Mobile Bay Parents Summer Fun Issue

Tropic Falls is the tropical getaway with something for everybody—one ticket includes 23 theme park rides and the region’s biggest indoor water park! Open on select days is the all-new tropical wave pool, Big Water Bay, complete with Coastal Curl surf simulator. Hours vary— get all the details and tickets at VisitOWA.com!

THRILL, THEN CHILL.

Meeting

Mobile

Bay’s Foremost

The other day a friend of mine was telling me that if she was “in charge” she would only have it rain at night. We were just having a fun, silly conversation but it got me thinking. If I was in charge, I would let everyone have a summer vacation. Adults included! While that is logistically impossible, it is fun to think about. My adult summer break would look a bit different from my childhood and teen summers. Instead of a two-piece and tan amplifier to lay out by the pool, I would show-up up at 8am to avoid the harmful ultraviolet rays, wearing an incredibly modest swim dress complete with floppy hat, sunglasses, and SPF 250. On rainy days, I would NOT be hanging out ALL DAY at the skating rink, but cleaning out and organizing something in my home or doing some other chore that was long overdue.

We may not get 12 full weeks off like we did when we were in school, but it is fun to have our children available to do fun things with during their summer break. What kinds of things do you have planned for summer? Time on the beach is always a must for us. I have such great childhood memories of the beach from fishing late nights with my cousins on the pier to hunting for seashells in the mornings. In my neighborhood we would all meet up at someone’s house or a designated spot and just do “whatever”. We would invent games, run through sprinklers, and pick and eat wild blackberries until we made ourselves sick. If you had a childhood like that then you know how magical it was. Whether roaming the beach or hanging with friends, spending time outdoors is great for a child’s development as Jan Pierce shares in her feature, Happy Healthy Kids: Eight Reasons to Embrace Outdoor Play.

Living on the coast, we are all too familiar with the regularity of afternoon thunderstorms that can literally dampen plans for outdoor play. Fortunately, we live in an area that has not only a plethora of outdoor activities, but plenty of indoor fun as well. You can find a large variety of suggestions in this month’s Summer Fun Guide, where we have scoured the area to find options for hiking trails, amusement parks, museums, watersports and more. You will find plenty to keep you busy all summer long. Looking for even more? Don’t forget to check out the Family Calendar too!

While you have your calendar out, be sure to make time for Dad. Fathers and other male role-models play such an important part in our kids’ lives and they deserve to be celebrated. When our girls were little, they loved making gifts for Brad. One of his most favorite possessions is a platter with handprint hamburgers and “King of the Grill” painted on it. They all “signed” the back of it. If you are searching for ideas to acknowledge the important men in your childrens’ lives, check out 10 Fun and Creative Ways to Celebrate Dad, by Rebecca Hastings.

As we all welcome the much needed break from school-year routines, I hope everyone dedicates plenty of time to family fun and memory making. Here’s to a safe and happy summer!

Lynn

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com

Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com

Research Editor Lucy Green

Contributing Writers Savannah Browning, MD Kristi Bush, LSW Rebecca Hastings

Jan Pierce

Dave Ramsey Works of Wonder Therapy

Cover Photography Hannah Stinson Photography www.HannahStinsonPhotography.com

President Jason Watson

Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton ads@mobilebayparents.com (251) 304-1200

Ad Design

Tim Welch

Web Content Manager Scott Davis

Mobile Bay Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 81105, Mobile, Alabama, 36689. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 304-1200. Mobile Bay Parents is copyrighted 2023 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Mobile Bay Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect he view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

by Works of Wonder Therapy www.worksofwondertherapy.com

Raising Empathetic Kids

Everyone has two types of friends. One friend will listen to your issues, but is just there for you to vent. The other is a friend who is able to understand your problems by relating to your point of view. Both friends are good friends, but the differ ence between these two types of people is the skill of empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Without empathy, we cannot connect with others effectively. It allows us to build stronger relationships with friends and family. Empathy is a skill that every parent has to learn and teach to their children.

As a parent, focus on your kid’s behaviors from their point of view. For example, if they are crying, do not focus on them being a “cry baby.” Instead understand that they are trying to communicate

something and that may be the only way they know to get your attention.

Teaching empathy to our children is a long and laborious task. Unfortunately, in our extremely selfish and entitled society, it is obvious that parents are blind to their childrens’ lack of empathy. So how do we teach our children the skill of empathy? Developing empathy can be broken into two categories: Imitation and Understanding.

Empathy development begins in babies through imitation. Mirror neurons allow us to naturally imitate the facial expressions, emotions, reactions, and behaviors of those around us. Research has shown that young children who accurately imitate others are more likely to correctly determine the emotions of others as they mature. This is why it is so important to spend face to face time with your baby

playing games like “Patty Cake”. As your child grows, gently use your hand to guide your child’s hand when necessary to ensure they know the right way to do activities (cleaning up toys, song motions, sports, etc). Remember, your child needs you, not your cell phone.

Empathy continues to grow through experiences. A life full of diverse experiences increases a person’s ability to understand others more clearly. When we encounter people with whom we have something in common, high levels of “feel good” hormones (dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins) are released in the brain, creating a positive connection. This is why it is so important to expose your child to a wide variety of activities, people, and knowledge. The more exposure you give your child, the better he/she will be at understanding different points of view and connecting with people.

Mastering empathy takes tremendous practice and patience. To raise an empathetic child, you must model empathy and begin teaching this skill to your child very early. It continues to develop through exposure to a variety of people and experiences. So do not be afraid to push your children to play games they do not find interesting, read books about things they do not like, and take them places they do not want to go. Help them build relationships with people who have had a variety of emotions and experiences. Also, expose them to people who live out similar values that your family has in diverse ways. This promotes understanding. It might be difficult and painful in the beginning, but the payoff is enormous!

Saturdays At The Coop

The Concert Series at Cooper Riverside Park is here to bring you a variety of bands/ entertainment on the Saturday following LoDa ArtWalk. The City of Mobile Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with Visit Mobile, invites you to a series of FUN and FREE Events. Relax and enjoy evenings under the stars with 12Eleven (Pop/R&B) on June 10, from 7:00 pm-10:00 pm at Cooper Riverside Park. Visit us online for more information at www.MobileParksandRec.org.

History Comes Alive at Battleship Memorial Park

Come see history come to life at Battleship Memorial Park on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at our Living History Crew Drill. Interact with historical WWII reenactors aboard the USS ALABAMA and the USS DRUM. These crewmen, dressed in WWII period Navy uniforms, hold demonstrations throughout the day, conduct weapons briefings, and share stories told to them by our original crewmen. The big event of the day happens at 1:00 p.m. when “Call to Battle Stations” is sounded. Grab a spot on the deck of the USS ALABAMA and watch as vintage enemy aircraft fly over and attack the ship. The USS ALABAMA crewmen will defend her with their guns blazing! Spectators will be able to take in the whole experience while the crew fires the ship’s 20mm and 40mm guns. Planes fly based on weather conditions that day. The Deep South Amateur Radio Club will be broadcasting from Radio Central aboard the USS ALABAMA during the drill and welcome visitors to come and listen. For all ham radio operators, the call letters are K4DSR and K5LDA broadcasting between 20 and 40.

The drill is open to the public and included with general admission. For more information on the Living History Crew Drill, please visit our Facebook page at USS

2023 Ozanam’s Jazz Extravaganza

Join us for our signature fundraiser of the year. All proceeds benefit Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy’s mission of providing free medicine to uninsured patients in Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, and Washington Counties.

Come mingle, dine, and dance to the sounds of saxophonist Jarvis Wright & Keep It Live, Gabby Merz & The Swing Band, have your picture drawn by caricature artist J.D. Crowe, bid on fabulous items at our infamous silent auction, raffle, and wine pull, enjoy the best selections of Southern comfort foods and drinks, then raise your umbrellas and wave your hankies as we Secondline with the award-winning Excelsior Band at the end of the night. We’re looking forward to seeing you again this year - June 30th from 6 PM-9 PM at The Grand Hall. Bring a friend or two and come as jazzy as you’d like. Tickets are $45. Please visit https://ozanamcharitable-pharmacy-inc.networkforgood.com.

Distinguished Young Women

Distinguished Young

Women is a national scholarship program that inspires high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments. Our mission is to empower young women to reach their full potential by providing scholarship opportunities for college as well as personal development to become confident leaders. Join us for Community Night on June 21, the Preliminaries on June 22-23, and the National Finals on June 24. Please visit https:// distinguishedyw.org/ for more information.

Kyser Miree Memorial Fishing Tournament

The 13th Annual Kyser Miree Memorial Fishing Tournament presented by La-Z-Boy will be held Saturday, June 17. Our host once again this year will be The Mobile Big Game Fishing Club. Prizes this year will be Yeti Coolers, Polar Bear Coolers, Okuma Reels, Breakline Sunglasses, and much more. Tickets at $40 for adults and $20 for children. You can register at www.wilmerhall.org/donate. Choose “Fishing Tournament” in the drop down menu. All proceeds this year will benefit Wilmer Hall Children’s Home in Mobile. To learn more about Wilmer Hall, click www.wilmerhall.org.

4th of July Celebration 2023

Get ready for an Independence Day extravaganza. Join in on the fun on July 4th from 4 pm – 9:30 pm. Invite your friends and family to spend the day in downtown Mobile making memories, listening to live music, and most importantly, celebrating our country with a spectacular firework show. Enjoy live music at Cooper Riverside Park and a kid’s zone at Mardi Gras Park with a DJ, games and activities, bounce houses, face painting, caricature artists, and more. Fireworks begin at 9 pm.

Please visit https://www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events/ 4th-of-july-celebration-2023 for more information.

Mobile Public Library’s Summer Reading Celebration

Register at any Mobile Public Library location or online at src. mobilepubliclibrary.org. All registrants will receive a Summer Activity Booklet highlighting the performers, events and programs taking place in June and July. The library invites the public to participate in a wide variety of activities for all ages including special performances, reading challenges, crafts, games and more!

• June 5-8: Deborah Ferguson: The Dancing Story LadyProfessional storytelling featuring African songs and dancing.

• June 12-15: Excelsior Band - Mobile’s favorite Mardi Gras band will perform songs and share jazz history.

• June 26-29: Wayne Curtis and the Mobile Alabama Africatown Drummers - A hands on introduction to African and Afro Caribbean rhythms.

• July 10-13: Mobile Environmental Studies Center’s Wildlife of Mobile Road Show - Learn about the wonders of Mobile’s local animals!

• July 17-20: Puppets

N’ Banjos with David Stephens - Meet Chubbly the puppet and enjoy banjo sing-a-longs!

• July 24-27: Juggler Ron Anglin-“One of a Kindness” - Songs, stories, and juggling tricks!

This summer’s reading challenge is simple and is for all ages: read for 400 minutes and receive a challenge completion prize and an entry into the grand prize drawing. Track your reading through the free Beanstack app or pick up a reading log at any library. The children and teens that read 400 minutes will receive an animal plush keychain, and adults a metal Mobile Public Library bookmark. The grand prize for each age group is a bicycle sponsored by Adventure Earth. Winners will visit Adventure Earth to pick out their very own personal bike.

Southern

Star Search and Rescue Instruction Program for Kids

Blakeley is a partner with Southern Star Search & Rescue, a non-profit volunteer organization and member of the Alabama Association of Rescue Squads (AARS).

SoS-SAR provides trained search personnel and Search K9’s to law enforcement, fire & rescue squads, and other agencies in our region to assist in finding missing persons. Join us on Saturday, June 24 at 10 AM for Southern Star Search and Rescue Instruction Program for Kids. During this special program, children will be introduced to a few of the basic survival techniques that could mean life or death in the unfortunate event they became lost in the outdoors. Everyone will see demonstrations of how search dogs are specially trained and learn how they find a lost person. You’ll also get to meet-and-greet these specially trained search dogs and kids will receive outdoor safety protection items. Visit https://www. blakeleypark.com/Things-to-Do/Events to register.

Kids Gulf Discovery Day at Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Bellingrath Gardens and Home is excited to announce that Kids Gulf Discovery Day will be back again this year with wonderful activities and educational opportunities for many ages! Kids Gulf Discovery Day will be June 14, 2023, from 9am-12pm. There will be a total of eight organizations involved at Kids Gulf Discovery Day. The Mobile Environmental Center is bringing their Raptor Shows with live birds of prey, Dauphin Island

Sea Lab will have a touch table with wet and dry preserved marine specimens, and the Alabama Coastal Foundation will have information on the Coastal environment with sea turtle education and activities. Other organizations attending are Alabama Audubon, Alabama Marine Resources Division, Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Keep Mobile Beautiful, and Mobile Baykeeper. Each organization will provide different information and activities for children.

If families are looking for a fun and educational opportunity for children this summer, this is the place to be! It will be a great opportunity to learn all about the wildlife and ecology of the Gulf Coast from a variety of environmental organizations throughout the region during Kids Gulf Discovery Day at Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Tickets are now on sale on the website at bellingrath.org. Admission to Kids Gulf Discovery Day includes entrance into Bellingrath Gardens for the day and is $15 for adults, $9 for children ages 5-12 and free for children ages 4 and under.

KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

The Dreaded Stomach Bug

The dreaded stomach bug. I shudder to even whisper its name. It can put a damper on anybody’s summer plans. What are the typical symptoms? And what can you expect when the inevitable hits your house?

Common stomach bug symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever, but any combina tion of these can manifest. Older children and adults will typically have very different symptoms and duration than younger chil dren, even within the same household.

Vomiting in younger children, although it is traumatic to witness as a parent, is usually very short-lived when compared to adults. An adult may become extremely miserable with a stomach bug, however children will often return to baseline in

between bouts of their symptoms, which can be very confusing to parents. Typically, diarrhea hits younger children more so than vomiting. For the first few days of illness, their diarrhea can be intense. It will then likely decrease to a few times a day, but can also take up to ten days to return to baseline.

Proper hydration is a parent’s biggest tool to help the child with a stomach bug. Signs of good hydration are drool, presence of tears, and wet diapers. Keep in mind that keeping a small child hydrated takes fewer fluids than would be the case for adults. Small children generally only need a few sips of fluids an hour to maintain proper hydration. Older and larger children may require a bit more, but it is often easier to manage than one may think. When children have a stomach bug, they may lose their appetite, and that is

okay. As long as they are taking in some fluids, then it is alright to not have a full meal while sick. Follow your child’s lead regarding appetite when offering food. Kids are generally quite good at regulating when they may want to start eating again, and what they may want to eat.

You’ll probably want to call your pediatrician if your child is listless, continuously vomiting for longer than a few hours without tolerating even sips of fluids, has diarrhea greater than 6-8 times a day for longer than 2-3 days, or if they are just not improving after a few days of illness.

Dr. Savannah Browning grew up in Fayette, AL. She moved to Mobile to attend Medical School at the University of South Alabama in 2009, and has been a proud Mobilian ever since. She joined Children’s Medical Group in 2016, and her office is at the Airport Boulevard location. She lives in Mobile with her husband, Andrew, and their three children: Jude, Luke, and Annie.

Autauga County Schools

St. Ignatius May Crowning

St. Ignatius honored all the important mothers on May 1st beginning with Mary, Mother of God with our annual May Crowning Mass. We invited all Impala moms to join in on this special Mass. After Mass we had an early mother’s day celebration with coffee and muffins. It is such a privilege to see our beautiful new church filled up with adoring mothers and Impala students all honoring the true mother of our Catholic faith. Mary was crowned by eighth grader Isabella DeFalco with the help from her fellow eighth grade girls and by kindergarten girls

Show at Tech Fair

Clark-Shaw Magnet School recently hosted its first-ever Tech Fair. Organized by our technology teacher, Mr. Joseph Sikes, and judged by staff from MCPSS Instructional Technology, the fair attracted over 75 entries in both group and individual categories. Madison Knight won Best in Show as well as 1st place in Digital Art/ Graphic Design. Congratulations to all participants and winners!

St. Dominic Catholic Pastries with Parents

Thank you to our Saint Dominic Catholic School PTO for hosting Pastries with Parents. It was a

McGill-Toolen

Juniors Recognized for Outstanding Performance in Chemistry

McGill-Toolen Catholic Juniors

Anthony Hantouche and Christopher Hunt were recognized by the University of South Alabama chapter of the American Chemical Society for their outstanding performance in chemistry. Also pictured are Barry Debski, Secretary of ACS Mobile.

Denton Magnet Teacher Recognized as STEM Teacher of the Year

Mrs. Spencer of Denton Magnet School of Technology was honored as the Air & Space Forces Association, Mobile Chapter, STEM Middle School Teacher of the Year at the 36th Annual Military Appreciation Luncheon presented by Atlas Industrial Outsourcing

Acton Academy Mobile Students

Gardening Skills

Students from Acton Academy Mobile research, discuss, plan, and implement their new garden. Students planted vegetables, herbs, nuts, and wildflowers to kick off the Spring semester. They are in charge of checking their garden planters, watering plants, and using natural pesticides based on their observations.

Cypress Grove Academy Talent Show

Cypress Grove Academy students showcased their unique talents in our first annual House Talent Show! Martial arts, vocal and instrumental performances, dance routines, comedy acts, and even recordbreaking speed cubing was part of the show! Great job CGA students!

Autauga County Schools

Congratulations to Phillips Preparatory’s Class of 2023

We would like to wish Phillips Preparatory’s 8th grade Class of 2023 the best of luck in their future endeavors. We are so proud of this group of students, and we cannot wait to see what their futures hold.

Mertz Magnet Team Wins 1st Place at District Math Competition

Mrs. Uroe and Mrs. Bolger led Mertz Magnet Math Team in a District Math Competition. Mertz Magnet won the trophy for overall first place in the Division 3 competition. They also won 3rd place in ciphering, and five students scored a 100 percent on the written test. We are so proud of our math team. Their math coaches and the entire Mertz Family are ecstatic!!!

St. Ignatius Phonics in the Sun

St. Ignatius runs a Phonics First curriculum from 2K-2nd grade. We believe that developing the skills to be a strong reader gives students the foundation to be a confident, strong learner across all academic fields. Each classroom 2K-2nd begins their day with phonics, phonemic awareness and comprehension. Students’ brains are freshest in the morning so we focus on this content first thing each day. On beautiful days our teachers take phonics outside! Although academics at St. Ignatius Catholic are rigorous, we still like to have fun. Getting out of the classroom on a beautiful day is one way to make learning different and fun.

Dunbar Magnet Team Scores 3rd at Competition

Congratulations to Dunbar Magnet School 6th grade math team who won 3rd place overall and 3rd place in ciphering at the MCPSS Math Competition at Davidson High School this morning!!! And Elizabeth Pettis won an individual award! We are so proud of the students’ perseverance and mathematical knowledge. Thank you to Mrs. Stacey for working with this team all year.

Teacher Appreciation Week at Acton Academy Mobile

Teacher Appreciation Week gets kicked off at Acton Academy Mobile with deliveries from local small business Reney’s Honey Butter. Acton Spark Guide Ms Samantha Dozier is all smiles to receive the surprise from her students!

Autauga County Schools

St. Dominic Catholic National Junior Honor Society Inductees

Congratulations to St. Dominic’s newly inducted members of the St. Dominic Catholic School Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society; Catherine Adams, Piper Connell, Beck Connell, Genevieve Peck, Madison Ward, Emma Craddock, Addison

MCPSS 2023 Air Force Association’s Teachers of the Year

Congratulations to Alesha Spencer of Denton Magnet School of Technology and Michael Fletcher of Davidson High School, who were honored as the 2023 Air Force Association’s Teachers of the Year. They received their awards at the Military Appreciation Luncheon on May 3 at the USS Alabama Battleship Park. They are shown with (from left) Scott Hunter, Vice President of the Air Force Association; Alastair Stevenson, principal of Denton Magnet; Steve Carey, President of the Air Force Association; Leif Dunn, Treasurer of the Air Force Association; and Jason Richardson, principal of Davidson High.

Baker High Student Recognized with Impressive Awards

Baker High School’s Labaron Philon is one of the best high school basketball players in the Southeast. He was named the Gatorade boys’ basketball Player of the Year in the state of Alabama this year, and was also named the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Mr. Basketball for the 2022-23 season.

St. Luke’s Freshman Wins Tennis Blue Map

St. Luke’s freshman, Ella Bentley, won the AHSAA State Tennis Girls Class 1A-3A singles #1! We’re so proud of you, Ella!

Corpus Christi Student Places 1st in Competition

Corpus Christi Catholic School Fifth Grade student, Peyton Gee participated in the “Color by Kids Art Competition” sponsored by Springhill Medical Center. She placed 1st in the 3rd-5th grade category. Her “Dogwoog” painting will go on tour around Mobile afterwards it will be permanently placed at the Springhill Medical Center.

Congratulations Peyton!!

Autauga County Schools

St. Mary Scholars Bowl Double Champions and Sam Hanks, Regional Highest Scorer

The St. Mary Scholar’s Bowl team brought home the 1st place trophies for both A Team and B Team in their division and Sam Hanks won the highest overall score in the entire region! Scholar’s Bowl is an academic competition involving 36 schools (both public and private) throughout Mobile and surrounding counties. Scholar’s Bowl A Team members include Feirman, Sam Hanks, Thomas Arensberg, Bud Urquhart, Xavier Montague, John Dudley, Henry Hewitt, and Patience Strickland.

Scholar’s Bowl B Team members

include Andrew Stowe, Alex Gould, Archer LeGrone, Ellis Dean, Casten Padgett, Jack O’Dowd, and Braydon Arata.

Thank you to our Scholar’s Bowl Moderators, Mrs. Stephanie LeGrone and Mrs. Carolyn Davidson! Submitted by Marcelle Naman.

Photos by Stephanie LeGrone

Davidson Student

Named National Merit Scholarship Finalist

Congratulations to Davidson High School’s Ryker Quinones, who was named a recipient of a corporate-based National Merit Scholarship. Quinones, who plans to study aerospace engineering in college, was awarded the Ingalls Shipbuilding Division Scholarship. He is one of five MCPSS seniors named as National Merit

ASMS Celebrates 30TH Anniversary and Commemorates Ann Bedsole Day

The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science is celebrating 30 years of graduates and naming a day in honor of their school founder – Ann Bedsole Day. The school gathered for a lunch in their gymnasium with students, faculty, staff, alumni, board members, past school leadership, state leaders, and even Governor Kay Ivey and Mayor Sandy Stimpson.

“I am pleased to announce that today and every future Ann Bedsole Day at ASMS, we will award one leader of our school community with an honorary diploma and name them as an honorary graduate of our school with an official ASMS graduation stole. Today’s recipient is Ms. Ann Bedsole,” said school president, Dr. John Hoyle, during the lunch.

In addition to awarding Ms. Bedsole with an honorary ASMS diploma, the celebration featured a keynote speech from Governor Ivey, several student speakers who shared about their ASMS experience, and even a surprise awards presentation for two students who completed graduate-level research work at the school this year. Mayor Stimpson also honored Ms. Bedsole with the Exceptional Citizenship Award. She is one of just 6 recipients to receive this recognition from the mayor. “ASMS is a result of local Mobile leaders with a state-wide mindset,” says the school’s Vice President of Development and Outreach, Dr. Samantha Church. “For 30 years, ASMS has recruited and educated 10th – 12th graders from all 67 counties by providing them with a tuition-free advanced STEM education. Today, we are so proud that our nearly 3000 graduates have made good on the mission Ms. Bedsole and other leaders set for the school all those years ago,” shares Church.

Autauga County Schools

UMS-Wright Lower School “Millionaires” Recognized

Please join us in congratulating the new “Lower School Millionaires” who have read over one million words this year: Ellis Bonner, Mary Bonner, Elliot Brown, Sabine Clark, Atticus Crawford, Kathryn Dean, James Frost, Ellen Galloway, Lally Hamil, Lucy Hicks, Allison Holderer, Vivian Mason, Benton McMahon, Bennett Peterson, Walt Pilot, Carson Pope, Spencer Portacci, David Rahm, Evelyn Reeder, Nara Rikabi, Lillian Rizk, Preston Seaman, Skinner Smith, Catherine Spivey, Jacqueline Stubbs, Charlie Paul Thomas, Jack Thompson, Ben Walker, and Santiago Zacchi.

Also, a big congrats to the following students who joined the Lower School AR 100 Point Club: Carson Pope, Lally Hamil, James Frost, Mary Bonner, Allison Holderer, Atticus Crawford, Annie Cook, Ellen Galloway, Bryce Kelley, Caroline Lawler, Lee Goodloe, Banks

McPhillips, Ellie Crabtree, Eli Lindsey, Warren Liles, Tate Karamovic, Henry Jeffery, Poppy Pfeiffer, Ben Walker, Millie Roberson, Lyla Sweeney, Olivia Truong, Autumn Holderer, George Pratt, Jack McMahon, Cadence Cross, Katherine Stubbs, Deuce Driscoll, Genevieve Steele, Charlie Brinson, Addie Greenwald, Fielder Self, Libby Nichol, Jacob Shepler, Mattie Driscoll, Winnie Ashurst, Cate Fountain, Alice Serafim, Hayes Warren, Mary-Hartely Marks, Sadie Lambert, Meryl Rodning, Celia Kate Bridges, Yumi Zhu, Mack McFarland, Cecil Ray, Mac Murphy, Haynes Lewis, Maggie Lenz, Arella Crawford, Hadley Seay, and Jackson Israel.

We are very proud of all of our spectacular AR readers!

Honors Day at Cottage Hill Christian Academy

On May 4th, we held Honor Chapel on the West Campus where high school students were honored for their hard work and success in the classroom and on the field this school year. We are proud of our determined students who walk through our halls and have done their best to succeed in the classroom, in competition, and in the arts! Congratulations to the winners of the special awards given to seniors who were nominated by the entire faculty and determined by the administrative team!

CHCA Spirit Award - Hunter Behr

CHCA Warrior Award - Rebecca Steedley

Mary Ann Lang Service Award - Gracie Vo

Charles V. Lang Scholarship Award Finalist - Lucy Dunn, Becca Steedley, Allyson Ho

Charles V. Lang Scholarship Award - Allyson Ho

Engineering Week at Davidson High School

Every year, Davidson High School hosts Engineering Week, or E-Week, for all students who are in the EPIC program. This year, the week kicked off with a creative, collaborative build project. Students worked in small groups to create a catapult using limited materials, including rubber bands, paper clips, popsicle sticks, and a spoon. After designing and sketching a model, the future engineers constructed their catapults, then tested them by seeing how far they could launch a marshmallow. Other challenges included landing a marshmallow on a target or clearing ten feet. Teams who completed the most challenges successfully were recognized at the end of the event. Later in the week, students were able to hear from guest speakers who spoke about careers in the EPIC pathways: biomedicine, engineering, and computer science.

Autauga County Schools

Causey Tigers Participate in District 7 Honor Band Concert

The District 7 Honor Band concert was held in March. Nine of our Causey Tigers auditioned into this honor! Congratulations to these band members on a great honor. Pictured: Laila Lynd, Brooke Cote’, Sophia Burns, Jalaysia Blakney, Hannah Rogers, Adrianna Williams, Alex Bass.

Cottage Hill Christian Academy Presented

Disney’s Aladdin Jr.

Disney’s Aladdin Junior was present by CHCA students. Under the direction of Susan Sanders, nearly 80 students from both campuses joined together for this must-see event. We are grateful for the countless hours put in by our students and the support of so many of our stakeholders as well.

Library Renovations at Little Flower Catholic School

Students at Little Flower Catholic School are enjoying the renovations to their middle school library. The new selection of books entices the students to check out more books, but the biggest draw seems to be the bean bag chairs which provide the best seating to accompany a good book.

The Quinton Ellis Zirlott Memorial Scholarships Presented

The Quinton Ellis Zirlott Memorial Scholarships were presented last month to Dustin Davis, Caden Marcell and Asher Taft, students at Bryant Career Technical Center. All three are interns at Joe Bullard Automotive and will attend the training required to become fully certified mechanics. The scholarships honor the memory of Quinton Zirlott, who was tragically killed in a boating accident on Dauphin Island on July 22, 2022. From left are Tony Tillman, presenter and Quinton’s teacher; Autumn and Lori Zirlott, Quinton’s sister and mother; Asher,

Dustin and Caden; and Kevin Dean, Chief Development Officer at Joe Bullard.

Heartwood

Christian

Academy Student Receives Scholarship

Heartwood Christian Academy is proud to announce this year’s NCAA winner, Cece York. She is the recipient of a scholarship from the prestigious Emory University. Cece has worked hard to achieve her goals and is welcomed as the newest Eagle Swimmer on Emory University’s Swim Team! Congratulations Cece for such an honor. We are so proud of you!

Mobile Christian Student Recognized by Mobile Optimist Club

Mobile Christian student Hailey Padgett was recognized as the Mobile Optimist Club’s Female Track & Field Athletes of the Week for their performances at the Mobile County Championships. She competed in the 4A State Championships May 4-6th in Gulf Shores.

McGill-Catholic Junior Achieves Perfect ACT Score

Congratulations to McT Junior Colson Tidikis who scored a perfect 36 on the ACT. Colson joins fellow Junior Russell Ginn and Senior Julia Grinstead also achieved a perfect score previously.

Davidson High School Hosts Model United Nations Event

Davidson High School hosted over three hundred high school students from ten area schools for a model United Nations event. Students represented over a hundred countries, debated world events, and proposed solutions to global issues including the war in Ukraine, refugee crises, cyber terrorism, and drug trafficking. This event enabled students to better understand global crises and develop problem solving and public speaking skills.

Since 1977, Davidson High School has hosted this event. All of the DIMUN chairs are seniors at Davidson in the International Baccalaureate program. In order to prepare for this experience, students are required to research current events and the implications that they have on how various countries interact with each other on the global stage.”

On the first day, delegates broke into committees and discussed related topics. On the second day, all three hundred met in one large group to ratify the resolutions from the previous day. Students from Davidson High School were joined by students from Alabama School of Math and Science, Baker, Bryant, Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies, Blount, Cottage Hill Christian Academy, McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, and UMS-Wright. Students formed delegations and assumed the roles of diplomats as they debated global conflicts; however, these skills will translate into the classroom as well. Chairperson Bailey Baxter said, “Following Parliamentary Procedure is mandatory at DIMUN, so students must speak sharply, succinctly, and precisely to convince others to pass their resolutions and facilitate progress in both committee meetings and General Assembly.”

Corpus Christi Catholic Optimist International Oratorical Winner

Ellen Wentworth (Sixth Grader) was our school winner in the Optimist International Oratorical Contest. She represented our school at our local Optimist Club Contest and won the honors as our area winner. She then represented the Mobile area in the District Oratorical Contest held in Montgomery. Ellen’s speech was titled “Discovering the Optimist Within Me”. We are very proud of Ellen!

and Salutatorian 2023

Taylor Jackson, Valedictorian, has been a student at St. Luke’s for 14 years. During her time as a Wildcat, she participated in cross country, track and field, Key Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society, Youth Legislature, Honor Council President, and Chair for Student Ambassadors. Taylor will attend Spring Hill College, participate in the Pre-Med Scholars Program, run track and cross country, and major in Biology.

Alex Portella, Salutatorian, has been a student at St. Luke’s for 15 years. During her time as a Wildcat, she participated in the National Honors Society, Rho Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta, National Spanish Honors Society, National Forensic Honor Society, Hi Q, Scholar’s Bowl, center stage, SGA, track and field (throwing), and speech and debate team. Alex will attend Vassar College in New York and major in English with a concentration in philosophy/linguistics. Congratulations Taylor and Alex!

Fonde Elementary Studies Ancient Greece

Fonde Elementary’s PACE students enjoyed their downtown Mobile tour of Greek Revival Architecture to complete their study of Ancient Greece.

UMS-Wright Class of 2023 Outstanding Stats!

We are so excited to announce that our seniors were admitted to 72 colleges in the United States and abroad and will be attending 28 colleges this fall! The Class of 2023

accumulated over $7.6 million dollars in scholarship money, 30% scored a 30 or higher on the ACT, and 52% (50/96) of the class have a 4.0 GPA or higher.

Princeton University | Mississippi State University | Georgia Tech | Auburn University | University of Alabama | University of Toledo | Wake Forest University | Clemson University

| Washington and Lee | University of Georgia | Middle Tennessee State University |

Spring Hill College | North Carolina State University | Great Lakes Maritime Academy

| Samford University | University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Virginia |

Sewanee - The University of the South | University of South Alabama University of Mobile | Troy University | Furman University | University of Mississippi | University of Michigan | University of Florida | University of Tennessee | Northwest Florida State College | Lewis University. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things these students will accomplish over the next 4 years!

Mertz Magnet School

ACAP State testing got off to a great start! The administrative team consisting of Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Eaton conducted ACAP Conferences with every student in grades second through fifth. The purpose was to assist students in setting “SMART GOALS” and students being informed about their data. Also, these conferences served as a motivational tool and provided insight on our students’ levels of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and their many diverse interests. What a way to kick off testing!

Autauga County Schools Heartwood Christian’s Student Eagles

The Student Eagles of Heartwood Christian Academy along with their leader, Theresa Hubbard,recently visited the Montgomery Capital. The Eagle’s participated in the Welcome Back Rally greeting the Alabama Legislature as they returned to session. Senator Gerald Allen took the time to meet and talk with the students, and take a photo. This is a new journey for HCA and we are very fortunate to have Mrs. Theresa lead the way. Student Eagles meet twice a month to learn about our Constitution and what we can do as citizens to protect it. Mrs. Theresa teaches the students about the Alabama State Legislature and how to use Alabama’s Legislative Information System’s Online program, ALISON, to monitor and track bills that have been submitted for passage in the House and Senate. It’s a fun-filled discussion as we learn so much about how to take part in our government at the local, state, and national level to make a positive impact for generations to come.

Boys and Girls Clubs of South Alabama Youths of the Year

Five Mobile County Public Schools students were selected as Youths of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama: Rashaad Johns of Davidson High School, Kayleigh

Morgan of Murphy High School, Ryan Mosley of Baker High School, Ashleigh Robinson of Theodore High School, and Brooklyn Rowell of Mary G. Montgomery High School. They will be honored at the Youth of the Year Luncheon, set for May 25 at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel.

Autauga County Schools

Mobile County Public School Athletes Awarded Bryant-Jordan Scholarships

Three Mobile County Public Schools student-athletes were named as regional winners of the Bryant-Jordan Scholarships: Jayden Sawyer of Mary G. Montgomery; Faron Brown, Jr ., of Vigor; and Garrett Sullivan of Citronelle. These scholarships recognize students who are standouts in the classroom and in athletics, or who have overcome some obstacles in their lives to excel.

Qualified for Sub-State

Mobile Christian girls golf team qualified for Sub-State. Also, congratulations to Conner Eubanks and he too qualified for Sub-State. They competed on Monday May 8th.

Denton Magnet Teacher 1 of 50 in the Country Invited to STEM Event

Ms. Waters, math teacher at Denton Magnet School of Technology, was selected to participate in the 2023 USPTO National Summer Teacher Institute (NSTI) on Innovation, STEM, and Intellectual Property in St. Louis, Missouri! She is 1 of only 50 US educators selected for this opportunity!

Clark-Shaw Magnet School’s Archery Team Competes at State

Clark-Shaw’s archery team hit the mark at the state tournament, coming in 5th among all middle schools in Alabama! Leading the way for the Eagles was 7th grader Paden Roberts, who came in #1 for all 7th grade boys and #2 in all middle school boys with a score of 288 with 19 perfect 10s! This top 5 performance earns our team the right to participate in the 2023 NASP Eastern Nationals held in Louisville, Kentucky on May 13th. Congratulations to all our archers and their coach, Mr. Jonathan Braswell!

Dunbar Wins Top Awards at Film Festival

At the MCPSS Film Festival on Friday, Dunbar was well-represented. Maria L. and Maria S. won best commercial for middle schools, and Mr. Thompson won best animation in the teacher category! Also, Alisyn B. and Mirkerria W. helped to hand out awards on stage.

Phillips Preparatory’s IB Learners for April

Phillips Preparatory’s IB Learners for April demonstrated the learner profile for “OpenMinded” and “Risk-Takers.” Open-Minded IB Learners appreciate their own cultures and personal histories as the values and traditions of others. Risk-Takers work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies.

From

Autauga County Schools

Barton Academy Arts Educator of the Year

Christy LeGros, visual arts instructor at Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies, was honored as Mobile’s Arts Educator of the Year at the Mobile Arts Council’s annual awards, the Artys. LeGros is in her 25th year as an arts teacher. She has also worked with the city’s Special Events Department to coordinate Kids Days in Bienville Square, Elfapalooza, the Christmas Tree Lighting, the Azalea Trail Run, and other events. Additionally, she hosted the hands-on art booth with the Mobile International Festival, and served as President of the Bay Area Art Educators.

Little Flower Catholic School Wins Grant

Thanks to a Keep Mobile Beautiful grant won by second grade teacher, Mrs. Milwee, students at Little Flower Catholic School have a wonderful new area to learn. With money from the grant, two picnic table benches and a large shade sail were purchased. Having class outside at a new table in the shade is one of the great reasons students love Little Flower.

Left to right: Olivia Lynn, Cayleigh Humphrey, and Sanaa Williams.

Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and Theatrical Releases

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3

A dangerous megalomaniac named The High Evolutionary is obsessed with Rocket, the talking raccoon. When his attempt to kidnap Rocket go es lethally wrong, the Guardians learn that Rocket has a “kill switch” that prevents medical care without the entry of a proprietary code – one that’s held by the mastermind himself. There’s nothing new in this tired flick, except for the first sexual expletive in a Marvel film and a scene of blackout drinking. Parents will be unimpressed and only hardcore Marvel fans will enjoy this franchise outing. Photo ©Walt Disney

Studios Motion Pic tures

Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret

After a move to the suburbs, eleven -year-old Margaret tries to make friends in her new neighborhood, figure out her own religious beliefs, deal with a generational family conflict, and manage the emotional challenges of puberty. Based on Judy Blume’s well-known novel, this film takes a tender look at the upheavals of the preteen years. Characters are treated gently, and the discussion of puberty is frank and determinedly reassuring. Although the topics are teen -focused, the film appeals to adults who grew up with the books and want a hit of nostalgia Photo ©Lionsgate

Knights of the Zodiac

While seeking his kidnapped sister, Seiya meets Alman, who tells him that he has superpowers and is destined to protect the reincarnat ion of the goddess Athena. To succeed, he must learn to harness the powers within Based on a manga series, this movie also borrows heavily from Star Wars. Not surprisingly, it features several dynamic scenes of magical combat but other negative content is minimal . This derivative movie won’t impress adults but it will provide a good t ime to the tweens and teens for whom it was made . Photo © Stage 6 Films

Peter

& Wendy

Caleb has grown up on a lunar colony and after his father’s death, he’s being transferred to the planet Omega. Before he leaves, he and his friends plan a rover road trip to a distant crater his parents used to visit. Far, far better than Disney’s usual streaming films, this movie features believable world building and a plot that grapples with injustice, family problems, grief, and taking charge of one’s destiny. Best of all, it does so without graphic violence and only occasional profanity This is a good choice for family movie night with older kids and teens Photo ©Disney+

PG B B A A- A

Wendy is preparing to leave for boarding school when Peter Pan pays her a visit. He sweeps Wendy and her brothers, John and Michael, off to Neverland where they meet the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily, and a band of pirates led by the evil Captain Hook. This is a polished adaptation of the classic children’s book , with a distinct visual design, but it feels bland and somehow pointless. That said, it avoids the blatant racism found in the novel and Disney’s 1953 version, which is a plus. Photo ©Disney+

Every dad needs reminders of how much he is loved and valued. While you don’t want to forgo the handmade cards and the offbeat kid ideas, these 10 ways to celebrate dad are sure to remind him of how much you care and give everyone some fun along the way.

Scavenger Hunt: This works for kids of all ages, plus it can be as involved as you want it to be. Come up with fun clues like “As a dad I could not ask for better, your next clue is where you find a letter,” to lead Dad around the house to find a Father’s Day prize. You can make up your own clues or download a set from ETSY. You’re sure to get lots of giggles from kids every step of the way.

To make this work with older kids, you can even take the hunt beyond the house to go to places around town. Give him a clue when he arrives at each location, eventually ending up at a favorite restaurant or event like a baseball game or concert.

Memory Lane: Even the most macho dads can appreciate a little trip down memory lane, especially for Father’s Day. Break out some old photos and create a short movie full of memories for him. This is the perfect project for tweens and teens to take charge of. For younger helpers, get photos printed and have them create a poster of memories.

It’s even great to get photos from before Dad was, well, a dad. Give him the chance to tell stories about who he was as a kid and before he embraced dad life.

Finish a Project: Every dad we know has some project they started that they never got around to finishing because dad life is busy. Work together to help him finish a project. Whether it’s finally building the shelves he needs or planting the garden he dreams of, working together will make the project even

Challenge: This can be as crazy as you want it to be. Think outdoor races or a bake-off. Maybe a game of basketball or chess. Discover a fun challenge you can do for some friendly competition and time together.

Serve Him: This is not giving him a coupon for help in the yard or washing his car. This is about actually doing it. Surprise dad and wash the car inside and out. Pack his lunch for the next day. Take care of a job he always does so he can put his feet up and relax. Bonus points if you bring him some lemonade and cookies!

Explore a Favorite Spot: Does he love a certain hiking trail or beach? Maybe there’s a bookstore that he never has time to meander through or that hardware store that he loves. Even a coffee shop that makes his favorite latte. Find a place you know he enjoys and get him there.

You can have him go on his own if he likes some quiet time to himself or make it a family affair if that’s more his speed. No matter how you do it, just make sure it’s one of his favorite places.

Discover a New Place: It’s easy for parents to get so caught up in the day-to-day that they run out of time for exploring new places. Give Dad the gift of exploration.

You can go old school and road trip with no plan in mind, but it’s usually better to have a few ideas up your sleeve. Websites like Only In Your State can help you find everything from wacky restaurants, hikes you never knew about, abandoned

places, and even road trip trails to take you on an adventure to the state’s best ice cream spots, breweries, and more.

Make a Summer Bucket List (Dad Edition!):

Even dad has a list of things he’d love to do. Sometimes it gets buried under work and baseball practice and goodnight stories. Father’s Day is the perfect time to dust it off!

Get a poster and some markers or create a shared family list on your phone for Dad’s Summer Bucket List. Ask him what he wants to do before summer is over. And it can’t be all work and house things. Make sure he has fun little outings like going to his favorite

ice cream shop and some bigger ideas like boogie boarding at the state beach. Even reading through a favorite book or seeing a movie counts! The only requirement: make time for the things on the list. Putting them on the calendar is the key to making them happen.

Favorite Foods: From sunup to sundown, fill the day with Dad’s favorite foods. Does he love a Caffè Americano and donuts? Maybe a protein shake from that place across town? How about burgers and fries? Add a milkshake? You got it!

Whatever it is, the day isn’t about what the kids like (sorry kids!).It’s a chance for Dad to eat the things he loves and enjoy every bite. He doesn’t even have to share!

More Than a Day: The fun doesn’t have to last for just one day. Make it an overnight or a weekend. Plan a family vacation that you know he’d love. It doesn’t need to be far or expensive (although that resort he’s dreamed about isn’t a terrible idea!). Think about things he loves and start there.

Does he love the outdoors? Maybe a campout is a perfect idea (even in the backyard!). Is he a museum guy? Plan an overnight to go to an art installation or even a fun place like the Spy Museum. Whatever dad likes, you can find a place he will enjoy. And the best part? The time you’ll have together!

After five years as a teacher, Rebecca Hastings began working from home in 2015 as a writer and speaker. Since then she has authored three books, written hundreds of articles, and consulted with dozens of clients.

by Jan Pierce, M.Ed.

Are you one of those parents who wonder if your child’s schedule is too crowded? Do you watch him play video games by the hour and get a little nervous about the long-term effects? Do you wish she had time to “just play” rather than run from school to lessons to team practices?

If you can relate to the above situations, you’re in good company. Take a deep breath. Remember how it used to be when children played freely without a lot of oversight and adult intervention. Can you recall the days when you scraped your knee and just got up and kept playing? When you could sit under a tree and inspect the intricacies of the natural world? When you could dig and build with natural objects? When it seemed there was all the time in the world to just be?

Today’s children need those same healthy, authentic play experiences. They need time to explore the out of doors, time to think and dream. Time to wonder and experiment.

How to begin? It’s easier than you might think. Just unplug and send the kids outside. They won’t need an agenda or directions. Once they find themselves in the great outdoors, they’ll do the rest. Here are eight benefits of unstructured, outdoor play.

Authentic Play

Today’s kids are steeped in a virtual world. They’re adept at computer use, coding, programming and the like, and that’s fine. They need to understand the technological world. But they also need authentic, handson experiences that can’t be had in a classroom or computer lab. They need to be grounded in the real world and able to engage in real-life experiences. They need to do real-time observation, exploration and interaction with the real world. They need the sensory experiences of watching a bird find a worm, of tracking the tiny veins and capillaries on a leaf, of squishing dirt and water together into mud. Kids need to play

self-created games and make up their own rules. They need to learn how to try and fail and try again to make their play creations work.

Enhanced Decision-Making

Children need to know how to listen and follow directions in the classroom and in other activities such as sports. But they also need the opportunity to play independent. They need to decide to create something or explore something and then make their own plan. They need to cooperate with others to follow the rules to their own kid-made games. They need the freedom to adapt rules to their current situation and then evaluate whether or not their plan worked. All of these skills are strengthened when kids are allowed to play outside independently.

Active vs Sedentary Play

We all know the statistics on the overall health of today’s kids. Too many are overweight and unfit. Too many are lethargic and uninspired. In short, many of our kids don’t move enough to be happy and healthy. But knowing isn’t the same as doing. Parents need to push through a bit of resistance and insist that our children go outside whether it’s for time in their own backyard or access to a larger natural environment. While parks can offer some of the necessary ingredients to healthier play, wilder natural environments such as hiking trails or woodlands are even better. Nothing inspires kids to build forts and create their own games more than an untouched-by-man setting.

Room for Wonder and Joy

Watching spiders spin a web. Catching grasshoppers in a jar. Hearing birds sing in the trees and seeing them drop bits of food into the open beaks of their hatchlings. Wandering a beach, picking up beautiful

shells or bits of driftwood, smelling the scent of grasses on a warm summer day. We all need opportunities to absorb the won der of nature and to experience the joy of being part of the natural world. Give your kids the chance to do these simple things. They’ll benefit immensely.

Better Classroom Performance

Some schools are experimenting with longer recesses and more frequent breaks in their school day and, wonder of wonders, every one of them reports better behavior and engagement in the class room. When kids are given enough time to move and play, they’re better able to focus their attention on classroom work. They feel better, they perform better. It’s not rocket science. In other studies, it’s reported that children who play more outside get a better night’s sleep. A well-rested child is better able to focus attention and “get into” lessons in class. Children who get enough chances for active play feel more content and happy. Happier kids have lower levels of stress which produces better classroom performance.

Self-Reliance Through Exploration

We like it when our children are able to follow directions—when they’re “coachable,” and that is an important skill. But it’s also im portant for kids to learn how to operate via their own internal rules and understandings. Children benefit when they’re able to manage their own behaviors based on their convictions, when they can make a plan and follow it through. When they can try and fail and try again to accomplish a task. All of these skills can only be prac ticed when kids have the chance to engage in unstructured play free of adult supervision and oversight. It may be hard to break the pattern of over-managing our kids’ lives, but it’s vital that we do so.

Amusement Parks and Outdoor Fun

Downtown OWA

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100 N OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535

Just outside the theme park gates, enjoy shopping and dining amenities in OWA’s entertainment district! Admission-free Downtown OWA features a plethora of activities, entertainment and events for the whole family.

(251) 923-2111 info@VisitOwa.com www.VisitOWA.com/

OWA

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1501 S. OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535

Great family fun including amusement park, dining, shopping, shows, special events and more! Visit the website for hours, events and special offers.

(251) 923-2111 info@VisitOwa.com www.VisitOWA.com

Alabama Animal Safari Park

1664 Venable Road Hope Hull , AL 36043

Drive through our safari park in your vehicle and feed the animals through your windows!

(334) 288-2105 www.alabamasafaripark.com

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

20499 Oak Road East Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Join the Adventure! Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Feed a giraffe, enjoy animal adventures and presentations, ride the Zipline! It’s fun and educational for everyone! Open daily 9am-4pm

(251) 256-7008 www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com

Coastal Farms & Exotics

Mobile, AL

We offer private wild encounters with our most exotic creatures and birthday parties. Spend an hour or more playing with our kangaroos, lemurs, kinkajous, zebra and camel

(251) 581-1896 www.coastalfarmsandexotics.com

Dauphin Island Park & Beach

Dauphin Island, AL 36528

Many activities to choose from such as the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Fort Gaines, Kayaking, Public beach access, Trails and more!

(251) 861-5525 www.townofdauphinisland.org/ parks-and-recreation

Global Wildlife Center Folsom, LA 70437

The Global Wildlife Center largest totally freeroaming wildlife preserve of its kind in the country!

(985) 624-WILD www.globalwildlife.com

Southern Alabama Paintball

4901 Montee Road Theodore, AL 36582

We pride ourselves in providing a safe, family oriented paintball field for all players. We also have airsoft games.

(251) 301-6004 www.southernalabamapaintball.com

The Track

3200 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, Al 36542

The Track in Gulf Shores features fun for the whole family with six go-kart tracks, mini golf, blaster boats, Kids Country rides, the Skycoaster, Spinning Coaster, Fat Daddy’s Arcade and more!

(251) 270-0209 www.funatthetrack.com

The Wharf – Hot Wharf Summer

23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Hot Wharf Summer - treasure hunts, live bands, weekly fireworks, kids activities + so much more! Visit our website for a full calendar of events and activities.

(251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com

Town of Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Nights

End of Bienville Blvd Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Free Family Movie Nights at the West End Beach start Memorial Day weekend. Movies start at dusk (around 8pm).

(251) 861-5525 www.townofdauphinisland.org

Town of Dauphin Island Sunday Sunset Concerts

Dauphin Island, AL 36528

2023-Sunset Concerts-the popular Sunset Concert series will start April 30. Concert dates: April 30, May 28, June 25, July 30, Sept. 4 & Oct. 9. (251) 861-5525 www.townofdauphinisland.org

Trackside Go-Karts and Games and Trackside the Putting Place

4820 Government Blvd Mobile , AL 36693 Trackside Go-Karts and Games and Trackside the Putting Place (251) 367-0425 www.theputtingplace.business.site/

Wales West

13670 Smiley Street Silverhill, AL 36576

Wales West offers a Water Slide, Waterfall, fresh lake, Sandy Beach, Swimming, Shady deck for picnicking, Indoor Pool, Playground, Train Rides at 2 and 4 PM. Call or check website for details.

(888) 569-5337; (251) 232-2322

www.waleswest.com

Arts and Crafts

Alabama Contemporary Art Center

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301 Conti Street Mobile, AL 36602

Contemporary Art Center - Come see our exhibitions; we also offer adult and K-12 classes, workshops, summer camps, public performances, film screenings and more

(251) 208-5671 info@alabamacontemporary.org

www.alabamacontemporary.org/

Coastal Makers Art Studio

70 N Joachim St Ste F Mobile , AL 36602

Coastal Makers allows anyone and any age to express their creativity through a variety of mediums, tools, textiles & techniques in a fun mess-making environment!

(251) 455-2909 www.coastalmakers.com

LoDa Artwalk

Downtown MobileJoin downtown art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops as they open their doors. Fun for the whole family! Second Fridays from 6-9pm.

(251) 208-1550 www.mobilearts.org/art-walk

Michael’s Arts and Crafts

3960 Airport Boulevard Mobile, AL 36608

Join us for FREE classes, demos and other events in store or from the comfort of your home. Then, if you’re ready to level up your creative skills, you can join our premium classes.

(251) 473-8520 www.michaels.com

Mobile Museum of Art

4850 Museum Drive Mobile, AL 36608

Enjoy our wonderful collection, changing exhibitions and outdoor sculpture trail.

(251) 208-5200 www.mobilemuseumofart.com

Mobile Parks & Recreation

Community Activities

Classes offering arts, crafts, sports and much more. Visit www.cityofmobile.org/parks for more information.

www.cityofmobile.org/parks

Round But Square Studio

3304 Old Shell Rd. Suite C Mobile, AL 36608

Art classes, parties, camps and more. Visit our website for a list of classes.

(251) 591-3425 www.roundbutsquarestudios.com

Farmers Markets and Open Air Markets

Flea Market Mobile

401 Schillinger Road North Mobile, AL 36608

We host vendors from all over the world with items you won’t find anywhere else at prices you can’t beat.

(251) 633-7533 www.fleamarketmobile.com

Market in the Park

300 Conti Street Mobile, AL 36602

Local farmers market featuring fresh produce, baked goods, jellies and jams, locally harvested honey, handmade soaps, eggs and organic meats, local artisans and more! Every Saturday from May 6-July 8 from 7:30am-12:00pm.

(251) 208-1550 www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/ events/springsummer-market-in-the-park/

WeMo Market

7681 Old Shell Road Mobile, AL 36608

Join us for this fun event with 40+ Vendors, sunset yoga, music, and more. Third Saturdays from 4pm-9pm. www.facebook.com/RedBarEspresso

Indoor Fun- Bowling, Skating, Movies, Arcades

Altitude Trampoline Park

3659C Airport Boulevard Mobile, AL 36608

Trampoline Park. Come Jump with us! (251) 725-0171 www.altitudetrampolineparkmobile.com

AMF - Camellia Lanes

125 North Schillinger Road Mobile, AL 36608

Ready to start the Summer on the lanes? Us too! Join us whenever you feel like fun. Hit the lanes. (251) 639-1221 www.amf.com/camellialanes

AMF Skyline Lanes

4120 Government Boulevard Mobile, AL 36693

Ready to start the Summer on the lanes? Us too! Join us whenever you feel like fun. Hit the lanes. (251) 661-1221 www.amf.com/skylinelanes

Bloom Play Studio

2561 Old Shell Road Mobile, AL 36607

We believe that children thrive in environments that are prepared to fit their developmental needs. Explore, play and grow in a beautiful studio space where every detail is purposeful, engaging and fun (251) 298-6389 www.bloomplaystudio.com/

Brandon Styles Showroom at OWA

101-H S OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535

Featuring a lineup of ever-changing acts and shows, from family-friendly to date night, the quick-witted Brandon Styles will have you doubling over in your chair. (251) 237-3330 www.brandonstyles.com

Breakout Orange Beach

23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Work together to solve puzzles, crack codes, and find hidden items in order to escape in under an hour! (251) 929-8330 breakoutgames.com/orange-beach

Chuck E. Cheese’s

710 Downtowner Loop West Mobile, AL 36609

Watch your kids have a blast at the best place for family fun! We provide games, rides, prizes, food and entertainment for the whole family.

(251) 342-8142 www.chuckecheese.com

Clash eSports & VR Experience

101-G North OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535

Offering Virtual Reality, PC, Xbox, PS4, PS5 and Nintendo Switch gaming. Pay to play your favorite games and the newest games, all on the market’s newest and fastest equipment.

(251) 257-1400 www.clashesportsowa.com

Dreamland Skate Center

5672 Three Notch Road Mobile, AL 36619

Mobile’s premier roller skating rink. Its hickory wood floor is the only one of its kind in Mobile.

(251) 661-6997 facebook.com/dreamland.skate.5/

Engage Gaming

5701 Moffett Rd Mobile , AL 36618

We want to provide the ultimate gaming experience for you. PS5, Xbox, PC, Nintendo, and VR (Virtual Reality), we have it all!

(251) 378-8260 www.engagegamingmobile.com/

Exploreum Science Center

65 Government Street Mobile, AL 36604

8,500-square-foot, hands-on discovery science center with a state-of-the-art PCI Digital Dome Theater. The Exploreum is an education based attraction focused on STEM learning.

(251) 208-6893 www.exploreum.com

Get Air

842 Schillinger Road South Mobile, AL 36695

Wall to wall trampolines, dodge ball, foam pits, basketball dunk, toddler jump area and parties. (251) 241-3101 www.getairmobile.com

Outer Limits VR

23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Features five fully immersive rides that offer both single and multiplayer options. (Ages 7+ only) (251) 240-0647 www.vrfunplays.com

Pete’s Party Castle

2040 Schillinger Road South Mobile, AL 36695

Mobile’s favorite place to sit back and let the kids play. Enjoy great food, arcades, and a dragon playground. Even the little ones can play, too, in our toddler soft play area.

(251) 281-1990 www.petespartycastle.com

Pump It Up

741-A Hillcrest Road Mobile, AL 36695

Summer Open Play. To view our open jump times visit our online calendar at www.pumpitupparty. com/mobile-al/calendar.

(251) 342-3940 www.PumpItUpParty.com/mobileal

Rambo Skateland

531 Saraland Blvd South Saraland, AL 36571

Rambo’s Skateland

(251) 675-6601 Find us on Facebook

Roll Mobile

150 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36602

We’re closing off the streets and turning Bienville Square into a giant roller rink! We’ll have lights and a DJ. This event is sure to be fun for all ages.

Second Fridays from May-October 6pm-9pm (251) 208-1550 www.cityofmobile.org

Sunshine Skate Center

950 Hillcrest Road Mobile , AL 36695

Sunshine Skate Center was first opened in November of 1977. For over 40 years Sunshine has served Mobile and has become an iconic landmark for all ages.

(251) 639-1704 www.sunshineskate.com

Surge Entertainment

Mobile, AL 36606

Coming Soon to Mobile - enjoy bowling, laser tag, arcade, mini golf, ninja course, and much more.

(318) 737-7841 www.surgefun.com/locations/

mobile-al

TK Escape

450 Dauphin St Mobile, AL 36602

Each Escape Room provides an experience unique to its theme. Complete the objectives at hand by utilizing logic puzzles, games, and exploration to aid in your successful escape!

(504) 323-4518 www.tkescapegames.com/

Tortuga Adventure Golf, LLC

30500 State Highway 181, (Ste. 230)

Spanish Fort, AL 36527

Indoor blacklight adventure golf that takes the players on a journey through the pirate island of Tortuga in the Caribbean.

(251) 626-6221 www.tortugaadventuregolf.com

VRium Robotics & Virtual Reality

Amusement Park

30500 State Hwy. 181, Unit: 300

Spanish Fort, AL 36527

We offer over 20 different types of VR (Virtual Reality)and AR (Augmented Reality) experiences for all ages, multiplayer games, 7D Interactive Cinema, and our very own robots.

(855) 874-8624 www.vriumpark.com/

Library Story Times

Mobile Public Library

Registration for the Summer Library Celebration starts May 15 online or at any Mobile Public Library location. Participate in a wide variety of activities for all ages including special performances, reading challenges, crafts, games and more! The celebration lasts all June and July. Performances: June 5-8: Deborah Ferguson: The Dancing Story Lady, June 12-15: Excelsior Band, June 20-22: Librarian’s Special, June 26-29: Wayne Curtis

and the Mobile Alabama Africatown Drummers, July 3-6: Librarian’s Special, July 10-13: Mobile Environmental Studies Center’s Wildlife of Mobile Road Show, July 17-20: Puppets N’ Banjos with David Stephens and July 24-27: Juggler Ron Anglin. Visit http://slc.mobilepubliclibrary.org/ for a complete schedule of fun events and activities. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Museums / Historical / Science / Education

Bellingrath Gardens and Home

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12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd Theodore, AL 36582

Bellingrath Gardens and Home features a 65-acre estate Garden and historic Home, and blooms and beauty year-round. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (251) 973-2217 bellingrath@bellingrath.org www.bellingrath.org

Historic Blakeley State Park

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34745 State Highway 225 Spanish Fort, Al 36527

Bring the whole family and enjoy more than 16 miles of trails, educational programs, boat cruises, cabins, RV spots and primitive camping. Other events: Be a part of the “100 Alabama Miles Challenge” kickoff June 24, Auburn University Raptor Center for two special educational programs: July 15, 10:30am, 11:30am. (251) 626-5581 or (251) 626-0798 office@blakeleypark.com www.blakeleypark.com

The History Museum of Mobile

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111 South Royal Street Mobile, AL 36602

The History Museum of Mobile is an educational and entertaining destination for both adults and children. As you explore the museum’s galleries, interesting artifacts and fascinating stories will appear around every corner.

(251) 208-7508 www.museumofmobile.com

USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

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2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL 36602

You’ll walk the decks of the Mighty A, our WWII battleship. Explore the decks and see how sailors lived aboard this floating city. Learn about the USS DRUM, the oldest submarine on public display. See over 30 historic airplanes, vehicles, tanks, a B-25 Mitchell Bomber, and a super-secret spy plane.

(251) 433-2703 info@ussalabama.com www.ussalabama.com

ADCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

Hunting, fishing, youth programs, family events, canoe trails, outdoor activities and state regulations. www.outdooralabama.com

Alligator Alley

19950 Highway 71 Summerdale, AL 36580

See alligators from hatchlings to mature adults, relaxing, sunbathing, courting and nesting along with

other natural inhabitants such as turtles, ospreys, owls and bull frogs only a couple feet away!

(251) 946-2483 www.gatoralleyfarm.com

Back Country Trail

Orange Beach, Al 36561

Butterfly garden, rock climbing, biking, jogging, walking, wildlife, geocaching and more! Trail maps, locations and tour information available online. Visit us on Facebook for events.

(251) 981-1180 www.backcountrytrail.com

Birding Trails

Discover a variety of feathered visitors and yearround residents. Visit our website for a list of trails, convention centers and activities.

(251) 626-5474 www.alabamabirdingtrails.com

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

12295 State Highway 180 Gulf Shores, Al 36542

Brochures and maps available at trailhead kiosks and outside the refuge office. Visit our website for Facility openings and hours.

(251) 540-7720 www.fws.gov/refuge/Bon_Secour/

Colonial Fort Condé

150 South Royal Street Mobile, AL 36602

Explore the stories of Mobile’s past under French, British, Spanish and American rule at Colonial Fort Conde. Admission is included with admission into the History Museum of Mobile.

(251) 544-5480 www.historymuseumofmobile.com/ colonial-fort-conde/

Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail (Tours)

Mobile, AL

History comes alive on the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail! Tours enlighten Mobile’s culturally diverse heritage by linking historic contributions and events with significant locations.

(251) 725-2236 www.dffaaht.org

Environmental Studies Center

6101 Girby Road Mobile, AL 36693

The Environmental Studies Center is a natural sciences education facility designed to provide unique learning experiences to school children and the general population.

(251) 221-5000 www.mcpsesc.com/

Five Rivers Delta Resource Center

30945 Five Rivers Blvd Spanish Fort, Al 36527

5 Rivers is your gateway to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Open 7 days per week and free to the public, the facility features live animals and exhibits highlighting Alabama’s rich natural resources. (251) 625-0814 www.Alabama5Rivers.com

Flight Works Alabama

2000 Aerospace Dr Mobile, AL 36615

Explore dozens of interactive exhibits that trace the history of aviation, explain the science of flight, and place you in the pilot seat! Airbus tours, workshops, field trips, and more await you at FWA! (251) 512-2320 info@flightworksalabama.com www.flightworksalabama.com

Fort Gaines

51 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, AL 36528

Battle site of Battle of the Bay in 1864. See the battlements and soldiers’ living quarters, used from 1800’s-1946. Lots of fun for families and kids! (251) 861-6992 thefort@townofdauphinisland.org www.townofdauphinisland.org/

GulfQuest

155 South Water Street Mobile, AL 36602

With over 90 interactive exhibits, simulators, displays and theaters, GulfQuest is a place you’ll want to visit often.

(251) 436-8901 www.gulfquestmuseum.com

Historic Mobile Tours

Partake in an engaging and personalized tour of historic Mobile with your guide, L. Craig Roberts, Architect, AIA. Choose from three informative and interesting outings: $25/hr/person.

(251) 391-4411 lcraigroberts@aol.com www.lcraigroberts.com/tours

Meaher State Park

5200 Battleship Pkwy E Spanish Fort, AL 36527

Day-use, picnicking, camping hook-ups, boat ramp and fishing pier. Self-guided nature trails with boardwalk.

(251) 626-5529 www.alapark.com/Meaher-State-Park

Mobile Botanical Gardens

5151 Museum Drive Mobile, AL 36608

See in one place the largest collection of plants on the Gulf Coast, and learn about the diversity of our local plant and wildlife. Over one hundred acres of paved garden areas and woodland gardens and trails.

(251) 342-0555 www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org

Mobile Carnival Museum

355 Government Street Mobile , AL 36602

The Mobile Carnival Museum highlights the history of Mardi Gras. Immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of carnival.

(251) 432-3324 www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com

Phoenix Fire Museum

203 South Claiborne Street Mobile, AL 36602

The Museum is in the restored home of the Phoenix Volunteer Fire Company No. 6. and houses turn-of-the-century horse-drawn steam engines and early motorized vehicles. Open TuesdayFriday, 9:00 am -5:00 pm. Admission is free.

(251) 208-7508 www.museumofmobile.com/ phoenix-fire-museum

Secret History Tours

Mobile, AL 36602

Your guide will lead you at a relaxed pace, stopping at historic buildings, parks, and sites to share their Secret History!

(251) 752-9868 www.secrethistorytours.com

The Historic Oakleigh House

350 Oakleigh Place Mobile, AL 36604

Travel through time as you travel through one of Mobile’s oldest and grandest homes. Authentic period rooms allow you to experience Mobile’s history through the eyes of Oakleigh’s residents.

(251) 432-1281 www.historicoakleigh.com/

University of South Alabama

Archaeology Museum

6050 USA Drive South Mobile, AL 36688

The Archaeology Museum showcases artifacts from the Gulf Coast and covers over 12,000 years of prehistory and history.

(251) 460-6106 www.southalabama.edu/org/archaeology/museum

Nature Trails / Marine Ed & Environmental

Bicycling in Mobile

Enjoy the gorgeous southern Spring weather by pedaling your way through the city. Check out the new and improved bike-paths around town.

WildNative Tours - Gulf Shores/Orange Beach

4159 County Road 6 Gulf Shores, Al 36542

Guided Tour: the Dolphins & Wildlife Kayak

Experience

(251) 272-4088 www.wildnativetours.com

WildNative Tours - Spanish Fort

30841 Five Rivers Blvd Spanish Fort, AL 36527

Tours departing from The Battleship Causeway: Experience the Port, Bay and Delta on the Secretly Awesome Charter, Delta Wildlife Kayak Tour (251) 272-4088 www.wildnativetours.com

WildNative Tours - Stockton

8610 Rice Creek Road Stockton, AL 36579

Enjoy the thrill of exploring ancient cypress swamps in search of one HUGE Cypress – Alabama’s very own Champion Cypress. (251) 272-4088 www.wildnativetours.com

Plays and Performances

Azalea City Center for the Arts

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Super summer shows are coming your way from Sunny Side Theater. All productions are at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center at the University of South Alabama (5751 USA South Drive).

Drama Camp Show 1: June 15 at 7pm and June 16 at 10am

Rising Stars Show: June 22 at 7pm and June 23 at 1:30pm

Drama camp Show 2: June 29 at 7pm and June 30 at 10am

Glee Camp Concert: July 6 at 7pm

Drama Camp Show 3: July 13 at 7pm and July 14 at 10am

Godspell: July 21 at 5pm and 7pm (251) 510-1808 director@azaleacityarts.org www.azaleacityarts.org

Chickasaw Civic Theatre

801 Iroquois Street Mobile, AL 36611 (251) 457-8887 www.cctshows.com

Joe Jefferson Players

11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL 36606 (251) 471-1534 www.joejeffersonplayers.com/

Mobile Chamber Music (251) 633-8840 www.mobilechambermusic.org

Mobile Civic Center

401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL 36602

Located in Downtown Mobile, Alabama, the 400,000 square foot Mobile Civic Center showcases three facilities under one roof - an Arena, a Theater and an Exposition Hall.” (251) 208-7261 www.asmglobalmobile.com

Mobile Opera

257 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 432-6772 www.mobileopera.org

Mobile Pops www.themobilepops.com

Mobile Saenger Theatre

6 South Joachim Street Mobile , AL 36602 (251) 208-7778 www.asmglobalmobile.com

Mobile Symphony Orchestra (251) 432-2010 www.mobilesymphony.org

Saturdays at the Coop!

101 South Water Street Mobile , AL 36602

Live Musical Entertainment, Food Trucks, Vendors and more! 7pm-10pm. June 10-12Eleven (Pop/R&B), July 15-Princess in the Park Sing-aLong (Kids Day), August 12-Duane Bartel Band (Funk Rock), September 9- Honeydaze (Smooth

Vintage), October 14-Conjunto Tierra Linda (Latin Fest), November 11-Lex and the Luthers (Rock), December 9-Grits and Greens (Soul/Rock) www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events

The Pact Theatre Company

5025 Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, AL 36609 (251) 307-5056 www.thepactmobile.com

The Playhouse in the Park

4851 Museum Drive Mobile, AL 36608 (251) 602-0630 www.playhouseinthepark.org

University of Mobile Alabama School of Performing Arts

(251) 675-5990 www.asota.umobile.edu

University of South Alabama Laidlaw Performing Arts Center

5751 USA S Drive Mobile, AL 36688 (251) 460-6136 www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ music/laidlaw.html

Sports

Azalea City Golf Course

1000 Gaillard Drive Mobile, AL 36608 Azalea City Golf offers golf lessons for all golfers. We have various skill level lessons offered from the novice student to advanced lessons for more experienced golfers.

(251) 208-5150 www.azaleacitygolfcourse.com

City of Mobile Parks & Recreation

Classes offering arts, crafts, sports and much more. Visit www.cityofmobile.org/parks for more information.

(251) 208-1650 www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/

City of Mobile Swim Association

We offer training and practice groups for swimmers of all ages and ability levels. www.teamunify.com/team/cmsass/page/home

Cottage Hill Tennis Center

1711 Hillcrest Road Mobile, AL 36695

Ten-court facility. All lighted, all hard court. Professional instruction on-site.

(251) 666-9539 www.mobiletenniscenter.net/ contact/

Lyons Park Tennis Center

180 Lyons Pk. Ave. Mobile, AL 36603

Five-court, full-service facility. All lighted, all hard court. Professional instruction available.

(251) 694-1830 www.mobiletenniscenter.net/contact/

Mobile County Aquatic League

Summer fun... here we come! Don’t miss out, join a MCAL club today and start swimming! For leagues and meet information visit our website. www.mcalswimming.weebly.com

Mobile Tennis Center

851 Gaillard Drive Mobile, AL 36608

Mobile Tennis Center is one of the largest municipal tennis complex in U.S. with 60 Courts.

(251) 208-5181 www.mobiletenniscenter.net

Water Fun, Sailing, Cruises and Tours

Tropic Falls at OWA

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1501 S OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535

Tropic Falls is a combination unlike anything the Gulf Coast has ever seen before! Enjoy 23 rides

and attractions at the Tropic Falls Theme Park and explore a year-round tropical paradise in the Tropic Falls Indoor Waterpark with 75-foot-tall slides beneath a convertible glass roof. Just outside is the all-new wave pool, Big Water Bay, with surf simulator, Coastal Curl.

(251) 923-2111 www.visitowa.com/destinations/ tropic-falls-at-owa/

Airboat Adventures

3775 Battleship Pkwy Spanish Fort, AL 36527

Take an Adventure Ride with Airboat Adventures in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. Bring the kids, your family, and closest friends!

(251) 680-4477 www.airboatadventures.net

Airboat Express

3733 Battleship Parkway Spanish Fort, AL 36527

Take a tour with us and experience a treat for the Whole family! Please call for reservations 24 hours in advance.

(251) 370-7089 www.airboatexpress.com

Alabama State Lands Canoe Trails

30945 Five Rivers Blvd Spanish Fort, AL 36527

We offer canoeists and kayakers alike the ability to explore the State’s unique natural resources while providing paddlers with opportunities for both day and over-night trips.

(251) 625-0814 www.alabamacanoetrails.com

Bay City Tours

(251) 479-9970 www.baycityconventionsandtours.com/

Bienville Bites Food Tour

Guided, walking food tours through the historic streets of Mobile, Alabama.

(251) 622-4041 www.bienvillebitesfoodtour.com

City of Mobile Aquatics - Pools and Splash Pads

Various locations Mobile, ALOur Aquatics division provides four seasonal outdoor pools and five splash pads.

(251) 208-1631 www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/ aquatics/

Dauphin Island Marina

650 LeMoyne Drive Dauphin Island, AL 36528

Dauphin Island Marina is a full-service marina. We also charter fishing trips, cruises on the Duke, kayak rentals, souvenirs and other boating supplies.

(251) 861-2201 www.townofdauphinisland.org/ things-to-do/dauphin-island-marina

Delta Explorer Boat Cruises

34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL 36527

Explore the areas natural habitat including Delta adventure cruise, Port of Mobile cruise, Civil War on the Eastern Shore, lunch and sunset cruises. Book your adventure online at Blakeleypark.com/ Cruises.

(251) 626-0798 www.Blakeleypark.com/Cruises

Mobile Bay Ferry

The Mobile Bay Ferry connects two of the Gulf Coast’s most beautiful and historic landmarks with a safe and scenic experience.

(251) 861-3000 www.mobilebayferry.com

Mobile Kayak Rental Company

2459 Dog River Dr. Mobile, AL 36604

Mobile Kayak Rental offers offers Kayak Paddling to Adults, Small Children and Youth. Daily group & family kayak & fishing rentals.

(251) 786-2902 mobilekayakrentalcompany.com/

Mobile Sailing School

4295 Marina Drive North Mobile, AL 36605

The Mobile Bay Sailing School, has been teaching sailing and basic seamanship skills to kids between the ages of 8 and 18 since 1982.

(251) 709-4102 www.mobilebaysailingschool.com

Perdido Queen Cruises

1 South Water Street Mobile, AL 36602

Cruise Mobile aboard our authentic Riverboat, The Perdido Queen Paddlewheeler! Enjoy stunning sunset and city lights views with dining and live entertainment.

(251) 948-6611 www.perdidoqueen.com

Saraland Splash Pad

706 Saraland Blvd S Saraland, AL 36571

Splash pad, visit website for hours. www.saraland.org

Satsuma Splash Pad

Satsuma, AL 36572

Splash pad, visit website for hours.

(251) 675-1440 www.facebook.com/satsuma splashpad/

Semmes Splash Pad

3940 Illinois Street Semmes, AL 36575

Splash pad, visit website for hours.

(251) 649-5752 www.cityofsemmesal.gov/departments/parks-recreation/splash-pad/

Waterville USA

906 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Waterville USA offers you 20-acres of fun through our waterpark, amusement park and escape rooms.

(251) 948-2106 www.watervilleusa.com MBP

Spring Hill Baptist

2 McGregor Avenue South Mobile, 36608

Dates: June 4-7, 2023 Times: 5:30pm-8:00pm

Ages: Completed 4K-6th grade

Theme: Stellar: Shine Jesus Light (251) 342-5320 eholloway@shbc.cc www.shbc.cc

Cottage Hill Baptist Church

4255 Cottage Hill Road Mobile, 36609

Dates: June 5 -8, 2023 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm

Ages: Upcoming K – 4th Grader, and preteens. Preteens will have their own separate Summer Jam experience.

Theme: Ready, Set, Move - Summer Jam 2023

We are so excited about our annual SUMMER JAM event! We take VBS to the next level this week every Summer and you don’t want your kids to miss out on this time! Games, Crafts, Worship, Bible Teaching, and FUN! Online Registration is open from April 2nd – May 31st. After May 31st, we will take in-person registrations at our Cottage Hill Church campus. (251) 660-2439 carriew@cottagehill.org www.cottagehill.org/summer-jam

Ashland Place United Methodist Church

15 Wisteria Avenue Mobile, 36607

Dates: June 5-8, 2023 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm

Ages: PK - 6th Grade Theme: Babylon

Registration: https://www.apumc.com/vbs/

(251) 478-6356 www.apumc.com

Redemption Church-West Campus

879 Snow Road N Mobile, 36608

Dates: June 5-8, 2023 Times: 5:30pm-8:00pm

Ages: Completed K5-5th Grade

Theme: Twists & Turns

Spin the spinner, beat the clock, skip ahead, level up, and play to win! You’ll need to bring your Agame for this VBS. Twists & Turns is a fantastical celebration of games of all kinds. From classic tabletop games to video games and more, kids will play their way through VBS while learning

that Jesus guides them through all the twists and turns of their lives. They’ll find that even when they mess up it’s never “game over.” Register at GoRedemption.com/events

(251) 679-3266 www.goredemptionkids.com

Dauphin Way Baptist VBS

3661 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36608

Dates: June 5-9, 2023 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm; SMAC 12pm-3pm Ages: Completed K4-6th Grade

Theme: Twists and Turns

Twists and Turns VBS Is a Fantastical Celebration of How Following Jesus Changes the Game. Uncover the Truth about Jesus.

(251) 342-3456 liesl@dwbc.org www.dwbc.org

Grace Community Church

7120 Airport Blvd Mobile, 36608

Dates: June 5-9, 2023 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm

Ages: 4 years - 6th grade

Theme: Summer Seaquest

Come set sail with us for Summer Seaquest, a high seas VBS venture! Dive deep into the adventure-filled book of Jonah and meet the Sovereign God who saves!

(251) 345-3303 www.gracemobile.org

Snow Road Missionary Baptist

809 Snow Road North, Mobile, AL 36608

Dates: June 5-9, 2023 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm

Ages: 4 years - 12th grade

Theme: Jesus is my Rescuer

(251) 649-0030 www.facebook.com/SnowRoadMissionaryBaptistChurch/

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

1020 Azalea Road Mobile, 36693

Dates: June 5-9, 2023 Times: 8:30am-12:00pm

Ages: K4-5th Grade

Theme: Stellar: Shine Jesus’ Light

Come enjoy arts and crafts, science labs, music, Bible Story time, snacks, recreation time, dancing, and fun, with us as we learn to shine Jesus’ light.

(251) 666-2990 church@stlukesmobile.org

www.stlukesepiscopalchurch.org

Redemption Church-North Campus

1251 Industrial Parkway Saraland, 36571

Dates: June 5–8, 2023 Times: 5:30pm–8:00pm

Ages: Completed K5-5th Grade

Theme: Twists & Turns

Spin the spinner, beat the clock, skip ahead, level up, and play to win! You’ll need to bring your Agame for this VBS. Twists & Turns is a fantastical celebration of games of all kinds. From classic tabletop games to video games and more, kids will play their way through VBS while learning that Jesus guides them through all the twists and turns of their lives.

(251) 679-3266 amandas@goredemption.com www.goredemptionkids.com

Government Street Baptist Church

3401 Government Boulevard, Mobile, 36693

Dates: June 5–9, 2023 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm

Ages: Completed K5 - 5th Grade

Theme: Stellar: Shine Jesus Light

At Stellar VBS, kids explore how Jesus shined hope, love, forgiveness, and joy to the world – and how we can do the same with His power! You can expect a full week of faith discoveries, memorable music, and epic adventures that help kids grow in friendship with Jesus!

(251) 660-7444 governmentstreetbaptist@gmail.com www.governmentstreet.org

Lighthouse Baptist Church

6905 Nan Gray Davis Road Theodore, 36582

Dates: June 11-14, 2023 Times: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Ages: K3-6th Grade Theme: Zoomerang VBS

Join us for an exciting week of VBS as we venture through the outback and discover the value of life!

(251) 653-6542 www.lbctheodore.com

Orchard Assembly of God

10244 Howells Ferry Rd Semmes, 36575

Dates: June 11-14, 2023 Times: 6:00pm - 8:00 pm Ages: PK-6th grade Theme: Rocky Railway Pre register at orchardassembly.com/events.

(251) 649-7710 www.orchardassembly.com

Covenant Presbyterian Church

2651 Spring Hill Avenue Mobile, 36607

Dates: June 12-15, 2023 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm

Ages: Ages 3 (must be potty trained) - rising 4th grade Theme: Faith Expedition – God’s Treasure

Revealed

(251) 298-7055 marty@covenantpresmobile.org www.covenantpresmobile.org

Woodridge Baptist Church

2700 Schillinger Road Mobile, 36695

Dates: June 12-15, 2023 Times: 8:30am12:00pm Ages: Completed K5- 5th Grade

Theme: Twists & Turns (251) 633-6000 www.wbcmobile.com

Church of the Island

901 Chaumont Avenue Dauphin Island, 36528

Dates: June 19-22, 2023

Times: 8:15am-12:00pm

Ages: Completed K – 5th grade

Theme: Ready, Set, Move - Summer Jam 2023 (251) 660-2422 esisson@cottagehill.org www.churchoftheisland.com

Dauphin Way United

Methodist Church

1507 Dauphin Street Mobile, 36604

Dates: June 19-22, 2023 Times: 8:00am-12:00pm

Ages: PK-6th Grade Theme: I Wonder

From the mountains to the planets, everything God makes is wonderful.We are God’s creation and He has created each of us with our own unique gifts to glorify Him. Bring your kids by this summer to walk through the wonders of this world and explore how they are wonderfully made.We will learn how to use these gifts through Jesus and friends’ teachings. (251) 471-1511 dwumcvbs@gmail.com www.dauphinwayumc.org

Spring Hill Presbyterian Church

10 Westminster Way Mobile, 36608

Dates: June 19-22, 2023 Times: 9:00am-11:30am

Ages: 4 years - 10 years Theme: Passport to Peace

Join us as we learn about how to be peacemakers through music, Bible stories, art, and movement. Sign-up on our website by June 1. (251) 342-1550 anna@shpc.us www.shpc.us

Bayou Sara Baptist Church

12 Bayou Sara Avenue Saraland, 36571

Dates: June 19-23, 2023

Times: 6:00pm-8:30pm

Theme: Twists and Turns (251) 675-1770 bsbcsecretary@comcast.net www.bayousarabaptist.org

Corpus Christi Catholic Church

6300 McKenna Drive Mobile, 36608

Dates: June 19-23, 2023

Times: 8:30am - 12:00pm Ages: K4 - 5th Grade (Campers) Middle School (Crew Leaders)

Theme: Stellar

Kids will go on a cosmic quest where they’ll have a blast shining Jesus’ light to the world. Stellar rockets kids on an out-of-this-world adventure that’s light years of faith-building fun. Cost is $50 per camper / cap at $100 for family (251) 342-1852 pstoyka@ccscatholic.com www.corpuschristiparish.com

Government Street Presbyterian

300 Government Street Mobile, 36602

Dates: June 19-23, 2023 Times: 9:30am-12:30pm

Ages: 3 years old - 5th grade (251) 432-1749 www.gspcmobile.org

St. Dominic Catholic Parish and School

4156 Burma Road Mobile, 36693

Dates: June 19-23, 2023 Times: 8:45am-12:00pm

Ages: 3 years (fully potty trained) - 10 years

Theme: Stellar Shine Jesus’ Light

Through the use of music, drama, games and snacks, participants and volunteers will learn what it means to shine Jesus’ light in their everyday life.

(251) 661-5130 bchristian@stdomincmobile.org www.stdominicmobile.org

First Baptist Church of Dawes

3941 Dawes Road Mobile, 36695

Dates: June 25-29, 2023 Times: 6:00pm-8:30pm

Ages: Completed 5K-5th grade

Theme: Twists & Turns (251) 633-7331 fbcd.amyk@outlook.com www.firstbaptistdawes.com/

West Mobile Baptist

7501 Airport Boulevard Mobile, 36608

Dates: June 25-29, 2023

Times: 6:00pm-8:30pm Ages: 4 years by June 25th – Just finished 6th grade Theme: Stellar Come join us for a STELLAR week as we learn to SHINE JESUS’ LIGHT! Registration: https:// vbspro.events/p/6a19e0 (251) 639-9952 www.wemochurch.org

Christ United Methodist Church

6101 Grelot Road Mobile, 36609

Dates: June 26-29, 2023 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm

Ages: Age 3 by September 1, 2022 - Completed 5th Grade (2022 - 2023 school year)

Theme: Stellar Shine Jesus’ Light (Cosmic Quest) Join us as we shine a light on Jesus’ love. Launch kids on a cosmic quest where they’ll have a blast shining Jesus’ light on the world. Stellar rockets kids on an out-of-this-world adventure that’s light years of faith building fun. Register by June 16 to guarantee a t-shirt. Early Bird Cost per Child: $15 until Monday, May 31, Cost per Child: $20 after Monday, May 31 (251) 342-0462 susan.guillotte@christunited.com www.christunited.com/vbs

3 Circle Church

150 S Sage Ave Mobile, 36606

Dates: June 26-30, 2023 Times: 5:30pm-7:30pm

Ages: 4 years - 5th grade Theme: Lift Off: A Journey Into the Greatness of God (251) 990-3112 www.3CircleChurch.com/camp

Emmanuel Baptist Church

5601 Zeigler Blvd, Mobile, AL 36608

Dates: June 26-30, 2023 Times: 9:00am–12:00pm

Ages: K-6th grade

Theme: Twists and Turns (251) 344-2140 www.emmanuelmobile.com

First Baptist Tillmans Corner

5660 Three Notch Road Mobile, 36619

Dates: June 26-30, 2023 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm

Ages: Completed K-6th grade

Theme: Twists and Turns

VBS Family Night & Fireworks-July 2 (251) 661-0114 www.fbtc.org/vbs/

Mt. Hebron Church Ministries

2501 East Service Road North Mobile, 36617

Dates: June 26-30, 2023 Times: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Ages: 2 years old-Adult

Theme: Adventure Through Music, Bible Stories, Crafts, and Recreation.

(251) 457-9900 info@mthebroncm.org

www.mthebroncm.org

St. Mark United Methodist Church

439 Azalea Road, Mobile, AL 36609

Dates: June 26-30, 2023 Times: 9:30am-12:00pm

Ages: 4 years - 5th grade

Theme: Stellar VBS

(251) 342-5861 www.stmarkmobile.com

Shiloh Baptist Church

717 Cleveland Rd Saraland, 36571

Dates: June 26-30, 2023 Times: 6:00pm-8:30pm

Ages: Completed K5-5th grade

Theme: Answers in Genesis , Keepers of the Kingdom (Armor of God)

(251) 675-3587 shilohbapt.kids@gmail.com

www.shilohsaraland.com/

Snow Road First Baptist

2370 Snow Road North Semmes, 36575

Dates: June 26-30, 2023 Times: 6:00pm-8:30pm

Ages: 4 years old - 6th grade

Theme: Twists and Turns

Spin the spinner, beat the clock, skip ahead, level up, and play to win! You’ll need to bring your Agame for this VBS. Twists & Turns is a fantastical celebration of games of all kinds. From classic tabletop games to video games and more, kids will play their way through VBS while learning that Jesus guides them through all the twists and turns of their lives. They’ll find that even when they mess up it’s never game over. Light Dinner served every night!

(251) 649-7722 carolina@srfbc.com

www.srfbc.com

St. Ignatius Catholic Church

3704 Springhill Avenue Mobile, 36608

Dates: June 26-30, 2023 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm

Ages: PK4-rising 4th Grade

Theme: God’s Dream For You

Drift off into the DREAMS of the prophets of old, which unveil. God’s Love and FAITHFULNESS foretold! So be BOLD and dream BIG for soon you will see—Just how big GOD’S DREAM FOR YOU can be. Drop off to the St. Ignatius Gym.

(251) 605-1384 defalcob@stignatius.org

www.stignatiusmobile.org

Little Flower Catholic Church

2053 Government Street Mobile, 36606

Dates: June 26-30, 2023 Times: 8:00am-12:00pm

Ages: K-5th Grade Theme: Stellar

(251) 478-3381 www.littleflower.cc

Praise Family Church

2605 Dawes Road Mobile, 36695

Dates: July 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

Times: 9:00am-12:00pm Ages: 6 yrs–5th grade Theme: Ready, Set, Move! Follow Jesus here, there, and everywhere!

This year, we will be doing a blend between a day camp and a traditional VBS. Embrace your inner explorer as we venture out to different locations (for example: the skating rink, the park, etc). We will also give your child an opportunity to have a meaningful experience with Jesus during our time together through games, worship, and lessons.

(251) 639-1959 lturner@praisefamily.org

www.praisefamily.church

City Hope Church

4693 Airport Boulevard Mobile, 36608

Dates: July 17–20, 2023 Times: 9:00am-12:00pm

Ages: 3 years - rising 3rd Grade

Theme: CityHope Church’s Camp Jr

(251) 626-0123 www.cityhope.cc/camp

FamilyCalendar

Friday June 2

Local History Lunchtime Lecture at Main Library

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Come delve into local people, places and events that shaped Mobile into what it is today. Join us each month for a different guest lecturer. Join Cart Blackwell this Friday for his presentation, “From Boom to Boom: Mobile’s Cultural Renascences of 1900s-1960s.” www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Saturday June 3

Living History Crew Drill

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Pkwy Mobile, AL, 36602 Come see history come to life with our WWII historical reenactors. Activities, demonstrations and meet and greets. Be on the deck of the USS ALABAMA at 1:00 p.m. for the call to battle stations. 251-433-2703 www.ussalabama.com

Mobile Bay and the Eastern Shore Cruise

9:00 AM Bartram Landing at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30841 Five Rivers Blvd Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Experience a unique look at beautiful Mobile Bay and the scenic Eastern Shore on this relaxing voyage past the charming towns of Spanish Fort, Daphne, Montrose, and Fairhope and down to the historic Middle Bay Lighthouse. www.blakeleypark.com/Things-to-Do/Events

Summer Library Celebration Kickoff

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us as we kick off our Summer Library Celebration and celebrate our community with fun activities, music and much more! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Tuesday June 6

Summer Kickoff All Together Now-Teens

6:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Celebrate summer & our community with activities, music & more! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Wednesday June 7

Prince Tribute Celebration ($50-$125)

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Cooper Riverside Park, Mobile, AL, 36602 Come out and help paint Mobile purple on June 7, 2023, as we welcome “America’s #1 Prince experience band” to Cooper Riverside Park for the City of Mobile’s largest concert event of the summer. https://www.eventbrite.com/

Friday June 9

Roll Mobile 2023

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Bienville Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 Once again, we’re closing off the streets and turning Bienville Square into a giant roller rink from 6-9pm! We’ll have lights, a live DJ, and even more Roll Mobile merch for sale. www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events/roll-mobile-2023

Joe Jefferson Players presents: Company

7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents: Company www.joejeffersonplayers.com

Mad Scientist Club

Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 McGregor Ave Mobile, AL, 36608 Join us for an exciting science experiment. 251-494-4140 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Saturday June 10

Bunny Hop Meet + Greet

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, B&B Pet Stop, 5035 Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Bring your pet to the “Bunny Hop” – a fun and educational PARTY for bunnies.

United Way Day

Various locations Mobile, AL By shopping at participating merchants on United Way Day, customers not only support local businesses but also help increase their donations to UWSWA.

https://uwswa.org/united-way-day/

Summer Makers Market

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Dr Mobile, AL, 36608 Summer Makers Market- come enjoy local shopping, live music, and food trucks.

https://www.mobilemuseumofart.com/

Masquerade Ball

6:00 PM Daphne Civic Center, 2603 US-98 Daphne, AL, 36526 Our event invites you to “mask out” cancer for one night by celebrating local cancer survivors and those still fighting. This year’s summer event will boast great music, food, drink, and a silent auction and always-entertaining live auction. https://anchorcrossfoundation.org/masquerade-ball/

Joe Jefferson Players presents: Company

7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 www.joejeffersonplayers.com

Sunday June 11

Joe Jefferson Players presents: Company

2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 www.joejeffersonplayers.com

Summer Celebration

Fundraiser

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Bring your family and come support The Playhouse in the Park. Enjoy Heavy Hors d’oeuvres, Silent Auction and Entertainment! http://playhouseinthepark.org/

Monday June 12

Create! Play! Learn!

10:00 AM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Develop skills needed at school. Wear clothes that can get messy 251-340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

All Together Now: Vine & Cheese Taste

Test Storytime

2:30 PM Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Participants will taste international cheeses with grape juice. Ages 6-15 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Pajama Party Night

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Party with movies, themed activities and snacks! Ages 7-11 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Tuesday June 13

Book Wizards Book Club: Special on the Holocaust

4:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 An instructor from the Alabama Contemporary Art Center will present a lesson on

expressing emotion through art, and participants will create an art piece while they listen to The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank audiobook. http://www.mobilepubliclibrary.org/

Thursday June 15

Teen Crafternoon: Resin Art

3:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us in the Teen Hangout area at Main to craft with resin. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Juneteenth: From Freedom to Liberation

6:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Join our speaker and panel as they discuss the relevancy and importance of Juneteenth. www.MobileParksandRec.org

Friday June 16

Joe Jefferson Players presents: Company

7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 www.joejeffersonplayers.com

Saturday June 17

Juneteenth Community Health Health Fair

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, James M. Seals Jr Community Center, 540 Texas Street Mobile, AL, 36603 A day of education, community resources, fitness activities, and entertainment. All of these components will focus on fostering healthier lifestyles, spirits, minds, and bodies for the black community.

Africatown Bridge Challenge 5K and Fun Run

9:30 AM 645 Shelby St Mobile, AL, 36610 A 5K run/ walk over the CochraneAfricatown Bridge above the Mobile River. Event includes a 5K, a fun run, and a postrace celebration. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/africatown-bridgechallenge-5k-and-fun-run-tickets-603942527357

Arty Party

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Ages 5-11 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Team Game Day

11:00 AM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 A fun filled hour of relays and other fun team games 251-340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Joe Jefferson Players presents: Company

7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 www.joejeffersonplayers.com

Kyser Miree Fishing Tournament

Various locations, Anglers may launch and fish anywhere but must weigh fish at the official weigh stations. All proceeds benefit Wilmer Hall. wilmerhall.org/kyser

Sunday June 18

Joe Jefferson Players presents: Company

2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents: Company www.joejeffersonplayers.com

FamilyCalendar

Monday June 19

Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim St Mobile, AL, 36602 https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/

Juneteenth: From Freedom to Liberation Hope Community Center, 850 Edwards Street Mobile, AL, 36610 Celebrate moving from Freedom to Liberation this Juneteenth at Hope Community Center where the performance group MOYA brings Africa to you through creative song, dance, drums, storytelling, and audience interaction. There will also be a DJ, a living wax museum, and more. www.MobileParksandRec.org

Tuesday June 20

Great Movie Adventure

1:00 PM Virginia Dillard Smith/Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Rd Mobile, AL, 36617 Join us for movies and snacks.

251-494-4982 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Teen Novel Book Discussion on They Called Us Enemy

3:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 The book details Takei’s childhood imprisoned in American concentration camps for Japanese during World War II. We invite teens to register and pick up a free copy of the book a month ahead of the discussion. Registration is required. http://www.mobilepubliclibrary.org/

Battleship Bash: USS Alabama

West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Park presenters share a little history, a little science and a lot of fun! Times: 9:30am, 11:00am

251-340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Wednesday June 21

Library Price is Right

10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Guess the prices of retail items. Six participants will be selected from the audience. The winner gets a bonus prize! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Distinguished Young Women Community Night

6:00 PM Civic Center Theatre, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 Attendees will get a sneak peek at the Distinguished Young Women Class of 2022 as they perform selections from the 65th National Finals Program. Community Night is open to the public and tickets may be purchased at the door. 251-438-3621 www.distinguishedyw.org

Thursday June 22

Library Price is Right

10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Guess the prices of retail items. Six participants will be selected from the audience. The winner gets a bonus prize! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Sweet Home Soirée Mobile

5:30 PM Country Club of Mobile, Mobile, AL, 36608

The Presbyterian Home for Children is hosting its signature gala, Sweet Home Soirée Mobile, on June 22 at the Country Club in Mobile. The Soirée will feature a plated dinner, live music, silent auction and live auction.

256-362-8284 https://phfc.org/

Distinguished Young Women First Preliminary

7:00 PM Civic Center Theatre, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 The Distinguished Young Women Class of 2023 will compete in the categories of scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression. 251-438-3621 www.distinguishedyw.org

Friday June 23

Art with Friends

9:30 AM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Art with Friends 251-340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Art Lab

10:00 AM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 McGregor Ave Mobile, AL, 36608 Get your creativity flowing and join us to create a work of art 251-494-4140 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Distinguished Young Women Second Preliminary

7:00 PM Civic Center Theatre, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 The Distinguished Young Women

Class of 2023 will compete in the categories of scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression. 251-438-3621 www.distinguishedyw.org

Joe Jefferson Players presents: Company

7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents: Company www.joejeffersonplayers.com

Saturday June 24

100 Alabama Miles Local Kickoff

8:30 AM Historic Blakeley State Park, 34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Blakeley’s event will feature a 2 mile-hike along a portion of our incrediblypreserved Civil War battlefield guided by park staff. Participants will receive a free commemorative t-shirt while supplies last www.blakeleypark.com/Things-to-Do/Events

Southern Star Search and Rescue Instruction Program for Kids

10:00 AM Historic Blakeley State Park, 34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Blakeley is a partner with Southern Star Search & Rescue, a non-profit volunteer organization and member of the Alabama Association of Rescue Squads (AARS). SoS-SAR provides trained search personnel and Search K9’s to law enforcement, fire & rescue squads, and other agencies in our region to assist in finding missing persons. During this special program, children will be introduced to a few of the basic survival techniques that could mean life or death in the unfortunate event they became lost in the outdoors.

www.blakeleypark.com/Things-to-Do/Events

Distinguished Young Women

66th Annual National Finals

7:00 PM Civic Center Theatre, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, AL, 36602 The Distinguished Young Women Class of 2023 will compete in the categories of scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and selfexpression.

251-438-3621 www.distinguishedyw.org

FamilyCalendar

Family Fun Day

9:00 AM Mobile Flea Market, 401 Schillinger Rd N Mobile, AL, 36608 Join Mobile Flea Market on June 24th for Family Fun Day. We will have a face painter, bounce house, cold treats, giveaways, and more! There will be Summer fun for all ages to enjoy during Family Fun Day.

Joe Jefferson Players presents: Company

7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents: Company www.joejeffersonplayers.com

Southern Momma & Friends

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim St Mobile, AL, 36602 Bang Productions presents the Southern Momma & Friends Comedy Tour featuring Comedians Red Squirrel and Gary Cargal hosted by Robin Phoenix. https://www.asmglobalmobile.com/

Annual Kids Fishing Tournament

Perkins Hurricane Landing, 7060 Hurricane Rd Bay Minette, AL, 36507 Bait your hooks, reel em’ in, bring em’ to the scales and have tons of fun! Children ranging in age from 3 to 14 will compete in age groups https://allevents.in/bay%20minette/annual-kidsfishing-tournament/200022127766515

Sunday June 25

Joe Jefferson Players presents: Company

2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players presents: Company www.joejeffersonplayers.com

Dauphin Island Sunset Concert

6:00 PM Dauphin Island, AL www.townofdauphinisland.org

Monday June 26

Friends Rock: Friendship Bracelets

2:00 PM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Friends Rock: Friendship Bracelets 251-340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Tuesday June 27

Pressed Flower Art Workshop

10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Age: teens www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Fire Safety Day WITH Mobile Fire Department

1:00 PM Virginia Dillard Smith/Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Rd Mobile, AL, 36617 Learn about fire safety and see a fire truck up close. 251-494-4982 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Friday June 30

2023 Ozanam’s Jazz Extravaganza

6:00 PM The Grand Hall, 3556 Halls Mill Road Mobile, AL, 36693 Dance, dine and mingle to the sounds of Jarvis Wright & Keep It Live, Gabby Merz & The Swing Band. Enjoy delectable dishes and drinks – free food and open bar. Support our Mission and leave with something great from our Silent Auction, Raffle and Wine Pull. All proceeds benefit Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy’s mission of providing free medicine to uninsured patients in Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia and Washington Counties. http://ozanampharmacy.org/

Monday July 3

Black Bag Storytime with Dr. Clavicle

10:00 AM Saraland Public Library, 111 Saraland Loop Saraland, AL, 36571 Learn the purpose of medical instruments and how to keep healthy 251-675-2879 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Fire Safety with Semmes Fire & Rescue Dept

1:00 PM Semmes Regional Library, 9150 Moffett Road Semmes, AL, 36575 After the safety presentation, kids will see and touch a fire truck. Ages 6-11. 251-494-4935 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Grand Bay Watermelon Festival

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Grand Bay Odd Fellows Festival Park, 10327 Taylor F. Harper Grand Bay, AL, 36541 The Grand Bay Watermelon Festival is open on July 3rd from 3 to 7 pm and on July 4th from 10 am to 6 pm. An annual family fun event with all the free, sliced, ice cold watermelon you can eat but only on the 4th. We will have vendors, rides and entertainment. grandbaywatermelonfestival.org/

Battleship Bash: USS Alabama

3:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 McGregor Ave Mobile, AL, 36608 Ages 6-11, Park presenters share a little history, a little science & a lot of fun. 251-494-4140 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Tuesday July 4

4th of July Celebration 2023

4:00 PM - 9:30 PM, andRec.org

Mobile Pops 4th of July Concert

7:00 PM USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Pkwy Mobile, AL, 36602 The concert will include patriotic favorites, military marches, contemporary scores and more. Admission is free. 251-433-2703 www.ussalabama.com

Thursday July 6

Mobile’s Got Talent! Talent Show

10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Registration required, but all are welcome to cheer and show their support. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Saturday July 8

Camp Connect Mobile

10:00 AM Mobile Carnival Museum, Mobile, AL, 36602 Camp Connect is a free, healing bereavement day camp for children ages 6–17 who have suffered a loss or those who have a terminally-ill loved one. http://app.campdoc.com/register/campconnect.

Thursday July 13 & 14

The Pact Theatre presents “Mean Girls: The Musical”

7:30 PM The Pact Theatre, 5025 Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 thepactmobile.com/legally-blonde/

Saturday July 15

The Pact Theatre presents “Mean Girls: The Musical”

2:00 PM The Pact Theatre, 5025 Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 The Pact Theatre presents “Mean Girls: The Musical” thepactmobile.com/legally-blonde/

Kids Day: July 2023

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Mardi Gras Park, 109 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Kids Day and Saturdays at the Coop Concert Series team up for Princesses in the Park sing-alongs, stories, dancing, games and so much more.

https://www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events/kidsday-july-2023

Various days in June and July

Summer Reading Events

Join Us for a Great Summer. Fun programs for all ages with special performances. June 5-8: Deborah Ferguson: The Dancing Story Lady, June 12-15: Excelsior Band, June 20-22: Librarian’s Special, June 26-29: Wayne Curtis and the Mobile Alabama Africatown Drummers, July 3-6: Librarian’s Special, July 10-13: Mobile Environmental Studies Center’s Wildlife of Mobile Road Show, July 17-20: Puppets N’ Banjos with David Stephens and July 24-27: Juggler Ron Anglin. Visit http://slc.mobilepubliclibrary.org/ for schedule. http://slc.mobilepubliclibrary.org/

Every Monday in June

“All Together Now” Film Series

10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Watch movies where characters work together to achieve a common goal www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Monday

Family Fun Storytime

10:00 AM Virginia Dillard Smith/Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Rd Mobile, AL, 36617 251-494-4982 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Mystery Monday

3:00 PM Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Scavenger hunts, LEGO challenges, movies, puzzles & more. Ages 3-18 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Chess Club

4:00 PM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Join us every Monday to learn the game or improve your skill at the game of chess! Playing chess improves concentration and problemsolving skills. This program is designed or for children and teens ages 12-18, but children of all ages are welcome.

(251) 340-1588 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Tuesday

Together is Fun Good Listener’s Storytime

10:00 AM Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Storytime - Ages 3-8 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Science Sprouts

10:30 AM Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Theater, 65 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Science Sprouts: A Health and Nutrition class for our growing scientist! Every Tuesday from 10:30-11:00 a.m. in the iHealthy lab with Ms. Savannah. Included in General Admission. Free for Exploreum members. www.exploreum.com

Read and Play Storytime

10:00 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us in Bernheim Hall for a socially distant storytime event. Masks are required.

FamilyCalendar

Children enjoy 20 minutes of books, songs, manipulatives, and rhymes, with an emphasis on repetition for their developing minds. Story and book time is followed by a time of free play with a sensory activity. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Tuesday (June 6, 13, 20, 27 & July 11, 18, 25)

Tuesday Time Out Storytime

11:00 AM Grand Bay Library, 10329 Freeland Ave Grand Bay, AL, 36541 Storytime for ages 0-5 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Wednesday

Good Listener Storytime

10:00 AM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 McGregor Ave Mobile, AL, 36608 Storytime

251-494-4140 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Preschooler Storytime

10:30 AM Saraland Public Library, 111 Saraland Loop Saraland, AL, 36571 Preschooler Storytime 251-675-2879 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Good Listener Storytime at Semmes

10:30 AM Semmes Regional Library, 9150 Moffett Road Semmes, AL, 36575 Join us for stories, songs, and dances! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Teen Anime Hangout at Ben May Main Library

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us upstairs at the Ben May Main Library Teen Hangout to enjoy anime, video games, and snacks. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM, Theodore Oaks, 5808 US-90 West E Theodore, AL Join us for stories and songs and lots of fun! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Wednesday and Thursday

Read and Sign (ASL) Storytime at West Regional Library

11:00 AM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Join us in the Meeting Room for books, songs, sign language and for ages 3 - 5! 251-340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Shake, Rattle, & Read Storytime at West Regional Library

10:00 AM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 Join us in the Meeting Room every Wednesday and Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. for this storytime program designed for infants and children up to age three. Help stimulate their early literacy skills and enjoy meeting other parents! 251-340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Second Wednesday

Learning Lunch (Free) 12:00 PM History Museum of Mobile, 111 S Royal Street Mobile, AL, 36602 This series allows guests to enjoy free presentations on a wide range of historical and cultural topics. Admission is free. Bring your lunch and enjoy complimentary beverages. 251-208-7569 www.historymuseumofmobile.com

Every other

Wednesday

Sign It Your Way and More

2:00 PM Semmes Regional Library, 9150 Moffett Road Semmes, AL, 36575 Create sign language arts & crafts, or try scavenger hunts, games & more. Ages 6-14 251-494-4935 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Thursday

Chess Club

4:00 PM Semmes Regional Library, 9150 Moffett Road Semmes, AL, 36575 Semmes Regional Library Chess Club is designed for children and teens ages 6 - 18. Playing chess improves concentration and problemsolving skills. No experience is necessary www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Throwdown Thursday - Video and Board Games for Teens at West

3:30 PM West Regional Public Library, 5555 Grelot Rd Mobile, AL, 36609 This is a laid-back meetup to unwind playing games with other teens. We will have various board games, nintendo switch, playstation and xbox games for multiplayer matchups that include various genres - puzzle, racing, fighting, shooting, and open-world-type games. Sometimes there will also be additional activities like 3d pens and fuse beads for expressing your creative side! 251-340-8571 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Thursdays in June and July

Art Voyage Thursday

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Semmes Regional Library, 9150 Moffett Road Semmes, AL, 36575 Join us in a fantastical art journey around the world as we explore different cultures each week and create fun, one-of- kind art forms. Registration is recommended! For more information, please email Ms. Lee at jlee@mplonline. org or call (251) 494-4935. 251-494-4935 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Everything and more Crafts and Games Day

2:30 PM Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Quick simple crafts for young and old. Participants can work with a partner or individually. We will also work all together to create paper quilts; a kindness craft; and more. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Racing to Read Storytime

3:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St Mobile, AL, 36602 Practice investigation, decisionmaking, cooperation, persistence, and problem solving. Wear clothes that can get messy. Ages 3-5 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Thursday (June 8, 15, 22 & July 6, 13, 20)

Create it, Build it, Play it! at Grand Bay 4:00 PM Grand Bay Library, 10329 Freeland Ave Grand Bay, AL, 36541 Join us in the Meeting Room for some fun with crafts and activities! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Friday

Little Explorers

10:30 AM Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Theater, 65 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Exploring the world one tiny step at a time. Every Friday from 10:30-11:00 am in the Nature Pavilion and the Moorer Courtyard with Ms. Charise. www.exploreum.com

Every Second Friday

LoDA Artwalk

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL, 36602 Celebrating the arts in downtown Mobile!

Explore this free monthly showcase of visual and performing arts.

www.mobilearts.org/art-walk/

Every Saturday thru July 8

Market in the Park: Spring 2023

7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, Mobile, AL, 36602 Shop locally grown, locally produced and handmade items all while listening to live entertainment.

https://www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events/ market-in-the-park-spring-2023

Every Saturday

Saturday Science

10:30 AM - 2:30 PM, Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Theater, 65 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us for Saturday Science! Demonstrations will be shown in our various Lab and Headquarters throughout the day. www.exploreum.com

Saturday Crafternoon

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM, Theodore Oaks, 5808 US-90 West E Theodore, AL, 36582 This two-day event is at historic Fort Gaines. Saturday will be the Battle of Mobile Bay reenactment & surrender ceremony, and Sunday will feature a Tactical www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Every Third Saturday

WeMo Market

4:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Redbar Espresso & Market, 7681 Old Shell Road Mobile, AL, 36608 Join us for this fun event with 40+ Vendors, sunset yoga, music, and more. Third Saturdays from 4pm-9pm. https://www.facebook.com/RedBarEspresso

Every Second Saturday

Saturdays at the Coop 7:00 PM Cooper Riverside Park, Mobile, AL, 36602 Fill your weekend with good times and great music at Cooper Riverside Park every Saturday after ArtWalk! Our free concerts run from 7-10 PM and feature bands from a variety of genres including, but not limited to jazz, metal, country, rock, and pop. Come enjoy music under the stars and don’t forget to bring a folding chair or blanket and snacks!

https://www.cityofmobile.org/parks-rec/events

First Sunday of the month

Free First Sunday - History Museum of Mobile (Free) 1:00 PM History Museum of Mobile, 111 S Royal Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Free admission for all visitors sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality! 251-208-7569 www.historymuseumofmobile.com

First and third Sunday of each month

Animal Ambassadors

2:00 PM Five Rivers Delta Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Join us at 2 PM as we present one or more of our live educational animals. Free, family friendly, no registration required. www.outdooralabama.com/activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center

Please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

Let’s Talk

Algorithms!

And How They Impact Our Kids

Let’s talk algorithms! They play a huge part in why your kids do what they do with their social media. They honestly affect anyone that is using social media. Algorithms are the invisible forces that power our digital lives. They are the mathematical equations determining what content we see on social media platforms and search engines. As a result, algorithms significantly impact our lives, including the lives of children growing up in a world where social media is ubiquitous.

The algorithms that power social media platforms are designed to keep users engaged. They do this by showing users content, most likely to keep them on the platform for as long as possible. Unfortunately, this means that the content that children see on social media may not always be the most accurate or reliable. Instead, it is content that has been optimized for engagement.

One of the ways that algorithms determine what content to show users is by tracking their behavior on the platform. This includes the posts they like, the accounts they follow, and the comments they leave. Algorithms use this information to create a profile of each user, which is then used to show them content likely to interest them.

While this may seem harmless, it can have negative consequences for children. For example, if a child spends a lot of time on social media looking at posts about beauty standards, the algorithm may show

them even more content related to this topic. This can create a feedback loop reinforcing negative body image and selfesteem issues.

Algorithms also have the power to create filter bubbles, environments where users only see content that confirms their beliefs. This can be especially harmful to children, who are still developing their worldview. If they are only exposed to content that supports their existing ideas, they may struggle to see other perspectives and become more closed-minded.

Another way algorithms can negatively impact children is by exposing them to harmful or inappropriate content. Social media platforms have come under fire in recent years for spreading harmful content, such as hate speech and misinformation. Children are particularly vulnerable to this type of content, as they may not have the critical thinking skills to discern what is true and what is not.

Algorithms can also contribute to spreading misinformation by promoting sensational and controversial content over more factual and accurate information. This can be especially harmful regarding issues like health and science, where accurate information is crucial for making informed decisions.

So, what can be done to mitigate the negative impacts of algorithms on children? One solution is for social media platforms to be more transparent about how their

algorithms work, allowing parents and educators to understand better the content children are being exposed to and take steps to mitigate any adverse effects.

Another solution is for parents to be more involved in their children’s social media use, including monitoring the content children are exposed to and engaging in conversations about the accuracy and reliability of online information.

Finally, educators need to teach critical thinking skills to children from a young age. Teach them how to evaluate sources of information and discern fact from fiction online.

In conclusion, algorithms are powerful tools that have the potential to shape the way children see the world. While they can have positive effects, such as exposing children to new ideas and perspectives, they can also have negative consequences, such as promoting harmful content and reinforcing negative beliefs. By being more transparent about how algorithms work, being more involved in children’s social media use, and teaching critical thinking skills, we can help mitigate the adverse effects of algorithms and create a safer and more positive online environment for children.

Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.

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