Four Family-Friendly Parks in the Birmingham Area
Looking for unique ways to introduce your children to exercise and nature? These four Birmingham park systems might be the key.
1. Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Many adults think of botanical gardens as “boring” for children – but the opposite is true. Colorful flowers and stimuli make gardens a wonderful learning opportunity for kids. Birmingham Botanical Gardens is open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. Admission is free. Considered Alabama’s largest living museum, the gardens include the only public horticultural library in the United States. You’ll often find special events and native plant collections to celebrate biodiversity in Alabama.
2. Railroad Park
Railroad Park is a 19-acre space downtown. Rather than celebrating plants or biodiversity, it celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of Birmingham. The park was created as a joint effort between the Railroad Park Foundation and the City of Birmingham. Railroad Park is often called the “living room” of Birmingham and hosts a variety of concerts, activities, and cultural events.
3. Vulcan Park & Museum
Vulcan is the largest cast iron statue in the world. It’s also considered one of the most memorable works of civic art in United States history. The statue now stands as a symbol of Birmingham and the center of an expanded park – referred to as Vulcan Park and Museum.
4. Birmingham Forward Parks
There are a significant number of parks maintained by the Birmingham parks system. Each offers the opportunity to enjoy nature and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Some popular parks for families include Avondale Park (36.5 acres), Bessie Estell Park (5.20 acres), Caldwell Park (2.69 acres), Crestwood Park (12.11 acres), East Lake Park (60.22 acres), Fairview Park (1.93 acres), and Highland Park (97.39 acres). Visit the Birmingham Forward website for more information and directions.
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