Birmingham · Shelby County, AL

Family things to do in Birmingham

Scout analyzed 88 Birmingham places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$40

Typical visit

1.8 hr

Scout-verified spots

Birmingham Civil Rights District

Kelly Ingram Park

Kelly Ingram Park is a historical outdoor stop to reflect on the Civil Rights Movement, pairing well with a visit to nearby museums. Expect to spend about an hour here at no cost.

OutdoorsHistoryArts

★ 4.6$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

Visit Turkey Creek Nature Preserve for a 2-4 hour outdoor excursion, suitable for families or solo hikers, especially on a sunny weekend. It pairs well with a picnic or a casual meal afterwards in Pinson; expect no cost for entry.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Overton

Culinary Dropout

Culinary Dropout is a good spot for a casual yet lively evening out, featuring comfort food, cocktails, and live music. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and around $30-$60 per person for a full meal and drinks.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$30–$60 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

South Eastlake

Ruffner Mountain

Ruffner Mountain is a great place for a free outdoor excursion, offering hiking and historical mining sites. Plan for a 2-3 hour visit, ideal for pairing with a picnic or a nearby casual meal.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

North Lakeview Industrial District

OvenBird

OvenBird is suitable for an evening meal, offering globally inspired small plates and cocktails in a rustic-chic setting with a patio. Expect to spend $35-75 per person for food and drinks, with a visit lasting around 1.5 hours.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$35–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Central City

Frothy Monkey

Frothy Monkey is a solid choice for a casual meal or coffee any time of day, suitable for a relaxed solo outing, family meal, or an affordable date. Expect to spend $10-30 per person for an hour or so.

FoodShoppingCocktails

$10–$30 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Forest Park

The Rougaroux - Forest Park

The Rougaroux is a casual spot for Cajun classics, suitable for a relaxed meal. Expect to spend an hour or so and between $15-35 per person for food.

FoodOutdoorsRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Oak House

Oak House is a good option for an evening meal, suitable for a date night or family dinner. Expect to spend $25-55 per person for an experience lasting around 1.5 hours.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$25–$55 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

North Lakeview Industrial District

The Red Cat Coffeehouse @ Pepper Place

The Red Cat Coffeehouse is a good stop for a casual coffee, breakfast, or lunch, potentially with live music. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $10-25 per person.

FoodShoppingLive music

$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Redmont Park

Birmingham Zoo

The Birmingham Zoo is a solid half-day outing for families with young children, focusing on animal exhibits and kid activities. Expect to spend $20-40 per person including admission and some snacks, primarily outdoors with walking involved.

AnimalsOutdoorsFood

$20–$40 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Sand Ridge

Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor adventure with trails, a dog park, and optional zip lines. Most activities are free, with paid options for features like zip lines.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0–$50 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Family

Explore Playground & Splashpad

This is a free outdoor playground and splashpad ideal for families with young children. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, especially on a warm day, and combine it with a picnic or a nearby casual meal.

OutdoorsWellnessPlayful

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Rickwood Caverns State Park

Rickwood Caverns offers a full day of activity for families or solo adventurers, featuring cave tours and outdoor recreation. Expect to spend 4+ hours and about $10-25 per person, mainly for park admission and cave tours.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$10–$25 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Ferus Artisan Ales

Ferus Artisan Ales is a solid spot for a casual evening out, offering craft beers, food, and often live music. Plan to spend 1.5-3 hours and $20-$50 per person on drinks and food.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Five Points South

Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center

This venue is good for an evening of entertainment, typically lasting 2-3 hours for a show. Expect to spend $30-$100 per person on tickets. It pairs well with dinner beforehand.

Live musicArtsRelaxed

$30–$100 typical2.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Five Points South

Railroad Park Foundation

This downtown park is a good stop for a relaxed hour or two of walking, playing, or light exercise. It can be paired with a visit to nearby attractions or a casual meal, costing minimal to moderate if buying food from the cafe.

OutdoorsFoodSports

$0–$15 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Jemison Park

Jemison Park is a free outdoor space best for a relaxed walk or run, typically lasting 1-2 hours. It can be paired with a coffee run before or after, offering a quiet nature break.

OutdoorsViewsWellness

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park is ideal for a full day of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or visiting the petting zoo, especially on a nice weather weekend. Expect to spend $5-15 per person for park entry and basic activities.

OutdoorsAnimalsSports

$5–$15 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Patriot Park

Patriot Park is a local park suitable for a free family outing or solo stroll, often paired with other Homewood activities. Expect to spend about an hour here.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Second Avenue North

Lyric Theatre

The Lyric Theatre is an ornate venue for live music and dance shows. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and tickets typically range from $30-$150 per person, making it suitable for an evening date or a solo outing after dinner.

Live musicArtsHistory

$30–$150 typical2.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Southside

The Nick

The Nick is a classic live music dive bar, best for an evening of local or touring rock acts. Expect to spend a few hours and around $20-60 on drinks and a cover charge.

CocktailsLive musicSocial

$20–$60 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Family

Spare Time Trussville

This amusement center is a good standalone outing for families or groups, suitable for a few hours of bowling, arcade games, and casual dining. Expect to spend $25-50 per person for activities and food.

FoodCocktailsSports

$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Southside

WORKPLAY

WORKPLAY is a live music venue, good for catching local or national acts. Expect to spend a few hours here and budget for tickets and drinks, typically pairing well with a dinner beforehand.

Live musicCocktailsSocial

$30–$100 typical2.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Homewood Central Park

Homewood Central Park is suitable for a free outdoor family outing or solo walk, with options for play and sports. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, especially on a nice day.

CocktailsOutdoorsSports

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking