8 places to take your kids when it’s too hot outside in Birmingham, including Bart’s ArtVenture

Summer is officially here–and we’re officially feeling it in Birmingham. Although I’m a huge fan of getting outdoors, when the heat index is over 100 degrees it might be best to stay inside.

In order to keep your sanity, though, you’ll want to get your kids out of the house–am I right? Below are some spots where you can escape the heat and keep your kids busy and active this summer!

1. McWane Science Center

McWane Science Center is a classic spot to take kiddos for some indoor fun. The center’s play and learning activities have been a popular Birmingham attraction for more than 20 years. They also have the only IMAX theater in the city. If your little one is a kindergartener or younger, check out the Itty Bitty Magic City!

Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sunday: noon to 6:00 p.m.
Location: 200 19th Street N., Birmingham, AL 35203
Admission: $12 for kids (2 and under free), $15 for adults

2. Birmingham Museum of Art

Did you know the Birmingham Museum of Art has a hands-on gallery designed for children? Bart’s ArtVenture has 15 learning stations for your kiddos to explore. There’s something for kids of all ages! Check out their website for some helpful information about visiting the museum with children.

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday: noon to 5:00 p.m.
Location: 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35203
Admission: Free!

3) Climbing gyms

Birmingham is home to three climbing gyms–Birmingham Boulders, First Avenue Rocks (the OG) and High Point Climbing and Fitness. Take your kids here so they have a safe place to climb that isn’t your furniture. Birmingham Boulders and High Point both have kids areas!

Even though he can’t climb yet, my little one loves looking at the climbing holds on the walls at First Ave:

Visit the websites above for locations and hours.

Admission:
First Ave and Birmingham Boulders: $12 for kids, $16 for adults
High Point Climbing: $15.50 for kids, $17.50 for adults

4) The library

The library is a great spot to take kids for some down time. August will be here before we know it, so it’s time to get that summer reading in! In addition to books, of course, Birmingham’s public libraries also have a variety of activities for children–visit your closest library page for more information.

Locations: List here.

5) Urban Air Adventure Park

Ready to jump around? Urban Air has a lot going on–even beyond trampolines–at their two locations Homewood and Trussville. With obstacle courses, go kart racing, climbing walls, laser tag and more, there are plenty of options to wear your kid out. There’s a special area for kids under seven, too!

Hours: Vary slightly by location. More information here.
Location: Homewood: 800 Green Springs Highway Suite 150, Homewood, AL 35209; Trussville: 3695 Roosevelt Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35235
Admission: Pricing varies by age and activity. More information here.

6) Pelham Civic Complex Ice Arena

Getting out on the ice sounds like a sure way to beat the heat. Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena offers public skating, summer camps and skating school. Visit their website for more information.

Location: 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham, AL 35124

7) Pump It Up

Remember the bouncy castle of your youth? Now there’s apparently a whole building of bounce. Pump It Up is an inflatable playground with locations in Trussville and Pelham. In addition to parties, they have extended “Open Jump” hours throughout the summer.

Location: Trussville: 4623 Camp Coleman Rd Ste 101, Trussville, AL 35173; Pelham: 101 Cahaba Valley Pkwy W., Pelham, AL 35124
Hours: Check out the calendar on their website (just make sure you have the correct location!)
Admission: Open Jump is $7 per child. Parents and kids 2 and under free.

8) Let’s Play on 280

Is your child under age 12? There’s an indoor playground (AC–yay!) on 280 called Let’s Play.

Location: 5025 US-280 #102, Birmingham, AL 35242
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission: Pricing varies by age and day of the week. More information here.

Where do you like to take your kids when it’s too hot to get outside? What did we miss? Let us know at @bhamnow.