ed note WELCOME TO SUMMER 2023!

Depending on when you are reading this issue, it’s SUMMER (or almost)! We have tried to pack this issue with great ideas for you and your family for summer – whether it is close to home or a short drive.

Some of my best memories are from summer family trips. I’m not sure it matters how much you do and how much you spend, but that you spend time together. That’s what I remember from my childhood and from my time with my own children.

Be sure to check out Paige Townley’s destination round up on page 10 of a few great local and easily drivable destinations – some you know, some you may not. Then be sure to check out Cheryl Maguire’s story on page 14 about why she “Chose a Less Scheduled Summer.”

It’s time for graduation for many, and we’ve got some cute gift ideas in the form of books on page 20. As some kids look toward college, there’s a great piece on “Preparing for College Payday” on page 18, as well.

It’s not too late for CAMP! Many camps still have availability, but don’t delay. Check out our great article and some camp ideas on pages 26-27. You can access even more camps in our online camp directory at https://birminghamparent.com/directory/kids-camps/.

Check out our new and improved calendar of events highlights, starting on page 28. We have a more robust and timely calendar online, so we now are highlighting some great events, then providing you with the QR code to go read more. Or you can visit https://birminghamparent.com/directory/events/#!/. There is a lot to do this summer in this calendar, so let it help you find great activities and events and get there. Use our mapping on your phone to help you find locations you are not familiar with.

Happy Memorial Day on May 29, and have a wonderful summer! Plan to pick up our July/August 2023 issue with lots of back-to-school information as well as our Family Favorites 2023 winners! And don’t miss our free Happy Healthy Kids Fair on Aug. 19, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McWane Science Center Lobby. See the back cover and our website for more information.

205-624-2405

205-624-2515 FAX www.birminghamparent.com editorial

PUBLISHERS

David & Carol Evans

EDITOR

Carol Muse Evans contributors

American Camp Association

Daniel M. Avery III, MD

Brandon Mackie

Cheryl Maguire

Mary Jo Terry

Paige Townley sales

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Tom Gonzales

SR. MARKETING CONSULTANT

Kayla Fricks

MARKETING CONSULTANT

Ashley Lottes print & web production

Digtial Doo-Wop distribution

T&P Deliveries

Happy Summer,

Carol Muse Evans publisher/editor carol@birminghmparent.com

ABOUT THE EDITOR:

Carol Muse Evans is the publisher/editor/owner of Birmingham Parent magazine, a publication she and her husband David began in 2004. The Birmingham, Alabama-based parenting publication attracts more than 60,000 readers monthly in a four-county area and receives 10,000 hits per month on its website. The magazine has a 20,000+ print circulation, plus several thousand in readership of the digital edition online. It is the only independently audited free publication in our area. Evans is an award-winning writer and editor who has also has written for several other publications as a freelance writer since the late 80s. She is a graduate of Auburn University in journalism and is a graduate of Scottsboro High School. She is married with two grown children and lives in Alabaster. Birmingham Parent is a member of the Alabama Press Association.

CORRECTION:

In the March/April 2023 issue of Birmingham Parent, a portion of the Short called “Local Author Helps Teach Children About Disabilities” about the book, “Let’s Roll, Oliver” was erroneously cut off in editing. You can read that article in full at https://birminghamparent.com/directory/article/local-author-helps-teach-children-about-disabilities/.

BIRMINGHAM PARENT IS A PUBLICATION OF EVANS PUBLISHING, LLC. Publishers: Carol Muse Evans, David K. Evans Sr. Birmingham Parent (EIN20-0694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www.birminghamparent.com or editor@ birminghamparent.com. Birmingham Parent is © 2023 by Evans Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Editorial submissions are welcome. For back issues, please send a self-addressed 10” x 13” envelope with $4 for postage and handling.

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Experience a Summer of Science, Learning, & Fun!

Summer in Alabama is no joke! There are few ways to not only keep your kiddos cool but to also keep them entertained. The good news is that all four floors of McWane Science Center are air-conditioned! Whether you’re looking for amazing, hands-on STEM experiences or just a place to beat the Summer heat, McWane Science Center is the coolest place in Birmingham!

McWane Science Center

Members get:

Free admission to McWane Science Center, including Itty Bitty Magic City.

Free Parking

Free or discounted admission to over 300 science centers worldwide as part of the Association of Science-Technology Centers’ (ASTC) Passport Program.

Discounts on McWane Science Center camps & classes

An invitation to monthly Member’s Only events & so much more!

To learn more about McWane Science Center, visit mcwane.org or follow us on social media

@mcwanescience