25 Indoor Activities in Birmingham for Families

June 6, 2026

In the summer months, my family loves to be outdoors. Whether we are at the park, pool, lake, or beach, we enjoy soaking up the summer sun. But there are some days when we just need a break from the heat. Thankfully, the Magic City has plenty of fun to be had inside that will keep the whole family happy and cool. So, here are my top 25 indoor activities in Birmingham for all ages!

1. Active Gaming

Active gaming is a great way to get your video-game-loving teens to engage in family fun. Activate in Vestavia offers one of a kind active gaming challenges.

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. The two Chuck E Cheese locations in Vestavia and Inverness are perfect for younger family members. Spare Time in Trussville, Bowlero in the Riverview area, and Fun Time Skate Center in Fultondale also have arcades.

3. Baking Classes

Cooking and baking at home is a fun winter activity. We found 7 great places for cooking classes. Some are even just for kids!

4. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

If you have a little one who loves cars and motorcycles, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum boasts the “World’s Largest Motorcycle Museum,” and will be a perfect place to spend a day indoors.

5. Birmingham Museum of Art

The Birmingham Museum of Art has beautiful collections of art from all over the world and from many periods in time. Their smartlab offers hands on experiences for all ages, and ArtVenture has exhibits designed for children.

6. Bowling

Bowling is a timeless sport that can be enjoyed by family members of all ages and experience levels, even if you need to have assistance from bumpers. Sparetime in Trussville, Bowlero, and Vestavia Bowl are all great places to earn a strike.

7. Cook Museum of Natural Science

The Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur provides indoor hands-on experiences that children of all ages will love. Their live animals and interactive exhibits will teach your nature-loving little one more about the world around them.

8. Crafts

If your children love crafting, but you hate buying the supplies and cleaning up the mess, check out this post for seven fun DIY craft places in the Birmingham area. Be sure to also check out our local libraries for some free crafting fun!

9. Escape room

At Big Escape Rooms and Breakout in Homewood, your family can work together to find clues and solve a riddles in order to “escape.” It is a great way to exercise your brains and practice teamwork.

10. Fire Department Tour

Many fire departments will offer tours to families or even for birthday parties. Call your local fire department beforehand to see what their policies are. While there is usually no charge, most fire stations won’t turn down a monetary or food donation if you want to show your appreciation.

11. 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, as well as “seals” to help your littlest ones feel more comfortable on the ice.

12. 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.

13. Laser Tag

Laser tag can be fun for the whole family. Spare Time Trussville and Trussville Play Station have laser tag arenas that your kids will love.

14. Soft Playplace

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. Toddler Town in Fultondale is for kids aged 6 years and younger, with some areas only for little ones.

15. 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 as part of their summer programs. We’ve linked the events calendars for all of the libraries in our area below.

Jefferson County

Shelby County

16. McWane Science Center

With four levels of exhibits where children can learn more about physics, marine animals, dinosaurs, and more, The McWane Center never disappoints. If you have younger children, the Itty Bitty Magic City can provide hours of exploration and entertainment for kids aged six and under. They also feature films in their IMAX theater for a unique movie experience.

17. Movies

There are many movie theaters in the area. Check the schedule at your local theater to find a movie and showtime that is right for your family. Plus, several movie theaters have discounted summer movies for kids!

18. 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
5451 Patrick Way, Birmingham
5631 Grove Blvd, Blvd, 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

19. 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 children and new climbers to safely have fun, exercise, and challenge themselves.

20. 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.

21. Sewing classes

For older kids, a sewing class is a fun way to build confidence and spark creativity while meeting new people. We found 8 local places to take sewing lessons. Check out one near you!

22. Southern Museum of Flight

The Southern Museum of Flight is the one of the South’s largest flight museums and has over 100 historic aircraft on display. They offer guided tours and also have a flight simulator experience for children in second grade and older. Part of this museum is outdoors.

23. Theater Shows

The Birmingham Children’s Theater and Red Mountain Theater have a fun schedule of upcoming shows and camps. The BJCC is also another great place to check for upcoming shows that your kids will love. You can also find date night or girls night out ideas at the BJCC as well.

24. Top Golf

If your family loves golf, or even if they just want to try something new, Top Golf is a great summer activity. At Top Golf in downtown Birmingham, golfers can practice their swings as they attempt to hit targets, and high tech balls will score themselves. Top Golf provides golf clubs and heats the hitting bays, so all you have to do is show up!

25. Trampoline Park

If your little ones have tons of energy, the trampoline park is the place for them. Urban Air in Homewood and Trussville, Sky Zone, and Altitude Trampoline Park in Pelham can all provide hours of bouncing fun.

What are your favorite indoor summer activities in Birmingham? Post in the comments to help out your Birmingham Mom friends during these super hot months!