Looking for something fun and engaging for the kids to do on MLK Day? Whether you need childcare while schools are out or just want to keep the little ones entertained, we’ve rounded up the best MLK Day camps happening in Birmingham. From art and science adventures to sports and outdoor activities, these camps offer enriching experiences that your kids will love.

Check out the list below and find the perfect way to keep your kids active and learning this holiday!

Ace of Birmingham:

This is perfect for kiddos who are out of school and ready to play! These camp days are jammed packed with contests, games, open gym play, & play time in the bouncy house! You won’t want to miss it!

Monday, January 20th
8am-4pm
Ages 4-12. Kids don’t have to be enrolled in classes in order to attend so they can invite their friends to come and play along!
https://acetribe.com/special-events-birmingham/

Kidstrong Greystong:

A day of fun, learning, and confidence-building for your kids! Spots are filling up fast, so don’t
wait—Call or text (205) 778-4280, email Greystone@KidStrong.com, or sign up here:
9:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Shoot 360BHM:

Shoot 360 BHM and the Birmingham Squadron have partnered to bring a basketball camp to the community on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Every Participant receives a Squadron swag bag!

Visit their website to register

January 20th 8am – Noon
Ages 8-14, co-ed

Vision Gymnastics:

Let your kids jump into fun at this MLK Day Camp!
January 20th, 9am – 3pm
✅ Does my child have to be enrolled at Vision to attend? No enrollment in classes is necessary—everyone is welcome! No gymnastics experience required!
✅ Is lunch or snack provided? An AM snack and PM snack will be provided but children must bring their own lunch!
✅ How much is it? $60 per child

Register Here

Birmingham Martial Arts:

A day full of fun, learning, and adventure.
Camp Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Drop-off & Pick-up at your convenience
Snacks will be provided (but please pack lunch!)
Outing to the park or library (weather permitting)
This is a great opportunity for your kids to have a memorable day while you go about your day. We’ll make sure they’re engaged and having a blast!
Spots are limited, so make sure to sign up today!

Glow Wild at the Birmingham Zoo

Get carried away and experience Glow Wild, Birmingham’s top holiday attraction! Watch the Zoo come alive with larger-than-life wild animal creations lighting up the night! This extraordinary event will be held on select nights from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. during the months of November, December, and January.

Larger-than-life animal lanterns around every corner
Acrobatic shows nightly at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
New Virtual Reality movie experiences
Red Diamond Express train
A wide selection of food + drink options (try the adult hot chocolate!)

Magical Lights at Vulcan Park and Museum

A dazzling sight awaits amid thousands of twinkling lights during Vulcan’s Magical Nights!
Nightly from 4 PM to 8 PM as Vulcan Park & Museum will transform into a glowing wonderland of lights! Experience the magic all month long through December 31. Don’t miss the Magic City’s most radiant celebration of the season!

Magic of Model Trains at McWane Science Center

All aboard once again for McWane Science Center’s 19th season of the Magic of Model Trains exhibit! Open November 23, 2024 to January 5, 2025, The Magic of Model Trains is a holiday tradition; Discover trains of every shape and size inside this awe-inspiring exhibit of locomotive displays. No detail is too small for their miniature landscapes.

Be your own conductor, play “I Spy” throughout the exhibit, take a ride on the McWane Train, and fly through the air on the McWane Zipline. You will find the Magic of Model Trains exhibit on the 3rd floor of our Adventure Halls.

Magic of Lights at Alabama Splash Adventure

This holiday season will be even brighter, merrier and more colorful as Magic of Lights transforms Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure into a vibrant drive-through holiday-themed light display. The festive event runs now and runs through December 31st.

Some illuminated displays include the 32-foot-tall animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie®, Prehistoric Christmas featuring life-sized dinosaurs celebrating the season, and the legendary BIGFOOT® Monster Truck. Created with over two million sparkling lights, Magic of Lights is a nostalgic and festive event everyone will enjoy!

Festival of Trees at City Walk

Join us for the month of December at City Walk Social for the Festival of Trees! This installation showcases various Holiday Trees creatively decorated by our partners. A portion of your purchase goes to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) and the A. G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club ($50 – $25 to each organization).

Hot chocolate and regular service will be available at City Walk SOCIAL Bar.
Gaming and music will be activated during decorating days.

Lights of Noel at Birmingham Race Course

Drive through light show, synchronized to Christmas music for all ages. A Magical Experience!

Open nightly 5pm – Midnight, Now through Jan 1st

All is Bright at Vestavia City Center

Thursday, December 5, from 6-8 PM for our annual holiday celebration, All Is Bright!
Enjoy a festive evening featuring a screening of the holiday classic, The Grinch, with complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn. The movie starts at 6:30 PM!

Santa and The Grinch will be on-site for fun photo ops, and there will be a photo booth, free activities for kids including balloon twisting, a bounce house, and more! Don’t miss out on exciting giveaways from our retailers at the Vestavia City Center tent!

Free Grinch Pictures at Steele Hall Brewing

Come meet the Grinch and get FREE photos with him on December 8th, 2024 at 1pm – 4pm at Steele Hall Brewing.
Includes a tacky Christmas contest, food, drinks, activities and more!

Homewood Christmas Parade

The parade will feature the lighting of the Homewood Star on 18th Street as the parade enters Downtown Homewood. After the star is lit, the parade continues and then culminates with the lighting of the Christmas tree at city hall plaza.

The parade will begin on December 10th, 2024 at 6:30pm from Homewood Public Library and travel east on Oxmoor Road. Then it will turn left onto 18th Street South, travel under the Christmas Star and then turn right onto 29th Avenue. It will then turn left onto 19th Street, travel past city hall and turn left onto 28th Avenue.

The City of Birmingham’s Holiday Block Party

Kick off the season by joining us for the Tree Lighting and Holiday Block Party on Sunday, Dec. 8 in front of City Hall on Short 20th Street North. There will be food trucks, music and the lighting of the Christmas tree.

The event is FREE and will be from 4 to 7 p.m.; the tree lighting will be at 5:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the evening.

Woodlawn Wonderland

Walking in a Woodlawn Wonderland! Join us on December 8th from 12pm – 5pm for holiday shopping, hot cocoa and a visit from Santa, followed by the Woodlawn tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy a special day with family and friends — and knock out some yuletide gift hunting!

Trussville Christmas Parade

Join us for the 2024 Christmas Parade as it passes through historic Trussville. This is a free event for the citizens of Trussville to enjoy.

On December 14th, 2024 at 2pm-4pm, the parade will begin on Parkway Drive. It will turn right onto Gadsden Highway and right again onto Chalkville Mountain Road. The parade will end at the mall.

Thank you to our sponsor, the Birmingham Zoo. For more information about Glow Wild, or any class, camps or daily activities happening at the Zoo make sure to visit their website. 

Winter in Birmingham doesn’t have to mean staying indoors and feeling cooped up. Whether you’re looking to get creative, stay active, or just break up the routine, there’s a class for every mom this season. From fitness and wellness to arts and crafts, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with other parents, learn something new, or simply enjoy a few hours. We’ve rounded up the best winter classes around Birmingham that will help you make the most of the season, no matter your interest. Stay warm, stay inspired, and make this winter one to remember!

Red Mountain Theatre

1600 3rd Avenue South
Dates: December 30th – January 3rd
Register HERE

Ages: 4-14
When school is out, fun is in! RMT’s Theatre Camps give kids of all ages and skill levels an outlet to use their creativity and imagination in dramatic ways.

PLAY-MAKING CAMPS (Ages 4-6)  Budding artists can let their imaginations run wild while creatively exploring theatrical storytelling. These half-day classes are designed to cultivate inventiveness as students learn the basics of theatre through collaboration and creative play.

WINTER SPROUTS (Ages 7-8) In our Triple Threats Camps*, young actors learn 3-5 themed production numbers over a week. They’ll then perform for a supportive audience of friends and family.

THEATRE THEME CAMP (Ages 7-12) In their Theme Camps, creative students get to immerse themselves in a favorite book or movie world like Hogwarts, Narnia, or Arendelle. Throughout the week they’ll create original characters, learn the basics of stage presentation, and enjoy other crafts. Ultimately, they will share what they have learned with friends and family.

THEATRE BLAST CAMP (Ages 9-14) Blast Camps are week-long camps where students experience a full musical theatre performance — a short script with multiple song and dance numbers. As they memorize lines and choreography, students work together as a cast to present a sharing for supportive friends and family at the end of the week.

McWane Science Center

200 19th St N
Dates: December 30th – January 3rd
Ages: 4-13

Bring your curiosity and wonder for hands-on, minds-on, science, and fun! McWane camps offer further inquiry into science, technology, engineering, art, and math topics for children 4 to 13 years old. Campers learn about the deep oceans, journey into outer space, build robots, or spend time without Mcwane animals.

Half and full-day camp options are available.

Itty Bitty Bakers

Located at teachers’ homes across the greater Birmingham area and at Art & Soul Studio Bluff Park.

Dates: December 14th – December 21st
Ages: 3-14

Got little chefs in the making? At Itty Bitty Bakers they set kids up for success by giving them hands-on baking opportunities that fit their age and skill level. Parents today are busy! Let them take the load off! They will teach your kids essential kitchen skills in a fun and safe environment. Bonus: holiday treats to take home to you!

This year’s recipes include Elf cupcakes, cookie cake wreaths, candy cane cookies, gingerbread cupcakes, Christmas tree macarons, Grinch cookies, and Christmas light cupcakes.

Birmingham Zoo

2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham
Dates: 12/16/2024 to 12/20/2024; 12/23/2024; 12/27/2024
Ages: K – 5th Grade

Zoo Camps at the Birmingham Zoo are educational and encourage active learning through games, age-appropriate, hands-on science, animal encounters, and nature play for students who just completed or are still in Kindergarten through 5th grade! Rich in STEM-based explorations, these camps engage a child’s natural curiosity and allow ample opportunity to practice critical emerging science skills. Zoo Camp is a great way to experience all the Zoo offers while engaging campers in age-appropriate content geared toward our mission of inspiring passion to conserve the natural world. Learning has never been so WILD!

Legacy Gymnastics

260 Applegate Pkwy, Pelham, AL 35124
Dates: December 23rd, 26th – 27th; January 2nd & 3rd
Ages: 4-12

Take advantage of this perfect opportunity to stay active, build confidence, and improve your gymnastics skills!

High Point Climbing Birmingham

4766 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35242
Dates: December 23rd to January 3rd
Ages: 5-14

Climb into Winter Break and join their Winter Break Camp for an unforgettable experience packed with action, adventure, and fun!

Treeline Expeditions LLC

1137 S Shadesview Terrace, Birmingham, AL 35209
Dates: December 21st, 28th, and January 3rd
Register HERE

Join to master bike skills, discover maintenance tips, and have a blast with games while exploring beautiful Oak Mountain.

YMCA

Multiple Locations
Dates: Varies on location
Ages: K-5th/8th depending on location

YMCA of Greater Birmingham offers Schools out camps with fun games and activities. Dates, times, and prices vary by location. Both members and non-members are welcome to attend, so invite your friends. Visit their website for location-specific details.

Santa Claus is coming to Birmingham!  We’ve rounded up the best spots to catch him this holiday season, whether you’re looking for a cozy photo op, a festive event, or just a chance for the kids to share their wish lists. Get your cameras ready and mark your calendars—here’s your guide to all the magical places you can find Jolly Old St. Nick in and around Birmingham this year!

All is Bright LANE PARKE in Mountain Brook

Ring in the holidays at Lane Parke! Light the holiday tree and have a visit from Santa!
Attendees can enjoy drinks, pop-ups, DJ and kids’ activities to get everyone in the holiday spirit!

Thursday, November 21st 6pm – 8pm

Magic Of Lights at Alabama Adventure

Get FREE photos with Santa, see millions of lights, and enjoy Birmingham’s newest Christmas family tradition!
Opens for the season Friday, November 22nd – January 4th
Monday – Thursday 5:30- 9pm
Friday-Sundau 5:30m – 10pm

Pictures with Santa at the Riverchase Galleria

Santa’s helpers have been working hard decking the halls for you and your family, so don’t miss out on taking tree-mendous pics with St. Nick! November 14th through December 24th in the lower level in front of Von Maur.

Visit their website to reserve your spot

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop

Santa’s wonderland is back at Bass pro shop Now through December 24th. Free activities and giveaways. Reserve your spot online to see Santa and get a free 4 x 6 photo.

Reserve online here

Santa at the Summit

Santa is back at The Summit to spread holiday joy all season long. Visits and photos may be booked ahead of time.
Now through – December 24th

Book your Santa photo reservation here.

Santa Photography Hours:
November 8th – December 24th, 2022
Monday – Saturday:  11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday:  12:00 PM- 6:00 PM
(Christmas Eve Hours 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
*Sensory Hours available.

Breakfast with Santa at the Casual Pint at the Grove

A festive morning filled with delicious breakfast treats, craft beers (for the adults), and the chance to meet Santa himself!
Limited Seating. Private Event. RSVP Only

Reserve seating here

Supper with Santa at Helena Hollow

Select Dates
Santa is coming back to the Ho-Ho-Hollow and we can’t wait!

Prepare for a night full of activities including but not limited to:

* Lighted Hayride & Activity through the winter woodlands!
* Christmas craft making!
* S’mores around the fire!
* Live nativity scene including Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus and animals!
* Face painting!
* Convos with Santa, elves & Mrs. Clause!
* All the pictures your heart can stand…
* & last but not least, a yummy barbecue dinner!

Follow THIS LINK for more information on times and booking

Seeds Coffee

Fun, FREE event where you can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and your kids or grandkids can write a letter to the North Pole and get their picture with Mr. & Mrs. Claus.

Saturday, December 17th, 10am – 1pm

Brocks Gap Brewing

Get a free photo, listen to live music, grab a hot chocolate for the kids and try out the Christmas ale!
There will be a bin to collect new, unwrapped toys for the Grace Klein holiday toy drive – please consider bringing a donation this day!*
December 14th 4pm – 8pm

All is Bright Vestavia City Center

Attendees will enjoy lots of Christmas activities, fun photo opportunities, live performances, and a visit with Santa (and the Grinch)
Thursday, December 5th, 6-9pm

Shops of Grand River

Photos with Santa! Visit with Santa at The Shops of Grand River.Location | The Christmas Tree beside Kay Jewelers. In the event of inclement weather  Location: Suite 680 (across from Birmingham Bargains)

Sunday, December 1st, 12pm – 4pm
Sunday, December, 8th 12pm – 4pm
Saturday, December, 14th 12pm – 4pm
Sunday, December 15th 12pm-4pm

Breakfast with Santa at the Birmingham Zoo

Gather your little elves and head to the Birmingham Zoo for a morning filled with holiday cheer at Breakfast with Santa! Enjoy a warm, delicious breakfast featuring French toast, eggs, sausage, fresh fruit, and more—all in a festive atmosphere that’s sure to make spirits bright.

Saturday, December 21st 8:30am -12pm
More info and purchase tickets here

Santa at the Princesses at Citywalk

Three hours of music,  food trucks, face painting, balloon art, photos with Santa and the Princesses and the Grinch. ALL FREE
Saturday, December 21st 10am – 1pm

The Coca Cola Caravan at the Birmingham Zoo

The Coca‑Cola Caravan is hitting the road to spread joy across the country. Stop by for a chance to snap a photo with Santa, enjoy an ice-cold Coca‑Cola, and get your very own personalized Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar can!

Wednesday, December 18th, Bass Pro Shop ,12pm – 3pm
Wednesday, December 18th – Lakeshore Wal Mart, 6pm – 8pm
Thursday, December 19th – Fresh Value Trussville, 12- 2:30pm
Thursday, December 19th – Piggly Wiggly Clay, 6pm – 8pm
Friday, December 20th- Cost Plus Calera, 12-2:30pm
Friday, December 20th-  Wal Mart Alabaster, 6pm – 8pm
Saturday, December 21st- Wal Mart Montclair, 12-2:30pm
Saturday, December 21st – Mi Pueblo Pelham, 6pm – 8pm
Sunday, December 22nd- Birmingham Zoo, 6pm – 8pm

Feeling GRINCHY? Check out this party at McWane!

McWane Science Center is proud to present an afternoon with Grinch! Hot chocolate, cookies, crafts, a dance party, and a photo opportunity with the Grinch!

Grinch’s Jingle Bell Party – Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th. Timed Entry beginning at 11:00am on Saturday and 12:00pm on Sunday and every hour until 2:00pm. The event ends at 3:00pm both days.

More info and tickets HERE

Basketball season is here, and if you’re looking for an exciting way to get your family involved in the fun, check out the Commanders Krewe, presented by Children’s of Alabama! The Commanders Krewe is a brand-new program designed for kids who love basketball and want to be part of the action at Birmingham Squadron games this season.

With VIP opportunities and season-long access to Sunday games, being part of Commander’s Krewe provides a new way for kids to enjoy Squadron gamedays. To join, kids must be 12 years of age or younger — one child per purchase. This $20 package gives each child one complimentary ticket (with purchase of an adult ticket) into all Sunday home games at Legacy Arena. Membership also includes one draw-string bag, one t-shirt, and access to on-court VIP Warmup Experiences on the following dates:

Sunday, Nov. 17

Sunday, Jan. 26

Sunday, March 9

Additional tickets may be purchased for $15.

Why Join?
Not only is the Commanders Krewe a fantastic way for kids to enjoy the games, but it also helps foster a love for sports, teamwork, and community. With affordable membership and exclusive perks, it’s a great gift idea for the little sports enthusiasts in your life!

Mark your calendars, join the Krewe, and let your kids experience the excitement of Birmingham Squadron basketball up close!

For more information and to sign up, visit the official Birmingham Squadron Commanders Krewe page.