The weather is cold and there isn’t as much outdoor playtime. This is where most mothers begin to lose it: their patience, their sanity, and possibly small clumps of hair. Time to kick into survival mode and figure out how to occupy crazy toddlers and preschoolers! As always, our friends at the Zoo and McWane have some solutions for us:
McWane Center has some great classes and labs for little ones, click here for a listing. Our favorite is the Little Labs because it is learning-based on hands on. They run from 9am-12:30 and are for potty trained preschoolers. You can choose different topics that range from the science of sports to fall changes. Here is the description and more info:
Ages: 3 years to kindergarten
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: Just Mice Size Wonder Lab
Cost: $25.00 (members), $30.00 (non-members)
In order to attend a Little Lab, child must be potty trained and pre-registered.
Reservations: Call (205) 714-8414
Information: Call (205) 714-8354
The Birmingham Zoo offers classes for ages 6 months through 5 years. Some of the classes are mommy and me, some are drop-off. Time ranges from 1 hour to 2 hours. Our favorite is Tiger Tales:
This 2 hour long class is for children ages 3, 4 and 5 years old (and are potty trained) who want to stay a little longer at the Zoo. In each class students will explore different animal topics, listen to a story, make a craft, go on a train or carousel ride, and do fun activities. Live animals and Biofacts will be used. Parents may not stay with their children for this class.
Class time: Friday 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Cost: $17.00/student/class for members or $21.00/student/class for non-members
If you’re not ready to drop Junior off, they do have a one hour class where you can stay or leave, it’s called Critter Club:
These fun, 1 hour long classes are for children ages 3, 4, and 5 years old. Each class covers different animal topics and may include crafts, games, stories, songs, and information about the animal. Live animals, Biofacts, and a tour to learn more about the animals may be included. Parents are not required to stay with their children for this class.
Class Times:
Tuesdays 10:00 -11:00 or 1:15 – 2:15 or Wednesday 10:00 -11:00 or Thursday 10:00 – 11:00 am
Cost: $12/student/class for members and $16/student/class for non-members
For the younger set we recommend Zoo Tots:
For children 2 and 3 years old. It is a fun, intermediate class that introduces children to animals and the zoo in a classroom environment. Time will be spent in the classroom and in the Zoo. Live animals and Biofacts will be used. A parent/caregiver must stay with their student.
Class Time: Monday 10:00-10:45 am or
Tuesday 10:00 am-10:45 am or
Tuesday 1:30 pm-2:15 pm or
Wednesday 10:00 am-10:45 am or
Thursday 10:00-10:45 am or
Friday 10:00-10:45 am
Cost: $9/student/class for members and $13/student/class for non-members
For Zoo classes, you register online.
Here’s to keeping your sanity indoors! Maybe we need to meet up and have a glass of wine while they’re in their classes?
