What do school and the sun have in common? They are both out for the next couple of months! It’s a joyful time for families across the city as kids and their parents have entire days that they can spend together - and there are a lot of fun programs for kids to enjoy while their parents are at work as well. Birmingham is no slouch when it comes to summer entertainment. Dozens of adventures, cool treats, and lifelong memories are all around us. Here are a few ideas that your family needs to check out this year.
Educational Fun
The world is full of wonder, especially through the eyes of a child. It’s entertaining for the whole family to learn more about the planet we live on and the people and art that call it home. The McWane Science Center is one of Birmingham’s most famous ways to do exactly that. There are all sorts of fun exhibits and activities - and the IMAX Dome Theater is always a bonus! They are currently showing films on the Serengeti and the Arctic in addition to popular theatrical releases. If you want to get outdoors, why not go hang out with a bald eagle at Oak Mountain State Park? You can learn more about our state’s flying creatures at the Alabama Wildlife Center’s bird sanctuary and stop by the Interpretive Center to learn more about Alabama’s ecosystem. The Vulcan, Negro Southern League Museum, and Birmingham Museum of Art are other educational experiences in the Downtown area that make for a nice day out.
Water Adventures
It was a relatively cool May in Alabama but it’s sure to get hot, hot, hot real soon. Two things are our best friends when the humidity truly gets here - shade and water. There are plenty of great spots to have fun while enjoying the coolness of a little H2O. Splash Adventure is an easy day out for the whole family - especially with all-summer deals like free tubes and free soft drinks. The Old Slab in Helena is a natural water hangout spot that is low enough for the whole family to enjoy. We will always be advocates of the DIY slip n slide that can be done on any stretch of grass. All you need is a tarp, water, and some soap (buy some pool inflatables to ride on for added fun).
Cool Sweets
Another great way to cool down is with some cold sweets or drinks. Some of my fondest memories growing up was enjoying Bruster’s on Caldwell Mill on a warm summer evening. That Bruster's is still a great summer option along with city favorites like Big Spoon, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Neighbors, and La Sabrosita.
Root for the Home Team
As The Lonely Island famously sang, “We like sports and we don’t care who knows” - and Birmingham has some fun games to take in during the summer months. The Birmingham Legion have multiple home games lined up, including another MLS matchup with Miami Inter. The Stallions are wrapping up their home season, but there is still time to catch a USFL game on June 3. And the Barons are still one of the most fun summer experiences to be had in the Magic City.
The sun is out and it’s time to have fun! It’s a choose your own adventure setting but every path leads to a good time.
Cover image from Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure
