Many of us have wonderful memories of playing outside with siblings or the neighborhood kids. Outdoor play is not only fun for kids, but it also strengthens motor skills, enhances social and emotional skills, encourages problem-solving, and sparks creativity! No matter how big or small your yard is, there is plenty of backyard fun in Birmingham to keep your kids playing outside all year long.
Backyard Forts, Play Sets, Ninja Climbers, and Zip Lines
Whether your kids love to swing, slide, hang from the monkey bars, or pretend their fort is an ancient castle, there is a play set for them. We found three local businesses on a mission to make your backyard THE place to be for your kids and their friends!
1. Family Backyard Design
They created a ninja climber in our backyard that visiting friends immediately run to. This company was easy to work with and helped us create something that both of our kids would love spending hours playing on. They also create custom forts, play sets, and zip lines.
2. Backyard Adventures of Alabama/ Backyard Solutions LLC
They have many play set options to choose from with a selection of accessories to make each set your own. We have also been to a pretty awesome birthday party at their location!
3. Willy Goat Toys and Playground
This is another great local place with tons of play set options and add-ons to choose from.
The Little Things at Local Toy Stores
You don’t have to put in big bucks to have big fun! The Birmingham area has great toy stores that sell backyard games, water guns, bubble activities, sidewalk chalk, and more! Visit one of these local favorites to find all the things that will keep your children playing in the sunshine.
Hattie’s Toyland
165 Morrow Ave, Ste. 105, Trussville, 35173
Homewood Toy and Hobby
2830 18th Street South, Birmingham, 35209
Learning Express Toys
3132 Heights Village, Birmingham, 35243
Snoozy’s
228 Country Club Park, Mountain Brook, 35213
Swimming Pools
A pool is a big commitment, but one that will keep your kiddos—and all of their friends—in your yard all summer. There are several well respected pool companies in the area, and we’ve listed a few for you below. Be sure to review water safety with your family. Depending on the ages of your children, consider swimming lessons or a gate around the pool for safety.
Miniature Golf Courses
Miniature Golf is a fun way for the whole family to spend time outdoors. If you are one to go all out, SynLawn is a local company that can transform your backyard into a real miniature golf course! For something less permanent and more affordable, Bucketgolf is a fun game that is gaining popularity for all ages.
Basketball goals
Our kids received a basketball goal last Christmas, and the whole family has spent plenty of time shooting hoops. Whether my kids are just burning energy trying to shoot three pointers, or we are playing a parents versus kids game, basketball has been a nice way for us to spend time together outside. Backyard Solutions, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Academy Sports and Outdoors all have several options for goals and will install larger basketball goals for you.
Trampolines
Bouncing on a trampoline can be great fun and exercise for the whole family! Backyard Solutions, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Academy Sports and Outdoors have trampolines in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Water slides
If you don’t want to make the trip out to the water park, you can still stay cool at home! Backyard water slides range from very basic to mammoth-sized with all the bells and whistles. Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy Sports and Outdoors have options that you can take home or order online. Costco also has big and small options that my kids eye every time we are there!
And More…
Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy Sports and Outdoors have many outdoor games to choose from. They have everything you need to set up backyard pickle ball, volleyball, corn hole, jumbo Connect 4, bocce, and more!
How are you transforming your backyard this year? Share about it below!
For more outdoor fun in Birmingham, check out these local parks and playgrounds!
