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Elementary school students working at a classroom table, with a boy in glasses focused on a worksheet in the foreground — Get back-to-school tips in time for the 2026-2027 school year in Birmingham. (Photo by CDC on Unsplash)

Back-to-school season is here, Birmingham! If summer meant late bedtimes, relaxed routines and too much screen time, you’re not alone. As a parent, my family hit each of these things. The good news is all you need are a few small changes to help everyone sleep, eat and move better, making the transition smoother.

From stocking up on fresh produce at the Market at Pepper Place to getting outside at Railroad Park, we’ve rounded up four simple ways to help your family find its new rhythm with help from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL).

1. Reset healthy routines for Birmingham school days

Two smiling children wearing backpacks pose together outdoors, ready for a back-to-school morning in Birmingham — A no-rush morning makes back-to-school routines easier in Birmingham. (Bham Now)

Whether your school started two weeks ago or two days ago, the first-day excitement has probably worn off and the reality of early alarms has set in.

If mornings are as much of a struggle in your house as they are in mine, one of my biggest game-changers is doing a little prep the night before.

Here are a few things that can help your mornings run more smoothly:

Prep easy breakfasts like muffins, fruit or yogurt
Have lunches packed and ready to go
Set backpacks by the door so nothing gets left behind
Lay out clothes to avoid morning outfit hunting

Little habits like these mean fewer decisions when everyone is half-awake, making busy Birmingham mornings a lot less hectic. Plus, you may even get to sneak in a few extra zzz’s.

“It is important to have a good baseline for the school year because things get busy, and we can neglect our health and wellness if we are not prepared. Establishing healthy habits and routines before school starts is a good way to ensure that everyone stays balanced.”
Dr. Ginnie Prater MD, CCD, Medical Director, Clinical Services, BCBSAL

Healthier people are happier people - BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama

2. Find fresh, seasonal produce in Birmingham

Grab some juicy, late-season peaches at farmers markets across Birmingham. (Bham Now)

Did your family fall into the habit of eating out more or reaching for packaged snacks over the summer?

Back-to-school season is a great time to reset your family’s nutrition by stocking up on fresh produce and other healthy options.

This time of year is still great for enjoying plenty of fresh Alabama favorites, like:

Peaches
Tomatoes
Watermelon
Cucumbers
Okra
Sweet corn

Plus, there’s no shortage of farmers markets to shop across the Greater Birmingham Area.

3. Get active with outdoor activities and youth sports in Birmingham

Rotary Trail (L) and Railroad Park (R) are perfect spots for families to get moving in Birmingham. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Between phones, video games and school devices, it’s easy for kids (and adults) to rack up plenty of screen time. Instead of simply saying “put it down,” give them something fun to do instead.

Try these Birmingham-area activities:

Walk, bike or roller skate together:
- Rotary Trail: 2098 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Railroad Park: 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- City Walk BHAM: 2200 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Visit a local playground or splash pad:
- EXPLORE Playground & Splashpad: 1004 RV Trce, Hoover, AL 35244
- Alabama Splash Adventure: 4599 Splash Adventure Pkwy, Bessemer, AL 35022
Sign up for a youth sports league or school team, or visit a local YMCA or rec center:
- Northeast Community YMCA: 628 Red Lane Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215
- Pelham Recreation Center: 2020 Pelham Park Blvd, Pelham, AL 35124

For more FREE ways to get active, check out our guide to family-friendly outdoor activities around Birmingham.

4. Prioritize sleep for Birmingham students

After a summer of late nights, getting back to a school-night bedtime can take some adjusting. Forcing your kids to go to bed hours earlier immediately will easily lead to hours spent lying in bed awake and restless. Start slow by creating a wind-down routine that will help the kids know when it’s time to call it a night.

Here are some ways to make bedtime easier: