Reviewed by: Grace Howard
Big Machines Day returns for its 13th year on March 1— excavators, cranes, + more family fun
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Strap on your hard hat—Big Machines Day is rolling back to McWane Science Center on Saturday, March 1, for another epic event filled with science, discovery, and some of the most incredible machines around.
From excavators to police cars and even a fire truck with all the bells and whistles, this hands-on experience is a favorite for all ages in Birmingham. Read on to learn more.
Big Machines Day details
- What: Big Machines Day, sponsored by Vulcan Industrial Contractors Company + powered by CraneWorks
- When: Saturday, March 1 | 10AM-4PM
- Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: Included in general admission to McWane | Free for McWane members
- Discounted admission is provided for those receiving SNAP benefits through the Museums for All program.
- Tickets
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What to expect during Big Machines Day in Birmingham
Each year, McWane teams up with CraneWorks to give kids and adults the chance to see some of the most impressive machines found on a typical construction site.
And, in true McWane fashion, the event is a great way for your kids to learn through STEM with hands-on engineering and construction science programs offered all day.
If you used to think Bob the Builder was cool, check out the list of machines you’ll see at Big Machines Day this year:
- Big + mini cranes
- Carry deck
- Dump truck
- Excavator
- Forklift
- Magni
- Manlift
- Polaris cart
The Birmingham Fire Department will also be at Big Machines Day with one of their shiny red trucks. If you miss them, it means they had to leave to do their job helping our community.
While getting to witness these massive machines is impressive, at Big Machines Day you can actually climb aboard like one of the pros.
A professional operator will be stationed at each machine, so you can ask them questions like “how much does it weigh?” or “what does this button do?”
“This event is exciting because it offers CraneWorks a unique opportunity to engage with the community in a fun and meaningful way.
Bringing these machines to the McWane Science Center for kids and families to explore, climb on, and interact with allows us to spark curiosity about heavy machinery and engineering, showing how our work impacts everyday life.”
Maddie Graham, Media Coordinator, CraneWorks
Psst—visit one of the hard hat stations set up on McWane’s Plaza so your machine-loving kiddos will have the “proper” gear to wear while visiting all of the machines.
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Is Big Machines Day at McWane safe?
Since Big Machines Day includes a lot of serious equipment and machines, we made sure to check about safety.
Relax, parents and caregivers—we got two thumbs up for safety from both McWane and CraneWorks.
“Safety is always a top priority. We ensure all equipment is inspected and safety protocols are in place for participants and visitors.”
Maddie Graham, Media Coordinator, CraneWorks
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Experience more at McWane Science Center
As exciting as Big Machines Day is, be sure to venture inside while you’re there for even more science and learning in McWane’s Adventure Halls.
You can also grab a seat in the IMAX Dome Theatre for the popular documentary Dream Big: Engineering Our World in the IMAX Dome Theater. Get your tickets before you go,
Don’t miss Big Machines Day at McWane Science Center on Saturday, March 1. Save time—get your tickets in advance.
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