Spring Break :: Having Fun in Birmingham

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Spring Break. With Toddlers. If that isn’t an oxymoron, I don’t know what is! There is no break when you’ve got littles–am I right? But I have a few suggestions that will hopefully make all our spring breaks a little easier!

Get Carded

Ok, so not that kind of card! Dust off that old library card and head to your local library with your tots for different events each day. Check out Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest’s stay-cation options including a girls’ spa hour, story time, eat at the American Girl Doll mystery luncheon, or meet Curious George himself. You can also swing by Crestline’s Emmet O’Neal Library’s spring break tribute to Roald Dahl movies: watch movie marathons such as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and even make your own candy! And if that’s not enough, be sure to make a stop by the Homewood Public Library Children’s Department to catch a Pixar movie marathon, story time, and even a luau celebrating Disney’s new movie Moana!

For Saturday, April 1, when all you moms out there need some “me time,” sign up for the self-defense class for women taught by Det. Juan Rodriguez at the Homewood Public Library. It’s free, informative, and dare I say, FUN! Grab a couple of girlfriends and learn all sorts of choke-holds and self-defense move. Plus, it’s free (just be sure to register online)! One of the things Det. Rodriguez says is, “Now don’t go home and try these moves on your husband!” Remember The Wonder Years episode where Coach Cutlip passes out the sex ed books and says, “Do not read ahead.” Then cue the scene where Kevin and Paul are indeed reading ahead and giggling?! Yeah. Same thing. You can’t tell twelve-year-old boys not to “read ahead” in the sex ed book just like you can’t tell all the women at the self-defense class not to go try out their new “tricks” on their loved ones!

My Kids Are Animals

If indoor library events aren’t your cup of tea, head on over to the Birmingham Zoo. Get your energy out in the re-opened splash pads or take in a wildlife show. Sign up your 4K-5th graders for one or more days of Spring Break Camp where kids can choose their own activities including crafts, hikes, and the train. One more mom insider tip–did you know the zoo offers Preschool at the Zoo classes? Me, neither! I heard about it from another local mom and decided to check it out on the website. There are several class options for your preschooler from now until April 17, 2017!

Hidden Gem

I almost didn’t include this because I love this hidden gem so much and didn’t want to let the secret out, but it’s too great not to share! The Birmingham Museum of Art (which is FREE–donations accepted) has two large hands-on art playrooms for kids. I know. How did you not know about this before? It’s amazing. One room has puzzles and chalk tables for toddlers, and the other room has various work stations including a gigantic smart board and a self-portrait area. There’s even a sitting area for you to relax while your kids explore and create to their heart’s content! After everyone has worked up an appetite, enjoy a delicious lunch at the museum’s restaurant, Oscar’s (open for lunch Tuesday-Friday). 

Cheers

Then at the end of the week, pat yourself on the back, Mom! You made it through spring break in one piece while staying in town, with no school, and you survived seeing everyone’s beach pictures on social media. After all the fun your kids have had all week, they’ll give you the afternoon off to pamper yourself to say thank you for being the best mom ever, right?!

So, Birmingham Moms: how do you plan to stay busy (and/or sane!) during the break? 

4 COMMENTS

  1. We just finished our spring break. πŸ™ sad! It was wonderful! I need to head to the art Museum! So fun!

  2. I had no idea about the Bham Museum of Art’s playrooms for kids! Great to know- thanks for sharing!

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