Watch out for flying beads and moon pies at the park this afternoon as kid “floats” of strollers and wagons take over the park leading up to Mardi Gras. All are welcome, kids are invited to bring instruments and we hear there will be king cake afterward at this MOMS Club, Over the Mountain chapter event. Laissez les bons temps rouler (“Let the good times roll”)
March 5th at Homewood Central Park
Parade lineup at 3:45, parade at 4pm
After being stuck indoors during the cold rainy months, getting out and getting some fresh air is always welcome! Fortunately, Birmingham has a lot of options for festivals and family fun going on around town.
Here’s a run down of the ones we always look forward to!
March 2nd | Brookwood Village, Macy’s Parking lot
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
April 6th | Town of Mt Laurel
Shop the vibrant street fair, savor dishes from the best local food trucks, and enjoy a day strolling the idyllic streets of one of Birmingham’s best neighborhoods.
April 26th & 27th | St. Elias Maronite Church
St. Elias has been a pillar of the Lebanese community in Birmingham since 1910. As the parish grew, so did its impact, including the creation of its food and cultural festival in 1999. For the last 20 years, the festival has provided Birmingham with delicious food and a fun, family friendly environment. Since the festival began, it has been important to us to give back to the Birmingham community.
Vs. Knoxville Ice Bears
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.
Friday, 7:30pm
Saturday, 7pm
Experience a magical journey into storytelling and music as only the timeless tales of Disney can evoke. Disney In Concert Tale as Old as Time explores iconic moments, plot twists, and feats of daring heroics from Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Tangled, The Lion King and many more.
Saturday, 7pm
Join us for our biography kids’ book series as we read about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an inspiring leader who had a dream of peace and love for all children everywhere. Plus get a coupon from our Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4!
Each year beginning on February 1st, an entire month of events are planned nationwide honoring the history and contributions of African Americans.
BCRI will open at 9 am on Tuesday-Friday through February.
Friday, 9am – 5pm
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 1am – 5pm
Come dressed as your favorite character!
75 VIP Tickets: $25 Each Show
Reserved Seating • Souvenir • Preshow Autograph & Photos
Saturday, 10am and 2pm
We’re so glad you found our summer camp guide!! Make sure to check out our updated listings for 2020 HERE
Many Birmingham Area Summer Camps are registering now! Summer time is just around the corner for Birmingham Families, many of our area attractions have great options for Summer Camps to help Moms look like heroes while keeping the kiddos entertained during the Summer Break. Check out this full guide of options available for 2019!
2019 Sixth Ave. North | Birmingham | 205.252.3535 | adventepiscopalschool.org/summer
June 10th – July 26th
Variety of programs to engage, enrich, and entertain students of all ages through the summer break. Open to rising pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students from the greater Birmingham area, the summer program is centered at Advent and designed to stimulate and challenge students over the course of six great weeks.
At Work Play | 500 23rd Street South | Birmingham | 205. 277. 0500 | CLICK TO REGISTER NOW
Weekly: May 27th – August 2nd
Summer Day Camp for students age 6 – 15 to learn the art of filmmaking. Your students will work together with other Students their age to create a short film and in the process learn about film making from high spirited, welcoming staff with a background in film and camps!
2726 First Ave South | Birmingham | 205.322.4300 | www.alabamaballet.org
June 24th – July 5th. Ages 8-12. $285 for 1 week/$475 for 2 weeks
Junior Camp:
Students will take age appropriate ballet classes, learn modern dance and jazz technique, and take character and/or theatre dance classes. All students will study dance history and prepare for an end of the session performance. Family and friends are invited to join us for this performance.
July 15th – 19th AND July 22nd – 26th. Ages 4 – 7. $250 weekly
Tutus and Tiaras:
Does your little one dance around the house pretending to be Cinderella or the Sugarplum Fairy? Is “Barbie Swan Lake” in heavy rotation on your DVD player? Then Tutus & Tiaras is for you! For one week, four hours a day, children ages 4- 7 will take age appropriate ballet and tap classes, create ballet-oriented crafts and learn how ballet dancers tell stories with pantomime. During these four hours, the children will also have a story time where they can learn the story of ballets such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty and other classical ballets.
1800 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd | Birmingham | 205.252.9241 | CLICK TO REGISTER NOW
ASFA Summer Camps meet the needs of the young sketch artist to the young scientist. Programs are designed to educate, inspire and enrich the student in a fun and collaborative environment. Campers may choose to build their dance technique, their confidence on the stage or even an app.
June 3rd – June 7th
Kodu: Programming Video Game Design | Rising 5th – 8th graders | $195 tuition
Android APP Programming | 5th – 8th graders | $195 tuition
Beginning Creative Writing Camp | Rising 6th – 8th graders | $195 tuition
Intermediate Creative Writing Camp | Rising 7th – 9th graders |$195 tuition
The Play’s the Thing | Rising 5th – 8th graders | $350 tuition
June 3rd – June 21st
Pre-Algebra (non-credit course, preparation for Algebra 1) | Rising 7th – 9th graders | Tuition: $525 (incoming ASFA M/S students: $265)
Fundamentals of Algebra 1 (eligible as a credit course) | Rising 7th graders and above | Tuition: $525 (incoming ASFA M/S students: $265)
June 10th – June 14th
Android APP Programming | Rising 5th – 8th graders | Tuition: $195
Young Dancer Intensive | Rising 2nd – 6th graders | Tuition: $195
Kodu: Programming Video Game Design | Rising 5th – 8th graders | Tuition: $195
Music Mania! | Rising 5th – 9th graders | Tuition: $195
June 17th – June 21st
Stencyl: Programming Video Game Design | Rising 5th – 8th graders | Tuition: $195
Exploring Drawing and Printmaking | Rising 5th – 8th graders | Tuition: $230
3530 Lorna Road | Hoover | 205.682.8019 | aldridgegardens.com
June 3rd – June 28th | 5k – 5th Grade
June will be a full month long of excitement, entertainment and, of course, education at Aldridge Gardens. Whether your little campers like American Girls, Paper Circultry, Cool Art in the Gardens, Myth Busters, Engineering and Construction, STEAM Lab and more! We have something they’re sure to enjoy!
2531 Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 125 | Birmingham | www.actingoutacademy.com
June 17th – June 21st
The summer’s biggest and best on-camera training program is going to bigger than ever!
Kids will train all week with acting professionals from all over the country and end with a showcase for Talent Agents, Managers and Casting Directors. (Classes include: On-camera Acting, Improv with Second City, Voice Over, Commercial Acting, Hosting, Stunts and more!)
171 Baylor School Road | Chattanooga, TN | 423.267.8505 | CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Overnight Dates: June 17 – July 20
Sports Camps: Ages 8-13
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.
Enrichment Camps:
College Prep: Ages: 15-17 (or any student who has completed Algebra 2)
The Digital Design Experience Ages: 11-16
Science, Engineering, & Technology: Session 1 Ages rising 3rd – rising 5th grade | Session 2 Ages rising 5th – rising 9th grade
Outdoor Camps:
Cherokee National Forest Experience: Ages 12-15
Mountain Biking Experience: Ages 12-16
The Walkabout Experience: Ages 8-16
Special Interest Camps:
The Boarding School Experience: Ages 11-13
LEX/RED: Ages 12-16
This summer camp is unlike any we know of as it treats children to the joy and power of books, reading, authors and writing. Is your child the next famous writer? Does your child love books and reading? If so, this may be their dream camp.
Vestavia Hills Civic Center and Pelham Rec Center | bbgirlsstem.com
Beauty & Brains is a fun, creative, high energy, hands on summer camp and after school enrichment program for girls. Our program give girls the chance to explore and experiment with science, creative design, math, engineering and technology…all while having fun in a gender affirming environment. Our goal is to increase girls interest, understanding and participation in STEM related activities and careers.
2612 Lane Park Road | Birmingham | 205.414.3950 | bbgardens.org
June 3rd – August 2nd | Ages 4 – 6th Grade
Programs are designed to actively promote your child’s natural sense of creativity and discovery with fun learning experiences in the unmatched setting at Birmingham Botanical Gardens!
2130 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N | Birmingham | 205.458.8181 | www.bct123.org
Camp Dates: June and July | Ages 4 – 17
One of the nation’s oldest and largest professional theatre companies for young audiences, Birmingham Children’s Theatre produces high-quality, professional theatrical entertainment and curriculum-relevant arts education experiences for children and families.
1581 Montgomery Highway, Suite 109 | Birmingham | 205.823.4448 | https://www.fencingclub.org/
DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED | Ages 6-12
Summer Camps introduce students to the basics of fencing. You have lots of choices, selecting activities for your children, and we offer a unique opportunity. The sport of fencing is gaining popularity.
800 Old Towne Road | Birmingham | 205.969.8763 | birminghamschoolofmusic.com
Camp Dates: June 10th – 14th | June 17th – 21st | June 24th – June 28th | July 8th – July 12th |
July 15th -19th
Drum Set Camp, Guitar Camp, Rock ‘n Roll Band Camp, Musical Theater/Vocal Camp, Beginner Music Camp.
2630 Cahaba Road | Birmingham | 205.397.3877 | CLICK TO REGISTER NOW
June 3rd – August 2nd | Ages 4k – 5th grade and 6th – 12th Grade
Zoo camps are educational and encourage active learning through games, crafts, age-appropriate explorations, and special encounters with a variety of our 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!
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
133 West Oxmoor Road, Suite 203 | Homewood | 205.401.6485 | CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
June and July | Price Per Camp $100
Middle School Setter Camp: June 7th 9am – 12pm
High School Setter Camp: June 8th 10am – 1pm
Libero/DS 8th and 9th Grade: June 9th 1pm – 4pm
Rising 8th Grade All Skills Camp: June 14th 1pm – 4pm
Middle School Hitting: June 15th 10am – 1pm
JV/Varsity Hitting/Blocking: June 21st 9am – 12pm
Beginner 12 and Under: June 22nd 10am – 1pm
Freshman All Skills Camp: June 28th 9am – 12pm
Rising 7th Elite Camp: June 29th 10am – 1pm
Middle School 6th-8th grade All Skills: July 12th 9am – 12pm
DS/Libero 8th – 12th grade: July 13th 10am – 1pm
Middle School Setting 6th – 8th grade: July 19th 9am – 12pm
High School Setting 9th – 12th grade: July 20th 10am – 1pm
All Skills Rising 8th and 9th grade: July 26th 9am – 12pm
Middle School Hitting 6th – 8th grade: July 27th 10am – 1pm
500 Caldwell Mill Trace | Birmingham | 205.981.2720 | www.headoverheelsgyms.com
June 4th – July 31st | Ages 3- 14
Daily Themes, fantastic staff, creative crafts, circus arts and plenty of gymnastics
190 Woodward Drive | Indian Springs | 205.982.9720 | www.campindiansprings119.com
May 28th – July 26th | Ages 5 – 13
Camp Indian Springs is a summer day camp for kids ages 5-13 at Indian Springs School located on HWY 119. Campers will spend their summer engaged in on-campus activities including tennis, hiking, beach volleyball, gymnasium sports, outdoor sports, gardening and arts and crafts along with field trips such as bowling, movies, skating and more!
1116 26th Street S | Birmingham | 205.251.1228 | virginiasamfordtheatre.org/vststars/camp-vst
June 3rd – June 21st | Ages 7-17
Summer theatre intensive designed to give children the opportunity to explore all aspects of working in live theatre. Aciting, singing, dancing, stage makeup, improv, stage-combat and more.
1715 27th Court South | Homewood | 205.870.0073 | www.thedancefoundation.org
June 3rd – August 3rd
Summer Day Camps are led by by caring, enthusiastic professional staff in our studios in Downtown Homewood. Early drop-off option is available for full-day camps. All campers should bring a lunch each day. Snacks provided for full-day campers. All campers receive a T-shirt.
1616 Oxmoor Road | Birmingham | 205.870.0776 | www.exceptionalfoundation.org
June 3rd – July 26th | Ages 5 and up
Social and recreational activities for individuals with special needs. Campers will have the opportunity to do art, play sports and go on field trips.
Dates: June 3-14 / weekdays only from 10:00-3:00 location: UAB’s campus cost: $150 / full scholarships available age group: rising High School Freshmen – Seniors/ register online at urbanavenues.com
We all have our favorite stories and films, but what if you could learn the secrets to making your own? At Fish Camp Films, we’re sharing all the tips and tricks! Students will learn from filmmakers, photographers and professional storytellers as they create their own portfolio and experience the city through a new lens.
Through trainings based on both professional equipment and the cameras they always have with them —smartphones — campers will learn the techniques to artfully tell a story. With opportunities to capture the city and visit filmmakers on set, this is a great summer experience for students that love all things media.
Gross Out Camps | Various Locations around Birmingham | www.freshairfamily.org/gross-out-camp
May 28th – August 2nd
Hands-on field biology along with science experiments. Outdoor lessons in nature. Learning so much fun, they will never know it! Live animal shows, exploring in creek beds, exploring the woods, under rocks and digging for decomposers, and Roly Poly races.
4901 Old Leeds Road | Birmingham | 205.956.9731 | www.highlandsschool.org
June 3rd – July 26th (no camp 4th of July week) | Ages 4k – 8th grade
Art, sports, science and more.
4766 Hwy 280 | Birmingham | 205.981.9190 | www.highpointclimbing.com/birmingham
Build confidence, strength and teamwork skills withing the sport of rock climbing
100 Ben Chapman Dr | Hoover | 205.739.7364 | www.hoovermetcomplex.com
June 3rd – July 26th (no camps week of July 4th ) | Ages 5-13
Build the foundation for physical skills and teamwork with sports including, basketball, flag football, soccer, and volleyball
5509 Timber Hill Road | Birmingham | 205.995.8709 | www.jbma.education
June 3rd – July 26th | Ages Preschool and Elementary
Interactive and creative summer camps designed to engage children in meaningful and fun summer activities.
Oak Mountain State Park | Pelham | 877.4kidcam | www.kidcamcamp.com/2019
May 28th – August 2nd | Ages 5-13
Kidcam offers 10 weeks of summer fun with all the best activities offered at Oak Mountain State Park. Full summer and weekly camp sessions are available online now for registration. Purchase only the weeks you need and build your summer around you!
3960 Montclair Rd | Birmingham | 205.879.0411 | bhamjcc.org/summer-camp-2/
Camp LJCC offers day camps to the entire Birmingham community for kids entering grades K-8. We offer camps 11 weeks of summer and most importantly, our camp has a “camp a la carte” system that allows you to plan your summer exactly as you wish – sign up for one week or all eleven. You can mix and match weeks with Day Camp, specialty and/or sport camps.
Bluff Park | Cahaba Heights | Greystone | Mountain Brook | masonmusicstudios.com
Guitar, Piano, voice drum and violin lessons for all ages.
200 19th Street North | Birmingham | 205.714.8414 | www.mcwane.org
June 3rd – July 26 (no camps July 2nd – 6th) | PreK – 7th Grade
A week of fun and learning awaits your child at McWane Science Center Summer Camp.
All camps for students entering 1st through 7th grade will be full day camps. Pre-K-Kindergarten will be half day camps from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM.
1425 Montgomery Hwy Ste 115 | Vestavia Hills | 205.420.1054 | www.purefitnessllc.com
June 24 – 28 and July 15 – 19 | Ages 5-13
Stay fit and active over the summer. Learn new sports skills, work on mobility & flexibility and learn more about leading a healthy lifestyle.
3028 7th Ave S | Birmingham | 205.324.2424 | CLICK TO REGISTER NOW
Ages 4 – 18
RMTC camps teach theatrical craft while providing performance opportunities for youth. The curriculum includes vocal, dance, and drama training and culminates in a staged performance, where students perform for live audiences.
Summer Blast Students Students learn a repertoire of musical theatre songs and dances during a weeklong workshop, culminating in a performance for family and friends. This opportunity is open (non-auditioned) to interested students ages 7-12.
Playmaking: Ages 4- 7
Broadway Bootcamp: Ages 7-18
Blast Camps: Ages 7-12
Theme Camps: Ages 7-12
Active Intensive: Ages 10-14
Peter Pan Jr.: Ages 7-13
Getting to Know Footloose: Ages 13-18
1939 South Lakeshore Dr | Birmingham | 205.726.2739 | www.samford.edu/go/aota
Art Studio for Teens: Grades 6-8
Bulldog Art Camp: Grades 1-5
Music and Art for Minis: Ages 4-6
Adventures in Music: Grades 1-12
Writing Camps for Tweens and Teens: Ages 11-15
1939 South Lakeshore Drive | Birmingham | www.bulldogsoccercamp.com/day-camps.aspx
Boys & Girls Ages 4-13
Designed to develop young players technical skills through a series of fun yet challenging activities
Day Camp Session One : June 10-13, 2019
Day Camp Session Two : June 17-20, 2019
Register by 4/1 for a FREE CAMP BALL!
2969 Pelham Parkway Suites J-K | Pelham | 205.621.2128 | www.southcitytheatre.com/acting-up-summer-camp/
June 18th – 29 |Rising 1st – 12th grade students
Students will develop their actor’s tools of body, voice, and imagination through dancing, singing, and acting! Whether they are new to theatre or veterans of the stage, they will gain confidence and self-esteem as well as performance skills by working with our professional teaching artists.
106 A David Green Road | Birmingham | 205.690.1521 | www.stickandstrum.com/summer-camp-sign-up
June 18th – June 27th
Opening Act: NO EXPERIENCE, INSTRUMENTS, OR PRACTICE NECESSARY!
Try out Guitar, Drums, Piano, and Bass and in a BAND setting!
We’ll get you rocking in no time.
Headliners: Now that you know how to play an instrument, learn to play with a BAND!
Headliners Camp is for students that have some experience and basic skills on their instrument.
Not sure if you’re ready? Fill out the form and we’ll let you know!
3150 Overton Road | Birmingham | 205.262.2012 | https://villageryoga.com/workshops-series-and-events/kids-summer-camps/
Fit & fun, cool & calm, our summer camps are offered in-studio and at various locations around town. Through week-long camps, kids to find their inner and outer strength while being creative, expressing themselves and bonding with friends. Group exercises and games teach considerate peer interaction and leadership skills in a non-competitive environment. Each day, new yoga poses will be introduced around a theme and camp will include the thoughtful enjoyment of a healthy snack, group activity time, creative art project, mindful breathing, and visualization exercises and relaxation. We also offer specialty themed camps.
Spa Yoga Camps: for ages 5+
Growing through Yoga: for ages 4+
Super U Mini Sessions: for ages 4+
Yoga for the Youth Athlete: For ages 10 – 17 yrs
May 28th – August 2nd | Rising 1st – 8th Grade | https://www.ymcabham.org/summer-day-camp
There is no place like Y Day Camp. A home away from home where your children laugh, learn, explore and grow in the outdoors while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Kids discover not just the wonders of day camp but the joy of exploring their unique traits, talents and interests and the power of sharing their strengths and skills to benefit the group. That’s why more than 1900 kids in the Birmingham area attend the Y’s summer day camps – to belong, achieve and build relationships.
Get your beads & mask ready because Mardi Gras is coming back to the HAM! Join us as we celebrate Fat Tuesday BHM Style.
Admission $5
Proceeds Benefit the Global Scholars and Birmingham students.
Schedule
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
5:00pm – 6:00pm :: pre-party
6:00pm – 7:00pm :: parade Le Tour de Ham
7:30pm – 9:00pm :: bands featuring Chad Fisher
~Rain or Shine Event~
Food Specials
Cantina Tortilla Grill will have Cruzan Rum Distillery, St Croix, VI Hurricanes for $6.00 ; Jambalaya, Gumbo and Giveaways!
The Lumbar
~More Restaurant specials coming up soon!
Map and Parade Route to be announced
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!
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