Visit (or Revisit) a Nearby City!
Find a quirky local landmark: Giant statues, unusual museums, roadside attractions, famous signs, historic buildings, or other “only in this city” stops… there’s some in every city! Attend a local event: Festivals, outdoor movies, concerts, art walks, markets, and seasonal celebrations can make the trip feel much more magical and local. If you’re hitting the road from Birmingham, here are a few cities to consider: Atlanta, GA: (~2.5 hours) There’s easily enough for a full weekend: Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, World of Coca-Cola, Fernbank Museum, Children’s Museum of Atlanta, and plenty more. Auburn, AL or Tuscaloosa, AL : (~2 hours/45 min) Make it a college game-day getaway! Cheer on your favorite sports team (whether you’re in the stadium or tailgating), and walk around campus and downtown. Chattanooga, TN: (~2.5 hours) Visit the Tennessee Aquarium, explore Ruby Falls, ride the Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain, see Rock City, or wander the riverfront. Cullman, AL: (~1 hour) Time your visit to attend Cullman’s signature festivals, including Cullman Oktoberfest, the Alabama Strawberry Festival, or the German-inspired Christkindlmarkt.
Huntsville, AL: (~1.5 hours) Blast off at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, explore the Huntsville Botanical Garden, or wander around Big Spring International Park. Montevallo, AL: (~40 minutes) Bring history to life at American Village with interactive, historic programs and seasonal events, including the Festival of Tulips. Nashville, TN: (~3 hours) Make a weekend of Music City by visiting the zoo, searching for murals, and wandering the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Centennial Park, plus attending seasonal events like Cheekwood Harvest.
Personally, I find every good trip has a mix of city and nature… and when you need to get away, visiting a nearby city can offer fun, exciting activities for the whole family. Sometimes it’s just about changing scenery: You may still end up at a park or the zoo (a gorilla is a gorilla anywhere), but it can make for a special adventure and new memory- making opportunities! If you’re hoping to hit a bunch of touristy attractions, look into if the city has an attraction pass bundle so you can get more bang for your bucks.
Make the Drive Part of the Fun
Here’s a few things to do in whatever city you visit:
Spice up your drive with some car ride games, like fall road-trip bingo: See who can spot a pumpkin patch, red leaves, a scarecrow, cows, etc. Bonus: throw in some fun pitstops along the way (I mean, who doesn’t love Buc-ee’s?). If you’re feeling really generous, let each child choose one stop. Create a fall playlist or listen to a spooky audiobook together (or a story set in autumn, like Rip Van Winkle ). Bring disposable/instant cameras for older kids to snap pictures along the way, or have everyone vote on the best fall display. It’s all about balance! After all, you don’t have to travel far—or spend a fortune—to make a trip feel unforgettable.
Explore downtown: Walk the main streets, browse local shops, and try to find murals! Visit a museum: Especially the children’s museum or science center... Go to the zoo or aquarium: Look for discounted days, reciprocal memberships, or late-afternoon admission. Find the best city parks: Think playgrounds, botanical gardens, and scenic overlooks. Ride local transportation: If they have streetcars, a train, or even a downtown trolley, it can become an attraction for kids. Visit a local farmers market: Let each kid get a treat to make it extra fun!
BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | NOVEMBER 2026 13
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