{"id":460,"date":"2016-11-10T01:16:41","date_gmt":"2016-11-10T01:16:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/?p=460"},"modified":"2020-05-25T13:57:38","modified_gmt":"2020-05-25T13:57:38","slug":"top-15-things-to-do-in-birmingham-alabama-with-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/index.php\/2016\/11\/10\/top-15-things-to-do-in-birmingham-alabama-with-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 15 Things To Do In Birmingham, Alabama with Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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\u00a0cultural, educational, and\/or historical, there are plenty of\u00a0things to see and do.\u00a0And since Birmingham is planted right in the heart of Alabama, you will definitely see something beautiful…<\/p>\n

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McWane Science\u00a0Center<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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See more photos of McWane Science Center HERE.<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

McWane Science Center\u00a0 \/\/ <\/em>200 19th Street N\u00a0 – <\/em>Birmingham, AL 35203<\/em><\/p>\n

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Birmingham Zoo<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Our entire family really enjoys visiting the Birmingham Zoo and spending the day there. There is a Bird Area,\u00a0Alabama Wilde Area, Predator Zone, Trails of Africa Area (Giraffe Encounter Area – Rhino and Hippo Area –\u00a0Elephant Area).<\/p>\n

In the summer, the kiddos love the Play Fountain\/Splash Pad and Bubble Bath areas (next to the Carousel and Caf\u00e9). It is a great way for the kiddos to cool off on hot days.<\/p>\n

We also love the Sea Lion Splash Zone where we get to see sea lions put on a little show.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

The Birmingham Zoo\u00a0 \/\/ 2630 Cahaba Road<\/span>, Birmingham, AL 35223<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0205-879-0409<\/em><\/p>\n

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Birmingham Museum of Art<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

There is also Oscar’s Caf\u00e9<\/strong> <\/em><\/a>located inside the Birmingham Museum of Art, and the food is fantastic. The chef is great and the caf\u00e9 uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients.\u00a0Lunch is served 11am-2pm, Tuesday through Friday and there is a brunch on select Sundays.<\/p>\n

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You can read more about visiting the Birmingham Museum of Art with kids HERE<\/strong><\/em> and HERE<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Birmingham Museum of Art \/\/ 2000 Eighth Ave N<\/span>, Birmingham, AL 35203<\/span>\u00a0 205.254.2565<\/em><\/p>\n

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The Market at Pepper Place<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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\u00a0bread to local honey to handcrafted items. There\u00a0are vendors with a variety\u00a0of jams and jellies, bread, sweets, hand-made jewelry, artwork, pottery, baskets, etc. I really enjoy all of the\u00a0food trucks, inside and outside venues, and shops. There are also children’s activities (see link below).\u00a0Go early, since most activities and vendors leave around noon.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

Pepper Place Children’s Activities<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The Market at Pepper Place\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 2829 2nd Ave S<\/span>, Birmingham, AL 35233-2839<\/span>\u00a0 PH: 205.705.6886<\/em><\/p>\n

Website<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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Birmingham Botanical Gardens<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Admission and Parking are always FREE.<\/p>\n

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Birmingham Botanical Gardens\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 2612 Lane Park Road<\/span>, Birmingham, AL 25223\u00a0 205.414.3950<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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Aldridge Gardens<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Aldredge Gardens\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 530 Lorna Road – Hoover, AL 35216\u00a0\u00a0 Phone<\/span> 205.682.8019<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Email<\/span> info@aldridgegardens.com<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ruffner Mountain Nature Center<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Ruffner Mountain Nature Center \/\/ 1214 81st St S<\/span>, Birmingham, AL 35206-4599<\/span>\u00a0 205.833.8264<\/em><\/p>\n

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Oak Mountain State Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Oak Mountain State Park has some fantastic\u00a0views 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\u00a0as well. It is a beautiful park and a great place to camp. There is also a lake to swim in\u00a0with a “beach” to relax on.<\/p>\n

The park also offers boat rentals, golfing, and horseback riding. There are also a picnic area, fishing lakes, and basketball courts.<\/p>\n

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Oak Mountain State Park\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 1100 Terrace Drive<\/span>, Pelham, AL 35124<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0 205.620.2524<\/em><\/p>\n

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AirWalk<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.\u00a0 There are trampolines all on the floor and up the walls, a pit full of foam to jump into, and a dodgeball tournament area.\u00a0 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).<\/p>\n

Air Walk is on the outskirts of Birmingham, but so worth the drive.<\/p>\n

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Airwalk\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 7010 Champion Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35242\u00a0 205.637.3347<\/em><\/p>\n

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Vulcan Park & Museum<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Kiddos can see the Vulcan, which is the world\u2019s 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\u00a0a history museum where you can learn more about Vulcan and the city of Birmingham.<\/p>\n

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The Museum is open Monday\u2013Sunday from 10am\u20136pm. The Observation Tower is open Monday – Sunday 10 am – 10 pm.<\/p>\n

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Daily Admission Rates (plus tax) 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.:<\/strong><\/h3>\n