☰

Spring Break Staycation Fun in Birmingham

Posted on by Angie

If you’re staying close to home this Spring Break, we have some ideas on how you can have some fun around Birmingham!

Spring Break in Birmingham

Oak Mountain State Fair

Corndogs, funnel cakes, cotton candy – oh my! The Oak Mountain State Fair is back and just in time for Spring Break! This Family Friendly Event features rides, food, attractions and more! This year the fair will be offering FREE parking daily! Please note the fair is closed each Monday and Tuesday.

Opens to the public on Friday March 24th, 5:30pm
Open Saturdays and Sundays, at 12pm, weekdays at 5:30 March 24th – April 9th

See this post for more information

Building with Bricks Exhibits

It’s time to show off your brick creations! Use your imagination to create your best architectural designs using LEGO bricks with an architect or engineer to help create the coolest building.

This exhibit will feature projects & architectural models from local architects, designers, & structural engineers. Come gather inspiration for your next renovation, office, new construction, investment property or home! Learn how to read drawings onsite.

When:
Saturday, Mar 25, 2023 at 10:00 am – 03:00 pm
Tuesday, Mar 28, 2023 at 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
Wednesday, Mar 29, 2023 at 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
Thursday, Mar 30, 2023 at 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
Friday, Mar 31, 2023 at 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
Saturday, Apr 1, 2023 at 10:00 am – 03:00 pm

Where:
Alabama Center for Architecture

Birmingham Bulls Hockey

Catch the Bulls in action at home

When:

Thursday, March 30th, College Night

Where:
Pelham Civic Complex

Oak Mountain Lanes

Offering special spring break hours! Bowling will open at 10am, Laser tag, ropes course and redemption store will be open from 12pm – 8pm.

March 27th – March 31st

McWane Science Center

McWane Science Center will host special programming all week long including the always popular Brain Awareness Week in partnership with UAB Neuroscience. Explore the brain, a vital organ, with UAB Neuroscience as they lead dissection workshops and demonstrations that test our senses.

March 29-April 2, 2023
Time: Wed. through Friday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Cost: Included with Cost of Admission

Spring Break at the Birmingham Zoo

With Spring in the air, your Birmingham Zoo is ready to bloom! They will be open every day from March 22 – April 2, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with an extravaganza of animal experiences and family fun. Take a ride on the Protective Carousel and the Red Diamond Express Train, enjoy delicious meals from Wild Burger and Nourish 205, and so much more!

 

2023 Oak Mountain State Fair

Posted on by Angie

Corndogs, funnel cakes, cotton candy – oh my! The Oak Mountain State Fair is back and just in time for Spring Break! This Family Friendly Event features rides, food, attractions and more! This year the fair will be offering FREE parking daily! Please note the fair is closed each Monday and Tuesday.

Kids 35″ and below get in FREE! Admission is $10 and unlimited ride wristbands can be purchased for $30-35. (*Admission price does not include ride wristband or rides)

When:

Opens to the public on Friday March 24th, 5:30pm

Open Saturdays and Sundays, at 12pm, weekdays at 5:30 March 24th – April 9th

Where:

Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

Purchase tickets online before you go!

 

YMCA of Greater Birmingham Provides Free Lifeguard Certification

Posted on by Angie

This is a great resource if you have a teenager looking for a summer job!

In 2023, the YMCA of Greater Birmingham is committed to water safety for children, adults and families around the entire Greater Birmingham area and eliminating the current lifeguard shortage in our communities.  To achieve that goal, the YMCA of Greater Birmingham is committed to training 1,500 lifeguards FREE of charge regardless of who may hire them. Lifeguard Certifications will be offered to anyone in the community that can meet the prerequisites regardless of whether they work for the Y or not.

Follow this link for more information or to register for your certification.

Fun ways To Eat Green This St Patrick’s Day

Posted on by Angie

St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday filled with green decorations, leprechauns, and rainbows. It’s also a great opportunity to get your kids excited about eating their greens! Here are some fun and creative ways to encourage your little ones to eat their veggies on St. Patrick’s Day:

Make a green smoothie
Whip up a delicious green smoothie using spinach, kale, or other green veggies, along with some fruits and yogurt or milk. You can even add some green food coloring to make it extra festive. Serve it in a fun cup or with a festive straw to get your kids excited about drinking their greens.

Serve up green eggs and ham
Add a few drops of green food coloring to scrambled eggs or an omelet and serve it with some green ham (dyed with green food coloring) for a fun and festive St. Patrick’s Day breakfast.

Make green pancakes
Add some spinach or matcha powder to pancake batter for a fun and healthy St. Patrick’s Day breakfast. Top with whipped cream and some green sprinkles for extra fun.

Create a rainbow salad
Use a variety of colorful veggies to create a rainbow salad. Start with a bed of greens and add in red peppers, orange carrots, yellow bell peppers, green cucumbers, blueberries, and purple cabbage. Serve with a tasty dressing and watch your kids gobble up their veggies.

Bake some green treats
Make some delicious green treats like cookies, cupcakes, or brownies using spinach, avocado, or matcha powder. Your kids will love the fun and festive colors, and you can feel good knowing that they’re getting some extra greens in their diet.

Serve up green veggies with a fun dip
Cut up some green veggies like broccoli, cucumbers, and celery and serve with a fun and tasty dip like guacamole or ranch. The dip will add some extra flavor and make the veggies more appealing to picky eaters.

Create a green pizza
Top a pizza with green veggies like spinach, kale, and broccoli, along with some green olives or peppers. Let your kids help with the toppings and watch as they eagerly chow down on their healthy and delicious creation.

There are many fun and creative ways to get your kids to eat their greens on St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you’re making green smoothies, rainbow salads, or baking some tasty treats, you can make healthy eating fun and festive. So, let the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations begin, and get ready to see your kids happily eating their greens!

Racing for Children’s

Posted on by Angie

Racing for Children’s is revved up and ready to reveal their racecars for the upcoming 2023 race season, including a special entry during the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix weekend, April 29-30.

Established by Birmingham area motorsports enthusiasts almost fourteen years ago, Racing for Children’s holds to its mission of raising awareness and research funds to help every child win their race against childhood cancers and blood disorders.

Each year this organization champions the cause of kids being cared for by Children’s of Alabama with the support of the community, presenting sponsor Medical Properties Trust and team partner Kellymoss, Inc. by hosting a fundraising dinner and a weekend of special events at Barber Motorsports Park.  Additionally, the group funds hospital and center programs to support children through many aspects of their journey and provides special days at the track throughout the year for the children and their families to enjoy.

On Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 2:30 pm CT – directly in front of Barber Motorsport Museum – the 2023 Honorary Racing for Children’s Crew Chiefs will join their RFC drivers Riley Dickinson and Michael McCarthy to reveal their brand-new Porsche 911 GT3 race cars. Both cars and drivers will be competing in the 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup North America race series, a total of sixteen races.

Each of these cars feature unique handprints and signatures of children in treatment at the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s, which treats more than 90 percent of all Alabama children diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders.   Both drivers have been committed to the Racing for Children’s cause for more than two years and are actively involved in independent fundraising efforts. They both take great pride in the relationships they have developed with kids through these experiences.

 

Following the press conference, the honorary crew chiefs and drivers will spend time together in the museum before taking hot laps on the Barber Motorsports Park track. From there, the drivers and cars head directly to Sebring International Raceway. The first green flag of the season drops March 16 at 8:15 am ET.

Every lap raced and every championship flag waived inspires kids to win their battle with cancer.

39th Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade in Birmingham

Posted on by Angie

If you’re looking for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration that’s filled with green, great food, and an unforgettable parade, then you’ll want to spend the day in Five Points South enjoying all things Irish! Here’s the rundown on what to expect this St Paddy’s Day in Birmingham

From 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday March 18th participating restaurants and bars will offer Irish-themed food and drink specials, along with live entertainment.

The Kids Lucky Zone will be open from 10 a.m. until the start of the parade with fun activities like face painting and more! The Lucky Zone will be located on the corner in front of Filter Coffee Parlor and The Original Pancake House.

Then the main event! The parade will travel up 20th Street South starting at 1:30 p.m., led by the Ian Sturrock Memorial Pipe Band and other area organizations and businesses, and will end at 2:30 p.m.

Click here to see the parade route

Summer Camp Spotlight: Summer Theatre Camps At Red Mountain Theatre

Posted on by Angie

When School is out, fun is in at Red Mountain Theatre!

RMT’s Theatre Camps give kids an outlet to use their creativity and imagination in dramatic ways, at all ages and skill levels. Countless studies have shown arts education improves children’s development and academic success. It’s not just about singing and dancing. It’s about teaching them teamwork, time management, focus, discipline, confidence and so much more!

Whole day and half day camps are available. Most camps end with a short performance for parents and friends. There are also before or after care options and lunch plans to add on as desired.

Camps options are available May 30th through August 4th and include the following ages and themes.

Play Making
AGES 4-6. Budding artists are allowed to let their imaginations run wild while they creatively explore theatrical storytelling. These half-day classes are designed to cultivate inventiveness as students learn the basics of theatre through collaboration and creative play.

Summer Sprouts
AGES 7-8. Sprouts is a week-long program for young people wishing to learn performance skills. Students will learn 3-5 Broadway style production numbers to be performed for friends and family. In preparing for a show, students learn discipline and memorization skills.

Theme Camps
AGES 7-12. Creative students will get a chance to immerse themselves in a favorite book or film world, like Hogwarts, Narnia, or Arendelle. Through the week, they’ll create original characters and learn the basics of storytelling, stagecraft, and presentation.

Blast Camps
AGES 9-14. Dip your toe in the theatre world! These fast-paced camps ask students to learn an entire 30 minute original script, music, and choreography in five days — then share with a supportive audience of family and friends.

Bootcamp and Intensives
AGES 9-18 These intensives are built to be the stepping stone to larger achievements. Students will concentrate on increasing their triple threat skills: acting, dancing, and singing.  *Please note that attending a Broadway Bootcamp is a prerequisite to audition for the RMT Performing Ensembles. If you’re aiming for the stars, wherever that is, this is a great place to start!

For more information or to register for camps, visit their website

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Please click here for more details on financial aid.

4 Tips for Parents to Maximize Your Tax Refunds

Posted on by Angie

Raise your hand if the phrase  “Tax Season” makes you sweat.

Honestly, same. But it doesn’t have to because I’m here to share with you some really great news! There’s A LOT of money out there for parents to collect when you have a new baby. But can you believe every year parents miss out on $12 Billion by making mistakes on taxes or not filing at all!?

Follow these 4 tips to make sure you get the $$$ that’s owed to you:

1 – Make sure you have all your baby docs ready to go so you can add your baby to your taxes this year. This means knowing your baby’s SSN at a minimum, and sometimes having their birth certificate handy if you are going in-person to file taxes. Remember, if your child was born AT ANY POINT in 2022, not just in the first 6 months, you can put them on your taxes (assuming you were the one caring for them).

2 – Look out for two credits that get MUCH BIGGER when you have children – the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. To get both you need to have made some money from work (gig work, hourly, salary – you name it), but together these credits can mean $5,200 back in your pocket with one kid and $9,100 for two children. That’s MAJOR money.

3 – Don’t forget the Child and Dependent Care Credit – a benefit that can decrease the amount of taxes you owe if you paid for childcare (like daycare) during 2022. Your kids will need to be 13 or younger but this credit may be worth up to $1,000 for one eligible child and $2,100 for two or more children.

4 – If you are a student, make sure you get your education-specific credits. If you, your spouse, or your child are going to college for a degree you may be eligible for the American Opportunity Credit. The credit is available for the first four years of your postsecondary education.

If you want tailored tax support as a parent, and want help with any of the tips above, check out Let’s Get Set. Let’s Get Set is powered by Column Tax and is tailored to help families making under $70,000 per year in annual income. We love that in addition to tax filing services, they offer free financial tools to help families make better financial decisions. This includes a refund estimator and bank match tool to help families choose a bank account that works for their needs.

Now… Raise your hand if these tips are going to make you breathe easier when you file this year!

 

Easter Egg Hunts and Activities in Birmingham

Posted on by Angie

It’s time to get those Easter Baskets ready for your ultimate guide to all the Easter Eggs Hunts and Activities in and around Birmingham!

Easter Egg Hunts In Birmingham

Easter Egg-Sperience at the Birmingham Zoo
Saturday, April 1st

More than 10,000 eggs will be hidden in Henley Park with FOUR different hunts offered, INCLUDING AN ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT! Children can collect 10 eggs and receive a plush bunny toy! The children’s hunts are free for Zoo members and included in admission for non-members.
Ages 0-4 hunt from 10:00 am – 10:30 am | Ages 5-9 hunt from 11:00 am – 11:30 am | Ages 10+ hunt from 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
**All eggs are empty. For children’s hunts, collect 10 eggs and turn them in at the redemption station for your prizes.
***While supplies last
ADULT Egg hunt will be from 11:15 am – 12:00 pm! Each participant will find 1 egg on the Trails of Africa playground and bring it to our prize table to redeem their exclusive prize. The exclusive prizes included certificates provided by area businesses, special Zoo tours, memberships, and much more all valued at $50 or greater. Space is limited so make sure you get your tickets now!TICKETS: $25 https://www.birminghamzoo.com/event/easter-egg-sperience/
All Easter Egg Hunts are a rain-or-shine event*Adult Easter Egg Hunt tickets DO NOT include Zoo admission. Guests will need to purchase a Zoo admission ticket or use their Membership card to gain entry into the Zoo.

Church Picnic and Easter Egg Hunt at Children’s Fresh Air Farm in Bluff Park
Saturday, April 1st
The Highlands United Methodist Church invites you to bring the whole family for a church picnic, Easter Egg Hunt, and Easter Bonnet Contest!
10am – 11:30am

Homewood Parks and Recreation Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 1st 

The Homewood Easter Egg Hunt is for toddlers and kids up to 10 years of age. Participants will hunt for eggs with children of their own age group. In addition to the hunt there will be games, prizes, and the Easter Bunny will make a visit for pictures.

Ages 0-2 years: 10:00am
Ages 3-4 years: 10:00am
Ages 5-7 years: 11:00am
Ages 8-10 years: 11:00am

Bluff Park Methodist Church Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 1st

Calling all kids 5th grade and under. Bluff Park UMC is hosting our annual Community Easter Egg Hunt on April 9th.

Welcome and Registration for the egg hunt begins at 9:30 am and the egg hunt follows at 10:30 am. Everything will take place outdoors this year.

The Easter Bunny will be walking around for pictures.

The event takes place, rain or shine

Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Market at Oak Mountain State Park
Saturday April 1st

Oak Mountain State Park will be hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Market on Saturday April 1st! Grab your basket and be ready to have fun, with have OVER 20,000 FILLED eggs this year!

This year’s Easter Egg Hunt will be located off of Terrace Drive in the Multi-use Field by the Discover Shelby Pavilion!

9am until 4pm on Saturday, April 1st! Everyone is Welcome!

Egg Hunts will be hosted for children Ages 0-12
Egg Hunt Times:
10AM- Ages 0-3
10:30AM- Ages 4-6
11AM- Ages 7-9
11:30AM- Ages 10-12
LUNCH BREAK
1PM- Ages 0-3
1:30PM- Ages 4-6
2PM- Ages 7-9
2:30PM- Ages 10-12
3PM- Easter Egg Hunt for our four-legged friends!

The Easter Bunny will be hopping around for pictures at no cost!
Easter Bunny Meet and Greet Times:
9AM-12PM
LUNCH BREAK
1PM-3PM
*The Bunny will be taking a few short breaks throughout these times to make sure he stays cool and comfortable; we thank you in advance for understanding*

Easter Egg Hunt at Canterbury UMC 
Sunday, April 2nd 

The annual Canterbury Easter Egg Hunt. It will be a sweet and simple celebration. Families will gather in Canterbury Center at 3pm for fellowship, and photos with the bunny. From there, families will hunt for eggs with their child’s age group. We’ll have groups for our very smallest children up through 5th grade. If the weather forecasts rain, the hunt will be inside! Parents, bring a bag or basket for your children’s eggs.

Community Wide Easter Egg Hunt, Pleasant Hill UMC
Sunday, April 2nd

This community wide egg hunt will be held on April 2nd! The fun begins at 2pm with inflatables, games, prizes, face painting, food trucks, cornhole, basketball and more! You will only need money if you plan to purchase from a food truck. All games and activities are free! The egg hunt will begin at 3pm.

UAB Dragon Egg Hunt at Protective Stadium
April 6th 

Kids 6th grade and younger are invited to participate in this year’s Dragon Egg Hunt on Thursday, April 6th during halftime of the UAB Football Spring Game. The Spring Game will kickoff at Protective Stadium at 6 p.m. The Dragon Egg Hunt will take place during halftime at approximately 7:15 p.m. on the field of Protective Stadium.

A ticket to the Spring Game is required and can be purchased by clicking here or by calling the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at 205-975-8221. Pre-registration is highly encouraged for a faster Dragon Egg Hunt check-in process. If registering multiple participants, please submit an additional form.

Easter Eggstravaganza Hunt at Wald Park
Friday, April 7th

Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest presents this Eggstravaganze at Wald Park in Vestavia. Visit the baby animal petting zoo, take a picture with the Easter Bunny, make a craft and find a prize egg! This non-competitive, relaxed egg hunt is for children ages 6 and under. April 7th 12pm – 2pm

Trinity UMC West Campus in Homewood
Saturday, April 8th

You are invited to hop, hop, hop on over for an egg-venture on Saturday, April 8 at 10:00 am at our Trinity West Homewood campus. This is a family-friendly FREE event for kids of every age with an egg hunt, meaningful crafts, and fun-filled activities. Hunts are staggered by age group. Bring your basket and a few friends!

Birmingham Southern Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday April 8th

BSC’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the President’s Home Lawn

The egg hunt will begin at 10:30 a.m. Cookies and punch will be provided. In the event of rain, the egg hunt will be held in Striplin Center.

Easter Egg Roll Emmet O Neal Library Lawn
Saturday, April 8th 

10am – 11am
More details coming soon!

 

12th Annual Holi Festival

Posted on by Angie

Join the BMA and the Indian Cultural Society for the 12th annual HOLI Festival, the Indian celebration of color, sponsored by Medical Properties Trust.  This popular event brings communities together for a fun-filled day celebrating Indian culture and featuring music, dance, food, henna, art-making, gallery exploration, and the throwing of the colors. Come on out Saturday, March 11th from 11am – 3pm!

11AM – 2PM // Main Lobby // Artmaking

Discover your inner artist and create your own Holi-inspired works of art using a variety of materials in our lobby area.
11am-2pm //  Sculpture Garden // Art activities, Henna & Face Painting

Venture into our outdoor sculpture garden and get a beautiful henna design by Blue Lotus Mehndi or get your face painted by Painted Personalities! Take some time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the sculpture garden while getting a henna art design family-friendly face painted design.
12 – 1PM //  Auditorium // Dance Performances

Talented local Indian dance troupes will dazzle visitors with traditional and fusion performances in the auditorium. Enjoy their unique styles and the energy and excitement they bring to the festival. Performing local dance troupes include: Aastha’s dance classes, Natyananda, Notinee Indian Dance, Prema and Purnima Bhat, SAI Choir, Creations Kathak Adults and Kids Groups & Folks of Dakshin.
1- 2PM // City Walk Amphitheater (Behind the Museum) // Music, DJ, Dancing, Food Trucks

For the first time, we will partner with City Walk to provide an expanded footprint for our popular festival. Stop by the City Walk Amphitheater for an afternoon of lively Bollywood music by DJ Krish and Dance Performances by Aastha’s Dance Classes.
The group will also be providing a pop-up instructional workshop where you can learn some of the moves and steps of traditional Indian dance to do while you participate in the throwing of the colors.
After you’ve danced up an appetite, enjoy the many delicious food truck options available!
2 – 4PM // City Walk Main Ground (Behind Boutwell Parking Deck) // Music, DJ, Food Trucks, Throwing of Colors!

Join us at the City Walk Main Ground for the most joyous and popular part of the event – the throwing of colors!  We’ll provide plenty of colorful gulal for everyone to use, or feel free to bring your own. DJ Krish will provide all the Bollywood tunes for you to dance to while you throw and celebrate this colorful and fun-filled activity with your friends and family.

Advertisements