Both parents and grandparents say McWane is a "super fun" place to spend a day with the kids, especially since the center appeals to a variety of age groups. Great fun. Joe Minter is only doing the work of God in his yard, he says. The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset. What was once home to some of baseballs most iconic players (including Babe Ruth) now serves as a popular spot for visitors, who are granted access to walk in and explore the grandstands or see how fast they can run between the bases. Here, at the infamous Talladega Speedway (which is less than an hour from Birmingham), you can whiz around the race track at speeds as fast as 165 mph and feel what its like to be a real-life Nascar champion. The 1,500-acre park features more than 15 miles of trails, two scenic overlooks, three treehouses, an off-leash dog park and adventures from zip lining and climbing to a ropes course. 17 Best Things to Do in Birmingham, AL (for 2023) Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. [+] There are 32 different types of things to do inside in or near Birmingham, Alabama. However, a few noted that the outdoor art installation is somewhat overgrown and neglected. There are Korean War Jet collections, Vietnam War helicopters, Tuskegee Airmen collections and others. Hint: getting a beer with friends and a retro bar arcade! There are 40 buildings on the site and 2 blast-furnaces. Perhaps the most significant site is Kelly Ingram Park, which played host to civil rights rallies, demonstrations and confrontations in the 1960s, including the Children's Crusade. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The only gripe among recent visitors concerned the museum's facilities, or lack thereof: museumgoers said they would love to see a cafe or eatery added to the grounds. Youll come out feeling refreshed in both mind and body. Pet owners also appreciated the dog park, as well as the plentiful free parking. Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure as well as a custom massage at Poseidon Spa. The theatre hosts approximately 250 events each year and attracts more than 400,000 people each year. Craving a dose of nature and an escape from big city life? Set up to honor all those who have fallen from the 20th century to today while serving the country, the Alabama Veterans Memorial park is a somber but peaceful place to visit, especially if youre looking for some time away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. From old standbys like the Hidden Meadow Vineyard (known for its fruity and southern muscadine wines) to new favorites like the Cat-n-Bird Winery, there are plenty of places where you can sample the local flavors while enjoying an impromptu tour from the friendly sommeliers. These passport holders make keeping your documents in order a breeze while traveling. Once one of the largest producers of pig iron in the world. 30+ Most Romantic Things To Do In Birmingham, Alabama They really reassured the children who were a little more nervous and made it such a fun experience. Enjoy fresh breakfast when you stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham, before heading out to the Birmingham Zoo or the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The exhibits displayed at the Southern Museum of Flight pertain to both the military and the civil domain. Some reviewers do caution, though, that the open grated floor on the observation deck may be a problem for those with a fear of heights. Dont miss this tour during your stay in Birmingham! 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. A unique book shop with a collection of rare tomes and a nostalgia museum. A common stop on most civil rights tours (while confronting, these tours are essential when visiting) that wander through Birmingham. A must for the petrolheads, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is home to a truly astonishing array of motorbikes: more than 1,400 motorcycles, spanning over a century of production are found here, next to the Barber Motorsports Park racetrack. As the former largest manufacturer of pig iron in the South, Sloss Furnaces produced over 30 million tons of iron between 1882 and 1971. 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! 11 Best Things to Do in Birmingham | U.S. News Travel Soo happy we found this company, we will be definitely back! Thank you Redpoint for a brilliant day. From professional guides, open top buses and attraction specific tours, take your pick in a city that feeds the curious. Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page. 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. Attend a masquerade dinner or Valentines day dinner for a truly unique historical experience. 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 . Get inspired to plan your next vacation to the Volunteer State. There is also a trail system. Incredible experience. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Most said the trails not particularly long or challenging are more for walkers than hikers, including families with strollers and small children. 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. and it was great fun and the host Shannon was so helpful and , Adam was a great host, informative, helpful, funny.. Made us all feel at ease.. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. For the more low-key events, consider grabbing a table at The Grill, where some incredible food complements the spectacle of musicians on stage. Alabama Travel Ideas And Tips | Southern Living Stunning views and immersive scenery along the shaded woodland trail aside, the highlight of the park has got to be the Old Mill: a historical house landmark that remains a symbol of the city of Mountain Brook. Little-known to most, but college football (especially here) can draw larger, most rowdy crowds can most NFL matches. The season typically runs from late March to early September, so be sure to check the website for more details on upcoming events. Recent visitors enjoyed the local legend surrounding the statue and said the trip up the tower is well worth the ticket. To learn more about Birmingham's role in the civil rights movement, plan a visit to the . Nashville is all about the music, and the first stop is Ryman Auditorium for a good country show. The center's top level is home to traveling exhibits from other museums, special events, and an exhibit about the relationship between art and technology. The Vietnam War Helicopters Exhibit is a crowd favorite, likewise the sleek A-12 Blackbird which sits on the grass outside. Whats more, the staff at Ruffner Mountain are passionate about educating visitors on the importance of conservation and sustainability, so be sure to ask them about their work in these areas. Address: 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States 5. A charming institution in Pepper Place, the Saturday Market is a true community event, held every week from 7am to 12pm (rain or shine) in the Lakeside District. It organizes summer camps for children. Lush grounds and impressive architecture aside, the Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens also serves as a museum for some of the best decorative arts pieces from the 19th Century and offers a locally-led tour to learn more about the space, its history, and its rare decorative pieces. 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. Of course, please set a limit and gamble responsibly. And top it off with a tipple at the rooftop terrace for good measure. 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. Birmingham is home to some of the finest golf courses in Alabama and, with sunny days nearly year-round, these lush and manicured greens present as a great place to spend an afternoon perfecting your drive. Throw in at some of the finest motorcycle collections in history, towering statues, and a stack of happening rooftop bars and underground breweries, and youve found yourself a seriously worthy destination. Amongst others, it has a collection of dinosaurs and an aquarium. Today, it is home to the University of Alabama at Birmingham and bowl games. 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. Birmingham Museum of Art 546 Art Museums By Noel78 It ranges from European and American art on the first floor to pre Columbian, African, Native American, and Asian art. We felt like our tour of the cave was unique to us, not a tour where everyone hears the same thing and follows the exact path for each adventure. 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. So, what are you waiting for? We did the back in time room which was enjoyable and interesting. The Birmingham Ghost Walk - Hotels Churches and Riots Tour 47 Walking Tours from $40.00 per adult Wild Cave Adventure Tour 18 Adventure Tours from $125.00 per adult (price varies by group size) Birmingham Area Multi-Attraction Pass 2 Monuments and Memorials from $36.00 per adult Zombie Scavengers Game - Birmingham, AL 1 Self-guided Tours from In the mood for a nostalgic night out under the stars? (205) 699-7275. Both were a blast and the staff was great! West Midlands Police Museum. Great little find - thoroughly recommend. Megan Johnson|Timothy J. ForsterMay 1, 2023, Holly Johnson|Marisa MndezApril 28, 2023, Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail: Oxmoor Valley and Ross Bridge. 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. A 58-foot tall statue of the god of fire looks out over Birmingham, Alabama. Enjoy a comfortable stay at the Sonesta ES Suites Birmingham, equipped with perfect accommodations for families and friend groups. However, some were disappointed with its petite size (it spans more than 2,200 square feet). Looking over Regions Field, Bar Sebastian is an ultra-secretive rooftop bar that requires a code to get in (text CODEWORD to (855) 782-0225 before you go). THE 10 BEST Adventurous Things to Do in Birmingham, Best Adventurous Things to Do in Birmingham. Stay close to great shopping at The Summit, as well as the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Calling itself an upscale lifestyle center, the 1-million-square-foot Summit mall boasts everything from shopping boutiques (from Saks Fifth Avenue to the Disney Store and Anthropologie) to movie theatres, spa services, and a wide variety of restaurants. When you return, unwind from your sightseeing at The Pavilion Lounge, and order a signature cocktail. Lounge by the fire pit after a day of sightseeing at the Courtyard by Marriott Birmingham. And with various events happening throughout the year, theres always a chance to revel in the high-energy atmosphere. Can you escape from a room with only 3 clues? Will you be making it there soon? Visitors can tour the church. Throughout the downtown attraction, youll find areas dedicated to dinosaurs, tech, art, nature, and even a Bubble Room the ideal spot to whisk away a couple of hours on a rainy day. With countless fun and adventures to get up to in The Magic City we hope that you spotted your next activity on our list of the best things to do in Birmingham! Laced in mystery and folklore, these eerie excursions pass by churches, hotels, and graveyards, sure to conjure up some goosebumps for even the bravest souls out there. An absolutely excellent and fascinating guided tour of the factory given by a friendly and knowledgeable guide. Birmingham Museum of Art - Take the entire family and set off on an interesting adventure through history together. Youre on vacation, after all! If youre not much of a climber, bring your hiking shoes to explore around 12 miles of hiking trails, zig-zagging throughout the park. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. The Greystone Golf and Country Club with its 36-holes offer a range of challenging fairways with wonderful scenery to boot, and if you really want to test your skills. more, Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks, Bar, Club & Pub Tours Beer Tastings & Tours. Built in 1976, the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex can host sports events, conventions, and many other public events. way to experience Birmingham's best hangout spots. University of Alabama-Birmingham - If you're a fan of modern-day architecture and design, add this attraction to your must-see list. Theres also a plethora of restaurants, bars, and live music venues at the casino for visitors to unwind in. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Birmingham - Tripadvisor The arena seats up to 8,500 people and has been hosting games since 1988, locking horns with the likes of Lousiana State, North Texas, Rice, University of Texas San Antonio, and a whole lot more. Hands-on exhibits include the Fox 6 Weather Lab, the High Cycle (a high-wire bicycle that teaches visitors about the laws of gravity), the Itty Bitty Magic City and the Shark and Ray Touch Tank. It has a Zoo Train and a Carousel, and also organizes special events, such as the Nocturnal Adventure. You can choose between a 1 or 2-day pass, and go at your leisure to explore Birmingham, your way. Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and Waterfalls. From Louis Armstrong to Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie to Miles Davis and beyond, the history of jazz is on proud display at this unique Birmingham attraction. Discover the top options for this specially designed legwear that can help travelers. Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our. 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. Hot tip: rather than worry about having a designated driver, consider booking a pre-organized tour that includes transport to and from your hotel! I admit I was apprehensive about going to an escape room but now I see the hype not only were the staff friendly welcoming but we talked as if were old friends, when in the rooms they kept well in character, all of these aspects plus cleverly designed puzzles that required more brain and brawn made for a unique enjoyable experience thanks Im sure to look back on this experience fondly. Most agreed that the museum is interesting, and noted this is a good attraction to visit on Sunday mornings, when most other attractions are closed. The park also features several activities for kids (and the young at heart), including gem mining, award-winning fudge stalls, regular live entertainment including fire jugglers, and arts and crafts demonstrations. Visit Website. THE 10 BEST Adventurous Things to Do in Birmingham - Tripadvisor 1. Its free to roam around, 7 days a week, and thanks to the location at the foot of Red Mountain, theres no shortage of nearby outdoorsy activities to follow suit. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 2022 THE 10 BEST Adventurous Things to Do in Birmingham (2023) - Tripadvisor Spread across multiple floors and featuring a quaint garden and cozy cafe, the museum displays over 24,000 works in its permanent collection, including an impressive selection of paintings ranging from impressionism to renaissance and contemporary, as well as extensive collections representing a diverse range of cultures and time periods (dont miss the Pre-Columbian masks). Feel like its just you and the music at Saturn, swaying to the music of local and national artists of different genres. Makes you appreciate all the modern luxuries we have that we take for granted. The centre is based at the NEC which is a short train ride away from the city centre. 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. The Lyric Theatre showcases a diverse roster that ranges from drama and comedy to dance and music, as well as symphonies, ballets, and operas. 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! 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. The Highland Park Golf Course, which holds its own as the oldest golf course in the state of Alabama (opened in 1903), has 18-holes just a 5-minute drive from downtown. McWane Science Center 959 Science Museums Aquariums Open now By DeoniaNeveu A whimsical wonderland of miniature buildings, shrines, fountains, waterfalls, ponds, and even tiny figurine people. No matter what time of year, if youre in Birmingham and looking for fun things to do or even just a day trip make sure you check out Legion Field Stadium. One of the largest golf course construction projects ever attempted, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail showcases a collection of public courses throughout the state of Alabama, including two courses in the Birmingham area, all designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Oxmoor Valley offers three courses: the Ridge with heavy tree cover and big elevation changes, the Valley with scenic lakes throughout and the Short course, which features 18 one-shot holes. 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Birmingham, AL We absolutely loved it! I will be coming back again. And to better understand the history that shaped present-day Birmingham, plan a visit to the Civil Rights Institute followed by a walk through the Civil Rights District. Definitely coming back soon! Well thought out and challenging. The largest cast iron statue in the world, Vulcan is a reminder of the city's iron mining roots. 34 Indoor Activities in Birmingham, AL | TripBuzz Last but not least, the RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley boasts no less than 54 holes, ideal for beginners and experts alike. They have done a nice job of restoring the historic site and grounds. So whether youre bringing the family or catching up with friends over a cheeky beer, youll be grinning ear to ear before nights end. Our tour guide, Wes, quickly assesses and gets to know who he is guiding and then bases the tour on their interests and abilities. Visiting golfers love both Oxmoor Valley and Ross Bridge, although many note that Ross Bridge is not only visually stunning, but also more challenging. If youve always loved the theatre classic theatre then the near-century-old Virginia Samford Theatre, which earns its stripes as officially Birminghams oldest performing arts venue, is a must-visit. The park features a lake, jogging trails, skate bowls, an outdoor gym, playgrounds and the partially covered 17th Street Plaza, which offers restrooms and the Railroad Park Dining Car. This recognizable diner has a wide variety of traditional southern comfort foods, gastropub cuisine, with a few international influences. 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! Recent visitors were impressed with the museum's noteworthy collection of Wedgwood, along with the Samuel Kress collection of European art and its Remington works. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. Exhibits honor Alabama jazz greats, including Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Led by local historians, youll learn all about the evangelistic perspective of the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham, pass by eye-opening sculptures, and develop a newfound understanding of the struggle for freedom. Rickwood Field is the oldest surviving professional ballpark in the United States. East Lake Park - Birmingham, Alabama - A great place to visit! With 4 floors of interactive exhibits, the McWane Science Center aims at acquainting children with everything that means science and natural life. ), the Topgolf is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Birmingham. Recent visitors called this small museum "a hidden jewel" and a must-see for jazz fans.