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, updated weekly!
Local Events Coming Up
Friday, April 17
25th Annual Gardendale Magnolia Festival
When: All day Friday, April 17 through April 18
Where: Gardendale Civic Center (857 Main St., Gardendale)
How much: Parking and admission are free
Details: It will have 160 vendors, two stages of live entertainment, a pooch parade, midway-style carnival, car show, free kid zone, petting zoo/pony rides, and more! magnoliafestival.org
28th Annual Elias Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival
When: All day Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18
Where: 836 8th St. S., Birmingham
How much: Free (food available for purchase)
Details: Savor traditional Lebanese food, including spinach pies and more. stelias.org
Saturday, April 18
5th Annual Steps Against Melanoma 5K
When: Saturday, April 18 at 8 a.m.
Where: Veterans Park (4800 Valleydale Rd., Meadowbrook)
How much: Free
Details: 5K walk/run benefiting AIM at Melanoma. support.aimatmelanoma.org
Young Entrepreneurs Day
When: Saturday, April 18 from 1–4 p.m.
Where: Shades Valley High School (6100 Old Leeds Rd., Irondale)
How much: Free
Details: This event gives students the opportunity to showcase their businesses, sell their products, and compete for their share of over $3,000 in scholarship funds. cityofirondaleal.gov
Sunday, April 19
Ballet in the Park
When: Sunday, April 19 at 3 p.m.
Where: Railroad Park
How much: Free
Details: Magic City Performing Arts presents a family-friendly afternoon of ballet and contemporary dance. magiccityperformingarts.com
Tuesday, April 21
Tunes on Tap @ Ferus
When: April 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Ferus Artisan Ales (101 Beech St., Suite 111, Trussville)
Details: Daniel Cho will be conducting the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s final Tunes on Tap of the season. Join them at Ferus Artisan Ales in Trussville for a free night of great live music, brews, and fun!
May 9
Buddy Big Top Carnival
Noon–4 p.m at Braelynn’s Way at Bessie Estell Park (901 8th St. S., Birmingham). Inclusive carnival activities for all abilities, food & drinks, a Parent Resource Fair, adaptive accommodations, and a buddy system matches that spark real friendship and connection across all abilities. Free. thewildfloweralliance.org
May 16
Birmingham Folk Festival, The
11 a.m.–7 p.m. at Avondale Park (4101 5th Ave. S., Birmingham). A free, family friendly, outdoor festival with live music, dancing, food trucks, and more. Free. birminghamfolkfest.org
Always Free
The Alabama State Parks Junior Ranger Program
Alabama State Parks launched its new Junior Park Ranger Program! Complete the activities in the free downloadable Adventure Guide and upon completion, your child will earn their Junior Ranger Badge and an official Certificate of Achievement. Participation is open to kids of all ages, but it is designed primarily for kids ages 5–12. No previous experience required. Program booklets can be found at most AL parks and nature centers.
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.
Birdsong Farmers Market
When: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon
Where: 2824 5th Ave. S. (Automatic Seafood lot)
How much: Free entry
Details: A weekly farmers market—local, organic, and farmer-led. facebook.com
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!
McWane Science Center’s New Basilosaurus Exhibit
When: Tuesday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Sunday Noon–5 p.m.
Where: McWane Science Center—Lobby
Details: Head to the lobby to see this new (old!) fossil exhibit. The Basilosaurus is not a dino, despite what it sounds like—it was actually a huge prehistoric whale! And it’s actually Alabama’s state fossil, so don’t miss it! (While it costs to enter the Adventure Hall, it is free to peruse the newest specimen located in the lobby!)
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. Here’s a few to get you started:
- Avondale Park (with bronze “Miss Fancy” elephant statue) – Avondale
- Central Park – Homewood
- City Walk (has a playground!) – downtown
- Patriots Park (with playground) – Homewood
- Railroad Park – downtown
- Veteran’s Park (with playground + pickleball courts) – Hoover
- Wald Park (with playground + pickleball courts) – Vestavia
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.
