please note hours are from 2022 and have not been updated for 2023)

Moody Splash Pad

100 Civic Center Drive
Open Tuesday –Friday 10am – 6pm
Saturday – 10am – 5pm
Sunday – 1pm – 5pm
*hours may vary due to party rentals.
Opens May 3oth

Pinson Bicentennial Park Splash Pad

Sunday-Friday:- 1 p.m.- 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.

Entry Fee:
City Resident- $ 1.00
Police Jurisdiction- $ 1.00
Non-Resident- $ 3.00

Sicard Hollow Splash Pad

4851 Sicard Hollow Road
Open daily 9am –7pm
Open now for the season

Springville Splash Pad

75 Old Talledega Road
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10am –  6pm and Sunday 1pm – 5pm
Opens for the season May 20th

$2 Per Person
3 and under free
Season Pass Purchase available through your account
Groups of 15+ Must Reserve a Pavilion

And of course, we can’t forget about the Splash pad at the Birmingham Zoo. Included with the cost of admission!

Which Splash pad is your favorite?