Things to do with kids in Birmingham, AL
Checked · All times are local Central Time (Birmingham time)
Coming up in Birmingham: Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration at the Birmingham Zoo (from Nov 21), Christmas at Arlington (Dec 5) and Vulcan’s Holidays on the Mountain (Dec 5). 6 always-open places, led by Birmingham Zoo, McWane Science Center and Railroad Park. Prices and hours come from each official site.
Christmas & holiday events: Santa and lights
Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration at the Birmingham Zoo
- When
- Sat, Nov 21 – Thu, Dec 31 (Select nights Nov 21 – Jan 3 (closed Nov 26, Nov 30–Dec 1, Dec 7–9, 14–15 and 24–25; Dec 3 is adults-only; also open Jan 1–3)) · 5–9pm (last tickets 8pm); Dec 2 KultureCity sensory-friendly night 6–8pm
- Cost
- Advance tickets: adults $25, kids 2–12 $16 (members $19/$12); walk-up $27/$17
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
A mile-long path of hundreds of handcrafted animal lanterns and more than a million lights, with a Holiday Village, carolers, the Red Diamond Express train and s’mores. Santa visits 5:30–7:30pm on Nov 27–29 and Dec 12 and 19–23. Closed on rainy nights (tickets move to another night); advance tickets recommended because nightly capacity is limited.
✓ Checked Oct 31, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Christmas at Arlington
- When
- Sat, Dec 5 · 10am–2pm
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Ages
- All ages · Indoor
The historic house’s annual Christmas open day. Details are on the official page.
✓ Checked Oct 31, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Vulcan’s Holidays on the Mountain
- When
- Sat, Dec 5 · 4–8pm
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Vulcan Park’s annual holiday evening on the mountain, with photos with Santa and seasonal activities. Check the official page for tickets.
✓ Checked Oct 31, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Always-open family places
Most popular first: zoos, aquariums and museums, then nature spots, parks and libraries. Prices come from each official site; "Not stated" means the site doesn't list one.
Birmingham Zoo
- Price
- Adults $24; kids 2–12 $19; under 2 free; 65+ $20 (tax included)
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Tickets required for all non-member visitors; some rides and the Adventure Tower cost extra
✓ Price verified Oct 31, 2026 · source
McWane Science Center
- Price
- Adults $20.95; kids $16.95
- Best for
- Ages 0–14 (our guidance)
Hands-on science museum with Itty Bitty Magic City for little ones and an IMAX Dome; closed Mon–Tue
✓ Price verified Oct 31, 2026 · source
Railroad Park
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
19-acre downtown park; open 7am–11pm, 365 days a year
✓ Price verified Oct 31, 2026 · source
Vulcan Park & Museum
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Park grounds, observation tower and museum open 10am–8pm Sun–Thu and 10am–9pm Fri–Sat
Birmingham Museum of Art
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Closed Mondays; open Tue 1–5pm, Wed–Sat 10am–5pm (Thu to 8pm), Sun noon–5pm; closed Thanksgiving and Dec 24–25; free parking lot behind the museum
Arlington Historic House & Gardens
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 5–17+ (our guidance)
Antebellum house museum on six acres; closed on City of Birmingham holidays (Nov 11, 26–27 and Dec 24–25 in 2026)
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do with kids in Birmingham this weekend?
Birmingham Zoo, McWane Science Center and Railroad Park are open most days, but we don't have a Birmingham event listed for this weekend (Oct 31–Nov 1). Next up: Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration at the Birmingham Zoo (Nov 21) and Christmas at Arlington (Dec 5).
What are free things to do with kids in Birmingham?
These are free according to their official sites: 1 place in Birmingham, including Railroad Park.
Where can kids play indoors in Birmingham when it's too cold or rainy?
We list 3 indoor places in Birmingham: McWane Science Center (kids $16.95), Birmingham Museum of Art and Arlington Historic House & Gardens.
When and where can kids see Santa in Birmingham?
We list 2 events with Santa in Birmingham: Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration at the Birmingham Zoo (Nov 21 – Dec 31) and Vulcan’s Holidays on the Mountain (Dec 5). Our Santa guide for the Birmingham area has more nearby.
Where can I take my kids to see Christmas lights in Birmingham?
We list 1 holiday light event in Birmingham: Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration at the Birmingham Zoo (Nov 21 – Dec 31). Our holiday lights guide for the Birmingham area has more nearby.
What are the big family attractions in Birmingham?
The best-known family attractions we list in Birmingham are Birmingham Zoo (kids $19), McWane Science Center (kids $16.95), Railroad Park (Free), Vulcan Park & Museum and Birmingham Museum of Art. They're listed first under always-open places.
How much do Birmingham family attractions cost?
Prices from the official sites for 2 places in Birmingham: Birmingham Zoo (adult $24, kids $19) and McWane Science Center (adult $20.95, kids $16.95). Confirm before you go; prices change.
Our weekend search covers Phoenix Metro & Arizona for now, and more areas are coming soon. This guide is hand-checked the same way.
How we build this page: each event comes from the organizer's official website and shows the date we checked it. Prices marked verified were copied from the venue's official site; others show an estimated price level or "Not stated". A place is called free only when its official site says so. Read how we verify listings · Arizona weekend search.
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