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Summer Activities for Kids

Posted on by Angie

It may get hot here in the south during the summer but kids just don’t seem to mind. Here are some activities to keep them busy  while school is out. Make sure to keep the little ones hydrated and lathered in sunscreen.

1. Create a backyard water wonderland! Baby Pools and sprinklers galore. We like this idea for parents with multiple aged children. You can put the itty bittys down for their nap while keeping the older ones happy with outdoor time. Have a water balloon fight, or have some fun with ice cubes! Try some icy building blocks – Sprinkle a little salt onto an ice cube and press it onto another ice cube. The salt will melt the ice slightly and then it will refreeze to hold the two together. Stack the ice cubes to form a pyramid, a wall or other structure.

2. Hit up the local pool, waterpark, or splash pad. Something different than your own back yard will be a happy treat. Pack a lunch and lots of liquids and sunscreen. Combine your water fun by going to places like the Birmingham Zoo or Desoto Caverns. They have lots to do and you can finish up with some fun in their on site splash pad.

3. Take a hike! The Birmingham area has a lot of options when it comes to hiking. Oak Mountain, Ruffner Mountain and Moss Rock to name a few. Create a nature scavenger hunt before you go for a little added fun on your hike.

4. Pick some fruit. Sure going to the farmers market on Saturday morning is the easy way to get some local fresh and seasonal fruit, but loading up the kids to pick some of their own will definitely be more fun. Visit this site for a list of where to go.

5. We’re bound to have some rainy days. If they are in fact just rain, let them play outside, kids love to splash in puddles and will be thrilled that Mom is throwing caution to the wind. If you’re stuck indoors, try making some ice cream, or frozen drink concoctions. Make a fort in the living room, pop some popcorn and have a movie date. Dance parties are always popular in our house and you can do that rain or shine!

How do you pass the summer days and keep it exciting for the kids?

Holding back your Kindergarten-age Child: Will it Really Give him an Edge?

Posted on by Angie

By Kate Agliata:

The issue of grade retention has been a controversial one for many years. Yet in today’s world, the truth is that more parents than ever before are giving serious consideration to retaining their kindergartener, or holding back another year their preschooler so that he or she will wait until the age of six to enter kindergarten. Statistics show an increase in the number of parents who not only consider this action, but are also following through with the decision to hold their child back. According to findings from the National Center for Educational Statistics, about 5 percent of kindergarten-aged children repeat the year and another 7 percent are being held back in preschool before beginning kindergarten.

With retention statistics steadily increasing every decade, research indicates a growing number of people in favor of holding their young children back a year. Yet, how do the benefits stack up against the risks? What exactly are the factors being weighed? For parent and educator Amy Mascott, a Washington D.C. area reading specialist, and founder of the online parenting resource, We Teach, the decision to hold back her five-year-old son, Owen, was not one in which she and her husband came to lightly. There are an overwhelming amount of factors to consider, all of which merit incredible thought—after all, the direction a child takes at this stage in the game is pivotal in their future educational career, as well as their social well-being. “We thought that extra year would be beneficial to him in the long run,” says Mascott. Owen, who was born in mid August of 2007, will begin kindergarten this coming school year. “He will now be one of the older kids in his class vs the youngest, and we think that will eventually work to his benefit academically and socially.” Mascott says she and her husband spent hours deliberating their decision, talking with one another, their friends, Owen’s teachers, and other family members. “Everyone we spoke to said the same thing: that those people who held their kids back only had good things to say about doing so; the only negative we heard was from people who said that they wished they would have done the same for their own child.”

In addition to your own ongoing observance of your child at home, talking with his or her teacher or day care provider is one of the best places to begin when trying to form an initial assessment of your child’s learning abilities. Not all children of the same age progress at the same rate academically, or socially. In fact, as parents, many of us have observed at one time or another the vast differences within young children many months apart—especially with as many as 11 months apart in age. Therefore, a boy who enters kindergarten at the age of five-years-old and one day, may be at a completely different learning stage than a boy who begins the school year at age five years and 11 months.. These same children may also come to school with varied abilities, some can already read and write, while others still struggle to recognize letters in the alphabet.

Parents also need to consider the long-term impact on their child whether or not they decide to retain him or her, or allow them to progress to the next grade. Mascott, who is also a former High School English teacher, explains that her experience as an educator allowed her to see the potential differences in Owen’s academic future. “I could also always tell my younger ninth and tenth grade students—the boys, especially, were more needy when it came to group work and in social situations. That experience also helped to shape our decision for Owen.”

No matter what decision you come to when faced with whether or not to retain your child, make sure that the number one motivator is always in the best interest of your son or daughter. As for Mascott, she stands strong behind the decision she and her husband made on Owen’s behalf. “I know clearly that socially, emotionally, and academically, he’s ready. I will be so incredibly sad when he walks into the school next fall, with his classmates, but my sadness will be overshadowed by the confidence I’ll feel that our decision to hold him back for a year was the best fit for him. I’d personally rather feel confident that he’s ready than worried that he wasn’t.”

About Kate:

Kate, a freelance writer and mother of two, most often finds creative inspiration in writing, but occasionally at the bottom of an empty wine glass. She has hijacked her family’s former lifestyle and is in the midst of creating a simpler and greener approach to life. To follow her family’s challenges and successes in this endeavor, visit her blog, at Kate’s Musings. She and her family have lived in Birmingham since 2009.

Birmingham Events Calendar May 15th – May 22nd

Posted on by Angie

Summer is getting so close, can you feel it? We know you are all super busy wrapping up the school year and having your last soccer games and parties, but we’ve got a few ideas for you this week just in case you can squeeze in any other activities!

One of Birmingham’s favorite events will happen this Saturday, Do Dah Day!! Take the family out for some fun that includes your furry, four legged kids too!

Looks like it’s going to be a nice week weather wise so whatever you choose to do, enjoy!! Have a great week!

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

Sunday May 15th:

Birmingham Slow Food Fair – Jones Valley Urban Farm
“Party in the Garden” will include a variety of musical acts, delicious food samples, kids’ activities, and a mini Farmer’s Market.

The following restaurants are Slow Food Fair partners: Bettola, Bottega, Bottletree, Brick & Tin, Cantina, Food Studio B, Good People Brewing Company, Grassroots Wine, International Wines, Jim ‘N Nick’s, Kathy G, Rojo, Salt Fine Catering, and Trattoria Centrale.
2pm – 6m

Tickets are $30 and all proceeds benefit Jones Valley Urban Farm’s education programs. Buy tickets online or at the gate. Children ages 12 and under are free.

Butterfly Exhibit Opens – Desoto Caverns

Scholastic Chess Club at Books-A-Million Brookwood Village
In our upstairs Kids Nook.  Beginners are welcome, lessons
available, K-12, other mind sport activities are available such as
checkers and GO.  Free to attend!
2PM – 5PM

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Monday May 16th:

Birmingham Barons vs. The Montgomery Biscuits
7:05pm

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Tuesday May 17th:

Storytime – Homewood Library
Join us for the fun of it!  All ages welcome.
10:30am

Storytime  – Jane Boyd Holmes Public Library Helena
Come and enjoy story time here at the library
11am.

Birmingham Barons vs. The Montgomery Biscuits
Buy 1 Ticket, Get 1 Free from KRAFT Singles with purchase. Bring your package wrapper to a Barons game on Tuesdays for a steal of a deal! Visit kraftsingles.com for more info! Exclusions apply. $1 Days $1 and $2 select concession items.
7:05pm

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Wednesday May 18th:

Storytime Science – McWane
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity for your early learner to experience science through literature. Enjoy an enriching story coupled with an intriguing science concept that is sure to spark the curiosity of your child.
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
10:30am

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Everyone will enjoy the story Talk, Oscar, Please! by Karen Orloff. He yips, howls and barks… but can he talk? Help us solve the mystery as we create some art, tour our new Toys & Games Department, and snack on something sweet from our Cafe.
11:oo am

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

Storytime – Homewood Library
Join us for the fun of it!  All ages welcome.
10:30am

Birmingham Barons vs. The Montgomery Biscuits
AAA Wednesday – Buy one ticket get one ticket free and free parking with your AAA card
11am

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Thursday May 19th:

Storytime  – Jane Boyd Holmes Public Library Helena
Come and enjoy story time here at the library
11am.

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Friday May 20th:

Storyday with Ms NeNe – Whole Foods
Come meet Mrs. Renee Schmidt “NeNe” as we bring you our beloved storytime. Enjoy storyboards, songs and snacks!
10am

Wild About Books Storytime – Birmingham Zoo
Join us for story and craft time with Books-A-Million at the Birmingham Zoo!  Every Friday through summer on Grandma’s Front Porch in the Children’s Zoo. We’ll talk about sheep, turtles, elephants, parrots; and we might even get a visit with a few of our furry friends!
10am

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Saturday May 21st:

Do Dah Day – Caldwell Park
One of the city’s most cherished springtime events. Parade along Highland Avenue begins at 11:01 a.m. Parade viewing and event in the park are FREE

Magic City, Magic Kingdom – AAA Building Acton Road
Thinking about planning that family trip to Walt Disney World, but don’t know where to start? AAA Alabama and local Disney World experts and fans are here to help with a fun and free family-friendly event.

Lunch sponsored by Zoes Kitchen at Patton Creek. The presentation will begin at noon, followed by Q&A and meet-and-greet with Sims and Sehlinger.
11:30am

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.
7am – 5pm

Park admission
$3.00 Adults (12 years and older)
$2.00 Seniors (Ages 62 and older)
$1.00 Children (Ages 6-11) ages 5 and under free

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Look to the Aztecs and Mayans for a gold inspired jewelry activity.

A fun and free drop-in art program for kids and families! Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to discover great art and create some art of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month highlights a different gallery and features a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child, then stop by and make art with Bart!
11am

Super Saturday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
It’s Splat the Cat’s first day of school and he’s worried. Come join us for this special Storytime to find out what cats do at school! We’ll have a special activity afterwards and some yummy treats from the Cafe.
11am

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Sunday May 22nd:

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.
7am – 5pm

Park admission
$3.00 Adults (12 years and older)
$2.00 Seniors (Ages 62 and older)
$1.00 Children (Ages 6-11) ages 5 and under free

Scholastic Chess Club at Books-A-Million Brookwood Village
In our upstairs Kids Nook.  Beginners are welcome, lessons
available, K-12, other mind sport activities are available such as
checkers and GO.  Free to attend!
2PM – 5PM

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Itty Bitty Magic City –
The mini-sized Magic City – complete with buildings and factories – encourages young learners to explore new skills as they join the cities’ workforce. By dressing up in a favorite career costume and becoming a steel worker, doctor, pilot scientist or train conductor, preschoolers take one small step into the world around them. While operating cranes, turning gears, pulling pulleys, and building structures – to name just a few of the hands-on activities – children expand their understanding of themselves as they experience how objects behave and how their own actions affect the objects around them. Little explorers are free to navigate this active learning area at their own pace, allowing creativity, fun and discovery to flourish in the Itty Bitty Magic City!

NatureScope –  Explore the great outdoors from inside the museum. McWane Science Center and the Birmingham Audubon Society are partnering to create a new exhibit called NatureScope. Explore the science of the birds and the bugs in this new area! Get up close and personal with some resident creepy crawlies! Learn what role insects play in our ecosystem with the decomposition chamber. Meet large bugs including emperor scorpions, a tarantula, and even a giant African millipede!

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.

Summer Reading Programs are Heating Up

Posted on by Angie

The temperatures are rising and the school year is coming to an end. Many of the local libraries will be launching their summer reading programs to keep those little minds busy during the off season. Here’s a rundown:

Homewood Public Library – The One World, Many Stories Summer Reading program will begin on Tuesday, June 7 at 10:30 am and run through Tuesday, July 26 at 10:30 am for kids in pre-school through 5th grade. You may register online beginning Sunday, May 15.

Emmet O Neal Library – This year’s theme is “One World, Many Stories.”  Kick-Off: Sunday, May 22 – 1:30 p.m. Fun Run, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Carnival

North Shelby Library – Early Registration begins on May 16th –  Regular Registration for Summer Reading begins Monday, May 23rd – All Day  They are also using the theme “One World, Many Stories.”

Hoover Public Library – Read for fun, prizes, and a free book!  For babies through rising 5th graders. “One World, Many Stories”  May 16th – July 15th. Summer reading art contest is going on now until May 20th. Submit your work of art (12 in. x 18 in.) to the Kid Zone.  Sixteen pieces will be selected and displayed along the starred hallway during June and July.

Pelham Public Library – “One World, Many Stories”  Registration begins May 31st

Trussville Public Library – Kick off to their summer reading program will be June 2nd. Join them in the park as they kick of their Summer Reading Program with special guest, Farmer Jason! He will rock out at 10:30am and 1:00pm. Stop by to sign up and have tons of fun!

Gardendale Public Library – “One World, Many Stories” Registration begins May 23rd. Babies to grade 6 and up..

* The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is excited to launch its 2011 Summer Reading program on June 1 at all 18 BPL locations.

Books A Million –
Children ages 7-12 can take a passport to have an adventure this summer as they join Jack and Annie on their travels around the world. The summer adventure kicks off on May 24th, when children can pick-up their passport at any Books-A-Million’s location or download it at www.booksamillion.com/magictreehouse.

Children who participate in the program and read six books between May 20 and August 1 will receive a free, exclusive Books-A-Million Magic Tree House tote bag to take on their own summer adventures. Children can also enter the “Passport to Adventure” essay contest by visiting www.booksamillion.com/magictreehouse. The Grand Prize winner receives their very own custom designed Magic Tree House from Kids Crooked House.

Barnes and Noble –
Read any 8 books and record it in a journal, once the journal is complete and turned in, childre  choose a FREE book from their list. Go HERE to get your journal. Participating locations are the Summit and Patton Creek.

When we come across more listings for summer programs we’ll be sure to update the list, so if you don’t see your library listed, check back here or their website.

Event of the Week: Mudbugs and Music

Posted on by Angie

Mudbugs & Music is a family-friendly fundraising event complete with live music all day long, indoor silent auction with items from generous vendors from all over the Birmingham area and beyond,  and crawfish & fixin’s cooked on-site.  You’ll have plenty of beer to cool you off, a children’s area with BirminghamMommy and activity stations provided by the McWane Center. Moonwalk, face painting and other activities for the kiddos, and pups are always welcome!

The goal of Mudbugs and Music is to raise awareness for arthritis through the event and help to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis, the nation’s No.1 cause of disability.  There are over 100 types of arthritis and more then 1 MILLION women, men and children that are affected by it in our state – ranking Alabama #2 in the nation in diagnosed cases of arthritis & rheumatic diseases.  Chances are you know someone affected by this disease.

Check out our 2011 Junior Honorees to read the real story of children with Juvenile Arthritis here in Alabama.

All proceeds raised at Mudbugs & Music go to various arthritis initiatives throughout the state, including the Juvenile Arthritis Initiative – an avenue where funds will go directly toward funding the Alabama pediatric rheumatology program

Tickets are $25/person and includes your entry into the event as well as all the crawfish and fixin’s your can stomach in a six hour period.  To purchase tickets in advance, click here.

Dealing with Severe Weather: A Guide to Talking to your Child about Emergency Weather Circumstances

Posted on by Angie

By: Kate Agliata:

In the wake following the string of tornadoes that fell upon the South on April 27th, 2011, much of Alabama is still in the midst of coping with the magnitude of devastation caused by the onset of such severe weather. Most everyone has difficulty coming to terms with these kinds of tragic events, but children especially are often left confused and troubled by circumstances such as these. Responding accordingly to your child’s questions is vital in many different ways. Discussing severe weather and it’s impact, as well as establishing a family emergency plan is important now more then ever. It also doesn’t have to be as daunting of a task as you might think. Use the following suggestions as a guide while you and your family discuss and prepare yourselves for potentially severe weather.

Seize the Opportunity

If your children come to you with questions or concerns about severe weather and it’s impact, embrace their curiosity. First it’s important to explain to them that the intensity of the weather surrounding the April 2011 tornadoes is extremely rare. This should help to ease their fears and also help them to understand the infrequency involving the recurrence of similar circumstances. For age-appropriate children however, it is also wise to reinforce an understanding of the power of severe weather. Tornadoes especially are often very dangerous and are capable of forming even in the most non-traditional of environments. “It is best to be completely honest in your answer, but not too graphic,” says Emily Rich, a Shelby County School Counselor. She explains that as parents, we want to protect our children in whatever ways possible, yet in the face of extreme weather, we simply can’t always guarantee that they will not be negatively affected. “The best way to answer is to say that there may be another storm, but there are safety plans in place at their school and at home to keep them as safe as possible.”

Help your Child Understand the Science Behind Weather

Even little ones often surprise us with a question of “why,” especially on the heels of such recent severe weather events. Chances are, your children have heard you or other family members, teachers, friends or even people on the news, discussing the severity of the tornadoes. By turning to resources such as  The Weather Channel Kids interactive Web site, you and your child can have instant access to the answers of their many questions regarding the science behind weather. The site also includes a Weather Ready guide, that offers informative facts about many different types of severe weather, such as thunderstorms and tornadoes . You and your child can learn about recommended plans of action to take during different types of severe weather.  For tornado preparedness specifically, this great resource even provides detailed emergency plans based on your specific type of home.

Create a Family Emergency Plan Before Severe Weather Strikes

Creating a family emergency plan is not only a good idea, but can often literally save lives during crucial circumstances involving severe weather. Write out a simple plan of action and designate a safe place in your home to go to during a tornado. If you have pets, it’s also a good idea to make sure they are on a leash and with you at all times. Staying in tune with your local weather also helps. Make it a point to involve your child in discussions about different kinds of weather associated with living in the South. Doing so will give you and your family an informative edge, and will also help you to be better prepared in the event of quick forming storms. Putting together a family disaster kit that contains bottled water, pantry food items, and medical supplies is also a good idea. For further ideas, visit the online resource section of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA.) Once you and your family have created your family emergency plan, make sure that everyone knows the drills that are associated with specific weather circumstances, and be sure to take them seriously.

Emphasize the Importance of Community Service

Talk with your kids about the importance of community involvement, especially during devastating situations like these. This is an ideal time to discuss the relevance of community outreach through whatever method you’re capable. Ideas include on-site volunteering, donating necessary supplies to various drop-off locations, or if you are able, offering financial assistance to charities working with those who have been impacted. By bringing awareness to the importance of this kind of community service, you are teaching your child about the awesome benefits resulting from a giving spirit. “I feel that the children seeing the outpouring of help has been a great learning and character building experience,” says Rich.

In addition, emphasizing community service is a great way to help your child remember these tragic events as more than just an awful situation filled with scary images of destruction and grief. Instead they can recall it as a time when their efforts, and those of their community, were able to help the people most in need as they began the process of rebuilding their lives.

Kate, a freelance writer and mother of two, most often finds creative inspiration in writing, but occasionally at the bottom of an empty wine glass. She has hijacked her family’s former lifestyle and is in the midst of creating a simpler and greener approach to life. To follow her family’s challenges and successes in this endeavor, visit her blog, at Kate’s Musings. She and her family have lived in Birmingham since 2009.

Happy Mother's Day!

Posted on by Angie

We began the journey that is “BirminghamMommy.com” soon after we became moms for the first time.  Life turned upside down.  It was almost like the lives we were living stopped, spun around in circles, and then started all over again.  Raising tiny humans is not a feat for the meek of heart.  It’s extreme.  The smiles, the tears.  The joy, the worry.  Whoever said having a child was like putting your heart outside of your body was so right.

We started BirminghamMommy.com so we could create connections in our community with moms.  (We’re not embarrassed, we were lonely and we wanted to find moms to connect with!)   We all have good days and we all have bad days.  We wanted to be real, to say the things that don’t get said because they’re not appropriate.  Appropriate is not always honest, and we strive to be honest.  We love getting to “know” each of you on Facebook and Twitter.  We love even more when we get to meet you in person.

So Happy Mother’s Day, friends!  This journey is made better because we’re on it together.

Smooches!
Trish and Angie

Birmingham Events Calendar: May 8th – May 15th

Posted on by Angie


Happy Mothers Day to all you hot Mama’s! We hope you are having a relaxing day of no cooking, no cleaning and most importantly no whining fussing or fighting!

May is a busy month for Moms! Graduations, Mother’s day teas, dance recitals and just random year end craziness – we hope that in the middle of it all you can find a little time for just hanging out and relaxing! Summer is just around the corner and this calendar will be heating up!

Have a great week Mommy’s!

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

Sunday May 8th:

Mothers Day Celebration – Desoto Caverns
Treat your mom to a FREE caverns tour. You pay regular price but total price is like getting both for half price!

Mothers to Mothers Donations with Lance Bass – Once Upon a Time, Crestline
Donate items in desperate need for the Womens and Childrens shelters in Tuscaloosa can do so by dropping items at Once Upon A Time in Crestline this Sunday, Mothers Day from 2pm.
Items needed: Formula, diapers, pull ups, wipes, baby food, goobers peanut butter and jelly mix, kids snacks, pacifiers, bottles, bugspray, sunscreen for kids and toddler underwear.

Little Naturalists Series – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Do you have fond memories of playing in the woods and want to share that wonder with your children? Or, if you missed out on nature experiences when you were young, now is your chance to experience the joy. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center provides a safe haven for youthful exploration for kids and adults alike. Each month, we will focus on a different topic, sparking interest and inspiring curiosity. Bring your budding naturalist to the mountain and let’s explore!

•$3/ $2 (member) •All children must be accompanied by an adult. •Suited for K – 2nd grade. •Drop-ins welcome.
2pm

Scholastic Chess Club at Books-A-Million Brookwood Village
In our upstairs Kids Nook.  Beginners are welcome, lessons
available, K-12, other mind sport activities are available such as
checkers and GO.  Free to attend!
2PM – 5PM

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Monday May 9th:

Storytime – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Nature inspires creativity in children by engaging a full range of the senses. During Story Time we will stimulate the imagination by reading themed books about nature, wildlife, and the great outdoors. After the story, we make a craft that reflects the theme of the day. This program encourages a child’s limitless imagination. We will gather in the Tree Top Visitor Center’s Activity Hall for this Story Time adventure.

•$3/ $2 (member) •All children must be accompanied by an adult. •Suited for pre-school age. •Drop-ins welcome.
10am

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Tuesday May 10th:

Storytime – Homewood Library
Join us for the fun of it!  All ages welcome.
10:30am

Storytime  – Jane Boyd Holmes Public Library Helena
Come and enjoy story time here at the library
11am.

MOPS Meeting – Riverchase Community Church
“Games with Kids” RSVP child care with Lynn 664-4531.  http://riverchase.cc/mops.php
6:30pm – 8:30pm

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Wednesday May 11th:

Storytime Science – McWane
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity for your early learner to experience science through literature. Enjoy an enriching story coupled with an intriguing science concept that is sure to spark the curiosity of your child.
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
10:30am

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Say Hello to Zorro! by Carter Goodrich is what we’re reading today. The family dog had it good until Zorro came along. Now everything is crazy! Laugh with us and enjoy a treat from our Cafe. We’ll craft and play in our Educational Toys & Games Department.
11:oo am

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

Storytime – Homewood Library
Join us for the fun of it!  All ages welcome.
10:30am

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Thursday May 12th:

Storytime  – Jane Boyd Holmes Public Library Helena
Come and enjoy story time here at the library
11am.

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Friday May 13th:

Storyday with Ms NeNe – Whole Foods
Come meet Mrs. Renee Schmidt “NeNe” as we bring you our beloved storytime. Enjoy storyboards, songs and snacks!
10am

Buck Creek Festival – Helena
Featuring more than 100 vendors and 11 bands over 2 days
6pm – 10pm

Wild About Books Storytime – Birmingham Zoo
Join us for story and craft time with Books-A-Million at the Birmingham Zoo!  Every Friday through summer on Grandma’s Front Porch in the Children’s Zoo. We’ll talk about sheep, turtles, elephants, parrots; and we might even get a visit with a few of our furry friends!
10am

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Saturday May 14th:

Mudbugs and Music
A family-friendly fundraising event complete with live music all day long, indoor silent auction with items from generous vendors from all over the Birmingham area and beyond, and crawfish & fixin’s cooked on-site. You’ll have plenty of beer to cool you off, a children’s area with activity stations provided by the McWane Center and BirminghamMommy, moonwalk, face painting and other activities for the kiddos, and pups are always welcome!

The event will take place in the Crestline Park Shopping Center outside Ore Bar & Grill.

Buck Creek Festival – Helena
Featuring more than 100 vendors and 11 bands over 2 days
10am – 10pm

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Look to the Aztecs and Mayans for a gold inspired jewelry activity.

A fun and free drop-in art program for kids and families! Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to discover great art and create some art of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month highlights a different gallery and features a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child, then stop by and make art with Bart!
11am

Super Saturday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Celebrate spring with The Curious Garden by Peter Brown. Find out how one boy’s efforts to grow a garden change the world. Create some arts and crafts, then explore our Educational Toys & Games Department. Afterwards, enjoy a treat from our Cafe.
11am

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Sunday May 15th:

Butterfly Exhibit Opens – Desoto Caverns

Scholastic Chess Club at Books-A-Million Brookwood Village
In our upstairs Kids Nook.  Beginners are welcome, lessons
available, K-12, other mind sport activities are available such as
checkers and GO.  Free to attend!
2PM – 5PM

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Itty Bitty Magic City –
The mini-sized Magic City – complete with buildings and factories – encourages young learners to explore new skills as they join the cities’ workforce. By dressing up in a favorite career costume and becoming a steel worker, doctor, pilot scientist or train conductor, preschoolers take one small step into the world around them. While operating cranes, turning gears, pulling pulleys, and building structures – to name just a few of the hands-on activities – children expand their understanding of themselves as they experience how objects behave and how their own actions affect the objects around them. Little explorers are free to navigate this active learning area at their own pace, allowing creativity, fun and discovery to flourish in the Itty Bitty Magic City!

NatureScope –  Explore the great outdoors from inside the museum. McWane Science Center and the Birmingham Audubon Society are partnering to create a new exhibit called NatureScope. Explore the science of the birds and the bugs in this new area! Get up close and personal with some resident creepy crawlies! Learn what role insects play in our ecosystem with the decomposition chamber. Meet large bugs including emperor scorpions, a tarantula, and even a giant African millipede!

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.

Imagination Lab at the McWane Science Center

Posted on by Angie

We just love getting news about new programs for the kiddos around Birmingham! McWane Science Center will be launching their Imagination Lab later this month.

The collection of new exhibits will include the Bubble Room where you can discover the science of suds when you step inside a giant bubble. Try your hand at making all kinds of bubbles in this unique area including square and triangular bubbles.

You’ll be able to use giant foam building blocks to construct forts, tall towers, and more.

Learning lurks around every turn inside a giant maze in the exhibit as you find your way around dead ends and wrong turns. With a few lessons learned, you will find your way to the end in no time.

The new Imagination Lab also features a Messy Art Studio. Splatter paint, mix colors and experiment with a variety of materials to create masterpieces of your imagination.

And the exhibit I’m looking forward to most is the Zip Line! An exciting experience for adventure seekers of any age. Parents and children alike can fly through the air on the new zip line and have a safe landing at the end of the line!

We can’t wait for this to open, it sounds like it’s going to be a GREAT addition to one of our kids already favorite places to visit!

Exhibit opens May 28th

Green Toy Giveaway!

Posted on by Angie

We’re running a little late with this but this was the finale to our Green Month – A Green Toy Giveaway!

More and more toy companies are taking on the label “Eco Friendly” and are getting creative by using recycled products like milk containers to make their toys. I think there is something to be said about keeping things simple, one can only house so many whirly gig toys in one house! Give me a set of quiet blocks any day!

So we have a little giveaway to help you start or add to your collection of Eco Friendly Toys –

Prize number 1: (1) 200 piece hot color CitiBlocs set 

High quality wooden construction blocks which inspire both traditional building and modern design. The secret behind Citblocs is that every piece is exactly the same shape and size. Each block is precisely cut from Grade A Radiata Pine from certified renewable forests in New Zealand. Citiblocs building requires no glue, no snaps, no connectors and no magnets: just gravity, balance and imagination. Building with Citiblocs is simple: stack one block on top of another. Their specific size and shape and weight allows building that is simply not possible with other building toys. Build a small cabin by the lake or a tower that reaches the stars. Citiblocs are recommended for ages 3+. Citiblocs are certified safe and non-toxic and have been tested and approved according to all Consumer Product Safely Improvement Act (CPSIA) regulations.

Prize Number 2: (1) Play Draw Create set from innovativeKids’ green start line:
The kit can be played over and over again making it a great lesson in living the green life.
Included with each kit are a magnetic board, 5 write-on/wipe off markers, over 30 magnetic play pieces and carrying handle. Learning and creativity have never been so fun.

How To Enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post telling us which toy you would like to have. (1 per person per day)

2. Leave a comment here telling us what you learned from BirminghamMommy.com in April about green living  (1 per person)

3.  Visit the Innovative Kids Website then come back and tell us the name of another product that they offer, other than the play, draw, create set. (1 per person)

Giveaway will end at 6pm on Friday May 6th – names will be given directly to the manufacturer for distribution to winners. We will notify winner on Facebook and via email.

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