As the temperatures continue to stay below freezing I’m sure parents like you are on the lookout for indoor play places to keep your little ones warm and happy. It’s easy to find places for the big kids but what about toddlers? Check out these picks for safe family fun in winter.
5 Indoor Play Places for Toddlers in Birmingham
Birmingham
McWane Science Center
200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Ages 2+
Located in downtown Birmingham, McWane Science Center is a state-of-the-art science museum featuring an aquarium, 280-seat IMAX Dome Theater, and interactive exhibits designed to inspire children’s interest in various fields of study.
For an admission fee of $8 to $16, families can enjoy a variety of activities and exhibits, including Itty Bitty Magic City, an interactive play area for kids ages birth to Kindergarten. In this section, children can run around the tot area and explore a miniature of the Main Street set up with a diner, fire station, farm, clinic, and garage. There’s also a water play area and climbing structure.
Let’s Play Hwy 280
5025 US-280 #102, Birmingham, AL 35242
Ages 2+
Let’s Play is an indoor soft play center for toddlers to kids aged 12, with a pirate-themed soft play structure and other fun activities. The main feature is the pirate ship, where kids can run around and slide. There’s also an obstacle course, a spider web tower to climb, and a cannon area to shoot foam balls from.
For children under 3 feet, there is a ball pond, mini slide, merry-go-rounds, and other play equipment to engage their senses, body, and mind. Entry fees for the unlimited play range from $8 to $17, with one adult free upon paid admission. Let’s Play also offers party packages starting at $259, including 2 hours of unlimited playtime with a personal party host.
Hoover Climbing & Adventure
5508 Stadium Trace Parkway, Hoover, AL 35244
Ages 5+
Hoover Climbing & Adventure Center is a 5,000-square-foot indoor climbing center with 15 colorful climbing stations and 19 auto belays. The minimum age required to enter the center is five years old, and the daily admission pricing range from $15 to $30. Kids can climb on walls that look like a beanstalk, a fireman’s wall, and cubes stacked against each other. They are designed for kids to navigate easily without being too challenging.
The center also offers birthday packages that include 90 minutes of climbing and 30 minutes in a private party room with utensils, tables and chairs setup, pizza, and drinks.
Chuck E. Cheese
500 Old Town Rd., Birmingham, AL 35216
Ages 1+
Chuck E. Cheese is not just an American family restaurant that has been serving families for years but also an experience. You can enjoy pizza, hot dogs, and grilled sandwiches while your children jump around on a playground or play video games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong in the arcade. There is also an elevated Sky Tube for them to climb and colorful balls to bounce around. The restaurant also offers birthday packages for $14.99 per attendee with a complete setup for 2 hours, including snacks, drinks, and a live birthday show with Chuck E.
Tuscaloosa
Children’s Hands-On Museum
2213 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Ages 1+
The Children’s Hands-On Museum is a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to providing educational and fun activities for kids of all ages. Children can learn about river transportation in Alabama, explore the farmers market with Lil’ Sprouts farm, learn about Choctaw Indians and play around with kaleidoscopes in Kool Zone. These exhibits are designed to stimulate children’s curiosity about their community and their role in it.
Children’s Hand-On Museum admission price is $12 for visitors ages two and up. They also offer birthday packages for $250 to $135, including 90 minutes of play for 25 guests and one hour in the party palace.
