Celebrate the birthday of the Father of Our Country! Special admission is $5 per person when someone in your group is wearing a historical costume; otherwise, admission is $10 per adult, $9 for students and seniors. Come join the Colonial encampment, play colonial games, and more.
Monday, February 18th at American Village in Montevallo. Events happening all day from 10am – 4pm
For a full list of events, visit the American Village Website
Round up your family and friends to compete for great prizes while playing a classic game with a library twist. Free event and refreshments provided.
Friday, 7pm – 9pm
Get your motors running and head over to McWane Science Center for a truckload of fun. Spend a constructive day getting up close and personal with some big machines.
Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Storytime and Activities Featuring the Good Egg and the Bad Seed
Learn how to keep yourself happy when everyone else around you is rotten, and how being happy might just be the best choice in these two stories from Jory John and Pete Oswald. Plus, get a coupon from our Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4!
Saturday, 11am – 12pm
The Birmingham Zoo and Birmingham Audubon are teaming up for our annual Great Backyard Bird Count! The event unites birdwatchers from across the globe as they track bird species found in their own backyards, parks and local spaces. Seasonal bird counts have been a central part of Birmingham Audubon’s work ever since its founding in 1946. Hear bird watching tips from Birmingham Audubon experts and take part in bird conservation activities in the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo and Alabama Wilds. Participants are invited to take part in the bird walk from 8am-10am and afterwards enjoy crafts and activities from 10am-2pm.
Saturday, 8am – 2pm
Drop in to Bart’s ArtVenture for a kids art-making activity facilitated by Teen BMA. For Art Cart in February we will be creating faux stained glass art inspired by two stained glass windows in the Museum’s galleries. Art activities are geared toward children ages 4-10.
Sunday, 1pm – 4pm
The digital age has given new generations of parents something extra to worry about:
How much screen time is too much?
Physicians, teachers and psychologists generally agree that spending inordinate amounts of time immersed in computers, smartphones or social media can negatively impact a child’s developing mind and body. A screen time study published recently in JAMA Pediatrics found a link between excessive screen time and later development milestones.
Other studies have associated digital overuse with teen depression, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued guidelines suggesting daily limits on screen time for different age groups.
“It’s the responsibility of the parents to get control of this and guide their children, from a young age, on the positives and negatives of screen time,” says Christine Kyriakakos Martin (www.youvegotthisparenting. com), an early education expert and author of You’ve Got This! Keys To Effective Parenting For The Early Years.
Martin has suggestions for how parents can manage screen time and decrease a child’s risk for screen-related health or developmental problems:
Distinguish screen time from play time. Play is a fundamental learning tool for young children, but parents, Martin says, should not think of screens as toys for play time. “When screen time is limited and separated from other types of play, parents show their children the importance of setting boundaries, using their imaginations, and being active.”
Get involved. Parents who engage with their children about on-screen activities can help them increase their communication skills and teach them how to navigate digital media. “Parents can talk with their children about the videos they watch and games they play like they would discuss characters and plotlines in a book,” Martin says. “When there is parental engagement like this, a child’s vocabulary and literacy skills develop and family communication gets stronger.”
Make mealtimes screen-free. “Eliminate screens from the meal table, including when you’re out at a restaurant,” Martin says. “While it can be tempting to pack the iPads to have some adult conversation while you’re out to eat, doing this doesn’t teach your children about manners, properly engaging in conversation, or being mindful of other patrons.”
Set a good example. It will be harder for a child to disengage from screens if his or her parents are consistently looking down at their own phones or tablets. “Remember,” Martin says, “your children learn from your example. If they see you spending a lot of time with your face in front of a screen, they’ll also want to use technology at the same time. Try your best to save your time on social media for your lunch break, during nap time, or after your children have gone to bed.”
“Learning how to use screens, verbally communicate or socially interact will have a positive impact on language skills, relationships and overall health,” Martin says. “Spending time with their parents, learning through play is what young children need and want.”
About Christine Kyriakakos Martin
Christine Kyriakakos Martin (www.youvegotthisparenting. com) is the author of You’ve Got This! Keys To Effective Parenting For The Early Years. An early education expert and consultant, Martin is the founder and owner of Sunshine Preschool in Hopkinton, Mass. She has spoken on child-development topics at national education conventions and colleges.
Cars fly, trees fight back, and monsters are on the loose in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! See Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in high-definition, on a giant screen, while the Alabama Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ unforgettable score.
Samford University Wright Center
Friday, April 12 (7pm) and NOW Saturday, April 13th (2pm)
VALENTINE’S DAY ENRICHMENT: Join us on Valentine’s Day as members of our animal family enjoy special holiday themed enrichment! Guests are welcome to watch from the viewing areas outside of the animal habitats. Photos and video of the enrichment are welcome!
WHEN
Valentine’s Day on Thursday, February 14
? SCHEDULE
9am – 10am Coyotes and Fishing Cats at the Predator building
10:30am Raptors in Children’s Zoo
11:30am Komodo Dragon
1pm Cassowary in Birds
1:45pm Elephants in Trails of Africa
Afternoon various Primates
❤️ **Enrichment activities are FREE when you purchase admission to the Zoo!**
❤️ DID YOU KNOW: The Birmingham Zoo’s Enrichment Program provides our animal family with activities that stimulate their physical and mental behavior. We strive to enhance their well-being and improve their overall quality of life. Our Animal Care Professionals create opportunities for animals to exercise control and choice over their environment. The results are positive and rewarding!
Here are our top picks for Weekend fun around the Magic City
If you’ve been following us on social media, then you know that Marvel has taken over Birmingham and we can’t recommend this show enough!
Marvel fans, assemble for this live, legendary battle to defend the universe from evil. The Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy and Spider-Man join forces with Doctor Strange, master of the mystic arts, in a race against time to recover the Wand of Watoomb before it falls into Loki’s hands in this all-new, spectacular arena stunt show.
Friday, 10:30am, 7pm
Saturday, 10:30, 2:30pm, 6:30pm
Sunday, 1pm and 5pm
Featuring a wide variety of custom cars, custom trucks and custom motorcycles as well as restored and antique vehicles, our exhibitors, our vendors and tens of thousands of spectators make these annual shows informative, exciting, and fun!
Ticket Prices:
Child (ages 5 & under) – FREE!
Child (ages 6-11) – $5 at O’Reilly Auto Parts ($5 at the gate)
Adult – $17 at O’Reilly Auto Parts ($20 at the gate)
Friday, 3pm – 9pm
Saturday, 10am – 9pm
Sunday, 11am – 6pm
Fortnite tournament, fortnite favorite dance off, pizza, and amazing prizes. Grades 6-9
Friday, 6pm – 8pm
In this book, the beloved song “All You Need Is Love” comes vividly to life, showing that if we follow the music we will see there is indeed love all around us. Enjoy a cookie coloring activity, while supplies last. Get a coupon from our Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4!
Saturday, 11am – 12pm
Join Birmingham-based musician Meg Ford for a celebration of urban wildlife!
Each class will focus on a new aspect of urban habitat, taught through song, movement, book reading, and nature play. Attendees will learn about the benefits and resources gained from our wildlife “neighbors” and be empowered to help conserve their living spaces.
This program is suitable for students ages 0-6. Registration is highly appreciated.
Saturday, 10am
For even more fun activities happening around Birmingham this weekend and beyond, make sure to check out our Event Calendar
The Birmingham Zoo and Birmingham Audubon are teaming up for our annual Great Backyard Bird Count! The event unites birdwatchers from across the globe as they track bird species found in their own backyards, parks and local spaces. Seasonal bird counts have been a central part of Birmingham Audubon’s work ever since its founding in 1946. Hear bird watching tips from Birmingham Audubon experts and take part in bird conservation activities in the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo and Alabama Wilds. Participants are invited to take part in the bird walk from 8am-10am and afterwards enjoy crafts and activities from 10am-2pm.
WHERE
Birmingham Zoo
TIME
8am – 10am
MEETUP TIME
Join us at 8 a.m. in front of the Children Zoo entrance to the right of the main entrance.
CRAFTS & ACTIVITIES
10am – 2pm at the Children’s Zoo Barn and Granny’s Front Porch
WHAT TO BRING
If you have your own binoculars, you’ll definitely want to bring them along. Email Birmingham Audubon Outreach & Communications Director if you need to borrow a pair.
OTHER DETAILS
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
The birds: We anticipate seeing wintering and resident songbirds and sparrows. You’ll find the latest eBird records for the zoo here.
The Chili Cook-Off is The Exceptional Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from this event are a significant source of funding for our programs at The Exceptional Foundation where we strive to meet the social and recreational needs of individuals of all ages that are mentally challenged.
Join us on Saturday, March 2nd for the 15th Annual MortgageBanc Chili Cook-Off, benefiting The Exceptional Foundation.
Live music, all the chili you can eat, beverages, and a kidzone make this an event for the entire family.
Tickets:
• $10 – Early Bird General Admission
• $15 – Gate Price General Admission
• $20 – General Admission + $25 worth of FREE BONUS eGift Cards
If you purchase the $20 Ticket option, you will receive the following incredible bonus offers for free!
• $10 off at J Clyde*
• $15 off at Trak Shak*
Proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off and other fundraising efforts provide 3/4 of the funds needed to ensure that The Exceptional Foundation participants are able to gather daily for social activities, field trips, and sports competition. Thank you for your support.
*Bonus Gift Cards will be added to your account on March 4th. Some Restrictions Apply
J Clyde Gift Card:
Valid with purchase of $50.00 or more only, cannot be combined with other coupons, promotions or special offers. Expires May 4th, 2019.
Trak Shak Gift Card:
Valid with purchase of $100.00 or more only, cannot be combined with other coupons, promotions or special offers, may use one per visit. Expires May 4th, 2019.
Tops picks for weekend fun in the Magic City!
Celebrate national ice cream for breakfast day with our delicious homemade Belgian waffle ice cream sundaes!
Saturday, 8am – 10:30am
Due to Birmingham Bill going through hibernation at this time, the Birmingham Zoo will be having a prediction with one of the Zoo’s opossums, a native species to Alabama. Join the Zoo for the Groundhog (Opossum) Day prediction at the Birmingham Zoo’s UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Wildlife Stage to learn about Groundhog Day traditions from all over the world and find out if we’ll have six more weeks of winter. Don’t miss a chance to play kid-friendly games, make a craft and more!
*In the chance of rain, the activities and a modified Keeper Chat will be held at the Safari Peak.
SCHEDULE
9am-10am: Games and Activities
10am-10:30am: Wildlife Show and Weather Prediction
10:30am: Animal Photo Opportunity
Chinese New Year, known in China as Spring Festival (春節 Chunjie), is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is sometimes called the Lunar New Year, especially by people outside China. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month (正月 zheng yue) in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th; this day is called Lantern Festival. Chinese New Year’s Eve is known as Chuxi (除夕, abbr. for 年除夕 Nian Chu Xi). It literally means “Year-pass Eve”.
Saturday, 10:30 – 2:30
At McWane Science Center, science is a celebration full of magical experiences, forces of nature, and fun. So, we feel it is only fitting that we theme Beaker Bash 2019 to illustrate the incredible wonders of science. As such, we are excited to unveil to you our theme for the 2019 event: “Carnivale”. This February, mystery and imagination will thrive during this whimsical night in the museum. Bring your whole family and be swept away into a world of colorful displays of acrobatics and intrigue! Beaker Bash is a beloved tradition that allows the whole family the opportunity to participate in a new and special adventure. All proceeds from the event go directly to McWane Science Center’s Education Scholarship Fund.
Saturday, 5pm – 8pm
Tickets are available now, and can be purchased here or at the door.
V. Pensacola Ice Flyers
As You Walk Through the Door, Your Hearts Starts Pumping! The irresistible lure of HOCKEY and the buzz of a packed house causes your ADRENALIN to surge. The music is PUMPING, the lights fade and the smoke swirls – and that’s just the beginning. Monster hits, UNBELIEVABLE GOALS and in-your-face hockey keeps you on the edge of your seat. The action is NON-STOP! With heart pounding music, and contests, what are you waiting for? It’s an EXPERIENCE to remember.
Saturday, 7pm
For even more events happening around town this weekend and beyond, make sure to check out our full Events Calendar
Get your motors running and head over to McWane Science Center for a truckload of fun. Spend a constructive day getting up close and personal with some big machines including backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, loaders, dozers and cranes! Learn the science of simple machines and participate in fun building programs throughout the day!
Machines provided by CraneWorks!
Big Machines Day is included in admission to the museum and FREE for members!
Saturday, February 16th 10am – 6pm
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