The Birmingham area has some wonderful outdoor activities, but what is a mom to do when it’s rainy or even too hot to spend much time outdoors with restless kiddos? Never fear, local mamas, BMC has compiled a list of the best places for indoor fun in Birmingham, AL that is sure to make the whole family happy!
Explore the McWane Center
The McWane Center is a science museum located in downtown Birmingham (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). I love to start with the Itty Bitty Magic City, which is a children’s area designed for children kindergarten-age and younger. Then you can check out other highlights including the dinosaur exhibit, the shark and ray tank, and special traveling exhibits.
Go Shopping
Located in Hoover, the Galleria is the largest enclosed shopping center in the state of Alabama. It offers many kid-friendly activities you can do including Build-A-Bear, eating lunch at Chick-fil-A, grabbing dessert at Great American Cookie, and ending with a ride on the carousel.
Visit a Museum
The Birmingham Museum of Art is not just for adults. Kids will love visiting Bart’s ArtVenture and expressing their creativity. On Wednesdays, you can grab some coffee from Dryft while you browse. Furthermore, the museum offers FREE admission and parking.
Two other options worth mentioning are Barber Motorsports Museum for the motorcycle and race car enthusiasts as well as the Southern Museum of Flight where you can see real aircrafts!
Go Bowling
Spare Time in Trussville offers a variety of activities including bowling lanes, an arcade, a restaurant, and laser tag arena. This summer they are even offering a kids bowl free program!
Other popular options for bowling include Vestavia Bowl and Bowlero.
Watch a Movie
We have several options for movie theaters in the area, and there is almost always a kid-friendly flick showing on the big screen. So, load the family up during the daytime and watch a matinee movie for a cheaper option!
Try Roller-Skating
Who among us didn’t enjoy skating rinks as a child? I know I loved them! So, take a day to introduce your kids to the wonderful nineties pastime of rollerskating at the Trussville Playstation or Skates 280. Be sure to show them you’ve still got it in you for some friendly competition!
Visit a Library
Birmingham is home to many libraries (& some bookstores) that offer weekly events including story times. If you want to try visiting a new location, I recommend the Hoover Public Library, the Library in the Forest, and the Homewood Public Library.
Try an Indoor Play Place
Let’s Play is a soft indoor play place for kids of all ages and even has a separate play area for younger children. It has two locations in our area, one in Hoover and one on the 280 corridor.
Urban Air, Sky Zone, and Altitude are all trampoline parks sure to burn some energy!
If you have adventurous littles or athletic older kids, you can check out one of our climbing gyms, like Birmingham Boulders or Highpoint Climbing and Fitness.
The Hoover Met is great for all ages, with a walking track and climbing area indoors.
Go Old School with an Arcade
Activate Games in Vestavia Hills is a great way for older kids (and adults!) to have fun and get active. Activate Games has different rooms that each contain high-tech games that test your team’s physical and mental agility. Among the games are basketball hoops, laser shooting, trivia with a physical element, laser obstacle course, and more. While you are at Activate Games, it keeps each player’s score so you can compete against other teams or against each other.
If you’re in the mood for traditional arcade games, check out Hooligan’s in Alabaster. Providing fun for all ages, Hooligan’s is one of the largest arcades in the state! With games like Pac-Man, Galaga, DDR, and pinball, you’re sure to find something for everyone here. Plus, it’s all free play; you pay once and can play all day.
Other Fun Ideas
If you have an animal-loving kid, check out the Bass Pro Shop in Leeds! With a large fish tank and ample taxidermy, this outing is fun for everyone even if you aren’t in a shopping mood.
You may think Pinspiration is only for parties, but they are not! You can absolutely book parties here, but you can also reserve a craft in advance or just walk in. There is always a selection of projects to pick from, so you’re sure to find something to do, here!
Check out BumperNets at the Riverchase Galleria known as the number 1 arcade
in the state of Alabama with over 100 things to do and it is celebrating 25 years
in business this month. Please check out our website at bumpernets.com and see
why we have been a Alabama Retailer of the year several times.