21 Fun Things To Do In Birmingham With Kids
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Lisa Sammons
Author
We all know there are practically unlimited fun things to do in Birmingham, Alabama, but you don’t have to be an adult to enjoy the magic of the Magic City! We have so many family-friendly attractions in Birmingham that are great for adults and kids alike. This is one of the safest cities in Alabama and whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with the kids, there are so many great things to do here. We’ve gathered up a few of our favorites that are worth checking out with the little ones, in particular.
Best Things To Do With Kids In Birmingham
Honestly, these spots are great, whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart. Here are some of the most iconic places to bring kids to in Birmingham:
McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
- Address: 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Neighborhood: Downtown Birmingham
- Website: https://www.mcwane.org/
- Pro Tip: Budget at least 4-5 hours for a visit. You'll likely want to check out the list of exhibits here online prior to coming so that you can plan out what you want to see.
The McWane Science Center is one of the best science museums in Alabama, and it's truly incredible how much there is to check out here. There are over 500,000 items on exhibit, including historical artifacts, minerals, fossils, and more.
The museum is filled with hands-on, interactive exhibits that will appeal to kids of all ages, making this an especially good option for families with kids of varying ages. You'll find an IMAX theater and multiple play areas.
The aquarium with a touch tank is always a big hit for the whole family - make sure you check it out!
Admission is $16 for adults to enter the Adventure Halls exhibits and $13 for kids ages 2-12. Kids under age 2 are free. You can purchase tickets in advance on the McWane Science Center website.
Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, USA
- Address: 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
- Neighborhood: English Village
- Website: https://www.birminghamzoo.com/
- Pro Tip: If possible, plan your visit when temperatures are cool. Most of the animals are unlikely to be out and about during the hottest part of the day, plus it will make walking around far more pleasant!
The Birmingham Zoo is a must-visit if you've got little ones that love animals. It's the only AZA-accredited zoo in Alabama. There are over 550 animals here, with approximately 200 species on display. You can see native creatures like corn snakes and American alligators as well as more exotic animals like lions and giraffes.
Admission is $18.95 for adults and $13.95 for children ages 2-12. You can purchase tickets in advance on the zoo's website to save time when you arrive.
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Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094, USA
- Address: 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094
- Neighborhood: Leeds | Greater Birmingham
- Website: https://www.barbermuseum.org/
- Pro Tip: Check out the outdoor area! There's a few short trails, bridges to watch the racetrack from, and a little gazebo.
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is part of the massive 880-acre Barber Motorsports Park, which is home to a 2.38-mile racetrack. The track is visible from inside the museum, but you can head outside for a better view from the observation bridges.
You'll find the world's largest collection of motorcycles and Lotus race cars here. The museum houses over 1,200 models of cars and motorcycles, with lots of beautifully-restored antique pieces.
There's a lot to see here and since the subject matter is great for any age range, it's the perfect attraction for families with both teens and young kids.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for kids. You can purchase tickets in advance on the museum's website or at the museum's entrance.
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Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209, USA
- Address: 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Neighborhood: Five Points South
- Website: https://visitvulcan.com/
- Pro Tip: The park is open daily until 10:00 p.m., but the museum closes at 6:00 p.m., so make sure to arrive before then if you're interested in seeing the museum.
The 56-foot-tall statue at Vulcan Park is not only the namesake of the park, it's also the official symbol of the city of Birmingham. Did you know that the statue here is the largest cast iron statue in the world? The statue weighs 120,000 pounds and stands atop a 123-foot tall pedestal.
Vulcan is the Roman god of fire and forge, which is quite fitting because Birmingham has such an extensive history of iron production. This statue of Vulcan was sculpted for the 1904 World's Fair, and in 1936, he was moved to what is now Vulcan Park.
An admission ticket to Vulcan Park will grant you access to the park, observation tower, and museum that covers the history of Birmingham. The view from atop the observation tower is absolutely gorgeous. Tickets to Vulcan Park can be purchased at the gate or online in advance from the park's website. Ticket prices are $4 for children and $6 for adults.
Ruffner Mountain, 1214 81st St S, Birmingham, AL 35206, USA
- Address: 1214 81st St S, Birmingham, AL 35206
- Neighborhood: Irondale
- Website: https://ruffnermountain.org/
- Pro Tip: Keep your eyes peeled while on the trails. A wide variety of wildlife call Ruffner Mountain home, including raccoons, birds, coyotes, and snakes.
If your little ones have energy to burn, few places are better to visit than Ruffner Mountain. This 1,038-acre nature center has more than 14 miles of trails and is one of the largest urban nature preserves in the country. The trails vary in difficulty, and, of course, you can always turn around once you start to get tired, so even the youngest of kids can enjoy a walk in the woods here.
If you're not a Ruffner Mountain member, a visitor parking permit costs $5. You can purchase it on-site.
Southern Museum of Flight, 4343 73rd St N, Birmingham, AL 35206, USA
- Address: 4343 73rd St N, Birmingham, AL 35206
- Neighborhood: Airport Highlands
- Website: https://southernmuseumofflight.org/
- Pro Tip: Check out the exhibit on the Tuskegee Airmen. The troop was the nation's first unit of African American airmen.
The Southern Museum of Flight is a fascinating museum that's over 75,000 square feet. You'll find more than 100 vintage aircraft here, including ones that are nearly a century old. The museum is also home to the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame.
A self-guided tour of the museum will take you about 1-2 hours. Kids will love seeing all the aircraft on display. There's also a wonderful flight simulator that gives you the sensation of actually flying a real plane.
Tickets are $5 for adults and kids over the age of three. Kids younger than three enjoy free admission.
Free Things To Do With Kids In Birmingham
Times are tough, and we’re all looking to save a buck. Luckily, there are lots of things to do in Birmingham that won’t cost you a dime!
Railroad Park, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- Address: 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Website: https://railroadpark.org/
- Pro Tip: There's a 0.4-mile trail here that's just perfect for heading out with young kids. It's asphalt and is wheelchair and stroller-accessible, plus it's perfect for biking.
Railroad Park is one of the most popular parks in Birmingham, and it's no wonder why. This 19-acre green space is right in the middle of the city's vibrant downtown area. You can get beautiful city views, enjoy a picnic, walk to nearby attractions, or simply enjoy the park's atmosphere.
You'll find plenty of natural beauty in this bit of greenery within the city. The park boasts over 600 trees and a beautiful lake. You'll also find playgrounds and a history wall with information about the Magic City's past.
Railroad Park is free to enter, and you can find free street parking along the outer edges of the park. Note that metered parking is free after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and all weekend long.
Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
- Address: 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Neighborhood: Central City
- Website: https://www.artsbma.org/
- Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the museum's schedule, as there are frequent fun things for families, kids activities, special events, and more. There's always something going on here!
The Birmingham Museum of Art is such a wonderful art gallery. It's one of the best free things you can do in Alabama, and it's full of family fun. There are more than 24,000 works of art here, and it's even got an outdoor sculpture garden. If you're looking for modern art, you'll find it here: folk art from Alabama artists, Asian art, Native American art, European art, and more. Need a little more time to check out your favorite pieces? There are free folding chairs available for rent at the front desk so you can take your time at each exhibit.
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Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, USA
- Address: 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
- Neighborhood: Mountain Brook
- Website: https://bbgardens.org/
- Pro Tip: Thanks to our relatively warm winters, there's something to see here at any time of year. The gardens have over 12,000 different types of plants. Due to the incredible variety of flora here, there's something thriving at any given point throughout the year!
This is one Alabama day trip that many families make in the spring, and there are, of course, lots of colorful flowers in bloom here in March and April. However, the 30 gardens that are on site sprawl over 67.5 acres and there's something magnificent to explore here in every month. Both parking and admission are free, making this a wonderful (and affordable!) outing the whole family can enjoy.
Red Mountain Park, 2011 Frankfurt Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211, USA
- Address: 2011 Frankfurt Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211
- Neighborhood: Homewood
- Website: https://redmountainpark.org/
- Pro Tip: If you've got older kids that are fans of history, or you yourself are interested in the history of the area, download the free TravelStorys app for your phone before heading to the park. It'll take you on a self-guided audio tour of some of the park's most historic areas.
Red Mountain Park is an amazing attraction with so much to offer an active family, no matter how old your kids are. This 1,500-acre park is a natural wonderland. Got older kids that are adrenaline junkies? The zip-lining courses are a blast and quite the treetop adventure! There are more than 16 miles of hiking and biking trails to explore, with a variety of difficulty levels available. If your little ones aren't quite up for a trek through the woods, you can always check out the historic structures within the park. There are several old mines here - they're closed to the public, but it's still interesting to see them from the outside. This place is so much fun and we wouldn't be surprised if it's named a state park one day.
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Avondale Park, 4101 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222, USA
- Address: 4101 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Neighborhood: Forest Park
- Website: https://avondalepark.org/
- Pro Tip: If you visit in the spring, make sure to see the park's rose garden. It's gorgeous when in full bloom!
Avondale Park was established way back in 1886 and has been a beautiful green space in the Birmingham area ever since. The park spans 37 acres and includes a lake that's perfect for enjoying a picnic. The amphitheater here hosts events like concerts in the park and festivals. Keep an eye on the Friends of Avondale Park website for upcoming events.
Things To Do With Kids At Night In Birmingham
The fun doesn’t have to end just because the sun goes down! There’s plenty of nightlife, even for kids, in Birmingham.
Regions Field, 1401 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- Address: 1401 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Neighborhood: Southside
- Website: https://www.milb.com/birmingham/ballpark/regions-field
- Pro Tip: The Minor League Baseball schedule typically runs from April to September. Check out the current schedule on the ballpark's website for home game dates.
Regions Field is the home of the Birmingham Barons, a Southern League champion Minor League baseball team. There are occasionally daytime games, but plenty of night games are on the schedule (and Friday night games usually have fireworks afterwards!). You'll find plenty of vendors, delicious ballpark food, and Good People brews for the adults. Even if you're not a huge fan of sports, this is a fun activity that the whole family will enjoy.
Alabama Theatre, 1817 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
- Address: 1817 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Website: https://alabamatheatre.com/
- Pro Tip: Even the cheaper seats here still have decent views. The setup allows even the more affordable seats to still grant you an excellent vantage point and wonderful acoustics.
The Alabama Theatre is one of the oldest theaters in the southeast, built in 1927. It was originally a movie palace, and still occasionally shows films today, but is better known for its concerts and comedy shows. The theater seats 2,500 and any seat in the house is great. Keep an eye on the theater's schedule, because there's a wide array of events scheduled here throughout the year. Not everything on the schedule is kid-friendly, but you can typically find movies, dance competitions, and more that are great family activities.
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Spare Time Trussville, 3600 Roosevelt Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35235, USA
- Address: 3600 Roosevelt Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35235
- Neighborhood: Trussville (Greater Birmingham)
- Website: https://www.sparetimeentertainment.com/
- Pro Tip: Check the Spare Time website before planning your trip. Weekly specials can save you a lot of money
If you don't mind making the drive out to Trussville, Spare Time offers some of the best family activities in the area. This place is like a mini amusement park! It's best known for its state-of-the-art bowling facilities. However, you can also enjoy laser tag here, or themed escape rooms, as well as an on-site restaurant featuring tasty pizza.
Grand River Drive-In, 1453 Grand River Pkwy N, Leeds, AL 35094, USA
- Address: 1453 Grand River Pkwy N, Leeds, AL 35094
- Neighborhood: Leeds (Greater Birmingham)
- Website: https://www.grandriverdrive-in.com/
- Pro Tip: The on-site restaurant has popcorn and movie theater snacks, but you can also purchase a meal there!
Today's kids may be unfamiliar with VCRs and cassette players, but thanks to Grand River Drive-In, at least they can still enjoy the magic of a drive-in movie. Drive-in movie theaters are going by the wayside all over the country, but we're lucky enough to still have a great one just outside of Birmingham in Leeds. Grand River has four screens and plays new releases, plus classic films. The facility also has a playground, dog park, and mini golf course!
Best Things To Do With Teens In Birmingham
We all know teens can be temperamental, but thankfully, there are plenty of attractions in Birmingham that can entertain even the surliest of adolescents.
Birmingham Civil Rights District, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
- Address: between 15th Street and 18th Street N and 7th Ave N and 5th Ave N
- Neighborhood: Downtown Birmingham
- Website: https://www.birminghamal.org/
- Pro Tip: Kids are never too young to learn about history, but this might be best suited for older children and teens since they're better able to understand the gravity of the situations being discussed.
Birmingham played a huge role in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. You can still see so many aspects of this part of the city's history on display today. The Birmingham Civil Rights district spans several blocks and includes monumental places such as the 16th Street Baptist Church, the site of a 1963 bombing that killed four young girls. The bombing drew Birmingham into the national civil rights movement.
The district also includes the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, a fascinating history museum that catalogs the movement on both a national and city stage. Don't miss a visit to Kelly Ingram Park, the four-acre park that made national headlines for being the site of an altercation between police and protestors in 1963. A visit to the Civil Rights district can be emotionally difficult, so take your kids' emotional maturity level into account before deciding to visit.
- Address: 20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Neighborhood: Lakeview
- Website: https://www.slossfurnaces.com/
- Pro Tip: The visitor's center has self-guided tour maps - grab one before heading out. There's a lot to see here!
It's impossible to talk about the history of Birmingham without discussing the city's importance in the steel and iron ore industries. The Sloss Furnaces operated for nearly 100 years before they shut down in 1971. The site is now a National Historic Landmark with a fascinating history museum. It takes about 1.5 hours to make your way through the museum, which feels like a step back in time. Do you believe in ghosts? This is allegedly among the most haunted places in Alabama.
K1 Speed - Indoor Go Karts, Corporate Event Venue, Team Building Activities, 5960 Greenwood Pkwy, Bessemer, AL 35022, USA
- Address: 5960 Greenwood Pkwy, Bessemer, AL 35022
- Neighborhood: Bessemer (Greater Birmingham
- Website: https://autobahnspeed.com/
- Pro Tip: In order to guarantee your spot and minimize wait times, it's highly advised to make a reservation. However, walk-ins are allowed.
Do you dream of being a speed racer? Then the largest indoor go-kart track in Alabama might be just what you need. These electric go-karts reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, and the facilities are entirely indoor and air-conditioned, so it's a great activity even in the heat of summer. It's not limited just to teens and up - junior kart racers need to be at least 8 years old and 48" tall. This adrenaline-filled track is the perfect escape for older kids, teens, and adults.
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What To Do With Toddlers In Birmingham
Even if you’ve got very young kids, there’s still plenty of fun to be had in the Magic City!
The Farmers Market at Pepper Place | Saturday Farmers Market, 2829 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- Address: 2829 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Neighborhood: Lakeview
- Website: https://pepperplacemarket.com/
- Pro Tip: Before you head out to the market, check out the list of vendors on the Market at Pepper Place website. Not all vendors come every week, so it's a good idea to see what's on the schedule if you're looking for something in particular.
The Market at Pepper Place is one of our favorite things to do with kids in Birmingham. It's one of the largest outdoor markets in Alabama, and since it operates nearly all year, you can visit pretty much any Saturday. Over 100 vendors are present, and all are local sellers from Alabama. You can get everything from produce to honey to crafts here. Just walking through is a fun experience that's great for families. Toddlers, in particular, will be delighted by all the sights and sounds on display here!
Rotary Trail Birmingham, 2098 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- Address: 2098 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Neighborhood: South Side of Downtown
- Website: https://www.birminghamrotary.org/rotary-trail
- Pro Tip: The trail connects Sloss Furnaces to Railroad Park, so hit up both end points if you want to make a whole day of it!
The Rotary Trail is a unique 0.5-mile linear park that is right in downtown Birmingham. You'll find several benches along the trail if you need to stop and relax, and there are also lots of murals and sculptures to check out. The short length makes it ideal for toddlers with short attention spans, and it's paved, so it's stroller and wheelchair-friendly. This is a great way to see the city while stretching your legs!
Birmingham Children's Theatre, 2130 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
- Address: 2130 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203 | Floor G
- Neighborhood: Druid Hills
- Website: https://www.bct123.org/
- Pro Tip: Times are tough. If you're struggling right now and not able to afford the typical ticket prices, the second Saturday of each show's season is Pay What You Can Day.
It's never too early to get kids interested in the arts, and one of the best places to do just that is at Birmingham Children's Theatre. This professional theater has been putting on shows aimed at kids for 75 years. You can find target age groups for each show on the theater's website. The Tiny Tyke Tales series is geared towards infants and toddlers, and slightly older kids can enjoy the Wee Folks Theatre.
As one of the largest cities in the South, you never have to worry about running out of things to do here.
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