School is out, and summer is in session! Help your elementary-aged children enjoy their freedom for the summer, while also making family memories in Birmingham that will last a lifetime. So we’ve put together a list of the top summer activities for kids in Birmingham to keep your little (and big!) ones busy all summer long!
1. Active Gaming
Active gaming is a great way to get your video-game-loving kids to engage in family fun. Activate in Vestavia offers one of a kind active gaming challenges that are enjoyable for many ages!
2. Arcades
If your kids love games, visit a local arcade! You can even have a nostalgic moment at the skee ball game or air hockey table. Hooligan’s in Alabaster and Dave and Buster’s in Hoover have games for all ages. The two Chuck E Cheese locations in Vestavia and Inverness are perfect for younger family members. Spare Time in Trussville, Bowlero in the Riverview area, and Fun Time Skate Center in Fultondale also have arcades.
3. Birmingham Barons
A Birmingham Barons baseball game is a classic summer to-do list item. This year, Barons Baseball has special promotions that are making baseball more fun than ever- from jersey give-aways and fireworks to Star Wars and Frozen themed nights!
4. Birmingham Zoo
This year, the Birmingham Zoo is celebrating 70 years of animal conservation. With approximately 550 animals of 180 species and endangered species from 6 continents, the Birmingham Zoo is a favorite of many Birmingham families. Other than the amazing animals, my children never want to miss the splash pad, train ride, and opportunities to feed the lorikeets and giraffes. New zoo residents include Baxter and Boomer, two 7 year old bobcats, and Spruce and Juniper, cougar cubs that your youngsters will love. Pack your zoo bag with sunscreen, hats, water, snacks, swimsuits for the splash pad, towels, and a bag for wet swimwear.
5. Bowling
Bowling is a timeless sport that can be enjoyed by family members of all ages and experience levels, even if you need to have assistance from bumpers. Sparetime in Trussville, Bowlero, and Vestavia Bowl are all great places to earn a strike.
6. Cook Museum of Natural Science
The Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur provides indoor hands-on experiences that children of all ages will love. Their live animals and interactive exhibits will teach your nature-loving little one more about the world around them.
7. Ice Skating
The Pelham Civic Complex has an indoor ice skating rink and offers public skating hours, as well as ice skating and hockey lessons and teams. Before you go, check their website for public skating times. You can rent ice skates, as well as “seals” to help your littlest ones feel more comfortable on the ice.
8. Indoor Go Carts
If your kids have a need for speed, K1 Speed in Bessemer and Urban Air in Homewood have indoor go cart tracks that would be great for them.
9. Laser Tag
Laser tag can be fun for the whole family. Spare Time Trussville and Trussville Play Station have laser tag arenas that your children will love.
10. Let’s play
Let’s Play is a huge indoor playground that most elementary-aged children will enjoy. They have locations in Hoover and 280.
11. Libraries
We are fortunate to have amazing libraries nearby. Both Jefferson and Shelby County libraries not only keep a huge selection of children’s books, but they also have fun and educational events for all ages as part of their summer programs. We’ve linked the events calendars for all of the libraries in our area below.
Jefferson County
- Birmingham Public Library
- Center Point Public Library
- Clay Public Library
- Homewood Public Library
- Hoover Public Library
- Irondale Public Library
- Leeds Jane Culbreth Library
- Mountain Brook – O’Neal Library
- Pinson Public Library
- Pleasant Grove Public Library
- Trussville Public Library
- Vestavia Hills Public Library
Shelby County
- Alabaster – Albert L. Scott Library
- Columbiana Public Library
- North Shelby Library
- Montevallo – Parnell Memorial Library
12. McWane Science Center
The McWane Science Center is a favorite destination for families who love to play and learn together. Ignite your child’s curiosity about the world around them and help them fall in love with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at McWane! We put together the Mom’s Guide to the McWane Science Center to help you plan your day.
13. Movies
There are many movie theaters in the area that have great summer movie deals for kids and families. Check the schedule at your local theater to find a movie and showtime that is right for your family.
Vulcan Park is hosting Movies on the Mountain this summer, and you will not want to miss it! Saturday June 21, they will be showing Monsters, Inc. On Saturday August 16, you can view Toy Story on the big screen. Check showtimes and purchase tickets HERE. At both shows, you can enjoy classic movie treats, as well as food and drinks for kids and adults.
14. Parks
What kid doesn’t love a park with a good swing and slide? We have the Ultimate Guide to Birmingham Parks and Playgrounds, which gives you the details you want on every park in the Birmingham area. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hats, snacks, and water! If you have early risers, I highly recommend starting your day at the park before the weather heats up.
15. Rock Wall Climbing
Rock wall climbing can be fun for all ages! High Point Climbing, the Hoover Met, Urban Air in Trussville, and Birmingham Boulders all have areas with auto belays that are great for children and new climbers to safely have fun, exercise, and challenge themselves.
16. Rollerskating
Whether you prefer roller skates or rollerblades, Skates 280, Roller Motion Skate Center in Bessemer, and Fun Time Skate Center in Fultondale will take you back to birthday parties of your childhood and provide hours of fun and exercise for the whole family.
17. Splash Pads and Swimming Pools
Whether you are just wanting to let your little one cool down at a splash pad or hope to improve their swimming skills at a pool, Birmingham has you covered! Check out our Ultimate Guide to Birmingham Splash Pads and Pools to make your summer days cooler and your crew happier. Remember sunscreen, hats, towels, a bag for wet clothing, and a dry change of clothes. My kids always prefer to wear water shoes at the splash pads to prevent little feet from slipping and scraping on the concrete.
18. Top Golf
If your family loves golf, or even if they just want to try something new, Top Golf is a great summer activity. At Top Golf in downtown Birmingham, golfers can practice their swings as they attempt to hit targets, and high tech balls will score themselves. Top Golf provides golf clubs and heats the hitting bays, so all you have to do is show up!
19. Trampoline Park
If your little ones have tons of energy, the trampoline park is the place for them. Urban Air in Homewood and Trussville, Sky Zone, and Altitude Trampoline Park in Pelham can all provide hours of bouncing fun.
20. Waterpark
Alabama Splash Adventure is a family-owned and operated Amusement and Water Park just outside Birmingham, Alabama. With over 26 attractions (all for one low price!) they know they will have something for you to enjoy. Whether you like to Ride, Slide, or Relax Alabama Adventure is the place for you and your family!
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