Birmingham, AL has so many wonderful things to do, that it was hard to narrow it down to just seven, but you can consider these as favorites! Scroll down to check out free things to do in Birmingham, AL.

Top 7 Free Things to Do in Birmingham, AL

Looking for something fun And FREE to do with your family this summer in Birmingham, AL? You are in the right place!

I grew up in Birmingham, AL, and have lived here most of my life. It is definitely home to me.  There are so many amazing free things to do in Birmingham, that it was hard to narrow it down to just seven.  Some of these are ones I remember doing as a child, while others are newer to Birmingham, and as a parent, we enjoy taking our children to do. 

I am excited to share with you these free things to do in Birmingham, AL during the summer with your family. Keep scrolling down for all my recommendations!

Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain Park (2011 Frankfurt Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211) is one of our family’s favorite places to go hiking. It is a large tract of land that used to be one of the many mines around Birmingham. There are historical markers throughout the park, and it is absolutely beautiful. (My husband runs on the many trails each week for what he calls his therapy, haha). It really is a beautiful place to enjoy being outside on trails (beginner level to advanced level) and being in nature.  This is a very dog-friendly park too; not only are there two dedicated dog parks, but you will also see a lot of pups on the trails, too. 

Your children will love the history of this park too! You can still see the mining remains dispersed throughout the park while on the trails, as well as, old, abandoned buildings.  My recommendation is to take the trail that leads you to the city lookout.  It’s a view that’s worth the hike and you pass by some fun swing bridges!

Aldridge Gardens

Aldridge Gardens (3530 Lorna Rd, Hoover, AL 35216) is a pretty and peaceful refuge.  I have visited them since I was a little girl and they are such a nice place to stroll and take in all the lovely flowers, plants, and ponds.

It’s a “picture destination” spot for my teen girls when they have a homecoming dance or prom.  I love the walking trails and bridges throughout the gardens. Plus, there are several places to sit and read or reflect along the way. 

 

Moss Rock Preserve

You won’t believe the cool boulder rocks that are along the hiking trails at Moss Rock Preserve (617 Preserve Way, Hoover, AL 35226).  The rocks are really fun to climb on (you may even see some folks bouldering, which is super fun for children to watch) and many have narrow trails between them that are fun to try and squeeze through. There are several trails at Moss Rock, and many lead to streams and ultimately the beautiful waterfalls where you can cool off on those hot summer days.

Parking is found across from the Preserve retail area, as well as, a smaller lot near Shades Crest Road.  I recommend parking by the retail area (which is also home to some delicious restaurants for refueling after your hike).

Railroad Park

Railroad Park is a place you don’t want to miss in Birmingham, located right in the middle of downtown.  It is a large, open area that has options to walk, bike, and run. There are places to sit and eat a picnic or enjoy the many water features dispersed throughout. 

Railroad Park also hosts fun and free activities, you can check its site here to see when those are.

A Bonus: The Rainbow LED Tunnel

This is a newer, fun thing to do in the city of Birmingham! This underpass has bright LED lights at night that are all different colors giving a rainbow effect that your kids will love. It is close to Railroad Park and Regions Park, home of the Birmingham Barons baseball team.  So, if you’ve attended a game it’s very close by.  Or, if you’ve walked the Rotary Trail, you can drive under this underpass once the sun goes down to enjoy it.

Rotary Trail Birmingham

The Rotary Trail (2098 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233) is a fun little half-mile walk/run/bike trail in Birmingham. It is downtown and is a great experience. My family walked it not too long ago and enjoyed being on this urban trail that links several key attractions.

They have some cool mural walls along the trail and have planters, water features, and stone paths that make it quite enjoyable for all ages. It’s a Birmingham must-see.

Vulcan Park & Museum

I am sure you’ve seen the Vulcan (1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209) our iconic statue that is representative of Birmingham’s steel and iron industry. I started visiting this cast iron statue as a little girl and enjoy it still to this day.  The free thing to do at Vulcan is walking around the base of the statue and enjoying the pretty grounds surrounding it.  You will have a great view of the city too! Check the museum inside too; some days kids are free!

To go up in the tower (which I would strongly recommend), you do have to pay.  But just visiting the park is free!

 

Samford University

Enjoy walking around Samford University’s beautiful campus! It has some lush lawn areas, fountains, and several lovely old buildings. We’ve had our children’s photos made on the lawn and around the buildings of this local, private University.

I hope you enjoyed these seven free things to do in the Birmingham, AL guide. I loved sharing them with you, and wondered what sounded the most interesting for you and your family to visit?  Let me know in a comment below!

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