People say that the best things in life are free. Birmingham delivers when it comes to providing free things that are amazing. Our city gives us gorgeous views on hiking trails, high quality museums, awe-inspiring landmarks, and beautiful parks- all for free! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite free kids’ activities in Birmingham, and we think you’ll agree that the best things in life really are free!
Gardens
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Aldridge Gardens are both fun to explore on a sunny day. Both have beautiful flowers, shady trees, interesting animals, walking trails, and ponds. Bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it!
Aldridge gardens
Location: 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover
Hours: 8:00 AM- 7:00 PM daily
Walking leashed dogs and fishing in the lake are only allowed on Mondays through Thursdays.
Botanical gardens
Location: 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham
Hours: 7:00 AM- 7:00 PM daily (Summer Hours)
Hiking Trails
Birmingham is home to several great smaller hiking trails, which are perfect for little ones learning to love hiking in the great outdoors. We’ve compiled a list of great places to hike and even found trails that are ideal for younger kids. Before you hit the trails, check out our tips for hiking with kids.
Landmarks
Sloss Furnaces
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Sloss Furnaces was one of the nation’s leading iron producers. This historic landmark displays the rich history of our city and the workers who built it. Discover more about Sloss Furnaces on a free self guided tour. Guided tours are also offered for a fee and can be scheduled online.
Location: 20 32nd Street North, Birmingham
Hours: Tuesday- Saturday 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM- 4:00 PM
Guided tour: $10 for adults, $5 for 6-12 year olds
Statue of Liberty
Take your family to the Statue of Liberty without making a long trip! The Liberty Park Statue of Liberty is one fifth the size of New York City’s version. The park around the statue is small, but it is down the road from the larger Cahaba River Walk Park in Mountain Brook where your family can enjoy walking on trails, wading into the Cahaba River, and playing with your pup in the dog park.
Location: 516 Liberty Parkway, Vestavia Hills
Cahaba River Walk Park Location: 3529 Overton Road, Mountain Brook
Vulcan Park
If you haven’t visited Vulcan Park yet, your children will love seeing Birmingham’s big iron man up close. Let them run around the grounds, enjoy a picnic lunch, and explore the Vulcan trail nearby. There is an entry fee for the museum and observation tower and for entering the park after 5:00 PM, but otherwise, this city icon is free to enjoy.
Location: 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham
Hours: Sunday- Thursday 10:00 AM- 8:00 PM
Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM- 9:00 PM
Libraries
We are so 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. We’ve linked all of the events calendars for 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
Museums
Birmingham Museum of Art
The Birmingham Museum of Art showcases a wide range of art from around the world. Their rotating exhibits are enjoyable for all ages, and the museum has a scavenger hunt designed for children that can keep little ones entertained so that you can admire the artwork longer.
The ArtVenture space at the Birmingham Museum of Art has two galleries with more than 15 hands on stations for toddlers to tweens. Local artists are featured in parts of the exhibit, and there is a makerspace that allows children to choose projects from printmaking to pottery. One adult must be present for every four children in ArtVenture, and groups must not be larger than 10 people.
Location: 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Boulevard, Birmingham
Birmingham Museum of Art Hours vary daily; they are closed on Mondays
ArtVenture Hours also vary; check the BMA website for details
Negro Southern League Museum
The Negro Southern League Museum honors the great black baseball players who played in the Negro American League and Negro National League. The museum holds many baseball relics including old jerseys, game balls, trophies, and a Bo Jackson exhibit. This museum will be a favorite for any sports loving family.
Location: 120 16th Street South Birmingham
Hours: Tuesday- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Rickwood Field
Rickwood Field is “America’s Oldest Baseball Park” and historical home to the Birmingham Black Barons, which was a minor league baseball team for Black Americans from around 1920-1960. This is another great choice for families with children who love sports. On a cold or rainy day, you can even take a virtual tour from the comfort of your home.
Location: 1137 2nd Avenue West, Birmingham
Hours: Monday- Friday 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM.
You can download a self guided tour brochure or take a virtual tour on their website.
Visitors can also schedule a guided tour by calling 205-922-3725 or visiting their website.
Pepper Place Market
Pepper Place Market is fun to explore, even if you don’t plan to buy anything, but if you do, you won’t be disappointed! Spend your Saturday morning enjoying the tunes of local musicians as you stroll among vendors with fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, pastries and art work.
Location: 2829 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham
Dates and Hours: January 25- December 13 7:00 AM- noon
Sports
Baseball, soccer, pickleball, volleyball, disc golf- Birmingham has it all! We’ve pulled together a list of where you can find a free place to play everything your kids love. Keep in mind that some fields are used for league practices and games, so you may not be able to use the fields during those times.
Baseball and Softball Fields and Batting Cages
- Heardmont Park- 5458 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham
- Joe Tucker Park- 230 Tucker Road, Helena
- Orr Park- 277 Park Drive, Montevallo
- Veterans Park in Alabaster- 7305 Highway 119, Alabaster
- Wald Park- 720 Waldridge Road, Vestavia
Basketball Courts
- McNeil Park- 1320 20th Avenue North, Bessemer
- Overton Park- 3009 Overton Road, Mountain Brook
- Patriots Park- 600 Industrial Road, Alabaster
Disc Golf Courses
- George W. Roy Recreational Park- 2465 2nd Avenue, Calera
- Joe Tucker Park- 230 Tucker Road, Helena
- Veterans Park in Alabaster- 7305 Highway 119, Alabaster
Pickleball Courts
- Heardmont Park- 5458 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham
- Patriots Park- 600 Industrial Road, Alabaster
- Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex (SHAC)- 4851 Sicard Hollow Road, Vestavia Hills
- Veterans Park- 4800 Valleydale Road, Birmingham
Sand Volleyball Courts
- Pelham Park- 555 Ballpark Road Pelham
- Veterans Park- 4800 Valleydale Road, Birmingham
Soccer Fields
- SHAC- 4851 Sicard Hollow Road, Vestavia Hills
Tennis Courts
- Heardmont Park- 5458 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham
- Joe Tucker Park- 230 Tucker Road, Helena
- Overton Park- 3009 Overton Road Mountain Brook
Parks
Nothing beats a nice afternoon in the park on a sunny day, and the Birmingham area has many great parks. My family has our favorites, but we also love to try new playgrounds. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to Birmingham parks and playgrounds. Grab a picnic and a few friends, and make a day of it!
Pet Stores
Many local pet stores have fish, hamsters, ferrets, birds, mice, reptiles, and more. Let these sweet and silly furry and scaly friends entertain your kids at no cost. You just have to resist the urge to bring a cuddly companion home with you!
Pet Co
- 5269 US-280 Suite B6, Birmingham
- 5631 Grove Blvd, Blvd, Birmingham
- 5451 Patrick Way, Birmingham
- 614 E 78 Ste. 140, Jasper
Petsmart
- 3870 Riverchase Village #3, Hoover
- 5025 US-280 #105, Birmingham
- 4925 Promenade Parkway, Bessemer
- 100 South Colonial Drive, Suite 1800, Alabaster
- 5890 Trussville Crossing Blvd, Trussville
Pet Supermarket
- 608 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills
- 1001 Odum Rd #111, Gardendale
Pet Supplies Plus
- 421 Green Springs Highway, Homewood
- 1928 Montgomery Hwy S, Pelham
Splash Pads
During the summer, the splash pad is a great place to beat the heat. The Birmingham area has several really awesome and free splash pads that will keep your kids entertained for hours during the summer. You can check out our guide for a list of local splash pads and which ones are free! They are generally open from mid-May to September, but before going, check their websites for specific open and closing dates.
Seasonal Events
Our wonderful community always plans such fun free activities throughout the year. Keep checking Birmingham Mom Collective for new events. We keep an up to date calendar of monthly events in the area, and we constantly update our Birmingham Guides to help you connect with other moms, families, and your community.
