Vestavia Hills is a family-friendly suburb of Birmingham, Alabama that offers plenty of fun activities for visitors of all ages. From outdoor spaces like parks and nature centers to indoor entertainment options like bowling alleys and trampoline parks, there is something to delight every member of the family.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Explore Wald Park | A 60-acre park with sports fields, a playground, and walking trails. |
| Vulcan Statue and Park | Features the world’s largest cast iron statue with an observation balcony and historical museum. |
| Vestavia Bowl | A bowling alley with arcade games, laser tag, and party rooms. |
| Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park | An indoor trampoline park offering various jump-based activities and fitness fun. |
| Alabama Wildlife Center | A center that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases native wildlife, with educational tours available. |
| Moss Rock Preserve | A nature preserve with hiking, biking trails, and rock formations. |
| Sloss Furnaces | A national historic landmark showcasing Birmingham’s industrial past. |
| The Zone | An indoor play area with playground structures, inflatables, and arcade games. |
| Performing Arts Center at Vestavia Hills High School | Hosts student theatre, orchestra, choir, and dance performances open to the public. |
| Rebels Sporting Event | Attend sporting events at Vestavia Hills High School, supporting the local teams. |
| Aquatic Center Water Park | A seasonal water park with pools, slides, and a splash pad, perfect for family fun in the summer. |
| Local Gems | The article also highlights local gems like the scenic Moss Rock Preserve, ensuring there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. |
The community is nestled at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, providing beautiful scenery in addition to the many things to do. Whether you’re a local family looking for a new adventure or travellers passing through the area, Vestavia Hills has an array of attractions and activities in store. Here are 12 of the top things to do with family in Vestavia Hills, Alabama.
Explore Wald Park
Name and Location: Wald Park is located in the heart of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, just a short drive from downtown Birmingham.
History and Significance: Wald Park has been a beloved community gathering place for decades, offering a variety of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The park was named after the Wald family, who were instrumental in its development and growth over the years.
What to Expect: Visitors to Wald Park can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including walking and jogging trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for children. The park also features several athletic fields and courts, including baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and tennis courts. In addition, Wald Park is home to the Vestavia Hills Pool, which offers swimming lessons and recreational swimming during the summer months.
Visitor Information: Wald Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with ample parking available on site. The park is located just off Highway 31 in Vestavia Hills, with easy access from nearby neighborhoods and communities. Many of the park’s amenities, including the athletic fields and pool, require reservations or fees, so visitors are encouraged to check the park’s website or contact the Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Department for more information.
Wald Park is one of the most popular parks in Vestavia Hills, offering outdoor fun for the whole family spread out over 60 acres. The park contains several sporting fields and courts for baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, and more which are open to the public when not reserved.
You’ll also find spacious green areas perfect for picnicking, flying kites, playing catch, or simply stretching out in the sunshine.
The park additionally contains a large playground with modern equipment to delight younger kids. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy the walking trails that wind through the park and connect to various neighborhoods. With so much to see and do at this expansive park, families of any size and age range are sure to enjoy a trip to Wald Park.
Stand in Awe at the Vulcan Statue and Park
Name and Location: The Vulcan Statue and Park is located on top of Red Mountain in Birmingham, Alabama, just a short drive from Vestavia Hills.
History and Significance: The Vulcan Statue is the largest cast iron statue in the world, standing 56 feet tall and weighing over 100,000 pounds. The statue was commissioned in 1904 as a tribute to Birmingham’s iron and steel industry, which played a vital role in the city’s growth and development. The park surrounding the statue offers stunning views of the city and serves as a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
What to Expect: Visitors to the Vulcan Statue and Park can take in breathtaking views of Birmingham from the observation deck at the top of the statue. The park also features a museum that explores the history of the statue and the city’s iron and steel industry, as well as a gift shop and snack bar. Picnic areas and walking trails are available throughout the park, making it a great spot for a family outing or a romantic sunset view.
Visitor Information: The Vulcan Statue and Park is open daily from 10am to 10pm, with extended hours during the summer months. Admission to the park is free, but there is a fee to take the elevator to the top of the statue. Parking is available on site for a fee, and the park is also accessible by public transportation. Visitors are encouraged to check the park’s website for current hours and ticket prices.
One thing you must see while in Vestavia Hills is the iconic Vulcan Statue which stands high above the city displaying the Roman god of fire and forge. Located inside Vulcan Park, this is the world’s largest cast iron statue standing at 56 feet tall with an observation balcony at the top, providing incredible views overlooking Birmingham. Families can marvel at the towering statue and even take a selfie with Vulcan himself.
The surrounding park offers additional activities like walking the trails to see other statues representing Vulcan’s family or having a picnic on the spacious green lawns. The Vulcan Museum at the base of the statue additionally provides historical perspective on the statue’s creation for Birmingham’s city festival in 1904 and how it was later moved to Vestavia Hills. For an unforgettable family photo and sweeping views, Vulcan Park is a must.
Bowling Fun at Vestavia Bowl
Name and Location: Vestavia Bowl is located on Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, just a short drive from downtown Birmingham.
History and Significance: Vestavia Bowl has been a popular destination for bowling enthusiasts in the Birmingham area since it first opened in the 1960s. The bowling alley has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years, but it still maintains its classic charm and appeal.
What to Expect: Visitors to Vestavia Bowl can enjoy a classic bowling experience, with 32 lanes of traditional ten-pin bowling. The bowling alley also features a snack bar and arcade area, as well as a pro shop for those looking to purchase their own bowling equipment. Vestavia Bowl offers league play and tournaments throughout the year, as well as open bowling for those just looking for a fun night out with friends or family.
Visitor Information: Vestavia Bowl is open daily, with varying hours depending on the day of the week. Lane rentals and shoe rentals are available for a fee, and the bowling alley also offers party packages for birthdays and other special occasions. Visitors are encouraged to check the bowling alley’s website or call ahead for current hours and pricing information.
For some old-fashioned family fun indoors, head over to Vestavia Bowl for bowling, arcade games, laser tag and more. This entertainment center offers 24 bowling lanes equipped with bumper rails for younger kids along with a variety of bowling balls to fit every age and skill level. The vibrant arcade area features classic ticket redemption games as well as modern video games and simulator machines.
Families can battle it out in friendly laser tag competitions or race around the slot car tracks. The center also hosts birthday parties and events in the Galaxy rooms outfitted with glowing lights. No matter the weather outside, Vestavia Bowl promises hours of amusement for family members both big and small.
Bounce Away on Trampolines at Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park
Name and Location: Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park is located on Old Rocky Ridge Road in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, just a short drive from downtown Birmingham.
History and Significance: Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park is a relatively new addition to the Vestavia Hills community, having opened in 2018. The trampoline park offers a unique and exciting way for kids and adults alike to stay active and have fun.
What to Expect: Visitors to Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park can enjoy a variety of trampoline-based activities, including open jump areas, dodgeball courts, and foam pits. The park also features a ninja warrior course and a stunt bag for those looking for an extra thrill. Rockin’ Jump offers special events throughout the year, such as glow-in-the-dark jump nights and family jump times.
Visitor Information: Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park is open daily, with varying hours depending on the day of the week. Admission to the park is based on a per-hour or per-visit fee, with special pricing available for groups and parties. All jumpers must sign a waiver before entering the park, and jumpers under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Visitors are encouraged to check the park’s website or call ahead for current hours and pricing information.
Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park brings exciting trampoline fun to the whole family with wall-to-wall interconnected trampolines forming courts for a variety of jump-based activities. Kids and parents alike will enjoy open jump sessions simply bouncing around to their heart’s content in a safe, padded environment.
More adventurous family members can play a game of trampoline dodgeball or basketball soaring high to make baskets and dodging balls. The park also features battle beam jousting pits, a slam dunk lane, rock climbing walls and an area for younger kids with gentler activities.
The many trampolines get your blood pumping for an awesome cardiovascular workout while also putting smiles on faces. Rockin’ Jump provides fitness and amusement for all ages.
Tour the Alabama Wildlife Center
Name and Location: The Alabama Wildlife Center is located in Oak Mountain State Park, just a short drive from Vestavia Hills, Alabama.
History and Significance: The Alabama Wildlife Center was founded in 1977 with the mission of providing medical and rehabilitative care for injured and orphaned native birds. The center is the oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation facility in the state of Alabama, and it has treated over 1,000 birds per year since its inception.
What to Expect: Visitors to the Alabama Wildlife Center can take a guided tour of the facility and learn about the center’s work in rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned birds. The center also offers educational programs for school and community groups, as well as special events throughout the year. Visitors can see a variety of native bird species up close, including raptors, songbirds, and waterfowl.
Visitor Information: The Alabama Wildlife Center is open to the public on weekends from 1pm to 5pm, with guided tours available at 2pm. Admission to the center is free, but donations are greatly appreciated to help support the center’s work. The center is located within Oak Mountain State Park, which requires a separate admission fee. Visitors are encouraged to check the center’s website or call ahead for current hours and tour information.
The Alabama Wildlife Center in Oak Mountain State Park rescues and rehabilitates injured native animals with the goal of releasing them back to their natural habitats. Families can tour this nonprofit center to visit and learn about these animals as well as the importance of protecting wildlife and natural spaces in Alabama.
Expert staff and volunteers provide educational presentations with some close encounters allowing you to see rehabilitating raptors, turtles, opossums and more up close. Outside, interpretive nature trails wind through the surrounding woods identifying local flora and fauna.
As you walk through and learn about the local ecosystem, keep eyes peeled for wildlife sightings! The Alabama Wildlife Center promotes environmental stewardship and informed conservation for the entire family.
Cycle Through Moss Rock Preserve
Name and Location: Moss Rock Preserve is located on Patton Chapel Road in Hoover, Alabama, just a short drive from Vestavia Hills.
History and Significance: Moss Rock Preserve is a 350-acre nature preserve that was established in 2006 through a partnership between the City of Hoover and the Freshwater Land Trust. The preserve is home to a variety of unique geological features, including sandstone cliffs and boulder fields, as well as diverse plant and animal life.
What to Expect: Visitors to Moss Rock Preserve can explore over 12 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. The preserve also features a boulder field that is popular with rock climbers, as well as picnic areas and scenic overlooks. The preserve is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including rare and endangered species such as the Cahaba lily and the Red Hills salamander.
Visitor Information: Moss Rock Preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with no admission fee. The preserve has several parking areas and trailheads, with maps and trail information available at each location. Visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as the trails can be challenging in places. The preserve also hosts several special events throughout the year, including the Moss Rock Festival in November.
Moss Rock Preserve is a scenic nature park encompassing nearly 300 acres of forests, streams, and massive rock structures draped in moss. Families can explore the park’s natural beauty and diversity of plant and animal life on nearly 4 miles of trails open to hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. Cycling the dirt singletrack trails as a family provides fun outdoor recreation and the challenge of riding over roots and rocks while meandering beneath tall hardwood trees.
When you need a break, stop at one of the park’s sandstone outcrops to enjoy unique geological formations or walk along the streams feeding small waterfalls scattered throughout the reserve. With options for all activity levels, Moss Road Preserve offers adventure and stunning nature for families seeking outdoor experiences.
Step Back in Time at Sloss Furnaces
Name and Location: Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark is located on 1st Avenue North in Birmingham, Alabama, just a short drive from Vestavia Hills.
History and Significance: Sloss Furnaces was once the largest manufacturer of pig iron in the world, operating from 1882 to 1971. The site has been preserved as a museum and national historic landmark, offering a unique glimpse into Birmingham’s industrial past. Sloss Furnaces played a key role in the growth and development of the city, and it remains an important symbol of Birmingham’s heritage.
What to Expect: Visitors to Sloss Furnaces can take a self-guided tour of the site, exploring the massive blast furnaces, steam engines, and other industrial equipment that made up the heart of the operation. The site also features a visitor center with exhibits on the history of the furnaces and the people who worked there. Sloss Furnaces hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including the Sloss Fright Furnace haunted house in October and the Sloss Music & Arts Festival in July.
Visitor Information: Sloss Furnaces is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm, with guided tours available at select times. Admission to the site is free, but donations are appreciated to help support the museum’s programming and preservation efforts. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for walking on uneven surfaces. The site also has a gift shop and picnic areas available for visitors.
For a unique look into Birmingham’s industrial past, visit the historic Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark with the entire family. This old pig iron-producing blast furnace plant provides a glimpse into an important part of the city’s heritage through preserved workshops, machinery and the furnace itself. Families can take a guided tour to better understand operations or self-guide along the pathways wandering past massive rusting equipment.
Museum displays share more context about laborers and the region’s mining and steel history. Special events occur frequently including summer concerts or spooky festivities around Halloween. By visiting Sloss Furnaces, kids and adults gain an eye-opening perspective on Alabama’s early industrialization and the workers that kept factories churning.
Play All Day at The Zone
Name and Location: The Zone is located on Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, just a short drive from downtown Birmingham.
History and Significance: The Zone is a relatively new addition to the Vestavia Hills community, having opened in 2019. The facility offers a unique combination of indoor and outdoor activities for families and groups of all ages.
What to Expect: Visitors to The Zone can enjoy a variety of activities, including laser tag, arcade games, virtual reality experiences, and an outdoor ropes course. The facility also features a full-service restaurant and bar, as well as private party rooms for birthdays and other special occasions. The Zone offers special events throughout the year, such as holiday-themed laser tag nights and summer camp programs.
Visitor Information: The Zone is open daily, with varying hours depending on the day of the week. Admission to the facility is based on a per-activity or per-visit fee, with special pricing available for groups and parties. All participants must sign a waiver before taking part in any activities, and some activities have height and weight restrictions. Visitors are encouraged to check the facility’s website or call ahead for current hours and pricing information.
Families with kids full of unending energy should spend a day at The Zone in Vestavia Hills which offers nearly 20,000 square feet of exciting indoor recreation. This facility bursts with colourful playground structures for climbing, sliding, hiding and more surrounded by padded surfaces and safe zones.
Additional play areas include giant inflatables for jumping, an imaginative dress-up zone, arcade games and mini bowling lanes. Parents can meanwhile relax in lounge seating while supervising kids unleashing their activity needs at The Zone. Private party rooms are also available for birthday celebrations. With so many endless amusements under one roof, The Zone provides hours of foolproof family fun.
See a Show at Vestavia Hills High School Performing Arts Center
Name and Location: The Vestavia Hills High School Performing Arts Center is located on Lime Rock Road in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, just a short drive from downtown Birmingham.
History and Significance: The Vestavia Hills High School Performing Arts Center was built in 2007 as part of a major renovation and expansion project at the high school. The state-of-the-art facility serves as a hub for the school’s performing arts programs, as well as a venue for community events and performances.
What to Expect: Visitors to the Vestavia Hills High School Performing Arts Center can enjoy a variety of performances throughout the year, including plays, musicals, concerts, and dance recitals. The facility features a 1,000-seat auditorium with advanced lighting and sound systems, as well as a smaller black box theater for more intimate performances. The center also hosts special events and workshops for students and community members interested in the performing arts.
Visitor Information: The Vestavia Hills High School Performing Arts Center box office is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 2pm, with extended hours on performance days. Ticket prices vary depending on the event, with discounts available for students, seniors, and groups. Visitors are encouraged to check the center’s website or call the box office for current performance schedules and ticket information. The center is located on the campus of Vestavia Hills High School, with ample parking available on site.
Vestavia Hills High School has a strong arts program consistently producing top notch student theatre, orchestra, choir, and dance performances. Families can check the schedule at their state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center to see upcoming concerts, musicals, and recitals which are open to the public.
The affordable shows provide exposure to the arts along with glimpses of talented teens. Going with other families also makes for a nice group night out supported local students. Whether your family is already into the performing arts or simply looking for a new experience, attending a Vestavia Hills HS production promises quality entertainment for all.
Cheer at a Rebels Sporting Event
Name and Location: The Vestavia Hills High School Rebels are the athletic teams that represent Vestavia Hills High School, located on Lime Rock Road in Vestavia Hills, Alabama.
History and Significance: The Vestavia Hills High School athletic program has a long and storied history, with teams competing in a variety of sports since the school’s founding in 1964. The Rebels have won numerous state championships over the years, and many student-athletes have gone on to compete at the collegiate and professional levels.
What to Expect: Visitors to a Vestavia Hills High School Rebels sporting event can expect to see high-level competition and sportsmanship from student-athletes and coaches alike. The school fields teams in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, track and field, and more. Home games are played at various facilities on campus, including Thompson Reynolds Stadium for football and the Vestavia Hills High School Gymnasium for basketball and volleyball.
Visitor Information: Vestavia Hills High School Rebels sporting events are open to the public, with ticket prices varying depending on the sport and level of competition. Visitors can purchase tickets at the gate on game day or in advance through the school’s athletic department. Concessions and merchandise are available for purchase at most events. Visitors are encouraged to check the school’s website or contact the athletic department for current schedules and ticket information. Parking is available on campus, with designated areas for visitors and fans.
As home to 6-time state champion football teams, Vestavia Hills High School offers exciting Rebels sporting events for families to cheer on throughout the year. The multi-athletic complex houses turf football and soccer fields circled by an 8-lane track with venues for field events.
Families can catch varsity and junior varsity football games in the fall, fast-paced soccer matches in winter, or track meets in spring. The school also hosts tennis on separate courts. Attending a home game or meet supports school athletes as they compete before passionate crowds. Rebels sporting events promise lively entertainment fitting parents, kids, alumni and whole families.
Splash Around Aquatic Center Water Park
Name and Location: The Vestavia Hills Aquatic Center Water Park is located on Wald Park Drive in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, just a short drive from downtown Birmingham.
History and Significance: The Vestavia Hills Aquatic Center Water Park was built in 2008 as part of a major renovation and expansion project at Wald Park. The state-of-the-art facility serves as a hub for aquatic activities and recreation in the Vestavia Hills community, offering a variety of features and amenities for visitors of all ages.
What to Expect: Visitors to the Vestavia Hills Aquatic Center Water Park can enjoy a variety of water-based activities and attractions, including a large pool with a zero-depth entry and play structure, a lazy river, a water slide, and a splash pad. The facility also features a concession stand, locker rooms, and shaded seating areas for guests. The water park hosts special events throughout the summer, including movie nights and themed parties.
Visitor Information: The Vestavia Hills Aquatic Center Water Park is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with varying hours depending on the day of the week. Admission prices vary depending on age and residency, with discounts available for season pass holders and groups. Visitors are encouraged to check the facility’s website or call ahead for current hours and pricing information. The water park is located within Wald Park, with ample parking available on site. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, but glass containers and alcohol are not permitted.
When Vestavia Hills experiences its hot and humid Alabama weather, the Aquatic Center at Wald Park provides the perfect place for families to cool down and make a splash. This seasonal water park contains pools and slides for enjoyment by all ages from toddlers to adults.
Little ones will delight floating along the lazy river in tubes or splashing under interactive features at the splash pad while older kids zip down speedy slides and practice flips off diving boards at the deep pool. For parents, lounge chairs line the deck for sunbathing and supervising swimmers. With lifeguards always on duty, the Aquatic Center offers safe, wet fun in the summertime heat for the whole family.
Conclusion
From world-renown sights like Vulcan Park to local gems like Moss Rock Preserve, Vestavia Hills overflows with family-friendly attractions and recreational activities. Families can fill itineraries with outdoor adventures surrounded by scenic nature, tours revealing cultural and historical insights, or indoor amusements at activity centers, bowling alleys and trampoline parks.
Cheering at high energy high school sporting events or chilling out at the water park also carry popular appeal during specific seasons. Whether residing in Vestavia Hills or visiting the Birmingham suburb, these 12 things to do as a family deliver options promising joy across ages and interests. With beautiful landscapes in the foothills of Alabama as a backdrop, Vestavia Hills holds appeal as both an outdoor getaway and hub for family entertainment.