A Weekend in Birmingham Alabama

Birmingham is the largest city in the state of Alabama. It’s widely known for the role it played in the civil rights movement during the 1960s. Birmingham is also a great weekend destination for the family. In addition to its interesting history, Birmingham has a lot to offer. Start your weekend by checking into one of the city’s many hotels, leave your luggage behind, and explore this vibrant city’s many attractions.

Learn About the Civil Rights Movement

During the 1960s, Kelly Ingram Park was the center of the civil rights movement, and many demonstrations took place here. Nowadays you can walk around the park and learn more about the historic movement. There are many sculptures around the park that depict important people and events of that period. If you’d like to learn more about civil rights and the impact that the movement made on American history, you can visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in the heart of the city.

Watch a Sporting Event

Sports fans won’t be bored in Birmingham. Watch basketball at Bartow Arena, see baseball at Regions Field, and catch an American football game at Legion Field, which has hosted the Iron Bowl and soccer games during the 1996 Olympics. You can also pay a visit to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, a big museum with more than 5,000 exhibits featuring all types of sports. If you enjoy golf, play a round at the Shoal Creek Golf and Country Club, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the country.

Have Fun With the Kids

Birmingham has many activities that the kids will enjoy. On a hot summer day, head to the Alabama Splash Adventure Park, a large water park with activities like water coasters and splash downs just a few miles outside the city center. Kids will also enjoy a day at the Birmingham Zoo, with over 1,000 birds and animals in their natural environment. Another great spot is the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, which has the largest greenhouse in the Southeast, a Japanese garden, and a tea room.

Explore the Many Museums

Birmingham is home to many museums. The Birmingham Museum of Art has more than 26,000 paintings and prints in its collection, which dates from the ancient times to the present. The McWane Science Center is spread out over four levels and has activities the kids will love, including a dinosaur collection and an IMAX theater. The Southern Museum of Flight is the largest museum of its kind in the Southeast and has 90 aircraft and many exhibits dating back to early aviation. The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum has a collection of restored trains, and children will love taking a train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine.

Birmingham, Alabama, is undoubtedly a great destination with many fun activities that the whole family will enjoy. Museums, adventure parks, sports venues, and outdoor spaces are some of the many things you can look forward to in this interesting Southeastern city.