Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun – February 8th – February 10th

Posted on Friday, February 8, 2019 by Angie

Here are our top picks for Weekend fun around the Magic City

Marvel Universe Live! BJCC LEgacy Arena

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

World of Wheels BJCC

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

Friday Night Fort Night at Emmet O’ Neal Library

Fortnite tournament, fortnite favorite dance off, pizza, and amazing prizes. Grades 6-9

Friday, 6pm – 8pm

Storytime and Activities Featuring All You Need is Love – Barnes and Noble Summit

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

Music with Ms. Meg at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center

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

Great Backyard Bird Count

Posted on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 by Angie

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.

15th Annual Chili Cook-Off

Posted on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 by Angie

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

Click Here to purchase

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.

Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun February 1st – 3rd

Posted on Thursday, January 31, 2019 by Angie

Tops picks for weekend fun in the Magic City!

National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day – Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe

Celebrate national ice cream for breakfast day with our delicious homemade Belgian waffle ice cream sundaes!

Saturday, 8am – 10:30am

Groundhog Day with a Twist at the Birmingham Zoo

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

BCFA Chinese New Year Festival at Boutwell Auditorium

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

Beaker Bash: Carnivale at McWane Science Center

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.

Birmingham Bulls Hockey at Pelham Civic Complex

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

Big Machines Day at McWane Science Center

Posted on Thursday, January 31, 2019 by Angie

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

Summer Camp Options at Red Mountain Theatre Company

Posted on Thursday, January 31, 2019 by Angie

Red Mountain Theatre Company offers a variety of summer camps that teach theatrical craft while providing performance opportunities for youth. Our camps include singing, dancing, and acting instruction that culminates in a chance to share what students have learned during the week.

RMTC camps give students an opportunity to not only reach their full potential creatively, but also further the development of their life skills. We create an environment that is safe, challenging, and most of all fun. Students will work closely with phenomenal instructors as well as collaborate and engage with their peers to generate a new found sense of self-identity and memories that will last forever.

Broadway Bootcamp provides a buffet of creative opportunities. Students will walk through the doors of Berry Middle School to the sound of show tunes with a spirituous and encouraging atmosphere not very different from that of a pep rally or a pop concert. It will be a rotation of workshops that will touch base on the disciplines of singing, dancing, and acting. A student will work as an ensemble member, but also receive hands-on, individual instruction. Broadway Bootcamp will culminate with a tremendous showcase that will highlight what the students have learned during their time, show-stopping numbers, and overall entertain friends and family.

For more information and our full list of camps visit redmountaintheatre.org/ education.

Partners in Kids Health: Bullying

Posted on Thursday, January 31, 2019 by Angie

It’s estimated about two out of ten children get bullied. Bullying is defined as an unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. It can cause lasting issues for both the victims and the bullies themselves.

Dan Marullo, PhD is a child psychologist at Children’s of Alabama. He says it’s important for parents to be in tune with what is going on in their child’s life so they can help recognize when a child is being bullied versus when they’re dealing with regular conflict.

Marullo identifies four different types of bullying:

Physical aggression
Cyberbullying
Social bullying
Verbal bullying

While physical aggression is a type of bullying most adults think of, Marullo says cyberbullying is becoming much more prevalent through phones and social media. Social bullying involves isolating children and excluding them from certain activities. Verbal bullying is more emotional and involves name calling or continuous teasing.

How should a parent respond if they believe their child is the victim of bullying? Marullo says it all depends on the circumstances. “You want to teach your children how to cope and deal with conflict,” he says. “But you also want to protect your child if there’s a need to step in, certainly if it’s systematic or physical.”

“So when does it get to be a problem?” Marullo asks. “Anytime you see a systematic behavior, then it’s a problem. Certainly, if you’re seeing an ongoing issue and signs of struggle,” he says. Signs of bullying can include:

Change in sleep habits
Change in appetite
Change in behavior
Withdrawal from activities they enjoy

While physical bullying can be especially alarming to a parent, it’s important not to overlook the pain that emotional bullying can cause. Marullo says constant teasing and exclusion can be very painful for a child and parents may need to take steps to ensure the school is aware of the situation.

He also recommends parents help their child build self-esteem. “Make sure your child is in an environment they can feel good about to build their self-esteem in a real way,” he says. “Being engaged in things that are meaningful for the child and the family are important like church, sports, or the arts.”

Parents can play an important role in helping their child navigate conflict. Provide a listening ear to hear about their day, but also encourage children to talk about the positive things that are happening in their life. If a parent has concerns, they can always talk to their pediatrician or a child psychologist for additional help.

A Super Bowl Party the kids AND grown ups will enjoy!

Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 by Angie

With a little bit of planning, you can host an awesome yet family-friendly Super Bowl party this year. Take the stress out of prepping by using these low-prep and yummy ideas!

Taco & Nacho Bar- People LOVE this! Load up your Crockpot with some ground beef, chicken, or pork, and let it cook all day. Then have a spread of great toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, jalapeños, salsas, sour cream, etc. It looks great and people love making their own creation.

Hot dog Bar- Grill a bunch of hot dogs, maybe even some sausages. You can use a crockpot to keep them warm. Make regional topping stations. Chicago- dill pickles, cucumbers, diced onion, sweet relish, pickled peppers, etc. New York- spicy brown mustard and sour kraut. Cincinnati style- chili, cheese, mustard, onion.

One of my favorite and easiest meals is also a great idea for a Super Bowl party. Crockpot BBQ sandwiches are easy and delicious.

You simply place the following into a crockpot:

4-5 chicken breasts, boneless/skinless
1/3 cup Italian dressing
3/4 c. of your favorite BBQ sauce
Let it cook for 6 hours on low, then use 2 forks to shred the meat. (Pork and beef work well too.) Use small dinner rolls or sweet Hawaiian rolls to make mini-sandwiches. You can also place a small pat of slaw on top.

My favorite slaw is Greek Slaw:

1 bag of cole slaw mix
1/2 c. feta cheese
1/2 c. Greek Dressing (Ken’s is great)
Mix it all up, you’re done! It’s delicious by itself or on top of the BBQ sandwich.

Need a fast dip? This is the easiest twist on a dip ever! Add 1/2 c. salsa to 4 oz. softened cream cheese, add a dash of ground red pepper. Mix and serve with chips.

Spring Zoo Camps Birmingham Zoo

Posted on Monday, January 28, 2019 by Angie

The Birmingham Zoo has some great camps coming up to keep the kiddos busy, registration is open now!

KID’S DAY OUT CAMP is just around the corner on FEBRUARY 18 for their President’s Day Camp!
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Register your child for this amazing hands-on learning camp! Kids will have a blast with ‘zoo-learning’ science, nature play and conservation! All Camps are scheduled from 8:30a-3:30p.
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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!

SPRING BREAK CAMP is just coming up from MARCH 25-29 at the Birmingham Zoo!
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Register your child for this amazing hands-on learning camp! Kids will have a blast with ‘zoo-learning’ science, nature play and conservation! All Camps are scheduled from 8:30a-3:30p.
.
Our 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!

14 Days of Love for Valentines Day

Posted on Monday, January 28, 2019 by Angie

Here’s a super simple way to celebrate Valentines with your kiddos this year. Simple little love notes taped to their doors each night after they’re asleep will give them something to look forward to leading up to the big Day O Love…

These can be something you cut out of construction paper if you already have it on hand or, I picked these up in the $ Spot at Target.

They come in a pack of 16, so you’re covered if you start on February 1 and do one each day. You even have enough to have one say “Things I Love About You.” On each heart write something you love about your child, these can be simple or you can get detailed, totally up to you!

More examples:

I love that you are a GREAT big sister/brother

I love how much you care for others

I love how you always make me laugh/smile

I love how creative you are

Use their bedroom door or a good wall they can see first thing in the morning. I have 3 daughters and plan to do a mix of hearts that include things I love about them all, and some specific to each of them along the hallway between their rooms.

No matter how you do it, your kiddos are sure to feel special and loved! ❤️