School is out and long summer days are ahead, but don’t settle for watching TV or playing video games all season long with your Little. The Birmingham area has plenty of fun and inexpensive things to offer. Try one of these great ideas!
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
Located just a few miles from downtown Birmingham, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve has over 1,000 acres of protected forests to explore. The park has 12 miles of trails for hiking that lead to bluffs and spectacular views. Be sure to visit the Nature Center to learn about the mining history of the site and to see some indigenous Alabama animals. You can download guides from their website to help you identify the plants and animals you will see along your hike. Ruffner Mountain is also a great spot for geocaching, or finding hidden items using GPS. With so many things to see and do at Ruffner Mountain, you can make a whole day of it! Admission is free, although a donation of $2 per person is appreciated.
Free Friday Flicks and Sundown Cinema
Both of these free, outdoor movie series’ offer films that will appeal to young and old, Bigs and Littles. Free Friday Flicks takes place at Homewood Central Park. The movies start right at sundown (approximately 8:15pm), but go early to play in the bounce house. If you don’t like what they’re showing in Homewood, you can head to Old Town Helena to catch their Sundown Cinema series. It’s nice to have options!
Free Friday Flicks Sundown Cinema
June 10 Shrek Shrek Forever After
June 17 The Wizard of Oz Iron Man 2
June 24 E.T. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
July 1 Despicable Me How to Train Your Dragon
July 8 SpongeBog SquarePants Footlose
July 15 Over the Hedge Racing Stripes
July 22 Chicken Run Megamind
July 29 Rango The Blind Side
August 5 Tangled Tangled
Railroad Park
Railroad Park is a 19 acre oasis that connects Southside with Downtown. Sprawling fields are bordered by a pond and walking track, and the historic railroad district and Birmingham skyline provide a picturesque backdrop to your summer play. It is the perfect place to have a picnic, throw a Frisbee, walk your dogs, or just relax. The park also offers two different playgrounds, a skate park, and an outside gym.
Jefferson County Public Libraries
Many of the Jefferson County Public Libraries have unique events planned all summer long. You are sure to find something that you and your Little will both find interesting. Head over to the Hoover Public Library to watch comedic plays, dance with a children’s musician, or make your own music in a rhythm drum circle. Don’t think your Little would enjoy any of that? Homewood Public Library has a photo scavenger hunt for budding photographers and a zombie party for those who aren’t faint at heart. You can rush over to the North Birmingham Public Library for an Amazing Race-style book hunt, or sit in amazement at Magic Man Larry Moore and learn a few tricks yourself!
Remember, being a mentor isn’t about spending a lot of money to keep your Little entertained. It’s about forming a bond and finding common ground. With so many inexpensive and exciting options in Birmingham this summer, don’t be afraid to try something new!
Do you have some inexpensive and creative ideas for summer outings not listed here? Leave them in the comments.
For more information on how you can impact the life of a child by becoming a mentor, call (205) 939-5590 or visit www.bbbsbhm.org.
Donate Parker WR at Parker High School attended UAB 's football camp on Saturday!
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