Summer might be over, but we all know the brutal heat lingers in Alabama long after kids are back in school! Afternoons and weekends at the park are still a thing well into the fall, which means a sweet treat after playing at the park is a must! Here is a round-up of 5 parks and playgrounds in our area that have sweet treats nearby. Some are even within walking distance!
1. Crestwood Park
5400 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham
This park has free admission and a bathroom with changing station. Cool off at nearby Crestwood Pharmacy and Soda Fountain with ice cream, shakes, floats, or share a banana split! Find them on Instagram at @bhamrx.
2. Birmingham Botanical Gardens
2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham
This Park has free admission, free parking, and beautiful walking paths. Be sure to check out our Guide to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens so you don’t miss anything! After a walk through the flowers and greenery, enjoy a delicious scoop of ice cream at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. Find them on Instagram at @jenisicecreams.
3. Junior League Nature Playground
2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham
This park has free admission. It’s located at the Birmingham Zoo, but it’s outside the admission gates. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop, shake, or split at Mountain Brook Creamery. Find them on Instagram @bhamcreameries.
4. Homewood Central Park
1632 Oxmoor Road, Homewood
This park has free admission, picnic tables, a walking path, and a playground. Grab a scoop of artisan, small batch ice cream at Big Spoon Creamery! Find them on Instagram at @bigspooncreamery.
5. Explore Playground & Splash Pad
1004 RV Trace, Hoover
This park has free admission and a bathroom with changing station. It is also one of our area’s best ADA-compliant play spaces. Cool off with a smoothie at Near Me – Smoothies & Ice Cream. Find them on Instagram at @realfruitnearme.
Birmingham Moms, where are you cooling off after a playdate at the park? Tell us what you would add to this list in the comments!
