Babypalooza’s weekly round-up of the best things to do with kids in Birmingham, April 16 – 22, 2023. Find fun family events near you including Magnolia Festival, Celebrate Trails Day, Hand in Paw Mutt Strut, Earth Day at the Gardens, Big and Little Chef: Pancake Breakfast, and Shen Yun.

Best Things to Do with kids in Birmingham – April 16-22, 2024

APRIL 21 – 22

Magnolia Festival

Gardendale Civic Center
10:00 AM
Free

The Annual Gardendale Magnolia Festival is a must-attend event for families and individuals looking for a fun-filled weekend. Held at the Gardendale Civic Center complex, the festival offers visitors various economic and enjoyable activities. With over 160 vendors showcasing local businesses and crafts, visitors can shop for unique souvenirs and try delicious food from different food trucks. The festival also features two stages of live entertainment, showcasing local talent and a pooch parade for dog lovers. The midway-style carnival and car show to excite the festival, while the free kid zone and petting zoo/pony rides provide a fun experience for the young ones.

APRIL 22

Celebrate Trails Day

The Farmers Market at Pepper Place
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Free

Presented by Protective Life, Celebrate Trails Day is an event that promises a fun-filled day of activities for all. Visitors can expect an additional vendor area at the Market with an “Earth Day” focus, where non-profits and live music will be showcased. At 11:30 am, visitors can join the Earth Day Rails-to-Trails Parade at the Jones Valley Trail, where they can walk, run, or bike the trail down to Ghost Train Brewing Company. Ghost Train Brewing Company will have more live music, food trucks, and beer specials. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy focuses on connecting the nation through trails, creating safe ways for everyone to walk, bike, and be active outdoors. Protective Life sponsors the event. Visitors can look forward to a day filled with entertainment, giveaways, and supporting a great cause.

APRIL 22

Hand in Paw Mutt Strut

Homewood Central Park
7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
$25 – $30

The Mutt Strut event is perfect for dog lovers to bond with their furry friends while supporting a great cause. All proceeds from the event benefit Hand in Paw’s Animal-Assisted Therapy programs, and participants receive a race t-shirt and doggie bandana. Visitors can join the fun and exercise with their doggo, family, and friends while dressed in costume. There are several different award categories to compete in, with the potential to win amazing prizes. Visitors can also enjoy great music, visit local vendors in the Mutt Strut Vendor Village, and indulge in some delicious food from the food trucks.

APRIL 22

Earth Day at the Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Free

This family-friendly event will take place at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. It will feature educational dialogue, informational displays, and outdoor activities that promote healthy communities, sustainable living, and human wellness. Visitors can look forward to learning about eco-friendly practices, participating in interactive activities, and exploring the beautiful gardens. By attending Earth Day at the Gardens, visitors can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the environment and better understand how to protect it for future generations.

APRIL 22

Big and Little Chef: Pancake Breakfast

Publix Aprons Cooking School at Tattersall Park
10:00 AM
$80
Ages 5 – 12

The class will take place in a fun and interactive environment where each parent/child pair will work with other students to create delicious recipes appropriate for adults and kids. The menu includes a Loaded Pancake Breakfast Sandwich, Raspberry Cheesecake Pancake, Mini Quiche Lorraine, and Fruity Pancake Skewers. This event is perfect for parents and kids who love cooking and want to spend quality time together in a fun and educational setting.

A LOOK AHEAD

APRIL 23

Shen Yun

BJCC
2:00 PM
$80 – $180
Ages 5+

Shen Yun is an enchanting event that offers a rare opportunity to explore the captivating world of ancient China. Through the medium of classical Chinese dance, this performance showcases the legends of a bygone era, presented by an award-winning cast of world-class artists. Shen Yun combines stunning costuming and high-tech backdrops with a unique and mesmerizing musical score performed by a full orchestra. Patented backdrop technology creates an immersive experience that transports the audience to another time and place. The performance is a powerful storytelling experience that evokes a lost culture, offering a glimpse into a mystical and enchanting world.

For more family-friendly events, classes, and activities check out our Birmingham New Parent City Guide. Follow the new Birmingham-only social media feeds on Facebook and Instagram.

Jolessa Cerbito