Top 15 Things To Do In Birmingham, Alabama with Kids
Birmingham, Alabama is the largest city in Alabama and a great place to visit with the whole family. Whether ya’ll are in the mood for something cultural, educational, and/or historical, there are plenty of things to see and do. And since Birmingham is planted right in the heart of Alabama, you will definitely see something beautiful…
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McWane Science Center
My kiddos LOVE the McWane Science Center. They could stay here and play at all of the hands-on exhibits all day (and they have!). They think they are just playing, but they are actually learning so much about archeology, transportation, science, biology, dinosaurs, etc.
The McWane Center also has a cafeteria (think Pizza Hut and Subway and Chinese Food) and a snack room with vending and drink machines. The IMAX theatre also features some great films that adults and kids can enjoy.
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See more photos of McWane Science Center HERE.
McWane Science Center // 200 19th Street N – Birmingham, AL 35203
Birmingham Zoo
Our entire family really enjoys visiting the Birmingham Zoo and spending the day there. There is a Bird Area, Alabama Wilde Area, Predator Zone, Trails of Africa Area (Giraffe Encounter Area – Rhino and Hippo Area – Elephant Area).
In the summer, the kiddos love the Play Fountain/Splash Pad and Bubble Bath areas (next to the Carousel and Café). It is a great way for the kiddos to cool off on hot days.
We also love the Sea Lion Splash Zone where we get to see sea lions put on a little show.
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There are some special activities like feeding the birds in the Lorikeet Aviary, riding the Carousel, riding the Train, the Wilde Slide, and a Zip Line. These activities cost a few dollars more, but the kids love these experiences.
The Birmingham Zoo // 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223   205-879-0409
Birmingham Museum of Art
Visiting the Birmingham Museum of Art has always been a nice experience for our family. My kiddos enjoyed seeing all of the artwork and artifacts. In addition to the art, there are two hands-on play areas (15 hands-on learning stations) just for kids called Bart’s Artventure. My kids could play in there forever. Museum Admission is FREE and there is FREE parking in the Museum lot.
There is also Oscar’s CafĂ© located inside the Birmingham Museum of Art, and the food is fantastic. The chef is great and the cafĂ© uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Lunch is served 11am-2pm, Tuesday through Friday and there is a brunch on select Sundays.
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You can read more about visiting the Birmingham Museum of Art with kids HERE and HERE
Birmingham Museum of Art // 2000 Eighth Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203Â 205.254.2565
The Market at Pepper Place
Pepper Place Market is a wonderful place to spend the morning if you are in Birmingham on a Saturday. It is a great place to take the kiddos for some fresh produce, great food, fresh air, and sunshine. There are a lot of vendors selling everything from fresh bread to local honey to handcrafted items. There are vendors with a variety of jams and jellies, bread, sweets, hand-made jewelry, artwork, pottery, baskets, etc. I really enjoy all of the food trucks, inside and outside venues, and shops. There are also children’s activities (see link below). Go early, since most activities and vendors leave around noon.
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Pepper Place is open every Saturday from 7 a.m. until noon. They are open April through December – rain or shine.
Pepper Place Children’s Activities
The Market at Pepper Place // 2829 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233-2839 PH: 205.705.6886
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Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a great place to run around and explore. I also love to bring the kids for some photos. They get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise. My kiddos absolute favorite spot is the Japenese Gardens, with its bridges and fish pond.
Admission and Parking are always FREE.
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Birmingham Botanical Gardens // 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham, AL 25223 205.414.3950
Aldridge Gardens
Aldridge Gardens is another beautiful gardens to let kids explore. There are several walking trails and beautiful spots to have a picnic. There are also tons of beautiful spots to take photos. The kids love watching the turtles, ducks, and geese. Just be careful in the summertime – we have seen snakes near the lake. Admission is free.
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Aldredge Gardens // 530 Lorna Road – Hoover, AL 35216  Phone 205.682.8019
Email info@aldridgegardens.com
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center is located just a few minutes from downtown Birmingham and is perfect for families who enjoy nature and hiking. Hikes vary from 1/4 mile up to 5 miles.
You can get a map from the visitor station before you go out hiking to learn the trails and location of the bathrooms. Admission to the park is FREE.
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Ruffner Mountain Nature Center // 1214 81st St S, Birmingham, AL 35206-4599Â 205.833.8264
Oak Mountain State Park
Oak Mountain State Park has some fantastic views from the top of the mountain. You can drive and park to see them, or walk, hike, or bike along the mountaintop to see the views as well. It is a beautiful park and a great place to camp. There is also a lake to swim in with a “beach” to relax on.
The park also offers boat rentals, golfing, and horseback riding. There are also a picnic area, fishing lakes, and basketball courts.
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Oak Mountain State Park // 1100 Terrace Drive, Pelham, AL 35124  205.620.2524
AirWalk
My kiddos LURV Airwalk. I like to take them there on those days when they are climbing the walls like rabid spider monkeys. They can jump and climb until their little legs turn to Jell-O. There are trampolines all on the floor and up the walls, a pit full of foam to jump into, and a dodgeball tournament area. Parents can sit and chill at a second story seating area (there are a few snack and soda machines up there) overlooking the play area. Or parents can sit at the bottom to watch the kiddos more closely (or get some pics).
Air Walk is on the outskirts of Birmingham, but so worth the drive.
Airwalk // 7010 Champion Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35242 205.637.3347
Website
Vulcan Park & Museum
Kiddos can see the Vulcan, which is the world’s largest cast iron statue. The statue stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. Vulcan Park and Museum gives some breathtaking views of Birmingham. There is also a history museum where you can learn more about Vulcan and the city of Birmingham.
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The Museum is open Monday–Sunday from 10am–6pm. The Observation Tower is open Monday – Sunday 10 am – 10 pm.
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Daily Admission Rates (plus tax) 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.:
- Adult $6
- Seniors (65+) / Military $5
- Children ages 5-12 $4
- Children 4 years and under free
Evening Admission Rates 6 – 10 p.m.:
- All ages 5 and up $4 plus tax
- Children 4 years and under free
Red Mountain State Park
Red Mountain State Park has 15 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails with lovely scenic views. There are 2 walking trails that aren’t very long or overly challenging and can accommodate strollers, which make them perfect for families. Red Mountain has trails for biking as well. You can also bring your dog to play at Remy’s Dog Park.
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RMP’s Adventure Area offers zip lining, rappelling, ropes course at a fee and reservations are required.
Red Mountain State Park // Park Entrance, 2011 Frankfurt Drive Birmingham, AL 35211  205.202.6043
The Alabama Theatre
The Alabama Theatre is a beautiful landmark theatre. It is a nice place for the family to see shows, concerts, and musical acts. There are Summer and Winter (mostly Christmas themed movies) film series on Fridays and Sundays. There are also children’s film series on Thursdays and other special events for children on other days (see website information below for shows and show times).
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The Alabama Theatre // 1817 3rd Avenue N, Birmingham, AL 35203-3132 205.252.2262
Southern Museum of Flight
The Southern Museum of Flight is a great place to take kids, especially if they are interested in anything flight or military related. The staff is very friendly and welcoming and the museum is very interesting with its displays of aircraft, engines, and artifacts and even a few simulators. The museum has about 100 airplanes on display, indoors and outside.  There is also a playroom for children and an area outside that is perfect for a little family picnic.
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Southern Museum of Flight // 4343 73rd Street North – Birmingham, AL 35206
Open Tuesday – Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 205-833-8226
Active Military & Families: Free
Adults: $7
Seniors & Students: $6, under age 3 Free
Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is a short drive south of the city of Birmingham. They have seasonal train rides like Pumpkin Patch Express and Polar Express. Our favorite is the Thomas the Train Rides in the spring. The kiddos get a train ride, and there are lots of other activities. There is a mini-golf course, bouncy houses, bubble stations, a maze, a sandbox, snack, and drinks. All the activities are included in the price of the train ticket.
The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum // 1919 9th Street, Calera, AL 35040Â 205.668.3435
See link below for more info on The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum and special event dates:
Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
Our family loves to bring our RV to Tannehill for camping. It is a great place for the kiddos to run around and get some fresh air and play. There are playgrounds, hiking and biking trails, and a stream to play in during the summer months.   There is also the Iron & Steel Museum as well as a gristmill, cotton gin and more than 45 other historical buildings of the 1800’s. The kids also enjoyed exploring the Tannehill Furnaces, which are among the nation’s best preserved Civil War landmarks.
Tannehill Park is a day use park open 365 days a year.
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State Park Admission:
$5 Adults (12 years and older)
$4 Seniors (Ages 62 and older)
$3 Children (Ages 6-11)
ages 5 and under free
Iron & Steel Museum of Alabama
Hours & Admission for the Iron & Steel Museum of AlabamaÂ
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturdays.
12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Closed on Mondays.
Admission: $2 adults  •  $1 Children 6-11 & Seniors 62+
Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park // 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla, AL 35111Â 205.477.5711
Have you visited Birmingham, AL? What was your favorite part? Anything I should add to the list?
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About The Author
KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
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Amazing blog, really interesting. I’ve loved reading your posts!
Thank you!
Also recommend Barber Motorsports Museum for kiddos interested in cars 🙂
Yes! Thank you Valerie! Another great Birmingham Museum!
So true Sarah! We have had a lot of fun in Birmingham!
You’ll love it Audrey! There lots of great BBQ and fun things to do for adults and kids. Thanks for visiting!
We usually drive through Birmingham on our way to Florida. We’ll have to stop at the Birmingham Zoo next time. Sounds nice!
Yes! We love the Birmingham Zoo! Thanks for your comments Janet!
This is my Dad’s birth place, and I haven’t been there in years. We are planning a trip for next summer.
I have been to Birmingham several times. What a great city!