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Partners in Kids Health: Safe Firearm Storage

Posted on by Angie

Firearms are now the leading cause of death among children in the United States. This alarming fact is why experts are encouraging families to learn as much as they can about securing firearms safely and away from children. According to Besmartforkids.org, every year, nearly 360 children in the United States under the age of 18 gain access to a firearm and unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else.

Children’s of Alabama recently partnered with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to discuss firearm safety and show families how to use one tool: Gun Locks.

Click on the video below for a demonstration of how to properly use gun locks.

 

Glow Wild is Back at the Birmingham Zoo!

Posted on by Angie

Birmingham Zoo’s Glow Wild is back and it’s one of the city’s top holiday events you won’t want to miss! From November through January, your favorite zoo transforms into a magical wonderland of light, featuring:

Larger-Than-Life Animal Lanterns – Marvel at the stunning, glowing animal displays around every corner.

Acrobatic Shows – Catch jaw-dropping performances at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. every night!

New Virtual Reality Experiences – Dive into exciting VR movies, perfect for kids and adults alike.

Red Diamond Express Train – All aboard for a festive ride through the glowing park!

Seasonal Food & Drinks – Warm up with delicious treats, including adult hot chocolate! 🍫

Plus, keep an eye out for special guests throughout the season.

Discount Nights: Save on select dates! Mark your calendar for savings on Nov. 22, 23, 24, and 27, as well as Jan. 17-20.

Pro Tip: Follow along on social media for updates on appearances and special events.

This is a can’t-miss experience for Birmingham families looking to make holiday memories!

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Zoo’s Website

 

 

Hyundai Hosts Child Safety Event with Children’s of Alabama

Posted on by Angie

Mark your calendars for an important community event focused on child safety. Hyundai Motor America and Children’s of Alabama are teaming up to offer a free car seat safety check, and you won’t want to miss it!

🗓 When: Sunday, November 10, from 1 to 5 p.m.

📍 Where: The Summit Birmingham, 214 Summit Blvd. (Look for the event space near the movie theater)

🚗 Why You Should Attend: Did you know that car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car seats save over 300 children under five each year. However, many parents are unknowingly using expired or improperly fitted car seats.

What to Expect:

  • Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be on-site to inspect your car seat for:
    • Expiration dates
    • Manufacturer recalls
    • Proper fit for your child
  • Free Car Seat Replacements: If your car seat doesn’t meet safety standards, you may qualify for a complimentary replacement (child must be present for inspection).

No Appointment Needed! This event is open to the public, and walk-ups are welcome. Just bring your little one and your car seat, and let the experts take care of the rest.

This is a fantastic opportunity to ensure your child’s car seat is safe and correctly installed, all while getting peace of mind before hitting the road. Spread the word to your mom friends, and let’s make sure every kid in Birmingham rides safely!

 

Rock and Roll Playhouse, Music of The Beatles

Posted on by Angie

A family concert series where kids and parents rock out to the classics, has announced their upcoming show in Birmingham this weekend to celebrate the music of The Beatles. Shows are all ages and fun for the whole family!

Rock and Roll Playhouse’s live concert series features games, movement, stories and allows kids to “move, play and sing while listening to works from the classic-rock canon,” said the New York Times.

Music of The Beatles & More for Kids
Sunday, November 10th
Show at 12:00pm
Saturn
200 41st Street South
Birmingham, AL, 35222

Purchase tickets here

77th Annual National Veterans Day parade

Posted on by Angie

The 77th Annual National Veterans Day Parade will take place on Monday, Nov. 11, at 1:00 p.m., following its traditional route through Downtown Birmingham. This year’s parade theme honors the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a pivotal moment in history.

“Each year, we aim to pay tribute to our nation’s Veterans who have made immense sacrifices for our freedom,” said Mark Ryan, president of the National Veterans Day Foundation. “We are excited to reach more Veterans than ever before, with live streaming services available for those who cannot attend in person.”

The parade will be live streamed to all Veterans Health Administrations (VA) in central and northern Alabama, ensuring that every Veteran can participate in this momentous celebration. The event will showcase a vibrant mix of Veterans service organizations, military units, and local supporters, featuring color guards, high school bands, drill teams, and veteran muscle car clubs. Hank the Tank, this year’s Riderless Horse, recently retired from Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. The Riderless Horse, a poignant custom dating back to the 12th century, powerfully symbolizes and honors fallen warriors, marked by backward boots in the stirrups.

For those unable to attend, the parade will also be broadcast live on nationalveteransday.org.The livestream begins when the parade reaches the viewing stand by City Hall, around 1:30p.m.

Birmingham’s Annual National Veterans Day Parade commemorates the national holiday officially signed into legislation by President Eisenhower in 1954, making it the longest-running parade of its kind in the nation. For more information, please visit nationalveteransday.org.

 

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS #22

Posted on by Angie

Join Bare Hands, Inc. in celebrating life at Día de los Muertos Número 22 presented by Rubio Law Firm on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 3 to 11 p.m. at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark!

Bare Hands, Inc.’s Día de los Muertos festival is one of the most intricate Day of the Dead celebrations in the Southeast. From massive art installations, music and dance performances and beautiful costumes, to a parade procession with puppets, homemade memorial altars (ofrendas) and food trucks, Día de los Muertos Número 22 will be an event you do not want to miss!

Gates open at 3 p.m. and attendees will see performances by Premier de America Mariachi, San Francisco Xavier Ballet Folklórico, Danza Azteca Xochipilli and Flama Hidalguense.

Tickets are on sale now for $15 in advance. Children 12 years of age and younger are admitted free. Prices will increase to $20 at the gate and online starting Nov. 2.

Tickets purchased in advance are only valid for their respective date. Pets and coolers are not permitted.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit their website

Oak Mountain State Fair Returns this Fall

Posted on by Angie

Corndogs, funnel cakes, cotton candy – oh my! The Oak Mountain State Fair is making its grand return this fall, bringing all the rides, food, and family-friendly fun you’ve been waiting for!

This year’s fair is packed with exciting attractions, tasty treats, and the best part? FREE parking every day! (Just a heads-up, the fair will be closed on Mondays) Kids 35″ and below get in free!

Mark your calendars and get ready for some unforgettable fall fun!

HOURS and ADMISSION:

Thursday, October 24
5:30PM until close
$10* admission
$30 Unlimited Ride Wristband

Friday, October 25
5:30PM until close
$10* admission
$35 Unlimited Ride Wristband

Saturday, October 26
1:00PM until close
$10* admission
$35 Unlimited Ride Wristband

Sunday, October 27
1:00PM until close
$10* admission
$35 Unlimited Ride Wristband

Tuesday, October 29 – Mommy Day!
Mom or Guardian buy one full price admission and receive the 2nd admission free!
Plus, receive a free ride wristband with the purchase of a child’s ride wristband.
(both must be present at the time of purchase)
5:30PM until close
$10* admission
$30 Unlimited Ride Wristband

Wednesday, October 30 – BOGO Day!
Buy one get one free on admission & ride wristbands!
(both persons must be present at the time of purchase)
5:30PM until close
$10* admission
$30 Unlimited Ride Wristband

Thursday, October 31 – Student Day!
Students receive $5.00 off admission & ride wristbands!
5:30PM until close
$10* admission
$30 Unlimited Ride Wristband

Friday, November 1
5:30PM until close
$10* admission
$35 Unlimited Ride Wristband

Saturday, November 2
1:00PM until close
$10* admission
$30 Unlimited Ride Wristband

Sunday, November 3
1:00PM until close
$10* admission
$30 Unlimited Ride Wristband

*Admission price does not include ride wristband or rides

Fall Fun for Families in Birmingham: 2024 Fall Guide

Posted on by Angie

Fall Fun for Families in Birmingham: Pumpkin Patches, Festivals, and More!

It’s finally fall, and we’re ready for all the best seasonal activities in Birmingham! Whether you’re looking for pumpkin patches, family-friendly festivals, football weekends, or cozy evenings by the firepit, this is the season we all love. There’s nothing like the crisp air, fall leaves, and new boots to get us excited for autumn adventures!

With so many fun things happening in and around Birmingham, it can be hard to keep track of it all. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you find the best fall events, festivals, and activities for families. From pumpkin patches to local fall festivals, we’ve got everything you need in one place to plan your perfect autumn day!

Birmingham Area Pumpkin Patch Guide

Fall Bucket List for Birmingham Families

Fall Festivals and Special Events

Fall Movies at Woodlawn Theatre

Oak Mountain State Fair

Trunk or Treat with the YMCA

Birmingham Area Witches Ride

Trick or Trunk or Treat in Birmingham 

Send Halloween Cards to Patients at Children’s of Alabama

Halloween Safety Tips for Families

Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing, fall colored sprinkles on a white plate

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing

Spooky Cinnamon Sugar Crisps

5 Creative Ways to Paint Pumpkins with Kids, No carving required

 

Thank you to the YMCA of Birmingham for sponsoring this activity guide. For information about their kids programs make sure to visit their website!

 

Halloween Safety Tips for a Spooky (But Safe!) Night Out

Posted on by Angie

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for our little ghouls and goblins, but it’s also a time to keep safety top of mind. With all the costumes, candy, and trick-or-treating, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun, but a few precautions can ensure your night is as safe as it is spooktacular!

1. Light Up the Night
Make sure your kiddos—and you—are easily seen while roaming the streets. Dimly lit areas, bulky costumes, and moving cars can be a dangerous mix. Equip your trick-or-treaters with flashlights, glow sticks, or reflective gear to help them stand out. If you’re putting together goody bags for a party, consider adding these items for extra safety. According to statistics, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween compared to any other day.
Bonus tip: Double-check that costumes are made of flame-retardant material, especially if you’re placing jack-o’-lanterns along your path!

2. Keep Costumes Safe and Secure
We love elaborate costumes, but they shouldn’t be a trip hazard! Make sure costumes fit properly, avoiding anything too long or too loose. The National Safety Council reports that falls are the leading cause of injury on Halloween, so let’s keep those little monsters upright!

3. Costume Accessories – Safety First!
Accessories can add the perfect finishing touch to a costume, but avoid anything sharp or real. No matter how cool a real sword might look with their costume, it’s a recipe for disaster. Opt for props made from cardboard or flexible materials to keep everyone safe—especially if they trip over a too-long cape!

4. Candy Inspection is a Must
You know the drill: Check all the candy before anyone digs in! Toss anything unwrapped, and if someone had the audacity to give out fruit, make sure it’s thoroughly washed and cut. And let’s be real, those orange and black-wrapped peanut butter candies? They should go straight in the trash on principle! When in doubt, throw it out.

For the Drivers Out There:
Even if you’re not trick-or-treating, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re behind the wheel:

Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs.
Be extra cautious when entering or exiting driveways and alleys.
Twilight and evening hours are especially risky—keep an eye out for kids in dark costumes.
Encourage new or inexperienced drivers to stay off the roads on Halloween night.

Wishing You a Spooky, Safe Halloween!
A little extra care can go a long way in making sure everyone has a fun and safe night. Happy Halloween!

 

Trick or Trunk or Treat in Birmingham This Halloween

Posted on by Angie

As Halloween approaches, families across Birmingham are gearing up for one of the season’s most beloved traditions: trunk or treat events! These community gatherings offer a safe and festive way for kids to collect candy while enjoying themed car displays and Halloween activities. Whether you’re looking for a spooky spectacle or a family-friendly atmosphere, Birmingham boasts a variety of trunk or treat spots that cater to all ages. Get ready to grab your costumes, and embark on a sweet adventure!

TRUNK OR TREATS IN BIRMINGHAM

Fall Frenzy

Join our Children’s Ministry on Wednesday, October 16 for a meal and an evening of interactive fall stations/activities!
When: Wednesday, October 16th | Starts at 6:30pm
Where: Homewood Church of Christ

Trussville YMCA

When: Saturday, October 19th | 3pm – 5pm
Where: Trussville YMCA

Haunt the Hills

Trick-or-Treat on the Grand Lawn with local businesses from 4:00-6:00 pm!
When: Saturday, October 19th | 4:30pm – 6:00pm
Where: Wald Park

Fall Family Festival

When: Saturday, October 19 | Starts at 4:00pm
Where: Brewster Road Community Church
1661 Brewster Rd, Birmingham, AL 35235, USA

The Church at Old Town Helena

When: Sunday, October 20th | 3pm – 6pm
Where: The Church at Old Town Helena

Asbury United Methodist

Get ready for a fa-boo-lous time at Asbury’s Trunk or Treat! Whether you’re a ghost, goblin, superhero, princess, you name it, all are welcome to join us for a night of family-friendly Halloween fun. Admission is free and everyone is welcome!
When: Sunday, October 20th | 4pm – 6pm
Where: Asbury United Methodist Church

Alabaster YMCA

When: Thursday, October 24th | 5:30pm – 7:30 pm
Where: Alabaster YMCA

Trunk or Treat Downtown Calera

When: Thursday, October 24th | 6pm – 8pm
Where: Calera Courtyard located at 1120 17th Avenue

Alabaster Fall Festival

Trick or treat trail, Live music, arts and crafts, food vendors, pumpkin hunt, inflatables and more!
When: Saturday, October 26th | 10am – 3pm
Where: Larry Simmons Stadium

Hoover YMCA  Trunk or Treat

Address: 2250 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover AL 35244
Date and time: Saturday, October 26 from 11AM – 1PM
Details: Kids and adults alike will love our themed vehicles.
Free and open to the public

Shades Valley YMCA

Put your costumes on, bring your family and join us for some Halloween fun! Free and open to the public.
When: Saturday, October 26th |3:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Shades Valley YMCA

Deerfoot Church of Christ

When: Saturday, October 26th | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Where: Deerfoot Church of Christ

Christian Life Fellowship Trunk or Treat & Fall festival

When: Saturday, October 26th | 4:30pm – 8:00pm
Where: Christian Life Fellowship Calera

Bluff Park UMC Community Trunk or Treat

When: Sunday, October 27th | 3:00pm – 5:00 pm
Where: 733 Street, Hoover AL

Woodlawn Community Trunk or Treat

When: Sunday, October 27th | 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Where: The municipal parking lot at 55th Place and 1st Ave South

Faith Church Midfield

When: Sunday, October 27th | Starts at 4:00pm – 6:00 pm
Where: 910 9th Street, Midfield, AL

Church at Brook Hills

When: Sunday, October 27th | 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: The Church at Brookhills

Vestavia Methodist Church

When: Wednesday, October 30th | 6:00pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Vestavia Methodist parking lot

TRICK OR TREAT AT LOCAL LIBRARIES

 

Birmingham Public Central Library

Join us for Halloween fun with spooky crafts, games, and candy for all ages.

When: Thursday, October 31st | 9am – 6pm
Where: Birmingham Public Library

Homewood Public Library (Trunk or Treat)

When: Sunday, October 20th | 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Homewood Public Library

Hoover Library

When: Thursday, October 31st | 9:00am – 9:00pm
Where: Hoover Public Library

Trussville Library

When: Thursday, October 31st | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: Trussville Public Library

ADDITIONAL TRICK OR TREATS

Spookatular Trick or Treat with the Lakeshore Foundation

Free and accessible trick or treating. Calling all ghosts and goblins!

Birmingham Zoo’s Hoots and Howls

Calling all ghouls and goblins, it’s almost time to trick-or-treat around the Zoo at the annual Hoots & Howls events! We have kept your favorite activities and added several others this year, so get ready for a fun day in costumes.

When: October 12-13, 19-20, & 26-27 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Where: The Birmingham Zoo

The Summit Shopping Center

When: Sunday, October 20th | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: The shops at The Summit

Vulcan’s Spooktacular

Get ready for a spooktacular time at Vulcan Park & Museum’s family-friendly Halloween bash! An evening filled with spooky fun for all ages
When: Thursday, October 31,6:00 PM to 8:00 PM .
Where: Vulcan Park and Museum

More Info & Purchase tickets > https://visitvulcan.com/event/vulcans-spooktacular/

 

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