Honda Indy Grand Prix: Barber Motor Sports

In its 10th year, the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by America’s First Federal Credit Union is a signature event on the NTT IndyCar Series. Elite drivers duel on the one-of-a-kind road course to cap the biggest three-day party at the world-famous Barber Motorsports Park. This is fast family fun at its finest.

Visit the Surgere Fan Zone where you can enjoy the Coca-Cola Family Fun Area, ride the Bud’s Best Cookies Ferris Wheel and more! Upgrade your ticket to the Magna Kamtek Garage, the working area for the race teams, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes opportunity to get up close to the race cars and drivers. Also, be sure to check out the new Grand Art Festival alongside the wine and craft beer tastings in the Haggerty Car Corral.

Over the 3-day weekend, there will be 9 races from 5 different series:
NTT IndyCar Series
Mazda MX-5 Cup
Lamborghini Squadra Corse *NEW for 2019
F3 Americas *NEW for 2019
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama brought to you by IMSA

Stay current with news about this event at https://barberracingevents.com/honda-indy-grand-prix-of-alabama/

For even more great events happening around Birmingham, make sure to visit our Events Calendar!

Summer Camp Spotlight: Birmingham Zoo

Birmingham Zoo camps have always been amazing, but this year they have revamped the program to include even more hands-on science, nature play, conservation and ‘zoo-learning’!  Zoo camps are educational and encourage active learning through games, crafts, age-appropriate explorations, and special encounters with a variety of their resident animals. Rich in STEM-based explorations, these camps engage the natural curiosity of a child and allow ample opportunity to practice critical emerging science skills.  Learning has never been so much FUN!

Birmingham Zoo Summer Camp

Primary Camps Include:

GRADES 4K – 5th Creature Features | Habitat Happenings | Natural Discoveries
GRADES 6th – 8th Wild Life Researchers | Nature Engineers

Specialty Camps Include:

GRADES 4K – 2nd Naturally Gross!
GRADES 3rd – 5th Zoo Keeper
GRADES 6th – 8th ZooKeeper
GRADES 9th – 12th Animal Wellness | Conservation Connections

REGISTRATION AND FEES

Your camp fee includes all activities, supplies, one daily snack, daily lunch and one Zoo Camp t-shirt. Additional camp shirts are available for $10 each.

PRIMARY CAMPS

Member Pricing: $260
Non-Member Pricing: $295

SPECIALTY CAMPS

Member Pricing: $290
Non-Member Pricing: $325

NATURALLY GROSS GRANDPARENT/PARENT CAMP (3 DAY CAMP)

Member Pricing: $250
Non-Member Pricing: $280

For more information, to plan your camp or to register, visit the Zoo Website

For even more camp options, make sure to visit our full Summer Camp Guide for 2019

Birmingham Easter Egg Hunts and Activities

Birmingham Easter Egg Hunt ListIt’s time for some Easter Egg Hunts in Birmingham! Grab your baskets and find your favorite hunt!

Easter Egg Hunts in Birmingham

119/280 Area

Meadowbrook Baptist – TBA
March 17th, Community Wide Egg Hunt 9am – 11am  Fellowship Hall

Ultra Blast Laser Combat Center
The Ultra Blast Alien Egg Hunt is Back! 2 Days, Wednesday April 12th at 5:30 PM and Thursday April 14th at 5:30 PM! Limited space available. Please let us know how many kids you’re bringing.

Alabaster

Veteran’s Park

Easter Egg Drop
The Sky is Falling Easter Egg Drop is BACK! We’re so excited to be a part of your Easter again this year! We’ll be at Veteran’s Park in Alabaster with more eggs and helicopter egg drops than ever! We’re also adding a sensory experience area for special needs.  Enjoy free food, inflatables, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and eggs galore! All for FREE!
Registration opens at 9:00 am and the fun begins at 10:30 am!

Birmingham

Birmingham Zoo

Breakfast with the Bunny
Guests are invited to kick-off the Eggstravaganza celebrations at Breakfast with the Easter Bunny! The event will host two times at 8am and 9:30am and will be held in Nourish205. Enjoy a scrumptious scrambled egg, pancakes and sausage breakfast with orange juice and coffee followed by a visit from the Easter Bunny! All children receive a special holiday gift upon arrival.

April 20th, 8am – 9am and 9:30am – 10:30am

COST (Click to purchase tickets)
Members
$25 for adults / $20 for kids
Non-members
$30 for adults / $25 for kids

DETAILS
Event price covers Zoo admission for the day, Unlimited Ride Wristband, breakfast, holiday craft, animal greeting and a visit and photo op with the Easter Bunny.

Easter Eggstravaganza
The time has come to celebrate Easter at the Birmingham Zoo with an “Eggstravaganza”! Hop on over to Birmingham’s biggest Easter Egg Hunt during this rain or shine event that is sure to be fun for the whole family.

April 20th, 10:30-12:30pm

CHILDREN’S EGG HUNT (Click to purchase tickets)
Members are FREE
Non-Members included in admission
*Children can collect 10 eggs and receive a bunny plush!
**All eggs are empty. Eggs can be redeemed for bunny plush.

ADULT EGG HUNT
$25
*Adult egg hunt winners can walk away with special Zoo tours, memberships and a variety of prizes all valued at $50 or more.
**See Prize List below**

EGG HUNT SCHEDULE
10am-11am – Ages 0-12 on Henley Park
11:15am – Adult egg hunt at Trails of Africa playground
11:30am-12:30pm – Ages 0-12 on Henley Park

Rushton Park, Hosted by Highlands UMC

Saturday, April 13th, Easter Egg Hunt and fun together with the Highlands United Methodist family and larger Birmingham community.  Games and activities will begin at 9:30 a.m.  Egg Hunt will begin promptly at 10!

Schedule:
9:30 a.m. – Child Check-In, Games, petting zoo, pictures with the Easter Bunny

Egg Hunts by age category will begin at 10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m. – age 3 and younger (Nursery age)
10:15 a.m. – age 3 – Kindergarten (Atrium I)
10:30 a.m. – grades 1-3 (Atrium II)
10:45 a.m. – grades 4-6 (Atrium III)

11:00 a.m. – Thank you, clean up, and good bye!

Prizes for everyone! Special prizes for finding Golden Eggs!
ALL ARE WELCOME!

Calera

Cottontail Express – Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

Hop aboard the Cottontail Express for a ride to Peter Cottontail’s meadow! Join in the fun at the meadow as we hunt for Easter eggs. A bounce house, temporary tattoos, coloring station, and a sandbox provide lots of family fun.  Bring your camera to take photos with Peter Cottontail!

Upgrade to a caboose ticket or locomotive ticket for a memorable experience and get an up close look at railroad operations!

The Cottontail Express train ride takes approximately 1 ½  hours including train ride and meadow activities. Please arrive 1 hour prior to your departure time to pick up your tickets at the Calera Depot, use the restrooms at the Gift Shop, and to get in line at your boarding location.

Make sure to visit the exhibits in our Depot Museum, our collection of railroad equipment in Clark Yard, our working Signal Garden, and our Gift Shop!

Train Rides:

Saturdays April 13th and 20th, 2019 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM
Sunday April 14th, 2019 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM

For more information or to purchase tickets visit their website

Center Point

Center Point Parks and Rec 13th Annual Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt
Center Point Sports Complex

Children ages 2-10 bring your flashlight and your Easter bags to collect as many eggs as you can!! Gift bags, prizes, pictures with the Easter Bunny and more!

Friday, April 12th 6pm – 8pm

Gardendale

Gardendale FBC

Exceptional Easter Egg Hunt
GFBC Kids Ministry will be hosting the 8th Annual Exceptional Egg Hunt for individuals of all ages with special needs. We will have several activities for everyone and it is sure to be a wonderful time.
Sunday, April 14th 2pm – 4pm

Helena

Helena Amphitheatre

The city of Helena’s annual Easter Egg Hunt is set and families should make plans now to be at the event the day before Easter.

The city of Helena will host the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 20 at the Helena Amphitheater where the hunt is scheduled from 9-11 a.m. as there will be fun for the entire family.

Helena Hollow

Funny Bunny Breakfast
A Spin-Off the ol’ ‘Hop’
A Bunny Hop Kick-Off Dining Experience
Have breakfast with the funniest bunny this side of the state! He’s clumsy…he’s silly…& guaranteed to make you laugh.

Sunday, April 7th at 8am

Bunny Hop
Egg Hunt, Slides, Swings, Animals, Crafts, Music, Prizes & the Easter Bunny!

Sunday, April 7th at 10am
Sunday, April 13th at 10am
Sunday, April 14th at 10am

Homewood

Homewood Park

The Homewood Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday, April 13th. This year will be the 3rd annual evening egg hunt. The hunt is for toddlers up to 11 years of age. Children will hunt for eggs with children of their own age group. In addition to the hunt there will be games, prizes, bounce houses and the Easter Bunny will make a visit for pictures.

Location: Homewood Athletic Complex – Lower Baseball / Softball Fields

Moonwalks and Festivities begin at 5:30pm

Age Groups and Times:

1-2 years: 6:30pm – Daylight Hunt
3-4 years: 6:30pm – Daylight Hunt
5-6 years: 7:15pm – Sunset Hunt
7-8 years: 7:45pm – Bring your flashlight
9-11 years: 7:45pm – Bring your flashlight

Don’t be late as it does not take long for all of the eggs to disappear!

Trinity West Homewood Oakmont Campus

Saturday, April 6th, 10am
(rain date April 13th)

join the fun! Over 5,000 eggs will be tossed in two spaces- a hunt in the front for our friends younger than 4yrs, and a big hunt in the back for all our friends!

ALSO: Free Magic City Sweet Ice, bunnies to pet, and a bounce house! Invite your friends for a fun morning!

Hoover

Bluff Park Community Egg Hunt

Calling all kids 4th grade and under. Bluff Park UMC is hosting our annual Community Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast on April 13th.

Breakfast and registration for the egg hunt begin at 9:00 am and registration closes promptly at 9:45 am. The egg hunt follows at 10:00 am.

The Easter Bunny will be on hand for pictures.

The event takes place, rain or shine. So, please make plans to join us. We look forward to seeing you.

Leeds

Outlet Shops of Grand River – Easter Bunny Pictures

Located on the Plaza across from Forever 21. Come have your picture made with the Easter Bunny.

April, 13th 12pm – 3pm

Mountain Brook

Overton Park Easter Egg Hunt

Bring your children for an hour of fun as we celebrate Easter with an egg hunt, photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, face-painting, a cake walk, and more! The event is FREE, but be sure to bring cash as Doodles Truck will be serving up sweet treats your little ones won’t want to miss.

Saturday, April 6th 12pm – 1pm

Easter Egg Roll at Emmet O Neal Library

Hop on over to the Mountain Brook Chamber’s Easter Egg Roll at the grassy field in front of the Emmet O’Neal Library! Be sure to B.Y.O.B (Bring Your Own Basket) and join in the fun!

Saturday, April 20th 10am – 11:30

Pelham

Oak Mountain State Park

Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Market
Saturday, April 6th , 2019 from 9am – 5pm

Oak Mountain State Park’s 12th Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Market is here! Bring your basket and be ready to have fun! We have OVER 25,000 FILLED eggs this year! Some eggs have candy, some have stickers, some have toys!

This year’s Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Market will be located off of Terrace Drive in Day Use!
The Easter Bunny will be hopping around for pictures at no cost!
Hay Rides will be available all day and are complimentary! Hay rides will run from 9am until 5pm. Ride as many times as you like! Inflatables will be on site and complimentary! Bounce and climb the day away!

There will be some yard games on the lawn for families to enjoy including two corn hole games, two giant checkers sets, and two giant tic tac toe boards on hand for some friendly competition!

Join us for breakfast or lunch (or BOTH)! Food vendors and Food trucks will be serving tasty treats! We will have a large food court set up for you to enjoy a meal with your family and friends in the shade! Some food options are: Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co., Nothing Bundt Cakes, Urban Pops, Monzy’s Deli, Fresh Churros, Dandy Concessions, Two Fat Men Catering, Tamale Queen, The Heavenly Donut Co., and Red Diamond Tea! We will have hot coffee, delicious donuts, gourmet nachos, amazing subs and spuds, fresh kettle corn, tons of drink options, cotton candy, decorated sweet treats, and so many other options!

For more information on the daily schedule and Easter Egg hunts, visit the event page on Facebook

North Shelby Library

Grab your Easter basket and hop on over to the library for our annual Easter Egg Hunt! Babies through 3-year-olds will hunt eggs in the Meeting Room beginning at 9:30. Kids 4-10 will hunt eggs in the Children’s Department beginning at 10:00. No Registration is required.

Trussville

The Big Hunt at Clearbranch United Methodist Church

Join us on Saturday, April 20 from 2pm – 4pm for an afternoon out by the lake! There will be egg hunts, scavenger hunts, cookie decorating, live music, and more! Stay tuned for more information!

Trussville Parks Soccer Fields

Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt, Fun begins at 6:30pm. Hunt begins at dark
Ages 2-8 years old, 6000 Candy and Toy filled eggs, Easter Bunny, Explore the Fire Truck, Smoke House
Sparky the Fire Dog, Popcorn and Drinks, Cotton Candy, Cupcake Walk, Face Painting, MUCH MORE!

Saturday, April 6th 6:30pm

Vestavia

Kids Egg Hunt at Byrd Park – Presented by Vestavia Chamber of Commerce

Children 3rd grade and younger are invited to join us for an Easter Egg Hunt! Bring your basket to hunt for eggs filled with candy and small prizes! We will also have food-allergy friendly eggs!

Saturday, April 13th 9am – 10am

 

Easter Fun Near Birmingham

Montevallo

Medders Family Farm

Community wide Spring Fling!!!! This will include an EGG HUNT, food trucks, craft/specialty/produce vendors!

Saturday April 6th 10am-2pm
6306 Hwy 25 Montevallo

This event will benefit Montevallo High Marching Band and Montevallo High Future Teachers!

FREE to enter but there will be a raffle, vendors, food and activities so don’t forget your cash/cards!

Egg Hunt at 11am for ages 0-5 and 1pm for ages 6+. PRIZE EGGS IN EACH HUNT and AGE Group!

West Blockton

Griffin Farms Easterfest

When: Saturday April 13 – Sunday April 14
Time: 11 am – 4 pm both Saturday and Sunday

Few details for Easterfest 2019!

Admission is $10/person 2 years old and older. Admission includes:
The egg hunt (for ages up to 12, if under 2 wants to egg hunt, must purchase ticket at front gate, bring your own baskets)
Picture with the Easter bunny (don’t forget your camera!) petting zoo (feed $0.25/handful) bouncy houses
hayride to egg hunt, truckslide, swings, slides, toddler playground, ninja climb, fire truck, hamster wheel
tire mountain, small Rockwall, parent powered zipline, games, 18’ Rockwall*, zipline* lucky duck races**
*must be 8 or older to ride and cannot exceed 225 lbs
**ducks sold separately

Hubbard Pony rides available, food and craft vendors, and facepainting at various additional costs.

 

If you’re hosting a hunt or know of one we don’t have on our list, message us and we’ll be glad to get it added!

Prank your Kids this April Fool’s Day!

April Fool’s day is quickly approaching, since it falls on a school day this year, you have extra opportunities to trick the tin humans while they’re at school, think silly lunches or something fun in their backpack…

Here are some ideas to make sure your prank game is strong!

Minty Oreos – Replace the cream from some Oreos with white toothpaste. Mine still talk about this 2 years later! (Great Lunchbox trick)

No Suds Here – Coat a bar of soap with some clear nail polish to keep any suds from forming. Watch the confusion set it when they wash their hands or when they take their bath.

Colorful Cereal – Add a couple of drops of food coloring to the bottom of your childs cereal bowl before putting the cereal in. Once they pour the milk, they’ll think their cereal is magic.

Outgrown – Stuff some tissue in the toes of their shoes. They’ll wonder why their shoes suddenly don’t fit.

Googly Eyes – Stick googly eyes on everything in your fridge or their lunch.

Nap time Swticharoo – Wait for them to go to sleep, then switch them around in each others beds, swap their lovies or other things from their rooms.

Finding Money– Super glue a coin to the ground outside.

Repackaging. Re-wrap their favorite candy.. Wrap a roll of smarties with a tootsie roll wrapper, switch the bags of cereal into the wrong box…

Happy April Fool’s Day!

Trussville Spring Carnival

The Carnival begins on Thursday, March 28 through Sunday, March 31. Admission: $15 for “ride all you can” wristbands . $1 for individual tickets (some rides require more than one ticket). Visit www.trussvillechamber.com for more info or for the $1 off discount coupon for the wristband.
Sponsored by: Amari and Gray Legal Advocacy and Consulting

Hours of operation:

Thursday, 3/28 – 5pm-9pm
Friday, 3/29 – 6pm to 10pm
Saturday, 3/30 – *1pm-5pm and *6pm-10pm
Sunday, 3/31 – 1pm-5pm

90 Parkway Dr, Trussville, AL 35173

*SEPARATE WRISTBANDS REQUIRED FOR EACH SESSION
Times subject to change due to weather.

Parenting Essentials for Newborn Multiples

They say it takes a village to raise one child, but it might take a little more than that to raise twins or triplets. Indeed, having multiple newborn babies is a completely different experience, and it comes with its own set of challenges. But more the merrier — and family size isn’t exempt from this age-old adage. Fortunately, the right gear can do a world of good in making your multiples’ experience a breeze. Here are some essential tools to add to your parenting arsenal.

Triplet Car Seats

It goes without saying that you’re going to need one car seat per baby, but remember that not all seats are made equal. Choose one that is especially designed for small babies so your little ones stay secure, especially when you’re bringing them home from the hospital for the very first time. In this regard, the Diono is compact and narrow enough for twins, but can also be adjusted to fit up to three.

Twin Cot

In the beginning, you might find that twins prefer sleeping with each other, but twin cots tend to be more expensive and harder to find. Instead, look for a cot that can grow with your newborns so you get more value for your money. This twin cot from Pamco has a removable panel so your babies won’t lose sight of each other. But the best part is that you can convert it into two single beds once your children grow a little bigger, extending its use beyond your babies’ first few years.

Double Pram

There are lots of benefits to choosing a double pram. Not only is it easier to maneuver, but it also takes up less space whether you take it with you on the bus or down the neighborhood. The collection of double prams on iCandy balances function with style, both of which are important for taking twins out for walks and making sure they are safe in their buggies. They are built to keep them as comfortable and secure as possible without compromising your mobility. You can even easily convert them to a single pram if you need to.

Large Nappy Bag

Because you’ll be packing multiples of everything, especially nappies, you’re going to need a bag that can hold them all. The Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F. Convertible Diaper Bag has you covered both in the style and function departments. If you’re torn between a backpack or a shoulder nappy bag, this one helps you get the best of both worlds. In seconds, you can convert it from a backpack to a messenger bag. It also boasts multiple insulated bottle pockets to keep your newborns’ feeding bottles fresh, along with other pockets for your personal items.

Multiple Carriers

Skin-to-skin contact with your babies is one of the most important things you can do, so a carrier is an absolute essential. While it is designed for singles, the popular Boba wrap can also be used to carry both of your bundles of joy at once. Just be sure to tie it on properly, ensuring that both or all three of them are snug and secure.

For more essential tips on how to raise your multiples, check out our previous post here on Birmingham Mommy.

Summer Camp Spotlight: Baylor School Summer Camps

The list of benefits of overnight camps for the kiddos is a long one. From nurturing social skills, easing summer slide and building friendships, you’ll find all of those things and more at the Baylor School Summer Camps!

What are Baylor Summers? Three months of action-packed, skill-building, fun-filled, sports, tech, arts, enrichment and outdoor adventure experiences. We take full advantage of our beautiful campus by offering several incredible overnight camps and a huge array of day camps for kids of all ages. Make the most of summer by making it a Baylor summer!

Sports Day Camps

At Baylor, we offer competitive opportunities for young athletes to develop their sports skills. Our camps are directed by our varsity coaches whose programs are ranked third in MaxPreps national rankings. Highly individualized instruction helps athletes develop across every level to increase both confidence and ability.

Enrichment Day Camps

From coding to creative arts, our popular enrichment camps provide kids the opportunity to try cool new experiences on our amazing campus. Our newest camp experiences in business, engineering, and leadership take enrichment to a whole new level. Our excellent camper-to-staff ratio also ensures that every child will have a high level of interaction and supervision.

Baylor Day Camps

Want Maximum Fun? Then get ready for Baylor’s awesome DAY CAMPS! In addition to our popular day camp activities (such as swimming, soccer, nature hikes, slip ‘n slide, arts and crafts, and lots more), campers will explore Baylor’s spectacular campus, be inspired by our awesome camp staff, enjoy eating in our state-of-the-art dining hall, and make wonderful new friends from around the Chattanooga area! Come join us for one session – or all seven! You’ll find it all this summer, all for you, all on Baylor’s amazing campus!

Overnight Camps

SPORTS
Baylor’s sports clinics are directed by our varsity team coaches in a fun and encouraging atmosphere. Our highly individualized instruction includes fundamentals in skill development and teamwork to increase both confidence and ability. Explore our sports camps here.

ENRICHMENT
From coding to creative arts, our popular enrichment camps provide kids the opportunity to try cool new experiences on our amazing campus. Our newest camp experiences in business, engineering, and leadership take enrichment to a whole new level. Our excellent camper-to-staff ratio also ensures that every child will have a high level of interaction and supervision. Enrichment camps are organized in the following categories:

ACADEMIC, BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP CAMPS
CREATIVE ARTS
SCIENCE, ENGINEERING and TECHNOLOGY
OUTDOOR CAMPS
SPECIAL INTEREST

For a complete overview on the Baylor School Summer Camps, visit their website for more information or to register!

 

Allergy Proof Your Home This Spring!

Pollen season is here and it’s about 3 weeks early! The early pollen count increase is attributed to more rain and warmer temperatures that allow trees and plants to bloom early. The good news is that, with early preparations, allergy symptoms can be maintained.

Here are some things you can do around your home to help minimize your symptoms.

Keep the Air Clean: A well-ventilated house and non-leaking ductwork is a great first line of defense against allergens invading  your living space. Every year, the average home collects up to 40 lbs of dirt, dust and allergens in its air ducts. And, every time you use your heat or air conditioning these pollutants are circulated throughout your home, aggravating respiratory conditions like asthma. This is why it’s important to invest in a professional air duct cleaning service. Other things you can do to help:

– Keep your windows closed when pollen counts are high
– Use HEPA Filters in your Air Conditioning Unit
– Keep the humidity level in the house at about 50 percent. Mold likes moisture, and dust and pollen are easily stirred in dry air.

Reduce Dust Generators: When the fiber in the fabrics and carpeting in your home start breaking down, they add to the dust in your home.

– Damp mop regularly
– Wash throw rugs often
– Consider using blinds only for window treatments rather than curtains, which are a main dust collector.
– When the time comes (or the budget allows) replace high pile carpets with wood or tile flooring. If you must have carpeting, make it short, tight pile, and vacuum weekly with a cleaner that has a small-particle or HEPA filter.

Cut out the Clutter: The less stuff you have, the less place for dust to hide.

– Reduce the number of knick knacks and clutter on counter tops.
– Toss old magazines and rags

Tackle the Pet Dander: Our furry friends have dander that is lighter than most other allergens, so it floats in the air longer and gets stirred up more easily.

 

Stanley Steemer provides professional deep cleaning services including carpet, tile & grout, upholstery, hardwood and air ducts. We also provide water restoration services. Stanley Steemer of North Central Alabama services the greater Birmingham Metro Area and surrounding counties, spanning from Cullman to Clanton and from the Mississippi state line to the Georgia state line. Stanley Steemer is the first carpet cleaning service certified asthma & allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, removing an average of 94% of common household allergens from carpet. 24/7 scheduling available! Use Code: Mom30 for $30 off any service. (Minimum charges apply)

Day out with Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019

Day out with Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019 is Pulling into the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum for Thomas and Friends Biggest Year Yet!

Enjoy a day of Family Fun with Thomas the Tank Engine on March 29 -31 and April 6-7

All aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine invites little engineers to go full steam ahead for a day of engaging activities and fun adventures at Day Out With Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019. Children are invited to spend a day with their friend Thomas when the #1 Engine pulls into Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum on March 29-31 and April 6-7, 2019. Day Out With Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019 is presented by Mattel.

This fun-filled event offers children and their families the opportunity to take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series. In addition, they will meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas-themed activities including toy play, photo ops, and more.  The tour, now in its 24th year, will make 37 stops across the U.S. and Canada and is expected to welcome nearly one million passengers in 2019.

WHO:                   Thomas the Tank Engine

WHAT:

·         25-minute (approximate) ride with a talking Thomas the Tank Engine

·         Meet & Greet with Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway

·         Thomas & Friends Imagination Station featuring a variety of activities

·         All-new ‘Ask an Engineer’ booth, where kids can talk to an engineer and learn about trains and working on the rails

·         A ‘Passport to Adventures’ booklet for children to track their journey at the event and receive a special prize upon completion.

·         Thomas & Friends-themed activities including toy play, photo ops, and more

·         Storytelling, video viewing and live music

WHEN:                 March 29-31 and April 6-7

TIME:                    9:45am- 4:30pm

WHERE:               1919 9th St.Calera, AL 35040

Tickets for Day Out With Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019 are on sale now and available by calling Ticketweb toll-free at 866-468-7630, or by visiting www.dayoutwiththomas.com. Ticket prices are $22 plus tax for ages 2 and up (service charges and fee may apply).

For more information about the wonderful world of Thomas & Friends please visit: www.thomasandfriends.com, www.facebook.com/ thomasandfriends and for bonus material and exclusive content www.youtube.com/user/ thomasandfriends.

Spring Break Fun in Birmingham!

Spring break is just around the corner and if you’re not traveling, you can still make your own fun with a staycation right here in Birmingham!

Spring Break Fun in Birmingham

Spring Fever at McWane Science Center

When school is out, science is in at McWane Science Center! Check out one of their traveling exhibits, a movie at the IMAX or learn more about the brain during Brain Awareness Week!

CLICK HERE for a full list of activities

Spring Break at the Birmingham Zoo

It’s the opening of Seasonal favorites and activities at the Lorikeet Aviary, Predator Zone, Sea Lion Show, Children’s Zoo Splash Pads, Wildlife Show, Wild Slide and so much more. Just in time for the warmer weather, guests can soak up the sun while creating lasting memories with a visit to your favorite Zoo.

CLICK HERE for a daily activities schedule

Jump Parks in Birmingham

Jump, Jump and Jump some more! Birmingham is home to lots of places for the kids to jump around and work out that energy!

Activate Awesome at Urban Air Homewood and Trussville. Make sure to watch for Spring Break specials on their Facebook page. Or follow this link to save

Surge Trampoline park is offering a Spring Break special using code SPRING19

Skyzone Hoover

Arcades

If arcades are your thing, Spring Break week would be a great time to check out our new Dave and Busters. 175 of the latest and greatest arcade games, a chef-crafted menu and the state-of-the-art D&B Sports Bar filled with dozens of massive HDTV screens. Guests can play games like the brand new multiplayer virtual reality attraction platform featuring Jurassic World, an interactive experience that is the brand’s first foray into VR. Hard-earned tickets can be redeemed with a trip to WIN! for a variety of prizes including Apple products Xbox games, sports memorabilia and more.

Also at the Galleria, BumperNets! A fun family environment for all ages! Pool Tables, Ping Pong Tables, Foosball Tables, Ping Pong Robots, Ice Hockey Tables, BumperPool Tables, Arcade Games/Machines, Pinball, Accessories and more!

Birmingham Sports Teams

The Birmingham Bulls will be at home on Friday, March 29th and Saturday, March 30th against the Fayetteville Marksman.

The Birmingham Iron will be at home against Atlanta Legends on Sunday, March 31st

Birmingham Area Ice Cream Shoppes and Sweet Treats

I Scream, you Scream…We all Scream for ICE CREAM!!

Grab a scoop or a sammie at your favorite Ice Cream Shop or try a new place! We have a great list of Birmingham Area Ice Cream Shoppes and Sweet Treats, just FOLLOW THIS LINK!

 

In addition to all of these fun ideas, Birmingham is full of great parks and hiking trails. If we get lucky with some good sunny days, check out Red Mountain Park, or Ruffner Mountain or pack a picnic lunch and head up to Vulcan or Railroad Park!

 

Want even MORE ideas?? Check out this master list of THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN BIRMINGHAM