What's more fun than brainstorming all the fun things you could possibly do this summer and making a Summer Bucket List? This is a yearly, pre-summer tradition in our family. We get out a piece of paper and markers and create a long list. Then we post it on the refrigerator, so whenever we need ideas, we just check the list! Even if you don't get them all checked off by the end of the summer, you'll still have a plan and avoid missing your "must-do" items! Here are some local ideas for things to do from downtown Birmingham to Alabaster and cities in between! Scroll down and click highlighted text for more info on each item on the list.
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- Attend your local library's Summer Reading Kickoff - Check the Mac Kid calendar to find out when your nearest library is having their kickoff (tip: filter the calendar for just your city). There is tons of fun planned at the libraries all summer, from magic shows to local theatre groups to free classes. Prizes for completing a reading log too! The theme this year is "Libraries Rock!"
- KidCon at Magic City Con - Got little sci-fi and fantasy geeks in your family? Don't miss this special day just for kids at this convention. Here's what last years event was like!
- Birmingham Museum of Art - spend a day discovering this FREE art museum.
- Go to an Outdoor Movie - Check our Free and Cheap Summer Movie Guide to find one near you and bring a picnic!
- Sign up for Kids Summer Fun at Oak Mountain Lanes - kids can bowl two games per day for free M- F (after $7 registration fee, shoe rental is $2.50). There are deals to be found at other bowling alleys too.
- Attend a free concert at Railroad Park for Symphony in the Summer, June 8th - 10th.
- Visit Alabama Splash Adventure to get in some theme/water park thrills - they've added six new attractions this year!
- See the amazing sculptures created from dead cedar trees at Orr Park - take a picnic too
- Have a beach day at Oak Mountain State Park - stop and visit the animals at the petting farm on your way to the lake!
- Visit a farmers market - there's nothing quite like the sights, sounds and tastes at a local farmers market! Choose from one of many listed in our Farmers Market Guide
- Have an art day - my kids are always asking to get out the paint and play doh or make something. Since it requires supervision, I try to make sure to plan at least one day to get the easels, paints and paper out in the yard and let them make a big mess. Here are some ideas from our archives: Maker Watercolor Art, Easy Glitter Slime or check out our Busy Kids = Happy Mama pinterest board.
- Visit a splash pad - two to try in our area: the Birmingham Zoo and Sicard Hollow Sports Complex in Vestavia
- Jump at Sky Zone - air conditioning and free wifi. Need I say more?
- Build a fort at Aldridge Gardens. Never been? Admission is free. Read our article about it HERE.
- Spend an afternoon playing pinball, arcade games or ping pong at BumperNets at Riverchase Galleria.
- Visit the Birmingham Zoo - wear a swim suit and check off "visit a splash pad" too!
- Ride the train at Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. Several fun events this summer include Rail Safety Day (FREE train rides), the Fathers Day Limited (1/2 price for dad) and Wild West Day (see pictures from last year's Wild West Day HERE).
- Summer Skies at the Christenberry Planetarium - we list their events on our calendar... it is FREE. Find the events by using keyword "Christenberry" in the search bar on our website.
- Go camping - my kids love to camp out in the back yard, or check out our review of DeSoto State Park campground (a great place for first timers and experienced campers alike!). Also, Railroad Park, is hosting a family camp out night, June 23rd.
- Go fishing on Alabama's Free Fishing Day
- Birmingham Children's Theatre Festival - Go see Jack and the Beanstalk or the Three Musketeers at this festival, or filter the Mac Kid calendar for "festivals" and find a festival near you that sounds appealing to add to your list.
- Take a day trip - here are 79 ideas within a three hour drive for you!
- See a fireworks show - the Fourth of July and Summer Fun Guide will be coming to Mac Kid soon, but many are listed on the calendar right now!
- Go to summer camp! - lots of ideas in our Summer Camp Guide!
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, twitter and Pinterest for more ideas and to see the latest giveaways!
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Need more ideas or something to do TODAY? Check the Mac Kid calendar HERE!
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Macaroni Kid South Birmingham is a free weekly e-newsletter and website focused on fun family events and things to do with kids in the South Birmingham region. We gather together all kinds of local family events and activities each week, and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides and more. We proudly serve families in downtown Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover, Pelham, the Oak Mountain and 280 area, Helena and Alabaster.
