Visit sharks and step back to the time of dinosaurs at McWane Science Center. Photo courtesy of the center

Top Attractions in Birmingham, Alabama for Families

1. Birmingham Zoo

The Birmingham Zoo is a world-class attraction. It has a huge butterfly habitat, an outdoor giraffe habitat, and a children’s zoo. There are also splash pads, animal encounters, and giraffe feedings. A train and climbing tower cost extra, but are a favorite with kids.

2. McWane Science Center

The McWane Science Center is filled with fun, from the shark tank and bubble room to the dinosaur bones and Itty Bitty Magic City. This science center is bursting with immersive, interactive exhibits for all ages.

3. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is the largest motorcycle and car museum in the world. It boasts more than 1,200 vintage and modern motorcycles. The museum’s colorful collection of vehicles is a treat for any kid—or grown-up—who loves things that go.

4. 16th Street Baptist Church

The 16th Street Baptist Church played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Spike Lee’s movie Four Little Girls is based on the explosion at the church that killed four young girls attending Sunday School and injured several other people. The church still has an active congregation, but tours are available on select days.

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The Vulcan statue is the city symbol of Birmingham, Alabama.

5. Vulcan Park and Museum

Tour Vulcan Park and Museum to see the largest cast-iron statue in the world. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, watches over the city of Birmingham, Alabama. Climb the very tall tower to get the same view of Birmingham as Vulcan himself. Learn more about Birmingham at the park’s museum.

6. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is a museum and research center dedicated to telling the story of the civil rights movement in Birmingham. Kids in third grade and under get in free.

7. Birmingham Museum of Art

The Birmingham Museum of Art is filled with paintings ceramics, furniture, and more. Be sure to visit ArtVenture, the museum's hands-on gallery with over 15 learning spaces for toddlers to tweens. Keep an eye on the museum’s website for special exhibits and events, too.

8. Sloss Furnaces

Birmingham is one of the places in the world that has all three elements needed to make iron, limestone, coal, and iron ore. Much of the iron produced by Birmingham was made at the Sloss Furnaces. Today, the furnaces are a National Historic Landmark and one of the few blast furnaces in the United States that has been preserved as a historic industrial site.

9. Southern Museum of Flight

This aviation museum is home to more than 100 planes and helicopters. It’s a great place to get up close with flying machines. Be sure to catch the planes outdoors as well as the ones inside.

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Kelly Ingram Park contains monuments to the atrocities that happened there during the civil rights movement.

Best Free Things To Do in Birmingham, Alabama with Kids

10. Kelly Ingram Park

This park was the site of civil rights rallies, demonstrations, and confrontations in the 1960s. Following mass arrests in the city, children as young as 6 gathered in the park to join demonstrations calling for an end to segregation. Some were arrested, blasted with water cannons, and attacked by K-9s. Today, the park contains monuments to the atrocities that happened there. Use your cell phone to access a free walking tour.

Teaching kids about this chapter of American history can be difficult, but it’s important and may be the best way to prevent hatred in the future.

11. Railroad Park

If your family is looking for a big, green space in the city, head to Railroad Park. This 19-acre space in downtown Birmingham connects many parts of the city. The park hosts special events throughout the year, so check its website before your trip.

12. Birmingham Botanical Gardens

These gardens are a lovely place to go for a stroll. There is a Japanese garden, a formal rose garden, a southern living garden, and more. Birmingham Botanical Gardens are also home to four acres of woodlands waiting to be explored.

13. Rickwood Field

Rickwood Field is the oldest ballpark in America! It’s also the oldest remaining ballpark that was home to a Negro League ballclub. Take a tour of the field or wander around on your own.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Birmingham, AL

14. Drury Inn & Suites Birmingham Grandview and Lakeshore Drive

The Drury Inn & Suites is a fantastic choice for families. Suites have a living room with a sofa bed and a separate bedroom. Plus, there is a pool, popcorn in the lobby, free breakfast, and an included afternoon happy hour. This is where my family stayed and it was a great choice. There are two locations!

15. Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook, An Autograph Collection

The Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook is one of Birmingham’s top luxury hotels. Have a bite in the hotel’s rooftop farm-to-table restaurant, explore the on-site art gallery, or take a dip in the lovely outdoor pool.

16. Embassy Suites by Hilton Birmingham

Embassy Suites by Hilton is always a solid choice for families. Guests enjoy free breakfast and complimentary evening receptions. Rooms have a living room with a separate bedroom, so everyone has their own space. Kids will also enjoy the hotel’s indoor pool.

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Play games while dining at The Frothy Monkey.

Best Birmingham, Alabama Restaurants for Families

17. The Frothy Monkey

The Frothy Monkey serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner daily. Beverage offerings include coffeehouse standards as well as craft beer, wine, and cocktails. The restaurant also has a great kids' menu. My son and I enjoyed playing board games while we waited for our meals.

18. Demetri’s Barbecue

If you want delicious southern barbecue, head to Demetri’s for breakfast or lunch. There is nothing wrong with barbecue for breakfast in Birmingham, Alabama!

19. Saw’s Soul Kitchen

Head to Saw’s Soul Kitchen for Carolina-style smoked pulled pork, chicken, or ribs. To top it off, choose from three styles of sauce. Get a side of cole slaw, macaroni and cheese, beans, or baked potatoes.

20. Pizza Grace

Pizza Grace makes sourdough pizzas, sandwiches, and more for lunch and dinner. Pizza is always a hit with kids, and grown-ups will love Pizza Grace’s meals as well.

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Photos by the author