Your guide to a family-friendly day downtown

June 2, 2023 · 20th Street, Family Friendly, Visit

With summer just around the corner, kids will soon be out of school and insisting on getting out of the house. Luckily, Downtown Birmingham has an abundance of family-friendly activities that will keep your kiddos entertained and create lifelong memories.

We know taking kids out for extended periods can be challenging; that’s why we have curated a list of experiences designed to be enjoyable within a manageable 3 – 4 hour timeframe. This way, both children and parents can make the most of their time without feeling overwhelmed or exhausted. These four experiences include lunch options and are tailored to different ages and personalities.

For your curious and inquisitive child:

Embark on an unforgettable adventure at the McWane Science Center for children ages 2-12. This interactive science hall, complete with an IMAX theater, is open from Wednesday to Sunday. It has an array of exhibits and special programs sure to spark wonder and curiosity.

Conveniently located just across the street, you can grab lunch from the Pizitz Food Hall. With over ten different vendors, your picky eaters have a ton of options to choose from. As a special treat, grab some homemade cotton candy from Spun Cow or a caramel apple from Birmingham Candy Company.

Enjoy your treat outside on the orange and blue Upswings!

For your wilderness explorer:

Begin your day at Railroad Park, where there are tons of possibilities for outdoor fun! Bring along scooters, skates, or even a kite on a windy day. Or find a quiet area to spread out a picnic blanket near the creek to read a book with your little one. On sunny days, you can usually expect an ice cream truck often stationed near Red Cat Café. *Be sure not to miss Free Flick Fridays beginning this week! Stay up-to-date on the upcoming movies by checking out the schedule here!

Head over to Hero Donuts, located right across the street from the park, where you can watch the entire baking process of their donuts. The kid’s menu at Hero is hard to dislike, with multiple child-friendly options. The outdoor patio also has the perfect view of the park while you are enjoying your freshly made donut.

For some fun for both parents and kids, walk over to Good People Brewing Company, where there are tons of tabletop games to choose from and some delicious craft beers to end the day.

For your all-star athlete:

Birmingham’s family-friendly sports scene is perfect for your sports fanatic family, where you can create lasting memories. These three teams are playing throughout the summer, and you won’t want to miss out on them!

Regions Field, home to the Barons, has multiple kinds of seating arrangements, from open grassy areas to picnic tables. As you enjoy the game, keep an eye out for the mascots, Babe Ruff and Lilly Ruff, who walk around the field or near the bouncy house area.
At Protective Stadium, the home of the Stallions, there’s a ton to do with kids. Near the north end of the field, there’s a dedicated kids’ area, with activities such as face painting and bouncy houses, ensuring non-stop fun during the game.
For the little Messi of your family, Legion FC also calls Protective Stadium home, offering an interactive and lively fan section. Check out their chants before heading to the game here!

If you’re looking for something with more history, there are two museums next to the fields. Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is right across Protective Stadium but may be more suitable for children ages 10 and up but has insight into the state’s sporting legacy. Additionally, the Negro Southern League Museum, located across from Regions Field, is filled with tons of impactful history of African American baseball players in the region.

Obviously, enjoying fan-favorite stadium food is a must, but you can never go wrong with local restaurants like Eugene’s Hot Chicken (don’t worry, they have plain chicken 😊) or Tortugas Pizzeria.

For your artsy and creative kiddo:

Immerse yourself at the Birmingham Museum of Art, conveniently situated next to City Walk and is open from Tuesday to Sunday. This cultural gem offers a diverse array of captivating exhibits and even hosts engaging summer art camps, ensuring something for visitors of all ages. Younger children are in for a treat with ArtVenture, an interactive gallery that has hands-on activities for kids ages 2 to 12. Best of all, admission is completely FREE!

Feeling inspired after the museum? Forstall Art Center, located on 20th Street, is your one-stop destination for all your art supply needs. Browse their extensive selection, which includes washable and nontoxic paints, sticker books, and puzzles. Be sure to check out their event calendar, as they often host art classes throughout the year for all ages.

When hunger strikes, make your way to Brick and Tin, right across from Forstall Art Center. Alternatively, satisfy your cravings with a delicious slice of pizza from Zaza’s (with both great kid’s menus). As you walk through the streets of downtown Birmingham, keep your eyes peeled for captivating and vibrant murals, providing excellent backdrops for some fun family pics.

Behind the magic of Urban Parc, Birmingham’s newest restaurant and bar!

The culinary scene keeps getting bigger here in Birmingham! Urban Parc, a new restaurant and bar in five points south, opened its doors back in April. Inside, you’ll quickly realize that this establishment is anything but typical. From the state-of-the-art arcade area equipped with a bowling alley to the breathtaking rooftop bar, Urban Parc offers a diverse array of experiences that will leave you in awe. Click the link to learn more!

What Stallions cornerback Brian Allen loves about Birmingham

Brian Allen, a talented cornerback, has made the remarkable transition from a small town in Texas to the vibrant city of Birmingham. Choosing Birmingham for his football career for two consecutive seasons, Brian’s unwavering dedication and exceptional skills have made him a standout figure in the world of football. To dive deeper into Brian’s journey and discover his genuine appreciation for the city, watch this video with the link below!

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