Looking for a family getaway with major summer energy? Just a few hours south of Birmingham, OWA Parks & Resort in Foley, Alabama is serving up nonstop fun all Summer long-  and it’s a perfect long weekend trip or mini beach detour!

-Tropic Falls (Alabama’s largest indoor water park!) brings the thrills with water slides, a lazy river, and the only indoor waterpark in the U.S. with an attached outdoor wave pool. But that’s just the start…

Here’s what’s happening this July at OWA:

🎆 Fourth of July Weekend Celebration (July 4–6)
Three days of patriotic fun with live entertainment, games, and OWA’s brand new fireworks show on July 5th lighting up the sky over Downtown OWA.

🌺 Luau Tuesdays (Every Tuesday through August 5)
From 5–9PM, enjoy hula dancers, live island music, and tropical vibes the whole family will love.

🎧 Beats Bash Thursdays
Dance it out with live DJs and high-energy fun every Thursday night in Downtown OWA.

💦 H2OWA Fridays
Water-themed parties take over Downtown every Friday — don’t forget towels!

🎤 OWA Live Music Series (July 26)
Free performances by Yeah, Probably, Elise Taylor, and Wes Loper — perfect for families and music lovers alike.

New This Summer

Aura Adventures: Glow-in-the-dark kayaking on OWA’s lake (yes, it’s as cool as it sounds).

Jon Smith Subs: A fresh new spot to grab hot grilled subs and fries — now open in Downtown OWA!

🎭 OWA Theater Events

OWA Theater Showcase Spectacular – July 5

Landslide: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac – July 11

KISS Army Tribute – July 18

Whether you’re in it for the thrill rides, live shows, water play, or just exploring Downtown OWA — this spot checks all the boxes for a summer family trip.

📍 Located in Foley, AL-  about 4.5 hours from Birmingham
Stay overnight or make it a part of your beach trip itinerary!

Why We Recommend It:

Whether you’re planning a full beach vacation or just looking to shake up your summer with a quick road trip, OWA Parks & Resort packs in all the fun without the stress. From adrenaline-pumping rides and splash-worthy slides at Tropic Falls to glow-kayaking on the lake and laid-back luau vibes in Downtown OWA, there’s something for every age and interest. It’s family-friendly, walkable, and filled with enough entertainment to keep everyone smiling all day long – and did we mention the fireworks? It’s the perfect combo of beach-town charm and amusement park magic.

Looking for a summer getaway that goes beyond your average vacation? Just over two hours from Birmingham, Callaway Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia brings all the nostalgic charm of summer camp — reimagined for the whole family. With hands-on daytime activities, family bonding in the afternoons, and fun-filled evenings under the stars, Summer at Callaway is a multigenerational experience that brings families together like never before.

We know firsthand how special this experience is — BirminghamMommy participated in this camp years ago and had the BEST time. It’s the ideal blend of kids-only fun and adult downtime during the day, then everyone comes together for memory-making in the evenings. If you’re looking for something unique to do this summer, we can’t recommend this enough.

Why Summer at Callaway Works for All Ages:

Whether your kids are building birdhouses, you’re sipping wine and building charcuterie boards, or grandparents are enjoying the peaceful gardens, there’s something for every generation.

Activities for All Ages Include:

• Nature walks, scavenger hunts, and tie-dye
• Yoga, smoothie-making, and wellness crafts
• Birdhouse building, tubing, and outdoor games
• Wine and charcuterie workshops for adults
• Family bike rides and glow-in-the-dark games
• Campfire s’mores, movie nights under the stars, beach dance parties

Every day is built to offer a mix of structured fun and flexible relaxation — so you can do as much (or as little) as you like.

Themed Activity Days:

Mondays: Nature & Discovery
Tie-dye crafts, bug encounters, tubing, and exploring the great outdoors.

Wednesdays: Relaxation & Wellness
Yoga, smoothie-making, self-care crafts, and peaceful vibes.

Fridays: Hawaiian Fridays
Tropical-themed fun with an optional beachfront Luau dinner add-on.

Each session creates opportunities to learn something new, play hard, and enjoy time together as a family.

Daily Schedule Highlights:

Morning Activities: Kids and adults break off into themed programs.

Afternoons: Reconnect with family-friendly events like games, competitions, and nature walks.

Evenings: Join in for campfires, glow games, beach parties, or cozy movie nights under the stars (popcorn bar included!).

All-Inclusive Overnight Packages Include:

Daily themed activities for kids and adults

Lunch for activity participants

Afternoon family-focused fun

Evening entertainment every night

Optional Luau dinner available for separate purchase

Know Before You Go:

-Where: Callaway Resort & Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA
-Distance from Birmingham: Approx. 2 hours and 15 minutes
-When: Select weeks this summer — don’t wait to book!
-Perfect For: Families with kids of all ages, especially those seeking a mix of camp-style fun and downtime

Why We Recommend It:

There’s something special about slowing down and enjoying summer together. Summer at Callaway makes that possible — whether you’re chasing fireflies, conquering a scavenger hunt, or unwinding by the lake. We loved it years ago and can confidently say: this is a summer memory waiting to happen.

👉 Learn more and book your Summer at Callaway package now

Looking for a fun, healthy way to keep your teen active this summer? Planet Fitness is bringing back its popular High School Summer Pass™—and that means free workouts all summer long for teens ages 14–19 at any of their 2,500+ locations across the U.S. and Canada, including several right here in the Birmingham area.

From June 1 through August 31, teens can work out completely free at Planet Fitness as part of this nationwide program aimed at improving physical and mental health in youth. Registration is open now at PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass, and teens under 18 must register with a parent or guardian either online or in-club.

Why This Program Matters
The High School Summer Pass isn’t just about fitness—it’s about helping teens build confidence, reduce stress, and develop healthy habits at a time when they may not have the structure of school or sports.

Only 25% of teens get the recommended one hour of daily physical activity.
9 in 10 teens say exercise helps improve their mental health.
Physical activity has been linked to lower risks of anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
And with the rise in screen time and post-pandemic mental health struggles, this opportunity couldn’t come at a better time.

Mental Health & Movement Go Hand in Hand
According to a recent Planet Fitness survey:

94% of teens face emotional or mental health struggles.
63% feel better about themselves after exercise.
Most teens say exercising with a friend, sibling, or parent helps them stay motivated.
Whether they’re lifting weights, walking on the treadmill, or joining a fitness class, movement is a proven mood booster—and Planet Fitness is making it easy and accessible for teens this summer.

What’s Included with the Free Summer Membership
Teens who sign up for the High School Summer Pass will get:

Free in-club workouts all summer long
Access to certified fitness trainers
Workouts tailored for teens in the Planet Fitness app
Custom workout plans available online
And don’t worry—Planet Fitness is known for its Judgement Free Zone®, so it’s a welcoming place for beginners and seasoned athletes alike.

How to Sign Up
Signing up is simple:

Visit PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass
Select your nearest location
Teens under 18 must have a parent/guardian present to complete registration
The offer runs from June 1 through August 31, and it’s 100% free.

We love when national programs create real value for local families, and Planet Fitness is doing just that. If your teen needs an outlet this summer that’s positive, productive, and totally free—this is it. Bonus: It might just inspire the whole family to get moving.

Find a Birmingham-area Planet Fitness location and sign up today at PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass!

Looking for an exciting and easy road trip to kick off your summer? Just a short drive from Birmingham, Truist Park—home of the Atlanta Braves—offers more than just baseball. With the all-new Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park, featuring a totally revamped Hope & Will’s Sandlot, it’s now an even better destination for families with young kids.

New for 2025: 30,000+ Sq. Ft. of Family Fun
In partnership with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the Braves have unveiled a brand-new family experience in the Left Field Plaza, stretching over 30,000 square feet—nearly doubling the space of the original Sandlot. If you’ve been before, expect a whole new level of kid-friendly fun!

Here’s what’s new:

-BLOOPER’s Clubhouse: A fun, mascot-themed space for kids to run wild and meet the Braves’ furry friend.

-Mini Baseball Field: Let your little sluggers take the field and practice their swings.

-Rock-Climbing Tower: A returning favorite for older kids with energy to burn.

-Arcade Games, Batting Cages & Giant Video Board: Keep kids entertained with interactive fun, plus a 400-square-foot screen so you won’t miss the action.

-Zip Line: The first of its kind in a major league ballpark, offering an exhilarating experience for adventurous kids.
Whether you’re catching a game or just visiting The Battery Atlanta, this expanded space is reason enough to make a weekend out of it.

Kid-Friendly Dining Options
Parents will appreciate the kid-fare options at the park’s concession stand within Hope & Will’s Sandlot. The affordable menu features kids’ meals and snacks like hot dogs, mini pizzas, fruit or veggie cups, and healthier drink options, including fruit juices and milk.

Why a Braves Game Makes a Great Family Road Trip

Drive Time: Just a little over 2 hours from Birmingham.

The Battery: An entertainment district packed with restaurants, splash pads, shops, and family-friendly spots—open even if you don’t have a game ticket.

Family Amenities: Truist Park boasts 11 family restrooms throughout the stadium, ensuring convenience for parents with young children.

Mizuno Glove Experience: Forgot your glove? No problem! Fans can check out a baseball glove free of charge to catch foul balls and home runs during the game. You can even purchase the glove at the end of the game.

Monument Garden: A must-see for all patrons, featuring artifacts, memorabilia, statues, and sculptures celebrating the Braves’ history. Children will especially love the interactive displays and audio features.

Pro Tips for Families

Family Sundays: On select Sundays, kids ages 14 and younger can run the bases like a professional after the game is finished. The line begins at the third base ramp at the start of the 8th inning.

Atlanta Braves Kids Club Membership: For serious young baseball fans, consider joining the Atlanta Braves Kids Club. The free Rookie membership offers special offers and giveaways, while the All-Star level includes exclusive merchandise and priority access to special events.

Upcoming Events

MAY

Friday, May 23 through Sunday, May 25

Friday, May 23rd, Military Appreciation night, and Friday Night Fireworks.
Saturday, May 24th Kids Only Gate Giveaways. On this day, kids can enjoy additional activations, including free popsicles courtesy of King of Pops until first pitch and more
Sunday, May 25th Kids run the bases

JUNE

Kids Club Day Tuesday, June 17; Blippi & Meekah Meet & Greet* *priority access for Braves Kids Club All-Star members

JULY

Kids Club Day Sunday, July 6: Interact with BLOOPER and his mascot friends; Free face painting In-Park Kiosk Giveaways
Friday, July 18 – Wednesday, July 23: Pencil Pouch Giveaway

AUGUST

Kids Club Day Saturday, August 9: FanDuel Sports Network Talent Meet & Greet; Free airbrushed hats and tote bags In-Park Kiosk Giveaways Monday, August 18 – Sunday, August 24: Pom-Poms Giveaway

SEPTEMBER

Kids Club Day Sunday, September 28: Free face painting In-Park Kiosk Giveaways
Friday, September 5 – Sunday, September 14: BLOOPER Pillowcase Giveaway
Monday, September 22 – Sunday, September 28: Mystery Item Giveaway