Although grandchildren love their grandparents, they do not typically consider time spent with grandma and grandpa as fun and exciting. They would usually rather be playing with friends their own age or nose-deep in their smart phones. Sure, Christmas and birthday presents will quickly boost you up the totem pole, but the effects of spoiling only last so long, and it can be expensive. Whether your grandchildren live here in Birmingham or are coming to visit over the weekend, make sure you know all of the best places around town to keep them entertained. Soon they will be asking to visit their favorite grandparents, all the time!
Toddlers
Birmingham Zoo is quite impressive to people of all ages, but especially to toddlers whose busy minds still ooh and ah over animals they have only read of in books. From birds to mammals, reptiles and bugs, there are over 900 different animals at the Birmingham Zoo. The little ones can also ride on the Protective Life Carousel or Red Diamond Train Express between walking around the animal showcases.
5 – 10 Years Old
McWane Science Center is not just a place for kids who love science but rather a full exploration of the senses and imagination for children of any interest. It has four stories of interactive exhibits to keep them excited and learning for hours. Some of our favorites include The Bubble Room, ScienceQuest, Alabama Dinosaurs, and, of course, IMAX Dome 101.
TreeTop Family Adventure is jam-packed with exciting activities such as Go Karts, Laser Tag, Miniature Golf, and Bowling. The pricing has two levels to choose from that are both affordable at under $25 a ticket. Be sure to check TreeTop’s website for hours of operation, as they change seasonally.
Birmingham Children’s Theatre has plays for children of all ages, but we think this playhouse really shines at producing shows for the ages 5 to 10. Cinderella, School House Rock, and The Jungle Book are just some examples of performances that will inspire your grandchildren and keep them entertained all afternoon.
11 – 13 Years Old
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a great spot to take your adolescent grandsons and sporty granddaughters. With one of the nation’s largest collections of race cars, motorcycles, and vintage automobiles, plus a full-size racetrack with regular shows, this museum is guaranteed to turn at least a few young novices into full-blown automobile enthusiasts!
Next Level Trampoline Park we really believe thek ids between 11 – 13 relish this 60,000 square-foot trampoline park the most, although kids and adults of any age will have a blast. Located in Hoover, this is a great place to wear out the grandkids with Dodgeball, Ninja Obstacle Course, Foam Pits, and many others!
14-18 Years Old
Bryant-Denny Stadium in nearby Tuscaloosa is home to the University of Alabama football team. Take your teenage grandchildren to watch the Crimson Tide play at one of the largest, most electric stadiums in the United States, with over 100,000 screaming fans. Before the game, be sure to walk around the beautiful campus. Heck, your grandkids might even decide they want to go there after high school. At the very least, campus walks are a sure-fire, natural way to find out about any of their future plans.
The Birmingham Civil Rights Museum is an important museum considering the deep history of civil rights in the area. The museum examines slavery, segregation, organizations like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, historical marches and protests, as well as race relations up to present day. We put this on the list because we believe teenagers are not only the appropriate age to appreciate this consequential museum, but that it is the obligation of all grandparents to teach their grandchildren about the past. Your grandchildren will never forget visiting this historic museum or its eventual impact on their adult lives.
—
This article was written by Alex Milzer with Senior Directory. If you are looking for senior care in Birmingham, Alabama, please visit our website.
Photo by Paul Ferguson