There’s no shortage of fun around Birmingham. Not sure where to start? We’ve created this bucket list to help you explore and enjoy the city in nearly every possible way, from outdoor adventure areas and must-visit concert venues to a few of the fabulous, unique foodie destinations around town and more.

ANIMAL & NATURE ENCOUNTERS

  • Birmingham Zoo – Feed giraffes, ride the train, and see over 700 animals.
  • Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Aldridge Gardens– Explore themed gardens, including a beautiful Japanese garden.
  • Jemison Trail – If you’re looking for a shady stroll, be sure to head to Jemison, where you can admire lovely homes and the Mountain Brook brook burbling alongside the path.
  • Moss Rock Reserve – Hike on trails throughout this 349-acre nature preserve and keep an eye out for waterfalls and wildlife!
  • Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve – Hike scenic trails and visit the Nature Center.
  • Red Mountain Park – Ziplines, hiking trails, and treehouses… What more could a kid want?
  • Railroad Park – Enjoy downtown green space with playground tours, water features, walking trails, and even the occasional free workout class.
  • Oak Mountain State Park – Go horseback riding, paddle boating, fishing, or visit the petting farm.

EDUCATIONAL FUN

  • Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame – “You like jazz?” Learn about the rich history of jazz in Alabama at the museum, listen to live music at the Carver Theatre, and bring your kids to one of the free jazz classes offered each Saturday.
  • Birmingham Civil Rights Institute – Powerful and important history, great for older kids and teens.
  • McWane Science Center – Hands-on science exhibits, “electric” demonstrations (literally!), an aquarium with sharks and stingrays you can pet, and an epic IMAX theater.
  • Birmingham Museum of Art – Free admission and interactive family programs.
  • Southern Museum of Flight – Climb into real aircraft and learn about aviation history.
  • Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark – “Steel” yourself to explore a blast furnace from the industrial era. Sloss often hosts numerous fun events, too, from taco to Italian to ice cream festivals.
  • Vulcan Park & Museum – See the world’s largest cast iron statue and learn about Birmingham’s iron history. 
  • Alabama Sports Hall of Fame – Discover sports legends and interactive exhibits.

CREATIVE AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

  • Alabama Theatre – Find yourself a movie or concert to go to and be transported into this ornate, gilded theatre experience unlike any other.
  • BJCC – Some of the biggest and best performances and events around town happen in the concert hall, Legacy arena, or at the convention center.
  • CityWalk Bham – Rollerskating, pickleball, a civil rights story zone, and an area to socialize and grab food from a food truck, all offered for free. Plus, it has a dog park (membership required).
  • Children’s Theatre Performances – Catch a show by the Birmingham Children’s Theatre.
  • Coca-Cola Amphitheater – The newest venue in town, this outdoor amphitheater has a 9,300-person capacity and boasts shows from many of the most popular artists.
  • Create Birmingham or Forstall Art Center – Sign up for a family art class or workshop.
  • High Point Climbing and Fitness – Climbing rocks! Rock climbing for all ages and skillsets.
  • Lyric Theatre – The Lyric, the oldest theatre in town, recently underwent a $11.8 million renovation, retaining its ornate look while further maximizing the acoustics. 
  • Red Mountain Theatre – Enjoy a show (likely a musical!) at this playhouse.
  • Sidewalk Film Center & Cinema – Watch family-friendly indie films or attend a kids’ workshop.
  • Virginia Samford Theatre – The historic multi-purpose arts facility offers several shows a year, ranging from musicals to comedies to dramas.

UNIQUE EATS & TREATS

    • Big Spoon Creamery – Try inventive ice cream flavors made locally.
    • Brick & Tin – Enjoy high-quality American food.
    • Chez Fonfon – This classy, upscale French bistro will transport you to another era.
    • Continental Bakery – Be prepared for a line out the door, but their pastries, cookies, and coffee are worth it.
    • Edgar’s – There’s a reason they’re famous for their strawberry cake. 
    • Johnny’s Restaurant – Think Southern food with a Greek spin.
    • Luca’s or Bottega – Be transported to Italy in these cozy restaurants.
    • Niki’s West – Talk about a Southern restaurant, this classic meat-’n-three is a must!
    • Paramount – Snack on “bar grub” while you play in an arcade of more than 20 classic and modern games.
    • Polar Shaved Ice – Snag a snowcone (if you can decide on one of the 80 flavors), especially in the hot summer months!
    • Saw’s Soul Kitchen – Taste Birmingham’s favorite comfort foods.
    • Taco Mama or El Barrio – These restaurants put a fresh twist on Mexican food.
    • Tasty Town – Savor Greek cuisine in an aesthetic environment.
    • The Garage – When the weather’s nice, head to this restaurant’s courtyard and dine on an amazing sandwich.
    • The Last Call Bakery – You better get to this local spot early if you want to indulge in a cookie croissant or slice of olive oil cake before they sell out.

JUST FOR FUN

    • Alabama Splash Adventure – Get ready to have splish-splashing fun at this waterpark!
    • Breakout Birmingham or Urban Air Adventure Park – Escape rooms or indoor trampoline fun for older kids and teens.
    • Bucee’s – Getting gas just got a whole lot more fun, with fudge, brisket, and beaver-decorated everything waiting for you in Leeds. 
    • Grand River Drive-In – Nothing better than watching a movie under the stars!
    • Library time – Check out a local library’s storytimes for a fun rainy day activity.
    • Little Professor Bookstore – If you’re a reader, be sure to stop by this darling bookstore to snag your newest read.
    • Shop at the Summit, the Outlets at Grand River, or Riverchase Galleria
    • The Market at Pepper Place – Shop local produce and crafts, often with kid-friendly activities.
    • TopGolf – Take your golf swing to a new level at this high-tech driving range.

SPORTS

  • Birmingham Barons – Cheer on our city’s baseball team (the AA minor league affiliate of the Chicago White Sox) at Regions Field and enjoy a lively family atmosphere.
  • Birmingham Bulls – Join local hockey fans and attend a game of Pelham’s professional ice hockey team against others in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL).
  • Birmingham Legion FC – Magic City’s first and only locally owned and operated professional soccer franchise, established in 2018, plays in Protective Stadium downtown.
  • Birmingham Stallions – Head to Protective Stadium to cheer for Birmingham’s professional American football team as they compete in the United Football League (UFL).
  • Birmingham Squadron – Score yourself a ticket to this NBA G League basketball team’s games.
  • Samford and UAB – Collegiate sports are always worth watching, so consider becoming a bulldog or blazer (at least, for a game or two)!