Fun Things to Do in Birmingham Alabama

Many people think of Birmingham, Alabama, as nothing more than the location of several historical events in the past, but the city has come a long way since its civil rights struggles and now offers all sorts of fun things to do in Birmingham, Alabama.

From recycling the past into a beautiful playground to the educational museums, check out this list to find things to do in Birmingham, Alabama, that you can enjoy with your entire family.

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is one of the most incredible places to visit in Alabama. The museum has the largest collection of vintage motorcycles and race cars in the world. If you’re a fan of these machines, this is definitely the place for you. And even if you’re not, it’s still worth checking out.

The Britten V1000 is perhaps the most revered in the museum, was built on a shoestring budget from scratch in the backyard of John Britten, an engineering genius of his time. Check out their website for their annual three-day festival filled with food, entertainment, and tons of vendors selling vintage motorcycles and parts.

Address: 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094

Vulcan Park and Museum

Visit the world’s largest cast iron statue at Vulcan Park and Museum, cast from local iron right here in Alabama, in 1904. The statue of Vulcan, the roman god of fire and forge, serves as a reminder of their roots in iron mining and forging over the years.

The Statue sits on top of Red Mountain, with stunning views of downtown Birmingham, Alabama, making it a great place to take photos. Visitors can learn about the city’s iron history at the on-site museum or take a self-guided tour of the park.

Check out the website for upcoming events, exhibits, and community projects at this very proud museum.

Address: 1701 VALLEY VIEW DRIVE BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209

McWane Science Center

A great place to take the family in Birmingham, Alabama, especially on a rainy day, is to McWane Science Center. They have four floors of interactive exhibits on science and technology, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater.

There are daily demonstrations of all things science by very talented workers throughout the building, touching from an amazing collection of dinosaurs to an awe-inspiring aquarium to innovative environmental showcases and imaginative early childhood playgrounds.

The center also has a variety of educational programs for all ages and special events, such as Dragon Fest, that will keep you coming back for more entertainment.

Address: 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

One of the top places to visit in Birmingham, Alabama, is absolutely free. You can spend the entire day here and come back for more at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

The grounds are huge, with over 20 different areas within the gardens, including a Japanese garden, wildflowers, manicured garden, and mature trees. There are ponds, bridges, a beautiful butterfly garden, and a museum within the grounds- so much to see and interact with.

Enjoy one of their calming events like yoga, story-time, or go on a peaceful walk around admiring the beautiful blooming flowers.

Address: 2612 Lane Park Road

Birmingham, AL 35223

Birmingham Zoo

Families looking for something fun to do in Birmingham, Alabama, should consider visiting the Birmingham Zoo. They are open every day of the week except for Mondays and Tuesdays from 9-4 PM.

See lions, zebras, giraffes, jaguars, sea lions, orangutans, African elephants, and endangered species from six continents.

Get a behind-the-scenes look with a VIP Tour. You’ll get exclusive access to a variety of areas, see animals up close, and learn all about what goes on at our zoo every day. Plus, you’ll have time for photos with our animal ambassadors!

Address: 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

This former iron and steel factory is now a museum dedicated to the industrial history of Birmingham Alabama. Visitors are provided with a map at the visitor center with explanations, shown a very informative film, and can then take a self-guided tour of the furnaces, see how iron was made, and learn about the people who worked there.

It really is mind-boggling to see what men could design, build, and operate without the help of a computer in the 1800’s.

The Sloss Furnaces are also home to a number of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and Halloween tours.

20 32nd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222

Birmingham’s Railroad Park

Railroad Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of downtown Birmingham that is designed with recycled stone, iron, and materials that were unearthed at the railroad site. The park has a design that is both modern and timeless, and the lights at night are absolutely stunning.

If you’re looking for a fun place to take a walk or have a picnic or throw a frisbee with your furry friend, Birmingham’s Railroad Park is definitely the place for you.

Address: 1600 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233

Alabama Theatre

Originally one of the largest in Alabama, Birmingham in its time, this historic theatre located in downtown Birmingham was built in 1927 and seats over 2500 people. It’s currently used as a live performance venue.

The theatre has been host to many famous performers, including Bob Dylan and Aretha Franklin. It also hosts movie premieres and a variety of other events like beauty pageants and hosts the Micky Mouse House.

The building is a true delight to see, especially since it was fully restored to its former glory and grandeur of Spanish Colonial Revival and Mission Revival architecture.

Address: 1817 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

The Market at Pepper Place

Not just a Market place, this fun event located in Birmingham, Alabama, features fresh organic produce, locally made food, and treats, including live demonstrations, a multitude of vendors lining the streets, and live music on multiple stages along the roads to keep the crowds going.

Many Children’s activities and demonstrations are to be found down the streets. Overall this is a fun and energetic place to be in the warmer months. Bring your friends and enjoy a walk; you never know what treats you may find at The Market Pepper Place.

Address: 2829 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205

Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Birmingham by Wacky Walks

Wacky Walks is a tour company that offers a unique scavenger hunt experience in Birmingham, Alabama. This is a great way to see the city and learn about its history and culture. Download the app and complete challenges, solve puzzles, and find objects all over the city.

This is a great activity to enjoy with larger groups, maybe divide and have a healthy competition between yourselves, see who will win the trophy for first place! If you’re looking for something different to do in Birmingham, Alabama, be sure to check out Wacky Walks.

By Wacky Walks of Birmingham

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a fun vacation destination, Birmingham, Alabama, is the place for you! There’s plenty to do in this historic city, from visiting the Civil Rights Museum to visiting the botanical gardens, enjoying a day at the park, and exploring the amazing food scene. You’ll never be bored in Birmingham, Alabama, and your vacation will feel like it was worth every penny.