Halloween is all about treats, and you can help the patients at Children’s of Alabama celebrate by sending them a card.
The annual Halloween greeting card drive begins Oct. 14 and runs through Oct. 30. Visit https://mailchi.mp/childrensal.org/halloween and select one of three card designs. Hospital staff will print and distribute the cards to patients on Thursday, Oct. 31.
Children’s can’t accept in-person gift donations, food/candy, stuffed animals, toys that depict violence, religious items, crotched knit items, and gently used or homemade items on behalf of patients.
For more information about donations to patients at Children’s, click here.
Pumpkin carving may be a classic Halloween tradition, but for those of us with younger kids, it can quickly become a sticky, gooey nightmare. Pumpkin guts end up everywhere—on the floor, the table, the ceiling, and even in your kids’ hair! And don’t get me started on the smell of a rotting pumpkin sitting too long on the porch. 😬
This year, why not skip the mess and the carving knives and opt for pumpkin painting instead? It’s fun, easy, and best of all—mess-free and stink-free! Your kids will love getting creative, and you’ll love not finding pumpkin seeds in your sofa cushions.
Here are 5 creative, mess-free ways to paint pumpkins with your little ones:
1. Classic Paint and Brush
Grab some washable paint and let your kids’ imaginations run wild! Cover your workspace with newspaper, give them a variety of paintbrushes, and let them design their pumpkins however they like. Want to kick it up a notch? Add glitter, glow-in-the-dark paint, or metallic accents for an extra festive look.
Pro Tip: Use washable paint for easy cleanup if things get a little too creative!
2. Crayon Melting Magic
For a no-carve option with a wow-factor, try melted crayon pumpkins. Line up broken crayons around the stem of the pumpkin and use a hairdryer to melt them. The crayons will drip down, creating a colorful, melted rainbow effect. This one is as mesmerizing to watch as it is fun to do!
Pro Tip: Place the pumpkin on an old tray or newspaper for easy cleanup.
3. Nail Polish Pumpkins
Perfect for toddlers or little ones who love to get into Mom’s makeup drawer! 💅 Hand over some inexpensive nail polish and let them paint their pumpkins with fun colors and designs. This is especially great for the tiny pumpkins. You’ll be surprised at how much they love it—and you’ll have some seriously stylish pumpkins to show off.
Pro Tip: Keep nail polish remover handy, just in case it ends up on hands instead of pumpkins.
4. Marble Pumpkin Magic
Create stunning marbled pumpkins using nail polish! You’ll need a bowl of water, a few colors of polish, and some small pumpkins. Pour the polish into the water, then dip the pumpkin in. The polish will cling to the surface and create a beautiful marbled design. It’s easy, and the results are amazing!
Pro Tip: This is a great science lesson on how oil-based substances float, but we’ll save that for another day!
5. Splatter-Paint Pumpkins
For a fun outdoor activity, fill squirt bottles with different paint colors and let the kids go wild splattering the pumpkins! The result? A funky, abstract pumpkin masterpiece that looks like it belongs in an art gallery.
Pro Tip: Definitely do this one outside to keep the splatters from hitting your walls!
Skip the carving mess this Halloween and opt for these fun and easy pumpkin painting ideas with your kids. Not only will you avoid the chaos, but you’ll end up with some one-of-a-kind pumpkin creations that are sure to impress! Happy painting!
Join Fresh Air Family as they dig into the past at the Stephen C. Minkin Paleozoic Footprint Site. This fossil hunt, led by experts from the Alabama Paleontological Society (APS) at the former Union Chapel Coal Mine, promises no one goes home empty handed.
This site is considered one of the top three Coal-Age fossil sites in the world. It took an Act of Congress to preserve Union Chapel Mine’s hundreds of fossils recording an ancient swamp and sea shore. It’s the only place in the world with a complete fossil record of an ancient horseshoe crab. It has been visited by scientists from around the world ever since. The site is owned by the State of Alabama and you have to get special permission to hunt for fossils here. This event is led by paleontologist. Everyone leaves with a fossil! The terrain is a bit rugged, but fossils lay all around. Children as young as five have found museum-quality pieces. Register here: https://www.freshairfamily.org/fossil-hunt
Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween with the Birmingham YMCA! We’ve put together a list of all the Trunk or Treat events happening at YMCA locations across the Birmingham area. These family-friendly events are perfect for kids of all ages, offering a safe and fun environment for trick-or-treating. Plus, if you’re not a member yet, we’ve got a special offer just for our Birmingham Mommy readers! Join by October 31st and pay $0 Activation Fee (a $99 savings!) with code FALLNOAF2024 at checkout. Don’t miss out on this festive fun and exclusive deal—read on to find an event near you!
Pelham YMCA Ghouls at the Pool
Address: 2610 Pelham Parkway, Pelham AL 35124
Date and time: Friday, Oct 11 from 6:00-9:00pm
Details: Free event! Join us for a spooky night of fun! Come a take your last “plunge” into the pool of no return. We will have games, prizes, crafts, food, pool games and of course a spooky movie. Open to the community, but non-members should arrive a few minutes early to complete a guest waiver.
Trussville YMCA Trunk or Treat
Address: 5920 Valley Road, Trussville, AL 35173
Date and time: Saturday, October 19 from 3:00-5:00pm
Details: This candy and music filled event is presented by the Y and Bham Martial Arts Academy. Enjoy a moon walk, candy, music, face painting, arts & crafts and more!
Free and open to the public.
Greystone YMCA Fall Festival
Address: 5414 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35242
Date and time: October 26, 5pm-7pm
Details: Open to the community!
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
Address: 3551 Montgomery Highway, Homewood AL 35209
Date and time: Saturday, October 26 from 3-5pm
Details: All the treats you can handle + trunk decorating contests, face painting, games and more! Open to all!
Alabaster YMCA Trunk or Treat
Address: 117 Plaza Circle, Alabaster, AL 35007
Date and time: Tuesday October 29 from 5:30-7:30pm
Details: Food trucks, chili cookoff, “haunted” bus, face painting, bounce house and slide, family-friendly games and more!
Free and open to the public
Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1, Children’s of Alabama will implement its seasonal visitation policy for its in-patient units. This change will protect patients, staff, visitors, and the community from the potential spread of illness during respiratory season.
Beginning Tuesday, visitors must be at least 13 years of age and symptom-free.
Visitors should not come to the hospital if they are experiencing any of the following:
Fever in the last 24 hours
Runny nose
Cough
Sore throat
Exposure to anyone with flu-like symptoms
Masks are recommended but not required. However, masks may be necessary in some patient care areas.
With a few exceptions, Children’s allows visitation daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. All visitors must register and wear hospital-issued identification before visiting any area. Clergy/spiritual care providers may visit at the discretion of patients/families.
For more information about the visitation policy, click here.
Looking for the best pumpkin patches in Birmingham this fall? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve, a fun family outing, or just want to soak up some autumn vibes, our list of Birmingham-area pumpkin patches has everything you need. From hayrides to corn mazes, and photo ops to seasonal treats, these local spots are a must-visit for families. Explore the top pumpkin patches near Birmingham and make unforgettable fall memories with your kids this season!
BIRMINGHAM AREA PUMPKIN PATCHES FALL 2024
boy picks pumpkin at the farmers market. The person in motion, defocused. Copy space
Old Baker Farm
Location: Harpersville just off Hwy 280
September 28th – October 31st
Open weekdays 3pm – 5pm
Saturdays 9am – 5pm
Sundays 1pm – 5pm
ADMISSION COST:
$13 per person (children 1 and under free)
Cowboy Day – Saturday October 12th, 9am – 5pm and Sunday, October 12th, 1pm -5pm.
Columbus Day – October 14th, Open 9am – 5pm
American History Weekend – Saturday, October 19th 9am – 5pm and Sunday, October 20th 1pm – 5pm
Festival Weekend – Saturday October 26th and Sunday the 27th 9am – 5pm both days
Great Pumpkin Patch
Location: Hayden – 65 North to the Hayden Corner Exit.
September 28th – November 3rd
Open Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm,
Friday and Saturday 8am – 6pm,
Sunday 1pm – 6pm.
Location: 7182 County Road 703 | Cullman, AL 35055
September 28th – November 2nd
Visit 4D Farm this fall and experience a day of family fun and yummy food! Located in Cullman… just a short county drive from Birmingham and Huntsville!
Helena Hollow
Location: 6027 Hwy 17 Helena
Weekends in October
Friday 9am – 5pm,
Saturdays and Sundays 10am – 6pm (*Sunday October 30th will close at 4pm)
Hayrides, a tire mountain, rope climbs and tire swings, hay maze and obstacles, petting zoo access, land slides, corn barn and silo playhouses.
Location: West Blockton, AL
Opening weekend for pumpkin season October, 5th
Saturdays 10am – 6pm
Sundays 12pm – 6pm
General Admission $10 per person, ages 2 and under are free
Admission includes: 1 pumpkin per paid admission, animal farm, bouncy houses, corn maze, hay ride, slides, swings, hay mountain and much more!
Penton Farms
Location: 3595 County Road 59, Verbena
September 28th – November 2nd
Open Monday – Friday 1pm – 6pm
Saturday – 9am – 6pm
Admission: $14.00 for 2 years old and up.
*The admission includes access to almost all activities as well as one pumpkin from the field.*
Wagon rides, corn maze, animal barn, cow train, super slide, hay mountain, concessions and more!
More Options for Pumpkins:
Simms Garden is Homewood
Location: 908 Highland Road & 913 Irving Road in Homewood, AL
Located in the Edgewood Neighborhood in Homewood, this garden offers a variety for every pumpkin patch goer. Whether it is small and unique-looking pumpkins and gourds, a traditional big pumpkin for carving, or some mums to complete your front porch decor you will find pumpkins from five to 50 pounds.
Get ready for some spooktacular fun as our Birmingham Area witches take to the streets for their annual ride! Decked out in sparkling robes and playful costumes, these witches will light up the evening as they soar through the neighborhood, tossing candy along the way.
Here’s where you can catch a ride—whether you’re joining the witches or just there to gather the goodies!
Trussville Witches Ride:
Meet us at Cahaba elementary to begin the ride through town, ending at Ferus in the TED! Join us for the after-party!
Saturday, October 19th
5pm More Info
Cahaba Heights Witches Ride:
A day of fun and witchy business as we ride through Cahaba Heights to support a great cause, Children’s Hospital of Alabama.
Saturday, October 26th
4pm More Info
Homewood Witches Ride:
This year, HWR is partnering with the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB!
Sunday, October 27th
Homewood Central Park
5:45pm More Info
Bluff Park Witches Ride:
Get your best witchy attire to fly (ride) through the streets of Bluff Park. Pack plenty of candy for all the little goblins to enjoy. And join us for an after party at The Electric. All to benefit The WellHouse.
Sunday, October 27th
Shades Cliff Park
4:30pm More Info
Star Lake Witches Ride:
SAVE THE DATE for Green Valley’s most fun event of the year! The Star Lake Witches Ride.
Witches ride on bikes, brooms and golf carts tossing out candy to children!
Sunday, October 27th
5:45pm
These Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are so simple and are sure to be a hit this season at any of your Halloween parties and play dates. -Here’s what you need and what you’ll do!
-Peanut butter cookies (store bought is totally ok but feel free to make them homemade, I’m all about a lazy Moms guide to these treats)
-Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups
-Writing icing or semi sweet melting chocolate
-Candy eye balls (if you’re not putting these on everything this time of year, you’re missing out) 👀
What you’ll do:
-Use the writing icing or melt the melting chocolate and use that as your “glue” to hold a Reese’s cup to the center of the top of your cookie.
-Use the writing icing( or melted chocolate in a piping bag) to draw on 8 legs, 4 on each side.
-Finish up by using the writing icing or melted chocolate to “glue” on your candy eyes.
Much like the Christmas decor at your favorite store, the Pumpkin Flavored goodies seem to make their way to the shelves and coffee shops earlier and earlier every year. If you’re looking for an excuse to get in on the pumpkin flavored action at home, try these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing.
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
Yield: 24 Cookies
Ingredients:
For the Cookies
1 cup butter flavored shortening
1 cup unsalted butter; softened
2 cups white sugar
2 cups canned pumpkin (solid; not pie mix)
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cream Cheese Icing
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (extract will also work)
2 tablespoons milk
Directions:
For the Cookies
1. Cream shortening, butter, white sugar and pumpkin. Add eggs and mix well.
2. Sift together the baking soda, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, salt and flour. Add to pumpkin mixture and mix well.
3. Drop from spoon to cookie sheet. Bake 13-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
For the Cream Cheese Icing
1. Mix the cream cheese with the butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl.
2. Heat in a microwave for 15 seconds.
3. Drizzle spoonfuls over the cooled cookies and smooth with the back of a spoon or a spatula.
Come fall, swim lessons might not be top of mind for parents. But according to the YMCA of Greater Birmingham, fall and winter are the perfect time to prioritize swim lessons. Here’s 6 reasons why there is never an “off-season” for swim lessons at the YMCA:
Accidents happen all year long: The world is more than 70% water and kids are 100% curious. While warmer weather presents a higher likelihood of kids being near pools, lakes and oceans, water emergencies still occur in colder months. Swim lessons are an invaluable resource in teaching young swimmers to respect the water, and what to do should they fall in or find themselves in a water emergency.
Confidence: The YMCA teaches lessons to swimmers of all ages and abilities. Lessons are taught by Red Cross certified instructors who meet their participants where they are. It’s not uncommon to see children unwilling to get their heads wet, progress into confident swimmers at the YMCA. Every child has a different comfort levels and strengths, and the Y has various lessons to fit those unique needs!
Planning ahead: For many families, swim lessons are top of mind in the spring and summer, but are less of a priority in colder months. But YMCA swim experts advise that the colder season is a great time to learn to swim or brush up on skills. It’s better to be prepared for winter vacations to warmer locations, and enter the summer months well-practiced. While spring and summer lessons are likely to fill quickly, families have more options in the colder months when the demand isn’t so high.
Health benefits: Swimming is great exercise for kids, teens and adults of all ages. It boosts cardiovascular health, muscle strength and creates a healthy outlet for stress. At the Y, members can swim year around, enjoying indoor or heated covered pools at all 7 area locations (Alabaster, Greystone, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Shades Valley – Homewood, and Trussville)!
Brighter Futures: The YMCA aligns with YMCA of the USA’s Aquatic Pathways curriculum, a robust lineup of offerings that encourages a love for the water long after initial swim lessons. For example, those craving competition can progress to swim team for kids and Masters Swim for adults. The Y also offers specialized programs for young teens considering a job as a lifeguard. Speaking of young teens … 7th graders can join the Y for absolutely free! And when the time comes, the Y trains and certifies lifeguards at no cost. Other offerings include homeschool swim, endurance training, Polar Bear Club and swim camp!
Like all YMCA programs (membership, sports, afterschool, camp, etc) the Y offers financial assistance for swim lessons. If you’re on a tight budget, apply via the Y’s simple and confidential online financial assistance form. All levels of need are considered! And if you’re not a member, you’re missing out! YMCA members enjoy deeply discounted swim lessons (paying 50% less than the general public.) Similar discounts apply to other programs such as Summer Day Camp, Youth Sports, Afterschool Care, and most youth/teen classes!
Much like the Christmas decor at your favorite store, the Pumpkin Flavored goodies seem to make their way to the shelves and coffee shops earlier and earlier every year. If you’re looking for an excuse to get in on the pumpkin flavored action at home, try these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing.
