You only have a few more summers left with your tweens and teens at home. Help them enjoy family time and create long lasting memories with these fun local activities. Some of these 17 Summer Activities for Teens in Birmingham overlap with our list of Top Summer Activities for Toddlers and Top Summer Activities for Big Kids so that you can find activities that everyone in the family will love!
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. Arcade
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. 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. Your older kids won’t want to miss 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 tweens will adore.
5. Bowling
Bowling is a timeless sport that can be enjoyed by family members of all ages and experience levels. Sparetime in Trussville, Bowlero, and Vestavia Bowl are all great places to earn a strike.
6. 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 there, so just bring yourself!
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Libraries
We are fortunate to have amazing libraries nearby. Both Jefferson and Shelby County libraries not only keep a huge selection of young adult books, but they also have fun and educational events for middle school and high school kids as part of their summer reading programs. Whether you have a bookworm or reluctant reader, the library reading incentives are a fun way to increase your child’s reading this summer. 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
10. McWane Science Center
The McWane Science Center is a favorite destination for families who love to play and learn together. While they may be growing out of some exhibits, tweens and teens will still enjoy the classic McWane exhibits and the IMAX movie experience. We put together the Mom’s Guide to the McWane Science Center to help you plan your day and ensure everyone in the family has a great time!
11. Movies
There are many movie theaters in the area that have great summer movie deals for 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, the feature film is 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.
12. Oak Mountain State Park
Whether you want to have a more relaxing day or get some energy out, Oak Mountain has you covered! With watersports, an aquapark, a beach, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and over 100 miles of trails, the whole family can have a great day in the outdoors, here. If you want to see some of the best scenery in Birmingham, be sure to hike to either Peavine Falls or King’s Chair!
13. 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 experienced and new climbers to safely have fun, exercise, and challenge themselves.
14. 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.
15. Swimming Pools
If your tween or teen loves hanging out at the 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, towels, a bag for wet clothing, and a dry change of clothes.
16. Topgolf
If your family loves golf, or even if they just want to try something new, Topgolf is a great summer activity. At Topgolf in downtown Birmingham, golfers can practice their swings as they attempt to hit targets, and high tech balls will score themselves. Topgolf provides golf clubs, so all you have to do is show up!
17. Trampoline Park
Your tweens and teens will love burning off energy with friends at the trampoline park. Urban Air in Homewood and Trussville, Sky Zone off Highway 280, and Altitude Trampoline Park in Pelham can all provide hours of bouncing fun.
18. 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!
Where do your tweens and teens love to be at spotted over the summer in Birmingham?
For more summer fun, check out these 100 bucket list items!
Birmingham Summer Bucket List 2025 | 100 Things to Do with Kids (+ Free Printable)
