It is also the largest of the state parks in Alabama, boasting of 9,940 acres. more, Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. Head east towards Atlanta, Georgia, where you can see if you could survive a zombie apocalypse on the Walking Dead Tour. 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. Head to The Retreat Day Spa, and enjoy a customized, one-hour treatment package, designed to cater to your specific needs. From beautiful gardens to world-class museums, and important historical museums Birmingham has got it all! So, where to start? Named after the Roman god of fire and smithery, the Vulcan Park & Museum is guarded by the third largest cast iron statue in the world, weighing 50 tons. In Memphis, get your tickets for the Riverboat Cruise, then afterward go to the historic Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Definitely We took the kids to rush earlier today the staff were so pleasant and genuine, all the equipment was cleaned every so Back open Friday and Saturday again at the Hall Street Brewhouse. 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. Tucked away in Bessemer, just 20 minutes from Birmingham, this waterpark is home to a variety of slides and rides for all ages, as well as a lazy river, the Kahuna Wave Park, and plenty of opportunities to dip your toes in the water. Head north towards Tennessee, and visit its amazing cities and attractions. 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! Get Active At Oak Mountain State Park. And, if youre wanting to take your experience to the next level, AFF (accelerated freefall) ground courses are available too, which teach you how to skydive yourself! Hands-on displays feature motion, energy, light and sound, and kids young and old will find many exciting things to see and do. Lounge by the fire pit after a day of sightseeing at the Courtyard by Marriott Birmingham. [+] There are 32 different types of things to do inside in or near Birmingham, Alabama. Megan Johnson|Timothy J. ForsterMay 1, 2023, Holly Johnson|Marisa MndezApril 28, 2023, Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail: Oxmoor Valley and Ross Bridge. Then head on over to the open-air drive-in for an evening of classic cinema. 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. Theres also a plethora of restaurants, bars, and live music venues at the casino for visitors to unwind in. Both were a blast and the staff was great! From cookie cakes and cookie stacks to gift bags and sampler packs, the bakery has got you covered with a wide-ranging menu of baked goods that will be sure to leave you craving more (thank heavens for the take-home packs). With its grandiose auditorium and art deco design, the Alabama Theatre was built in 1927 as a luxury cinema for those who could afford itand today, travelers can enjoy that same luxury and a rich history to boot at one of their events or shows! Located 15 miles north of Birmingham is the quaint Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and Waterfalls, overflowing with natural abundance and beauty. 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. Let a trained driver worry about the traffic while you enjoy the Big Apple's best sights. With a wonderful collection that includes everything from WWII-era aircraft and helicopters, to rocket ships and even flying saucers (okay, maybe not that last one). Either way, youre in for a wild ride. 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 Make no mistake, however, this is no regular gallery: all of the weird and wacky objects on display are for sale! To fully experience the walk, you can access a free audio tour from your cell phone by calling 205-307-5455. In collections from all over the world, the Birmingham Museum of Art has gathered more than 24,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and other, some of them dating back to 4,000 years ago. I could imagine how beautiful the area is in the fall. Fabulous few hours spent here. All of the children commented on how much of a great party it was. I had never heard of Red Mountain Park until I found it on TripAdvisor, so I decided to try it. Get inspired to plan your next vacation to the Volunteer State. Wow what an experience for the Go Karting. If youve not had the time to visit the actual Statue of Liberty, then no problem theres one in Birmingham thats 1/5th scale of the one in New York! The exhibits displayed at the Southern Museum of Flight pertain to both the military and the civil domain. (205) 699-7275. We would really recommend Redpoint as a party venue or as a great place to visit for kids or adults. Home to the Minor League Baseball team Birmingham Barons, Regions Field is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. 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. Despite being far more tiring than it looks, theres nothing better than jumping on a trampoline if youre looking to burn a few calories and tire out the youngsters. 2.4 Miles 23% 48 votes 5 Legion Field Fascinating insight into social history brought alive by Ross, a brilliant guide who made the tour very relatable. So whether youre bringing the family or catching up with friends over a cheeky beer, youll be grinning ear to ear before nights end. Nice job of restoring the Historic Site, Beware they don't open until 10AM. Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images/iStockphoto, Once an industrial hub of the South and ground zero for the civil rights movement, Birmingham is now a vibrant and diverse metropolis, known for its. ! This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. 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! As the former largest manufacturer of pig iron in the South, Sloss Furnaces produced over 30 million tons of iron between 1882 and 1971. Affectionately known as the Old Gray Lady, the stadium can seat up to 71,000 people and when its filled, the roar and the energy are palpable. It organizes summer camps for children. 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). Most said the trails not particularly long or challenging are more for walkers than hikers, including families with strollers and small children. (Patience Itson / Bham Now) When it comes to family entertainment, The Birmingham Zoo never disappoints. Best of all, admission is free! Parking is available in its 3 parking lots. , so much to learn, very interactive and fun, volunteers were f ,staff were amazing and our gamesmaster Ellen was fantastic ,really friendly and welcoming, Brilliant experience, lovely room for the Alice in puzzle land - thanks joe for being a, The location is easy to get to and I did captain. East Lake Park - Birmingham, Alabama - A great place to visit! Hot tip: rather than worry about having a designated driver, consider booking a pre-organized tour that includes transport to and from your hotel! There is also a trail system. Put your heads together to solve the riddles at the award-winning Locked In: The Birmingham Escape Game. 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. Tours & Sightseeing in Birmingham It's never been easier to travel around and explore our city. HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR COOL AND INTERESTING THINGS TO DO IN THE Birmingham AREA? This six-block area in downtown Birmingham encompasses several historic sites, including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, the A.G. Gaston . Incredible experience. Featuring a complete menu with everything from deep tissue massages to hydrafacials and more. In fact, there are 30 thematic gardens divided into three categories: Gardens of Collections, Gardens of Nature and Gardens of Culture. way to experience Birmingham's best hangout spots. All of the staff at the venue were friendly and helpful and ensured we all had a lovely time. When you book an airport transfer, you are relieving yourself of the stress of finding public transportation. Still thirsty? 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. 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 . However, a few noted that the outdoor art installation is somewhat overgrown and neglected. Birmingham Botanical Gardens 506 Gardens By Bren4NewYork Oh and the Gift Shop has so many great gifts, artwork, garden statues, and the staff was so helpful and friendly. We played the Cluetankhamun room and escaped with 12 minutes to spare, very well themed escape room with very good puzzles and banging music! Source: Vladimir Ternovoy / shutterstock. Oak Mountain State Park is located about 20 miles south of Birmingham, but it is absolutely worth the drive. Birmingham, AL 35094. 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. This was a fun time with my grown up family members. East Lake Park is a vast park containing a swimming pool, playground, sports fields, and a sizable fishing lake. Overlooking the city of Birmingham is a bearded man that pays homage to Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge. 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. DEFY heights as you jump through the different activities: kickstart your day at the foam pit before trying out the wall trampolines, extreme dodgeball zone, giant airbags, or freejump area! and autumn was such an amazing help in setting up my account and answering a experience surrounded by great, helpful employees who are awesome & so much. If you want to hop on the music train (literally) check out Mojo Tours to pick up music facts! Beyond its collection of memorabilia and personal effects, the theater also presents shows by local jazz artists and comedians. 3. Drinks, views, and city lights: what more could you want? They really reassured the children who were a little more nervous and made it such a fun experience. If wine tasting is more your speed, then check out North Georgias incredible vineyards on a wine tour! Everyone had a great time on & off track with great buzz from everyone while at the Birmingham venue. 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. Outside of the halls, theres ample outdoor space to fly a kite, walk a trail, or catch a game just minutes from the convention complex. 1. 2. Kickstart the night at Daves Pub before moving on to something more upbeat Nana Funks, which is all about beats you can boogie to! 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. Moss Rock Preserve is located 21 minutes south of Birmingham. Date night fun. Bring a picnic to enjoy, and afterward, take a scenic walk through the various trails that start out in the parking lot. Exhibits honor Alabama jazz greats, including Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton. The Best Things To Do In Birmingham, Alabama, According To A Local The Best Things To Do In Mobile, Alabama, According To A Local This Southern State Was the First to Make Christmas a Legal Holiday Leaf & Petal Is The Best Garden Shop In Alabama The Bright Star Is Alabama's Best Local Restaurant 2023 The Best Things To Do In Huntsville This Year I decided to take my younger brother here during the Christmas holiday to get him out of the house. 1. A lovely yet sad story of a business that had an impact on the loves of so many families. more, Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks, Bar, Club & Pub Tours Beer Tastings & Tours. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Exhibits detail some of the most significant events in Birmingham's history, including the tragic loss of life at the 16th Street Baptist Church during a bombing orchestrated by the Ku Klux Klan. Built in 1976, the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex can host sports events, conventions, and many other public events. There are multiple self-guided scavenger hunts available in Birmingham; most of them dont even require you to do more than download an app! 1. Not feeling especially lucky today? However, its far from the only notable watering hole. 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. Featuring both local and national comedians (and even improv troupes and occasional open-mike nights), theres something for everyone at this beloved traditional venue turned premier hi-tech institution. Other local favorites are the tacos and refreshing drinks at El Barrio, while the Original Pancake House offers comfort, top-tier pancakes, and bonus breakfast options. Reviewers commented on the clean restrooms, beautiful gardens, picnic facilities and scenic trails. Our Wild Cave Adventure Tour will take you down into the depths of Bryant Mountain, hundreds of feet below the ground. TreeTop Family Adventures is an amusement park fun center that offers indoor and outdoor attractions. No problem! Tours of Avondale Brewing Company are held 5 times a week, last about an hour and include a pint of beer and glass. A common stop on most civil rights tours (while confronting, these tours are essential when visiting) that wander through Birmingham. 8. Get the most bang for your buck with the Birmingham Area Multi-Attraction Pass! You can also view an amazing collection of motorcycles at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum or take the kids to the McWane Science Center for some educational play. Families that visited said they appreciated the option to purchase Imax theater admission separately and enjoyed the convenience of the on-site food court. Definitely coming back soon! There are Korean War Jet collections, Vietnam War helicopters, Tuskegee Airmen collections and others. Our tour guide, Wes, quickly assesses and gets to know who he is guiding and then bases the tour on their interests and abilities. 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. 5 stars for the escape room and our host Rob. Detective kit given to the children (9&11) which they used on the way around to solve clues and identify the suspect. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 1,300 History Museums Open now By sydsel Great museum with a prime location in Birmingham, right next to Kelly Ingram Park and the 16th Street Baptist Church. 2022 Most visitors call this museum a moving experience and a wonderful way to learn about the civil rights movement and its impact on our nation. Known as "Birmingham's Living Room," the 19-acre Railroad Park is where locals gather for recreational activities, concerts and special events. When youre looking for things to do in Birmingham, dont skip over the botanical gardens. Home to the UAB Blazers mens and womens basketball teams as well as the volleyball team, the Bartow Arena is a great and affordable place to catch a game (or two) when in town and check out the countrys up and coming stars. This little-known memorial honors those who have donated their bodies to medical training. The room can also be rented for private parties. Covering over 1000 acres, this urban nature preserve is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, as well as almost 12 miles of hiking and biking trails. Then head on over to Spare Time Trussville, where you can bowl your heart out and have some laughs while youre at it. The park is also home to the city's official visitor center. 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. 509 W Willow St. Scottsboro, AL 35768. 3. Consider yourself an aviation buff? What a gem. Little-known to most, but college football (especially here) can draw larger, most rowdy crowds can most NFL matches. 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. Locals love Blue Monkey for late-night grub and a more speak-easy kind of atmosphere, while many head Zydeco for the loud and live music acts. 2022 9. The original Wurlitzer theater organ is still in display. Grab the popcorn! Social Media. Just check out their attractions: Animal encounters Train + carousel rides Park + playground areas Splash pad And more! Will be going back with the kids. We both enjoyed our time here. - venue a little off the beaten track, but staff were friendly, helpful and informative. To learn more about Birmingham's role in the civil rights movement, plan a visit to the . Families, groups of friends and colleagues can all bond over a game at this unique entertainment complex that has more than 200 games spread across 102 bays over 3 floors each with their own massive flat-screen TVs so you wont miss out on any sports action while playing. 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. But dont be fooled by its classic appearance: this place has all the features of a modern concert hall, including excellent sound quality and an impressive lighting system (which make its occasional dance parties one hell of a good time). Top Things to Do in Birmingham, Alabama: See Tripadvisor's 89,221 traveller reviews and photos of Birmingham tourist attractions. A unique book shop with a collection of rare tomes and a nostalgia museum. Their attention to detail was wonderful and we owe it all to the fantastic team! Due to the four major skyscrapers the John Hand Building, Empire Building, Woodward Building, and Marx Building two of which claimed the title of the tallest in Alabama at their peak, it was affectionately dubbed the Heaviest Corner on Earth. Escape Games Game & Entertainment Centres, Bars & Clubs Game & Entertainment Centres, Auto Racing Tracks Game & Entertainment Centres. Every city has a dark side, one that only comes out among the shadows of the night. This recognizable diner has a wide variety of traditional southern comfort foods, gastropub cuisine, with a few international influences. Rickwood Field is the oldest surviving professional ballpark in the United States. would definitely be fun sharing that trip with others, I thoroughly enjoyed the personalized one-on-one. Bankhead National Forest is truly one of the most adventurous attractions in Alabama. Even if you dont walk the entire trail, a selfie in front of the 46-foot-tall sign is quintessential. And theyre every bit as awe-inspiring as you might imagine. For more than 50 different types of whiskey, Dram Whiskey Bar has got you covered. Recent visitors enjoyed the local legend surrounding the statue and said the trip up the tower is well worth the ticket. 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. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. With these packages, you can ride shotgun drive alongside a professional driver (hold on tight!) 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. 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 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. Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our. If you get hungry at any time throughout the day, there are a handful of fine-dining restaurants, or, for something quicker, its hard to go past the easy eats of Shake Shack or The Cheesecake Factory! If you prefer to watch the pros racing, book your tickets now. 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. Game master (the owner) was brilliant!!!! The September 15, 1963 tragedy galvanized Birmingham into action, with protests popping up throughout the city and state as people demanded racial reform. of the factory given by a friendly and knowledgeable guide. Catch a bird's-eye view of the city from the iconic Vulcan Tower, go on a stroll through "Birmingham's Living Room" (Railroad Park) or experience an adrenaline rush zip lining through Red Mountain Park. 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. Recent travelers said this local favorite is a gorgeous green space. The park is open every day except Monday-Tuesday. The advice from our instructor Naomi was spot on every time. 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. Unclaimed Baggage Center Scottsboro. If youre a movie buff, then youll love the annual Sidewalk Moving Picture Film Festival. The largest cast iron statue in the world, Vulcan is a reminder of the city's iron mining roots. 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. Most hikes are rated medium, as some have hills and some dont. 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. What a lovely way to spend a couple of hours. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Three floors of cells packed with the history of policing, law & order and Birmingham crime, including the real peaky blinders.