Looking for fun things to do with kids in Birmingham without spending a penny? This quick guide rounds up the best free parks, museums, and family-friendly spots around Bham for an easy day out. Not to mention free local events perfect for the whole family!
Local Events Coming Up
Community Seed Swap
January 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens (2612 Lane Park Rd., Birmingham)
Join the Library at the Gardens as they celebrate National Seed Swap Day with a community seed swap. Bring any open-pollinated, heirloom seeds you would like to share: locally saved seeds, specialty seeds, or extra seeds you bought but don’t need. If you don’t have any seeds to contribute, no worries—you can still participate!
Always Free
Birmingham Botanical Garden
2612 Lane Park Rd., Birmingham
Stroll through the gardens for free—the Japanese garden is a favorite, but the Rose garden in bloom is unbeatable. You can even stop into the Birmingham Botanical Library while you’re there to pick up a book on plants or borrow from the seeds library.
Birmingham Museum of Art
2000 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd., Birmingham
General Admission is FREE every day and there are all kinds of cool pieces of art to look at. Not to mention sensory-friendly hours and special events.
Jefferson County Public Libraries
Multiple locations
There are dozens of locations, and each offers an insane number of fabulous events. From storytime to arts and crafts to gaming sessions and more, there’s endless fun to be had. Not to mention, it’s the perfect place to snag a few new bedtime books!
Parks
Multiple locations
There are soooo many fantastic parks across Birmingham. Whether you’re looking for an epic playground like the one at Patriots Park or you’re wanting a walking trail like Jemison, Birmingham has something for everyone.
Pepper Place Farmers Market
2829 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham
Every Saturday morning from January 31—December 12 from 7 a.m. until noon (rain or shine!), you can head to Pepper Place to check out their Alabama-grown and raised goods. Whether you’re looking for fresh fruit and veggies, a sweet potato pie, or a hand-crafted gift, you’re bound to find something at this market. (However, it is free, so you can always just try the samples and admire!)
Red Mountain Park
2011 Frankfurt Dr., Birmingham
There is no parking or admission fee to enter (though they do offer a membership program). They have picnic areas, biking trails, a sensory trail, birdwatching, a dog park, hiking and trail running, a garden, a tree house, and more! Feel free to bring your pet on a leash so they can explore too. The park also offers fun free events like bird-watching walks and greenhouse workdays.
Shelby County Public Libraries
Multiple locations
Shelby County has dozens of libraries—you’ll find there’s plenty to do at each, and they’re all free! So whether you’re hoping for a book adventure or your kids attend an event, it’ll be a worthwhile free experience.
Vulcan Park (Grounds/Park area)
1701 Valley View Dr., Birmingham
While the museum of the Vulcan is not free, you can walk around near the base of the statue and get a great view of the city. (Not to mention a close-up view of Vulcan himself.) Plus, there’s a walking trail that begins at the parking lot, perfect for a family walk.
