7 fun + cost-friendly ways to beat the heat around Birmingham

We all know about the Alabama heat at this point, and as temperatures near 100 degrees, you’ll need to stay cool. We’ve gathered seven affordable ways to help you do just that. Without further ado, let’s learn how we can beat the heat.

1. Browse the Birmingham Museum of Art

With over 27,000 paintings, sculptures and prints, the Museum of Art lets visitors experience the joy and meaning of art. Plus, it helps that it’s indoors. See it for yourself this week.

• Location: Birmingham Museum of Art
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10AM-5PM | Sunday Noon-5PM
• Price: Free general admission

2. See a show

Another great way to take your mind off the heat is to watch a feel-good movie. Here are some places to see one:

• Sidewalk Film Center
  • Location: 1817 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
  • Current showings
• Red Mountain Theatre
  • Location: 1600 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
  • Current showings
• Virginia Samford Theatre
  • Location: 1116 26th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
  • Current showings

When the sun goes down, you can brave the outdoors and enjoy a movie under the stars at one of these outdoor theaters.

3. Ice skate at Pelham Ice Arena

Live out your figure skating dreams at the Pelham Civic Center and Ice Arena—it’s hard not to have a great time when you’re making a fool of yourself out on the ice. At least, that’s been my experience.

• Location: Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena
• Hours: See public skating schedule here.
• Price: $10

4. Support a local library

I can spend hours at any book store or library. Especially when I’m trying to stay indoors. Here are a few of our favorite libraries to visit around Birmingham:

• Homewood Public Library
  • Location: 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham, AL 35209
  • Hours: Monday-Tuesday, Thursday 9AM-9PM | Wednesday, Friday-Saturday 9AM-6PM | Sunday 2-6PM
  • Price: Free with library card
• Library at Birmingham Botanical Gardens
  • Location: 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL. 35223
  • Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM-4PM
  • Price: Free with library card
• Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
  • Location: 1221 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL. 35216
  • Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM-4PM
  • Price: Free with library card

BONUS: Something fun for you and the kiddos—story time! Public libraries all around the city offer free story times. You can check out the full list of libraries and details on Birmingham Mom Collective’s website.

5. Get to know the walls at Birmingham Boulders

Birmingham Boulders offers summer camps, classes and team building activities—so you and the whole office can take up climbing. Get more information on the events and classes on their website.

• Location: Birmingham Boulders
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 11AM-9PM | Sunday Noon-8PM
• Price: $18 adults | $15 student + military | $13 children

6. Roller skate at Skates 280

Skate the heat away while immersing yourself in the classic, retro-feel of a skating rink. Head to Skates 280, where it’s cool and shady.

• Location: Skates 280
• Hours: Friday Noon-11Pm | Saturday Noon-10PM | Sunday 2-10PM
• Price: $11 admission | $4 rent fee

7. Grab a sweet treat

My personal favorite way to cool off, ice cream. Good thing Birmingham has plenty of delicious ice cream shops to choose from. You can also grab a cold treat at one of these 9 local places.

Psst… did you hear that Sons Donuts is now Sons Donuts + Pops? Grab a gourmet frozen pop. You deserve it.

How are you trying to beat the heat, Birmingham? Let us know on Facebook + Instagram!