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. The evening started off with a fascinating Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks Kayaking & Canoeing. As well as hosting some top theatrical performances (including popular local musicals like The Phantom), the theatre also regularly welcomes symphony orchestras and operas. Plus, with a wide range of ticket prices to choose from, theres something for every budget. 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! 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. Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and Waterfalls. 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! Enjoy a comfortable stay at the Sonesta ES Suites Birmingham, equipped with perfect accommodations for families and friend groups. Originally opened in 1910 for the Birmingham Black Barons, the ballpark is currently being restored and features special events and ball games. Get Active At Oak Mountain State Park. One of the coolest things in downtown Birmingham, McWane Science Center is worth a spot on your itinerary. Museum of Fond Memories at Reed Books. who left us all with the chills after our ghost tour! It has a Zoo Train and a Carousel, and also organizes special events, such as the Nocturnal Adventure. 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). 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. Jr and the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, the institute is a must for visitors and locals alike who want to gain a better understanding of how far weve come as well as how far we still have to go. Located on the northern side of downtown Birmingham, it also makes for an ideal location for networking with friends or clients while taking a break from all the action. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Fabulous few hours spent here. With the oldest building from the site dating back to 1902, the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark produced iron for almost 80 years, until it was transformed into a museum in 1983. 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. From beautiful gardens to world-class museums, and important historical museums Birmingham has got it all! View pricing and ticket options here. 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. Scary, exhilarating and sweaty! A whimsical wonderland of miniature buildings, shrines, fountains, waterfalls, ponds, and even tiny figurine people. At DeSoto Caverns Park, a stunning slice of Mother Nature is tucked away in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, visitors can explore a labyrinth of caves with names like the Onyx Column Room and Cathedral Room.. You'll also find the only public horticultural library in the United States here. On those sizzling summer days, if youre craving a little cooling-off, look no further than Alabama Adventure! However, some reviewers said the exhibits need to be updated more often. 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. 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. We really enjoyed the axe throwing today. 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! Many golfers loved playing in November, when the weather is still fairly warm. 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). 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. At the turn of the 20th Century, the city decided to erect several different skyscrapers all in the same area: the intersection of 1st Avenue, North Street, and 20th Street. The guides were all very friendly and cool. Visiting golfers love both Oxmoor Valley and Ross Bridge, although many note that Ross Bridge is not only visually stunning, but also more challenging. 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. Be sure not to miss out on the interactive exhibits too, like the one that lets you test your vertical leap. All of the staff at the venue were friendly and helpful and ensured we all had a lovely time. However, donations are certainly appreciated. Things I've never seen in any other Escape rooms. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Spend the time to speak to them and your experience here will be so much better. Plus, with a cafe on-site, you can refuel before your next jump. 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. Home to the Minor League Baseball team Birmingham Barons, Regions Field is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. When youre looking for things to do in Birmingham, dont skip over the botanical gardens. Take off your jumpers before you start! The room can also be rented for private parties. We played the zombie game. 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. The museum opened its doors in 1951 and has since become an art capital for the people of Birmingham. Willow & Wine Distinctive Gift Baskets 1 Speciality & Gift Shops Wine Bars By mikebham01 The store is fairly new. We absolutely loved it! Ask any local and theyll agree: Rickwood Field is a Birmingham treasure. While those titles have been stripped, the intersection remains a focal point of the city, making it a great place to explore the history, culture, and food of Birmingham, and get some good pictures too. 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. Great fun. Afterward, head down to the County Music Hall of Fame to see items that belonged to some of the Countrys biggest artists! 2022 To learn more about Birmingham's role in the civil rights movement, plan a visit to the Civil Rights District. 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! Their taproom is open daily and they often host live music on their outdoor stage. And with various events happening throughout the year, theres always a chance to revel in the high-energy atmosphere. Kickstart the night at Daves Pub before moving on to something more upbeat Nana Funks, which is all about beats you can boogie to! There are 40 buildings on the site and 2 blast-furnaces. Phone: (205) 254-2391. Sport in Birmingham We played the Cluetankhamun room and escaped with 12 minutes to spare, very well themed escape room with very good puzzles and banging music! For all the sugar-lovers out there, Cookie Fix boasts three tantalizing locations in Homewood, Cahaba Heights, and Huntsville, each serving up a lip-smacking range of sweet treats that are especially good to share (or not). Once a thriving industrial site, this 19th-century landmark is now a popular tourist attraction and has evolved to become one of Birminghams most unique attractions. THE 10 BEST Indoor Things to Do in Birmingham (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor Get the most bang for your buck with the Birmingham Area Multi-Attraction Pass! The Red Mountain Park is a haven for runners, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all levels looking to escape the city. 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. Great time celebrating my lads 18th with a Grand Prix session. 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. West Midlands Police Museum. 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. The family-friendly Birmingham Zoo offers curious guests the chance to see some of the planets most fascinating creatures up close and in person. The season typically runs from late March to early September, so be sure to check the website for more details on upcoming events. Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 240-3829 Click Here To See Ticket Price What You'll Experience Birmingham's Civil Rights Tour offers families an eye-opening and educational experience. Despite their policy asking to arrive 30mins prior to actual start time which would of been 9.30pm. 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 . The gardens also feature several paths for walking and jogging, making it a great spot for both recreation and relaxation. Pass under towering trees, impressive and oddly shaped boulders, creeks, and more. Was very fun thing to do with the lads and very enjoyable to do first doing it would recommend to anyone, Fun but exhausting trying to make sense of the place. 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. and were honestly the highlight of the event. 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). 3. The exhibits displayed at the Southern Museum of Flight pertain to both the military and the civil domain. 30+ Most Romantic Things To Do In Birmingham, Alabama THE 10 BEST Adventurous Things to Do in Birmingham (2023) - Tripadvisor 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. 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. Other reviewers praised the assortment of Lotus Cars and the outdoor track, which hosts the Porsche Sport Driving School. 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. Both were a blast and the staff was great! [+] There are 32 different types of things to do inside in or near Birmingham, Alabama. The original Wurlitzer theater organ is still in display. This is one place to visit near Birmingham, and it's something you definitely don't want to miss! 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. McWane Science Center 959 Science Museums Aquariums Open now By DeoniaNeveu What a gem. 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). For the more low-key events, consider grabbing a table at The Grill, where some incredible food complements the spectacle of musicians on stage. Soo happy we found this company, we will be definitely back! Open in Google Maps. This recognizable diner has a wide variety of traditional southern comfort foods, gastropub cuisine, with a few international influences. A lovely yet sad story of a business that had an impact on the loves of so many families. The Birmingham Zoo Lorikeets at the Birmingham Zoo. 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. or take the wheel yourself. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. I will be coming back again. 1. Then head on over to Spare Time Trussville, where you can bowl your heart out and have some laughs while youre at it. I will be coming back again. 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. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Alabama Travel Ideas And Tips | Southern Living Make no mistake, however, this is no regular gallery: all of the weird and wacky objects on display are for sale! We hope so! Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. THE 5 BEST Birmingham Adventure Activities, Best Adventurous Things to Do in Birmingham, Wear sturdy shoes, a sun hat and your water to walk the site after checking into the. 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. If youre a big fan of sport and history and are looking for things to do in Birmingham, then make sure to stop into the Negro Southern League Museum an eye-opening look at the little-known history of the Negro American Baseball League. Splash Adventure, formerly Alabama Adventure, is a water park. 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 The center features go-kart racing, arcade, laser tag, kid zone, miniature golf, miniature bowling and a full service snack bar. Since 1880, 16th Street Baptist Church has been active on this site ever since, and On September 15, 1963, a bomb exploded at the church killing four young girls and escalating the race wars. East Lake Park - Birmingham, Alabama - A great place to visit! So whether youre bringing the family or catching up with friends over a cheeky beer, youll be grinning ear to ear before nights end. The volunteers were so very friendly and informative and lovey to talk to. I decided to take my younger brother here during the Christmas holiday to get him out of the house. An integral part of the revitalization of downtown Birmingham, the center is located in the historic Loveman's department store building.