Just outside of downtown Birmingham, you’ll find the quaint, yet quirky, historic Avondale. This district was built around the once bustling Avondale Mills. Although the area declined in the mid-1900s, the neighborhood has been revitalized and is now a thriving community anchored by entertainment and arts. There are so many activities in Avondale for the whole family to enjoy!
Things to Do
Avondale Park
When you arrive at the front gates of Avondale Park, you’ll be greeted by Miss Fancy, a life-sized sculpture depicting an icon and legend in the community. The real Miss Fancy was a beloved elephant who once lived in the park, which was home to a zoo between 1913 and 1934. This friendly elephant frequently escaped to visit the local school and nearby homes.
Once inside the park, your family will love watching ducks swim in the pond, playing in the amphitheater, and strolling through the rose garden. Bring equipment if your family wants to play a friendly game of tennis on the tennis courts or a pick up baseball game on one of the baseball diamonds. There are picnic areas if you want to stop for a snack or bring your own lunch.
Location: 4101 5th Avenue South
Avondale Regional Library
Take the short walk from Avondale Park to the Avondale Regional Library, a branch of the Birmingham Public Library system that hosts lots of programs for little ones. On Tuesdays at 10:30 AM, your children can play at the “Pop-in-Play,” and on Thursdays at 10:30 AM, they can enjoy a read-a-loud at “Time for Tales.” The library also offers “Fiddlesticks” dancing and singing at 10:30 AM on the first Wednesday of each month and hosts yoga for kids and craft days. Check their events calendar for an up-to-date schedule.
Location: 509 40th Street South
Murals
Whether you walk or drive, you can’t miss the beautiful murals brightening many walls in Avondale. The list below includes some of the better known murals. Let the murals be an inspiration for a family art project or chalk drawings in the park!
Avondale United Methodist Church
500 40th Street South
Know Your History
Corner of 4th Alley South and 41st Street
It’s Awesome to Have You in Avondale
201 41st Street South
Miss Fancy
201 41st Street South
Oh! You So Fancy
400 41st Street South
Axel Row
4211 3rd Avenue South
Bhm Trinket Trade
Take a trinket, leave a trinket at Bhm Trinket Trade. This adorable little box is a great way to clean out and upgrade your kid’s trinket stash at home. Fair warning: picking out the perfect treasure to take home could take hours. Only clean, kid friendly items are allowed.
Location: 4426 4th Avenue South, just outside of The Electric restaurant
Where to Eat
No matter what time of day hunger strikes, Avondale’s restaurant scene will keep your family happy. They have several local restaurants that serve delicious food in a kid friendly atmosphere. If you just need a cup of coffee or are looking for a sweet treat, they have that too!
Lunch and Dinner
Ampersandwich
Ampersandwich has freshly baked bread and fresh ingredients for their huge sandwiches, plenty of outdoor space, and a kids menu.
Location: 4124 3rd Avenue South
Joyland
Joyland is the original home of the crustburger.
3719 3rd Avenue South
Miracle Pizza Co.
Miracle Pizza Co. serves fresh pizza, appetizers, and salads.
Location: 209 41st Street South
Munchie’s on Fifth
Munchies on Fifth serves American classics, yummy brunch on Saturdays, and fun cocktails. They also have a kid’s menu for your tiny tots.
Location: 4100 5th Avenue South
SAW’s Soul Kitchen
If you like barbeque, you will love everything on the menu at SAW’s Soul Kitchen.
Location: 215 41st Street South
Taco Morro Loco
Lovers of authentic Mexican food must stop at Taco Morro Loco. Don’t worry, they have a simple quesadilla and chicken fingers for the kids.
417 41st Street South
The Electric
Try a yummy sandwich or burger while your children munch on the giant PBJ meal at The Electric.
4416 4th Avenue South
Dessert
Avondale Sugar Shack
The Avondale Sugar Shack serves delicious treats and is only open during the summer, Thursday- Sunday. Try their many flavors of shaved ice, frozen lemonade, or nachos.
Location: 4330 3rd Avenue South
Big Spoon Creamery
Big Spoon Creamery serves homemade, specialty ice creams that will make you want to come back to try all of their flavors!
Location: 4000 3rd Avenue South
Coffee
Gatos and Beans
If your family loves cats, you cannot miss Gatos and Beans! It is Alabama’s first cat cafe. For $15, you can spend an hour with sweet kitties while enjoying water, a soft drink, tea, or coffee. Reservations are encouraged due to a limit of 12 people per hour.
Location: 4348 3rd Court South
Punch Love Coffee
This unique coffee shop serves an eclectic range of coffees from multiple roasters, catering to coffee enthusiasts. Their housemade syrups add the perfect touch of sweetness to their drinks,and Last Call Baking provides delicious pastries, perfect with a cup of Joe. Laptops are not allowed on weekends, so come ready to relax and converse.
Location:4000 3rd Ave South #103
