Summer Fun
10 Great Summer Fun Destinations A GAS TANK (OR A LITTLE MORE!) AWAY
By Carol Muse Evans
Maybe you are staying close to home this summer because of Covid-19. Maybe the budget is tight, or you just don’t have time off to take a longer trip. We’ve got you covered with some great destination ideas that are just a short drive away, and maybe even just a gas tank away! There are a few where you might even want to grab a hotel for the night and make your visit longer.
Alabama Adventure & Alabama Splash Adventure Bessemer, AL
It’s been here a long time and been through a few name changes, and it’s right in our backyard in Birmingham. If you haven’t been in a few years, you are missing out. Since the Koch family took it over, it had grown to its best yet park and improved! And did we mention free fountain drinks, free sunscreen and free parking? The park is well-run and immaculate, and many in our area don’t visit just a day, they buy a season pass! With an amazing water park and more than 25 attractions, you could spend a day or more here! Visit https://alabamaadventure.com/ for days and hours open, as well as ticket pricing for both parks at one low price.
U.S Space & Rocket Center Huntsville, AL
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the Official Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. They have one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia on display anywhere in the world. Open since 1970, the center is a treasure trove of space travel memorabilia, activities and so much more. Be sure to spend some time on their website before planning your trip, www.rocketcenter. com, because there are so many options. Of course, you can find days, hours and ticket pricing here, as well.
Cook Museum of Natural Science Decatur, AL
This state-of-the art, hands-on facility means more education and fun for future generations, and Cook can compete with the best of other children’s museums, with a friendly design, fun for all ages and an inviting flow of information as you walk through. Enjoy numerous family-friendly, hands-on exhibits, climb through the cave and other interactive exhibits and there’s even an indoor playground to let off a little energy. All the while, you are learning about nature. It’s great fun for all ages, and there’s even things for the smaller set. The learning doesn’t stop when you walk out of the museum. The museum website, www.cookmuseum.org, is full of educational information, worksheets, videos, coloring pages, “two-minute science” and more, a great help to teachers and homeschoolers, as well as kids who just want to know more. Check the website for days and times open and admission pricing. 34 34 || birminghamparent birminghamparent || may may // june june 2021 2021
Point Mallard Waterpark Decatur, AL
This year Point Mallard celebrates 50 years.
Ivy Green
Tuscumbia, AL If you’re looking for an inspirational story, visit Ivy Green, a historic house museum. Built in 1820, Ivy Green was the birthplace and childhood home of Helen Keller, the famous deaf-blind author and speaker. A National Historic Landmark honoring Keller's life, it is now a museum open to the public. A great time to visit is June 24-27 during the Helen Keller Festival. Learn more about days and times open, festivals and ticketing at www.helenkellerbirthplace. org. Learn more about the festival at https:// helenkellerfestival.com/site/.
This water park was in Alabama when it was unusual for us to have a water park. Though closed due to Covid-19 in 2020, plans are to open in May. The Point Mallard Waterpark is home of America’s First Wave Pool. The park also features a pro bowl slide, towering sky pond and speed slide, three flume tube rides, an Olympic pool and sandy beach with complimentary beach loungers, a kids area featuring the Squirt Factory and duck pond, concessions and gift shop, and a scenic lagoon. The park offers day parties and birthday parties during regular business hours and can be reserved exclusively for group parties. Be sure to check for open days, times and pricing/admission at www. pointmallardpark.com.
