Parents looking for a way to entertain their kids over spring break have a plethora of options in the Birmingham area. From outdoor activities at the zoo, the gardens, Ruffner Mountain and Red Mountain Park; to fun science at McWane Center; and educational outings at the Museum of Art, Sloss Furnaces and Vulcan Park, these attractions have the bases covered.
Birmingham Zoo
Experience wildlife at the Birmingham Zoo. Spanning 122 acres, the zoo contains 550 animals, including endangered species from six continents. This spring break, the zoo is offering kids ages 5-11 a chance to enroll in a Spring Break Camp. During the week-long adventure, campers will participate in all the zoo’s signature activities: giraffe feeding, keeper chats, Red Diamond Express Train and other activities For more information, visit birminghamzoo.com.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Open 365 days a year, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is filled with more than 30 thematic gardens, each classified into one of three types: gardens of collections, gardens of nature and gardens of culture. Having more than 12,000 different plants in its living collections, the 67.5-acre property is the most visited free attraction in Alabama.
The Gardens are open to the public every day, from dawn until dusk. For more information, visit bbgardens.org.
Birmingham Museum of Art
Birmingham Museum of Art has the mission to spark the creativity, imagination and liveliness of Birmingham residents.
Dating from ancient to modern times, a diverse collection of more than 27,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and decorative arts are housed in the museum. While visiting, be sure to check out the Museum Shop, and don’t forget to soak up the spring sunshine in the outdoor sculpture garden. For more information, visit artsbma.org.
McWane Science Center
Visit the McWane Science Center for a fun week at Camp McWane. Designed for grades K-6. Uncovering dinosaurs, exploring the ocean and examining forensic evidence are all a possibility for campers during spring break at the McWane Center. Camps are available in half-days or full days. For more information, visit mcwane.org.
Red Mountain Park
Spring into an outdoor workout or a leisurely walk at Red Mountain Park. With more than 15 miles of trails, two city overlooks, three treehouses and a 6-acre dog park, Red Mountain Park offers endless possibilities for an outdoor adventure for families and furry friends. The park is open daily, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Ruffner Mountain
With a mission to advance the understanding of ecology, Ruffner Mountain offers a variety of educational programs and 14 miles of trails to encourage visitors to learn something new. One thousand acres offer visitors an opportunity to chase sunsets, hike the trails and watch for birds during spring break. The Nature Center is a favorite of many Ruffner regulars, housing a wide array of native species including turtles and snakes. For more information, visit ruffnermountain.org.
Sloss Furnaces
Once the largest manufacturer of pig iron in the world, the web of pipes and towering stoves that is Sloss Furnaces is a glimpse into Birmingham’s extensive industrial background. Upon arrival, a self-guided tour brochure leads visitors around the property, teaching guests about the iron-production process and past faces of Sloss. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to watch introductory videos, read storyboards of Sloss history, browse the art gallery and take home a souvenir from the Gift Shop. For more information, visit slossfurnaces.com.
Vulcan Park
Check out the largest cast-iron statue in the world. Vulcan was cast from local iron ore and designed by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti. Inside Vulcan’s museum, visitors can find a historical timeline of the city of Birmingham. During spring break, Fresh Air Family’s award-winning Gross Out Camp will be held at Vulcan Park. Campers in grades 1-4 will explore the trail, dig for worms, race roly-polies, build debris shelters and perform experiments, all for the love of science. For more information, go to visitvulcan.com.
