wants to go to We attended Redpoint for my daughters 7th birthday party with a small group of her friends. The jazz movement was more than music, it was about humanity, and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame sets out to remember and personify that through fascinating exhibits on some of Jazzs all-time greatest musicians. Reviewers also appreciated the free admission and free parking, and praised the museum's other facilities, including its on-site eatery and gift shop. The views during your 14,000-foot freefall are simply incredible, and something that will stick with you forever. It organizes summer camps for children. Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and Waterfalls. Step inside the Alabama Wildlife Center, which is a space that has been dedicated for the last 45 years to help care for injured and orphaned birds. An old-fashioned music hall and live performance venue, Iron City is one of the coolest places to catch a show in Birmingham, hosting local up-and-comers, traveling superstars, and tribute bands to bygone legends. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Not to be overlooked is The Roof, an aptly-named watering hole on top of the Redmont Hotel on Fifth Ave, as well as the chic and colorful Habitat Feed and Social over in the suburb of Mountain View. 1. Detective kit given to the children (9&11) which they used on the way around to solve clues and identify the suspect. Take off your jumpers before you start! (205) 699-7275. Thank you Redpoint for a brilliant day. Nice job of restoring the Historic Site, Beware they don't open until 10AM. With over 1500 acres of green space and 15 miles of trails (that are well-maintained and clearly marked), its easy to spend an entire day exploring every nook and cranny this expansive park has to offer. more, Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks, Bar, Club & Pub Tours Beer Tastings & Tours. The Lyric Theatre showcases a diverse roster that ranges from drama and comedy to dance and music, as well as symphonies, ballets, and operas. When you return, unwind from your sightseeing at The Pavilion Lounge, and order a signature cocktail. The sleek and modern hotel features a swimming pool, pet-friendly rooms, and a 24-hour front desk. From used doll parts to prosthetic legs, taxidermy, and strangely spectacular local artwork, theres nothing you cant find at the quirky little downtown store of Birmingham Oddities. An integral part of the revitalization of downtown Birmingham, the center is located in the historic Loveman's department store building. Exhibits honor Alabama jazz greats, including Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton. We arrived at 8.50 and was called on @9.05pm We felt abit rushed as we had ordered food and drinks to chill but got called within 10mins. Chattanooga offers visitors a beautiful dose of nature at the Tennessee Riverpark or kayaking down the rapids of the Tennessee River. more, Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. Attractions at the park include a nine-story drop slide, an 800,000 wave pool, tube slides, toddler water play area, a 216-foot flume, and a lazy river. u can go super fast also did the laser tag super fun so cool , amazing atmosphere, friendly staff music is good and whole experience is very well co-ordinated. If youre a climber, youre in for a treat with massive boulders located inside Boulder Field at Moss Rock Preserve, perfect for any level. We did the back in time room which was enjoyable and interesting. Whatever mix of bars or clubs you end up at, the one thing is for sure: you wont have a shortage of options. Out the front, dont miss the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument while a little shocking, its a reminder of a reality that isnt too far in the distance. Despite their policy asking to arrive 30mins prior to actual start time which would of been 9.30pm. She let us ask questions and take pictures at points of interest. From beautiful gardens to world-class museums, and important historical museums Birmingham has got it all! The monument in Birmingham, Alabama, became a flashpoint in the fight for racial justice. This was a fun time with my grown up family members. Cost: $40 per group of 2 (ticketing) Address: 8101 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35206. Redpoint Birmingham Climbing Centre 72 Sports Complexes Open now By 852cathariner They really reassured the children who were a little more nervous and made it such a fun experience. I could imagine how beautiful the area is in the fall. 3. Clearly, the city has a thing for statues, as the 36-foot replica is one of three enormous statues in the area. At 56 feet tall and weighing in at over 100,000 pounds, this colossal figure has been overlooking the city for over a century, serving as a longstanding iconic landmark of the city. Just pick a show that tickles your fancy, buy a ticket (in advance to get the best price), and let the so-called Showplace of the South dazzle and delight. They really reassured the children who were a little more nervous and made it such a, I would definitely recommend Matrix VR with kids and/or adults, especially in groups as it's, time with their friends and I would recommend Cannon Park for anyone considering a laser tag party -, and an amazing jolly host, (Iza) took great care off us all and made it reall fun, It was amazing so fun had a great time with the. Splash Adventure, formerly Alabama Adventure, is a water park. A crowd favorite among architecture buffs, this 1840s construction serves as a stark reminder of the Greek Revival style of architecture and the style of mansion that was oh-so-common during the Civil War era. Whats better than getting a beer with friends? Do you have a thing for motorsports and speed? So whether youre bringing the family or catching up with friends over a cheeky beer, youll be grinning ear to ear before nights end. Go wild at Bear Grylls Adventure Birmingham If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, you'll be sure to find it at Bear Grylls' action-packed adventure experience, one of the best indoor activities in Birmingham. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. TreeTop Family Adventures is an amusement park fun center that offers indoor and outdoor attractions. The gardens also feature several paths for walking and jogging, making it a great spot for both recreation and relaxation. Held by the eponymous NGO since 1999, the beloved festival lasts a week and screens different movies across seven different venues, highlighting all kinds of local filmmakers, independent artists, and international films. Can you escape from a room with only 3 clues? We absolutely loved it! Fascinating insight into social history brought alive by Ross, a brilliant guide who made the tour very relatable. Our tour guide, Wes, quickly assesses and gets to know who he is guiding and then bases the tour on their interests and abilities. Barber started collecting sports cars that later expanded into motorcycles and these days, the collection has grown so vast that its notched up the official Guinness World Record for the largest motorcycle collection in the world. - venue a little off the beaten track, but staff were friendly, helpful and informative. Oak Mountain State Park. would definitely be fun sharing that trip with others, I thoroughly enjoyed the personalized one-on-one. Caves, in Alabama? With approximately 550 animals of 180 species and endangered species from 6 continents on 122 acres, the Birmingham Zoo is the perfect place to visit any time of the year. However, donations are certainly appreciated. Moonlight on the Mountain has a small theater where performers perform folk, Americana, roots, country and bluegrass music to intimate settings of 85 to 100 people. While many visitors simply pop by and explore for a half-hour or so, those looking to learn a little more about local history can opt for a guided tour or visit on Memorial Day to watch the Step-Stone ceremony. Plus, with a cafe on-site, you can refuel before your next jump. Many visitors loved the zip line and ropes courses, but bemoaned the poorly marked and confusing trail signs and the lack of proper restrooms (the park does offer portable toilets). If wine tasting is more your speed, then check out North Georgias incredible vineyards on a wine tour! Families that visited said they appreciated the option to purchase Imax theater admission separately and enjoyed the convenience of the on-site food court. Originally created for the Barons, Americas oldest baseball park has now become a site for all baseball enthusiasts, retaining the longstanding charm of an old baseball field despite undergoing a thorough restoration. This is so much more We thoroughly enjoyed our night out with Brum Tours and Prof. Carl Chinn. Tours of Avondale Brewing Company are held 5 times a week, last about an hour and include a pint of beer and glass. With a handful of lanes plus billiards tables, a state-of-the-art laser tag arena, and an arcade filled with all the classics (plus some new favorites), not to mention plenty of food and drink to boot, this is the perfect spot to unleash the competitive beast. Choose from the 14 different types of attractions and pay only once for your ticket, which will grant you access to the attractions without waiting in line. If youre looking for things to do in Birmingham that deliver a much-needed dose of rest and rejuvenation, then visiting the Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve should be first on your list. With over 1200 vintage motorcycles, Barber Motorsports Museum & Park attracts bikers and the general public alike with its two-tiered platform display of bikes. As well as hosting some top theatrical performances (including popular local musicals like The Phantom), the theatre also regularly welcomes symphony orchestras and operas. Amzing from Start to Finish Everything you want and expect from a go karting session .. ! Head east towards Atlanta, Georgia, where you can see if you could survive a zombie apocalypse on the Walking Dead Tour. A side-splitting venue on the outskirts of Birmingham in the city of Hoover, the StarDome Comedy Club is just what you need to round out your vacation with a hearty dose of good-natured humor. It's one of the best things to do in Orange Beach. Attractions at the park include a nine-story drop slide, an 800,000 wave pool, tube slides, toddler water play area, a 216-foot flume, and a lazy river. Located in the Civil Rights District, the 16th Street Baptist Church is more than just a church its the first colored Baptist Church to exist in the city and the site of one of the most tragic bombings during the civil rights movement. for all ages with either friends or family. Home to the Minor League Baseball team Birmingham Barons, Regions Field is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. Make no mistake, however, this is no regular gallery: all of the weird and wacky objects on display are for sale! No trip to Birmingham is complete without a stop by the Vulcan Park and Museum, home of the worlds largest cast-iron statue: the Vulcan Statue. As any former visitor (or local) will attest, this lively metropolis is full of surprises: from its roaring sports crowds and insightful museums to its stunning inner-city nature, vibrant Theatre District and proximity to the Appalachian Mountains, the selection of things to do in Birmingham is far more diverse and exciting than meets the eye. Once you arrive at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, the best way to get to your hotel or downtown is to book an airport transfer. 20 minutes east of Downtown, the Park features calming walking trails, powerful memorial statues, and the Hall of Honor temple, which displays over 11,000 names of 11,000 Alabamians whove sacrificed their lives in battle. The museum also houses an extensive selection of Lotus Cars, if you prefer four wheels to two. 1. Great time celebrating my lads 18th with a Grand Prix session. When you book an airport transfer, you are relieving yourself of the stress of finding public transportation. Birminghams rooftop bars offer all of the above (with plenty of socializing to boot), making for a perfect spot to spend a few hours as afternoon transitions into evening. West Midlands Police Museum. Despite its small size, this art museum houses a notable and eclectic collection of Asian, European, Native American and African art, not to mention one of the best collections of Wedgwood in the country (in fact, it houses the most Wedgwood outside of England). There's something for everyone at Red Mountain Park, where miners once toiled to extract iron ore from the red soil. Last but not least, the RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley boasts no less than 54 holes, ideal for beginners and experts alike. You can take insightful classes, join an expert-led walking tour, explore the on-site Art Gallery, enjoy events such as Earth Day, and plenty more! Then grab a ticket for a riveting performance at the Lyric Theatre! Nashville is all about the music, and the first stop is Ryman Auditorium for a good country show. Put your heads together to solve the riddles at the award-winning Locked In: The Birmingham Escape Game. I will be coming back again. There are more than enough activities to occupy you and your loved ones for hours on end: while mountain biking and hiking are the crowd favorites, thrill-seeking visitors tend to lean toward options like the BMX course, cable skiing, boat rides, or horseback riding! Other reviewers praised the assortment of Lotus Cars and the outdoor track, which hosts the Porsche Sport Driving School. This air museum will take you through nearly 100 years worth of history all spread across 75000 square feet of as the Museum puts it learning possibilities. So if youre hunting for some one-of-a-kind souvenirs, this is the place to come your friends back home will be thanking (or questioning) you for years. The 345-acre park overflows with natural wonders, hiking trails, and climbing opportunities. (Patience Itson / Bham Now) When it comes to family entertainment, The Birmingham Zoo never disappoints. McWane Science Center 959 Science Museums Aquariums Open now By DeoniaNeveu So we missed getting inside the facility. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Great little find - thoroughly recommend. Take a guided tour of the wildlife center, and walk through the Treetop Nature Trail. Then test your luck at the Birmingham Race Course Casino, where visitors can throw a few bucks down casino games, horses, greyhounds, or live sports! Museum of Fond Memories at Reed Books. Stop by some of the off-site education programs to learn more about what they do on a daily basis, and even witness a trained raptor! With multiple ways to get involved to help with wildlife efforts, there are also amazing ways to learn more about local birds, wildlife conservation acts, and how many birds have been cared back to nature. Recent visitors called this museum a "world-class facility" and said that even if you're not into motorcycles, this collection is worth seeing. With over one million square feet of exhibition space, the massive Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex hosts everything from trade shows to concerts and political rallies, not to mention sporting events and no less than seven onsite restaurants. Because I want to help make your dream vacation a reality, here is a handpicked list of some of the best things to do in Alabama. If your timing is right, on specific days (check the website), the zoo puts on magical Glow Wild nights where animal-shaped lanterns are released into the sky! Once a vacant railroad track that was gathering dust, the RotaryClub has since transformed the eyesore into a marvelous greenspace trail for the locals and tourists to bike, walk, or run! Even if you dont walk the entire trail, a selfie in front of the 46-foot-tall sign is quintessential. Willow & Wine Distinctive Gift Baskets 1 Speciality & Gift Shops Wine Bars By mikebham01 The store is fairly new. With tasty burgers, 20 Beers on Tap, and a full handcrafted cocktail menu, its time to grab some pals and sink into an evening of nostalgia at Birminghams most beloved barcade. The evening started off with a fascinating Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks Kayaking & Canoeing. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute presents the moving story of the city's role in the civil rights movement, focusing not just on the past, but also on the continuing international struggle for human rights through permanent and temporary galleries. The Birmingham Zoo Lorikeets at the Birmingham Zoo. All the venues are found in the theatre district of Birmingham, making it easy to walk from one place to another and catch as many films as possible or an easy walk to the nearby restaurants and bars for a post-movie nightcap. Crack the codes inside The Big Escape Rooms, where each room has a select few numbers of clues that you have to use to solve the mysteries. Consider yourself lucky? The art deco Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame is located in the Carver Theatre in the heart of the Civil Rights District. Surrounding the hero are multiple exhibits outlining the best of Birminghams timeline, as well as an observation deck that sports an unmatched panoramic view of the downtown skyline and beyond. From regular track days where you can sit front row in the bleachers to the Honda Indy Grand Prix which draws in crowds of thousands, several racing events take place at the park. Ask our hundreds of millions of travellers for the best tips. To guarantee a fun-filled time, look through this list of some of the best things to do in Birmingham, AL, that you can enjoy with your travel buddies. Open in Google Maps. You'll also find the only public horticultural library in the United States here. But, the difference here is that there are real gas flames in the torch that burns through the day (not even the original can claim that). Dont have too much time to get a full treatment at the spa? Take a Dolphin Cruise at Orange Beach If you're tired of going to Gulf Coast beaches to suntan, try taking a dolphin cruise instead! Overall me and my partner really enjoyed ourselves, took him their for his birthday in the evening we never did it before so it was good laugh. Recent visitors called this small museum "a hidden jewel" and a must-see for jazz fans. All of the children commented on how much of a great party it was. And for those looking to stay dry, the park also boasts has several regular rides like the Little Bumpers bumper cars and high-octane Rampage wooden cooler coaster. A Mecca for sports fans, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is filled to the brim with stories and over 6,000 pieces of memorabilia from all kinds of Alabama athletes, past and present. Of course, please set a limit and gamble responsibly. For a more straightforward rooftop experience, check out the Moon Shine Bar at the Elyton Hotel (which boasts sweet views of both downtown and Red Mountain) or the 19th-story Roots & Revelry. Tony-winning singer and actress from Wicked, Glee, and Disneys Frozen wows audiences with the pipes that made Let It Go a smash hit. Found over 20th St North in the heart of downtown, Paramount is a rustic, cozy, and popular spot for all-day drinks that also happens to be home to dozens upon dozens of classic arcade games! These passport holders make keeping your documents in order a breeze while traveling. Recent travelers said this local favorite is a gorgeous green space. Get Active At Oak Mountain State Park. This little-known memorial honors those who have donated their bodies to medical training. SO much care and detail has gone into making this feel authentic, bringing alive the history of the challenges of daily life in the Back to Backs. Catch a jazz show at True Story Brewing Co. or if metal, blues, or punk rock music is more your vibe, check their calendar to make your plans. The Ave Maria Grotto, made from concrete and donated stones, showcases no less than 125 detailed reproductions of some of the worlds most renowned religious buildings and structures. Very friendly and helpful staff. 6030 Barber Motorsports. With entertainment often provided by local musicians, the market doubles as a fun shopping experience with family-friendly activities on offer too. Featuring classic shows, Broadway musicals, and even childrens theatre productions, this intimate venue offers an up-close and personal experience that is perfect for date night or a fun family outing. Home to all types of mammals, birds, and reptiles, the Birmingham Zoo was first opened in 1955 and now hosts more than 170 animals. They have done a nice job of restoring the historic site and grounds. We played the zombie game. As you scoot around town, checking off notorious landmarks (like Vulcan Park and Museum, the 16th Street Baptist Church, and Railroad Park) and hidden gems alike, youll be tasked with solving clues, cracking codes, and taking photos so have your camera ready. Many commented on the variety of birds, as well as the diverse landscapes, from Japanese gardens to native woodlands. Rickwood Field is the oldest surviving professional ballpark in the United States. Consider yourself an aviation buff? Things To Do In Solihull Birmingham's little-known, huge adventure playground you can visit for just a 1 donation Meriden Adventure Playground boasts a zip wire, towers, platforms, ropes, swings . A quirky little spot that is bound to put a smile on your face, this Instagram-famous landmark is just what it sounds like: a tunnel made up of LED lights and multi-colored paint panels. I had never heard of Red Mountain Park until I found it on TripAdvisor, so I decided to try it. For those looking to burn some energy a journey to Oak Mountain State Park will see to that, at 9,940 acres it is the largest state park in Alabama and very close to Birmingham. No problem! The staff were helpful, enthusiastic, and friendly (even when I messed up our booking!) There are 40 buildings on the site and 2 blast-furnaces. Well thought out and challenging. Or step into Oasis Bar for the drink and food deals offered almost daily. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Makes you appreciate all the modern luxuries we have that we take for granted. You can choose between a 1 or 2-day pass, and go at your leisure to explore Birmingham, your way. Nestled in the heart of downtown Birmingham, Kelly Ingram Park is a 16-acre haven of green space and serenity.