Summer is in full swing, if the temp on the thermometer didn’t tell you that, I’m sure the number of times you’ve had to hear your kids yell “I’m Bored” has tipped you off, but fear not, we’re here to give you the complete run down of things to do with your kiddos over the break so everyone stays Happy Happy!

2022 Summer Activities Guide for Birmingham

It’s almost time to celebrate the 4th of July and Birmingham has lots of options for Fireworks and fun! From Baseball to a trip to the past at American Village here’s your rundown on fun for the 4th!

4th of July Celebrations and Fireworks

The World Games

Indoor Play Places to Beat the Summer Heat

Cool Down with these Splash Pads in Birmingham 

Volunteering with Kids in Birmingham

U Pick Berry Farms Near Birmingham 

The Lost World of Dragons at Mcwane Science Center

100+ Things to Do with Kids in Birmingham

It’s no secret that the Birmingham Brewery Scene is having its moment and we are here for it! What we love most is that many of them have created a very family friendly atmosphere, offering up yard games, green spaces and plenty of room for the kids (and furry friends) to run and play.

Kid Friendly Breweries 

Kids Bowl Free  

Free and Discounted Summer Movies

Free Summer Pass for Teens at Planet Fitness 

Slide the rocks at Turkey Creek (what to know before you go)

4th of July Popcorn Treat

Treat your kiddos to a some summer morning breakfast fun with animal face toast!
Animal Face Toast

Much like chili is to winter, tomato pie is to summer. Use those Farmer’s Market veggies to bake up one of these summer staples
Tomato Pie

Thank you to the YMCA of Birmingham for sponsoring this activity guide. For information about their summer and kids programs make sure to visit their website!

It’s almost time to celebrate the 4th of July and Birmingham has lots of options for Fireworks and fun! From Baseball to a trip to the past at American Village here’s your rundown on fun for the 4th !

4th of July Celebrations In Birmingham

I Love America Night at Wald Park

Thursday, June 23rd
6pm

Free swimming at the new Vestavia Hills Aquatic Complex, sponsor booths, children’s activities sponsored by Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, Pops in the Park concert by the Shades Mountain Baptist Church Orchestra and a FIREWORK SHOW! Pack a picnic or visit the concession stand for dinner and snacks! Free shuttles will be available from Vestavia Hills City Hall, Vestavia Hills Library, WalMart Neighborhood Market & Dunkin, and the former Sprouts Market. Shuttles will run from 5:30-9:30 pm and go to all stops. Additional parking spaces will be reserved at the Aquatic Center for senior and handicap parking.

City of Hoover Fireworks Show

Friday, July 1st
9pm

Hoover Met Parking lot. (broadcast on 87.9)

July First Friday in Calera

Friday, July 1st in Downtown Calera
5pm – 10pm

Shopping, Kids Zone, Live Music and Fireworks after dark.

Alabaster Fireworks Show

Saturday, July 2nd
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.
Thompson Road: Traffic will be able to enter and exit  from Thompson Road to THS via Warrior Parkway until 8:00 PM.

IMPORTANT: Due to fireworks protocol and safety issues, the Warrior Parkway entrance and exit from Thompson Road will be closed from 8:00 PM until 30 minutes after the final firework.
If you arrive at 8:00 PM or later, you will need to enter from Kent Dairy Road.

ChelseaFest and the Big KaBoom

Saturday, July 2nd
Free Entry begins at 5pm
Fireworks at 9pm

ChelseaFest and the Big KaBoom is Chelsea’s city-wide annual 4th of July celebration. This is one of the premiere events for the city of Chelsea. 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!

City of Helena Annual Independence Day Fireworks Show

Sunday July 3rd in Old Town Helena
5pm – 9pm

Food trucks, vendors and live music with Fireworks at 9pm

The Backyard Independence Day Blast

Sunday, July 3rd at the Grand River Drive In
10am – 10pm

Activities include: Mini golf, Live music, Balloon art and face paint, Waterslide and bounce house – Tickets can be purchased on Fandango or at the gate the day of.

Fire on the Water at Oak Mountain State Park

Sunday, July 3rd
7am – 9pm

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

Gates open at 7:00 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! Both gates will CLOSE to the public at 7:00 pm SHARP. Please plan accordingly!

Regular Entrance Fees Apply on July 3rd from 7am to 4pm. Starting at 4pm, we will charge $15 per vehicle (Pelham residents will only be charged $10). This year we are Pre-selling a limited number of tickets online at ReserveAlapark.com! The pre-sale tickets are sold at $15 per ticket ($10 per ticket for Pelham Residents) and are valid for entry on July 3rd from 7am to 7pm when gates close to the public. We will begin selling tickets online on Monday, June 6th and will be selling the tickets online until Monday, June 20th. Tickets, once purchased online, will be mailed to the customer. Customer will receive an email once their ticket(s) have been mailed. If you have questions about pre-purchasing a ticket for the fireworks show online please call our office at #205-620-2520!

We have beach volleyball, the treetop nature trail, playground, and fishing piers in the show’s vicinity for you to enjoy all day!

*NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL ALLOWED.*

You can bring your own chairs/blankets for viewing the show, and you will be allowed to bring in your own coolers if you choose (no outside alcohol allowed). We will have picnic tables available throughout the event area, and there are grills scattered throughout the park that are open to the public! Picnic tables and grills are first come first serve!

Parking for the event is available on Terrace Drive. Come early in the day for the best parking space!

The Marina will be closed ALL DAY in preparation for the show. If you would like to rent a kayak/canoe/SUP, Flip Side Watersports will be open and renting all day on Beaver Lake!

Birmingham Barons Independence Day Celebration

Monday, July 4th
6:30pm

Spend your 4th of July with the Birmingham Barons as they take on the Smokies and enjoy a Fireworks show after the game

Independence Day 1776 at American Village

Monday, July 4th
11am

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.

Thunder on the Mountain

Monday, July 4th
9pm

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!

Trussville Freedom Celebration

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

Food, fun and fireworks on the mall in Trussville.

Thank you to our site sponsors, Sophia Leece and Scott Boudreaux with LAH Real Estate. 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

As the temperatures continue to climb we’re always looking for ways to beat the summer heat and indoor play places or places that offer children’s activities during the summer are a welcome treat, here are some ideas!

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!

Let them climb! Try Birmingham Boulders or the Kid Zone at Highpoint Climbing and Fitness for a little rock climbing fun.

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

McWane Science Center. The Science Center has lots to do year round and just opened their new exhibit The Lost World of Dragons. 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.

Indoor Go-Karts: High Speed indoor go kart track and axe throwing.

Trussville Playstation – Roller skating, and arcade.

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

Dave and Busters – largest Arcade in Birmingham

See a Movie! There are several programs for free and discounted movies around town. What’s better than a big bucket of popcorn and an air conditioned theater!?

Do Some Art! Check out the new splatter room at Pinspiration Birmingham, this is something the kids and adults will love to do, AND bonus, you come home with a cool piece of art!

What are some of your favorite activities to keep the kids busy during the dog days of summer?

There is no shortage of things to do with kids in Birmingham, whether your looking for a fun park, a place to hike, shop or want to take in some history, we’re breaking it down with this list of more than 100 options to choose from! Some you probably know, some you might not!

100+ Things to Do with Kids in Birmingham

Where to See Animals

Birmingham Zoo
Oak Mountain Petting Zoo

Arts and Crafts

Art Play
Do it Yourself Crafts
Painting with a Twist
Pinspiration

Birmingham Landmarks

Alabama Theatre – The Alabama Theatre was built in 1927 by Paramount Studios as an Alabama showcase for Paramount films. It was used primarily as a movie palace for 55 years, with the exception of the annual Miss Alabama pageant and the weekly Mickey Mouse Club. The new Alabama Theatre for the Performing Arts hosts many live events, as well as films, a Childrens Summer Film Series and the annual showing of Polar Express

Murals – Birmingham has become a hot spot for some really cool murals, spend a day tracking them down and see how many you can see. Follow Murals of Birmingham on Facebook for a list

Rickwood Field – America’s oldest baseball park

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 just a statue—Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story. Make sure to ask for the Scavenger Hunt – the kids will love exploring the grounds to complete the list.

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark – the only industrial museum in the country that gives visitors the chance to walk around and explore a 20th century blast furnace site.

Kid Friendly Breweries

Back Forty
Monday Night Brewing
Ferus Artisan Ales
Brocks Gap Brewing
Ghost Train Brewing
Avondale Brewing
Oversoul Brewing

Hiking and Exploring (and camping)

Irondale Furnace Ruins Trail
Lakeshore/Jemison Trail
Moss Rock Preserve
Oak Mountain State Park (camping)
Red Mountain Park – Beautiful hiking and biking trails- a Zip Tour and Dog Park!
Rotary Trail
Ruffner Mountain
Tannehill State Park (Camping)
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve  (Check out our 5 things to know before you go!)

Indoor Activities/Play Places

Altitude Trampoline Park
Autobahn Indoor Speedway
Bowlero
Break Out Birmingham
Build A Bear Workshop – Riverchase Galleria
Carousel – Riverchase Galleria
Chuck E Cheese
Dave and Busters
Hooligans Family Fun Center
Lego Store- Riverchase Galleria
Let’s Play Birmingham – 2 locations, 280 and Hoover off 150
Oak Mountain Lanes Bowling
Pelham Ice Skating Rink
Skates 280
Sparetime Bowling – Trussville
Trussville Playstation
Urban Air, Homewood or Trussville
Vestavia Bowl

Libraries

Birmingham Public Library
Emmet O’Neal Library
Gardendale Public Library
Homewood Public Library
Hoover Public Library
North Shelby Library
Springville Road Library
Trussville Library
Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest

Movies

AMC – Vestavia, Hoover, Summit, Patton Creek, Lorna Road (AMC Classic)
AmStar Cinemas in Alabaster
Grand River Drive – In – Located at the Outlet Shops of Grand River – head out there to see a drive in movie, play mini golf and grab some dinner while watching the kiddos play on the playground while you wait for your movie time.
McWane Science Center Imax
Regal Cinemas – Trussville

Museums and Science Centers

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

Barber Motor Sports- Barber Motorsports hosts dozens of races a year and also happens to be a beautiful course. Make sure to stop by the museum and check out some vintage motorcycles.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Birmingham Museum of Art – The museum is free to the general public and includes incredible exhibits, including an outdoor sculpture garden. Check their calendar for special children’s events.

Christenberry Planetarium at Samford University

McWane Science Center – Changing lives through science and wonder. McWane Science Center combines unique assets to create unique, hands-on, science-learning experiences that parents and teachers value and kids love.

Southern Museum of Flight

Outdoor Activities

Alabama Adventure/Alabama Splash Adventure
Aldridge Gardens
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Color Tunnel – Located on 14th street under the railroad tracks. Large network of LEDs
Float the Cahaba
Fort Red Rock Paintball Park
Gardendale Splash Pad
Jones Valley Teaching Farm
The Market at Pepper Place –  every Saturday April – December. Rain or Shine.
Statue of Liberty – Liberty Park
TopGolf
Turkey Creek

Parks

Avondale Park
Buck creek Park
Byrd Park
Cahaba Lily Park
Crestwood Park
Explore Park and Splash pad in Hoover
Homewood Park (West Homewood and Central)
Heardmont Park
Joe Tucker Park
Leeds Memorial Park
Linn Park
Overton Park
Railroad Park
Tot Lot in Mountain Brook
Veterans Parks in Hoover
Veterans Park in Alabaster
Wald Park – Vestavia

Shopping

Colonial Promenade in Alabaster
Pinnacle at Tutwiler Farm in Trussville
Riverchase Galleria
Outlet Shops of Grand River
Summit Shopping Center
Bass Pro Shop

Sports

Birmingham Barons
Birmingham Bulls Hockey
Birmingham Legion Soccer
Birmingham Squadron
UAB Sports – The men’s basketball program has a long history of success spanning several decades. In addition to basketball, UAB also has programs in men’s sports for baseball, golf, soccer, and tennis. Women’s sports programs include softball, basketball, golf, soccer, bowling, tennis, track and field (indoor and outdoor), cross country, volleyball and sand volleyball
USFL – New to Birmingham in 2022, a professional American football minor league that began play on April 16, 2022. The inaugural 2022 season was played in its entirety in Birmingham, Alabama at Protective stadium and Legion Field.

Sweet Treats

Bruster’s Ice Cream
Cookie Dough Magic
Cookie Fix
Big Spoon Creamery
Steel City Pops- Gourmet popsicle store.  Multiple locations

Theatre

Alys Stephens Center
Birmingham Children’s Theatre
Red Mountain Theatre
Virginia Samford Theatre

We love movies and we love catching them when they’re free or discounted, here’s a round up of the ones we know of happening around Birmingham this summer.

FREE AND DISCOUNTED SUMMER MOVIES IN BIRMINGHAM

The Deal:

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.

Free Friday Flicks – Veterans Park Hoover

Outdoor movie series, every Friday night in June. All the movies are rated PG for parental guidance, and all are animated, except “Space Jam: A New Legacy. 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

Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City

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

Regal Cinemas Trussville

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

The Movies:

Tuesday, May 31st

Amstar, Alabaster: Minions
Regal, Trussville: Penguins of Madagascar and The Lego Movie

Wednesday, June 1st

Amstar, Alabaste: Minions
Regal, Trussville: Penguins of Madagascar and The Lego Movie

Friday, June 3rd

Free Friday Flicks Veterans Park: Encanto

Tuesday, June 7th

Amstar Alabaster: American Tale
Regal, Trussville: The Lorax and The Lego Movie 2

Wednesday, June 8th

Amstar Alabaster: American Tale
Regal, Trussville: The Lorax and The Lego Movie 2

Friday, June 10th

Free Friday Flicks Veterans Park: Raya and the Last Dragon

Tuesday, June 14th

Amstar Alabaster: Despicable Me
Regal, Trussville: Abominable and The Lego Batman Movie

Wednesday, June 15th

Amstar Alabaster: Despicable Me
Regal, Trussville: Abominable and The Lego Batman Movie
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Sonic The Hedgehog

Thursday, June 16th

Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Sonic The Hedgehog

Friday June 17th

Free Friday Flicks Veterans Park: Space Jam, A New Legacy

Tuesday, June 21st

Amstar Alabaster: Curious George
Regal Trussville: Despicable Me and Pokemon Detective Pikachu

Wednesday, June 22nd

Amstar Alabaster: Curious George
Regal Trussville: Despicable Me and Pokemon Detective Pikachu
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Clifford the Big Red Dog

Thursday, June 23rd

Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Clifford the Big Red Dog

Friday, June 24th

Free Friday Flicks Veterans Park: Luca

Tuesday, June 28th

Amstar Alabaster: Secret Life of Pets
Regal Trussville: Despicable Me 2 and Space Jam

Wednesday, June 29th

Amstar Alabaster: Secret Life of Pets
Regal Trussville: Despicable Me 2 and Space Jam
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Paw Patrol the Movie

Thursday, June 30th

Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Paw Patrol the Movie

Tuesday, July 5th

Amstar Alabaster: Sing 2
Regal Trussville: Sing and Puss in Boots

Wednesday, July 6th

Amstar Alabaster: Sing 2
Regal Trussville: Sing and Puss in Boots
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: The Spongebob Squarepants Movie

Thursday, July 7th

Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: The Spongebob Squarepants Movie

Tuesday, July 12th

Amstar Alabaster: Land Before Time
Regal Trussville: Sing 2 and Space Jam a New Legacy

Wednesday, July 13th

Amstar Alabaster: Land Before Time
Regal Trussville: Sing 2 and Space Jam a New Legacy
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: The Lego Movie

Thursday, July 14th

Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: The Lego Movie

Tuesday, July 19th 

Amstar Alabaster: The Lorax
Regal Trussville: Despicable Me 3 and Tom and Jerry

Wednesday, July 20th

Amstar Alabaster: The Lorax
Regal Trussville: Despicable Me 3 and Tom and Jerry
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Scoob!

Thursday, July 21st

Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Scoob!

Tuesday, July 26th

Amstar Alabaster: The Tale of Despereaux
Regal Trussville: Minions and Trolls World Tour

Wednesday, July 27th

Amstar Alabaster: The Tale of Despereaux
Regal Trussville: Minions and Trolls World Tour
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Tom and Jerry

Thursday, July 28th

Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Tom and Jerry

Tuesday, August 2nd

Amstar Alabaster: Despicable Me 3
Regal Trussville: The Croods New Age and Boss Baby Family Business

Wednesday, August 3rd

Amstar Alabaster: Despicable Me 3
Regal Trussville: The Croods New Age and Boss Baby Family Business
Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Space Jam 2

Thursday, August 4th

Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City: Space Jam 2

**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.

The McWane Science Center Summer Family Pass is Back!

If you’re looking for an exciting way to spend your summer… Look no further! Summer Family Passes will be available May 26th through September 4th at McWane Science Center.

Enjoy Your Summer Science Adventure with a Summer Family Pass for only $80.

Summer Pass Perks Include:
Unlimited admission for 2 named adults and up to six kids under the age of 18
Free parking in McWane Science Center’s parking deck when available
ASTC Passport Program—Free or discounted admission to over 300 science centers worldwide
*Summer Passes Expire Sept. 4*
Available for purchase at ticketing counter or online