7 ways to enjoy Virtual Vacation Day in Birmingham

Vulcan statue and Birmingham skyline
Learn more about the history and culture of Birmingham with these virtual vacation ideas. Photo via Vulcan Park and Museum’s Facebook

A year into the pandemic, and I think we’re all looking forward to taking an in-person vacation. While the vaccine efforts are ramping up, it’s still safest to keep your vacay virtual. Keep reading to see seven ways to enjoy a Birmingham virtual vacation.

If you’re tired of taking virtual vacations over the past year, all of these institutions are currently open to the public, with COVID precautions. So if you’re so inclined, mask up and go see these places in-person.

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1. The Birmingham Museum of Art

birmingham museum of art
Celebrate Virtual Vacation Day with art from the Birmingham Museum of Art. Photo via Bham Now

Enjoy the serenity of the Birmingham Museum of Art‘s vast collection from the comfort of your couch with their online-accessible collection. This is the perfect way to spend an evening with a glass of wine, soothing music and the works of a variety of artists.

Check out a few of their current programs you can view online:

Find the Birmingham Museum of Art:

2. McWane Science Center

McWane science center
Enjoy a virtual vacation at with the McWane Science Center. Photo via Bham Now

Involve the kids with this virtual vacation idea. Now open to the public (with safety precautions), the McWane Science Center is still offering some online programming, like the many McWane on the Web interactive activities. This virtual vacation will provide you and your kids with a fun and educational experience.

Find the McWane Science Center:

3. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Birmingham, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, black history
Check out the online activities at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Photo via Birmingham Civil Rights Institute’s Facebook page

Learn more about the history of Birmingham and the battle that took place here for civil rights with online programming from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. I recommend their online oral histories project, which features interviews about the Civil Rights Movement from people like Dr. Richard Arrington and Senator John Lewis.

Below are a couple of recommend online programs for your virtual vacation:

Find the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum:

4. Vulcan Park and Museum

Vulcan statue and Birmingham skyline
Vulcan Park overlooks the city of Birmingham, but you can enjoy it from the comfort of your home. Photo via Vulcan Park and Museum’s Facebook

Vulcan Park and Museum is a great way to get outside, but for Virtual Vacation Day (or just a rainy afternoon), check out their Virtual Tour. The tour takes you through the museum, and around Vulcan.

Find the virtual tour here.

Learn more about Vulcan Park and Museum:

5. Birmingham Zoo

Birmingham, Birmingham Zoo, flamingos, flamingo habitat, Birmingham Barons
Learn more about these flamingos and other creatures with virtual education from the Birmingham Zoo. Photo via the Birmingham Zoo

The Birmingham Zoo is a fun time, both in-person and virtually. Enjoy a virtual vacation by scrolling through their animal list, or participating in one of their online events like the upcoming virtual Zoo Rendezvous. The Zoo is home to over 700 animals from over 200 species, so you’ve got plenty of learning to do with their virtual resources.

Find the Birmingham Zoo:

6. Red Mountain Theater

red mountain theater
Sit back and relax with Red Mountain Theater’s online programming. Photo by Jon Eastwood for Bham Now

The Red Mountain Theater is a great way to indulge your thespian side with one of their online talks and exclusive online access to behind-the-scenes material from shows like The Little Mermaid, Mamma Mia and Big Fish.

See them here:

Find the Red Mountain Theater:

7. Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham, Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Check out the online offerings of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

If you’re like me and Spring starts sparking your interest in all things nature, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Lunch and Learn webinar series is perfect for you. It’s like a little floral virtual vacation every week where you can learn more about gardening, native flowers and the botanical gardens. Kids can also join in the fun with the Gardens’ Virtual Field Trips.

Learn more about the Birmingham Botanical Gardens:

Fire up your laptop and get to virtual vacation-ing. These beloved Birmingham spots are a great way to take a break from your routine without leaving the comfort of your house.

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Here at Bham Now, we love supporting nonprofits.

If you’re looking to get involved with local nonprofits, but don’t know where to start, check out our local nonprofits directory with over 160 organizations.

Claire Hancock
Claire Hancock
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