I couldn’t ask for a better place to raise my family than Birmingham. It’s a truly unique community that has that small town big city feel to it. With an absolutely fabulous walkable downtown full of local shopping and dining, picturesque parks, and families EVERYWHERE you turn, Birmingham is the perfect place to visit this fall with kids.

 

VISIT THE ALL NEW YOUTH ROOM AT BALDWIN LIBRARY

A visit to Baldwin Library in downtown Birmingham should be at the top of your to-do list. Families can finally check out the newly renovated and expanded youth room which includes a larger play area, aquarium, and an outdoor children’s garden + terrace. After visiting the library, be sure to head across the street to Shain Park, which has an adorable children’s play area.

PLAY AT BOOTH PARK

Birmingham has TONS of amazing parks and playgrounds but Booth Park is hands down my favorite. With beautiful views of downtown Birmingham and a massive hill to climb, picnic, or even roll down (a must every time my son visits), not only is this park breathtakingly beautiful, it’s FUN. The playground is so unique and includes a castle-like play structure, a kid-sized labyrinth, and a turf hill that’s famous for cardboard sledding! On the southern end of Booth Park, you can take a half mile stroll down Booth Trail which follows the Rogue River. It’s my family’s favorite local nature walk that is just long enough for littles to walk on their own and the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the downtown area.

TAKE A STROLL THROUGH DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM

A visit to Birmingham isn’t complete until you’ve visited a few of the nearly 300 retail shops and restaurants. The walkable downtown shopping district is home to local children’s clothing boutiques Petite Cabane and Lil’ Rascals and the most adorable locally owned toy shop, Adventures in Toys. And when you’re craving a donut, fancy cupcakes or a cider slush, be sure to swing through Bakehouse 46 which is the culinary collaboration between Cupcake Station and Blake’s Farm.

GRAB A BITE FROM HUNTER HOUSE

Hunter House is a local institution that has been serving the community for almost 50 years and is my family’s favorite local joint for a quick, cheap, and extra delicious meal. Located inside a picture perfect “white porcelain pill-box diner,” Hunter House has that old school diner feel with red swivel chairs, counter service, and mouth watering sliders! Located right along Woodward, my car fanatic four-year-old loves grabbing a table outside to watch the “fast cars” fly by while he chows down on his all time FAVORITE grilled cheese sandwich and a handmade strawberry milkshake. You can also call ahead and pick up your order from the separate walk-up window and stroll over to either Shane Park or Booth Park for a picnic.

EXPLORE STEM AT THE ROBOT GARAGE

Although the Robot Garage hasn’t been able to reopen for drop-in hours, you can stock up on learning LEGOS for home. The Robot Garage offers kids a chance to explore engineering and robotics through fun, hands-on activities. From classes to camps, to a fun drop-in play room, little engineers will love exploring the Robot Garage. Be sure to check out their amazing lineup of virtual robotics and design classes. 

 

 

Photo credit: Source

SHARE THIS:

About Ashley Hubbbard-Porter

Ashley Porter is a Chicago native who now calls Birmingham home. Ashley and her husband Mike and son Jake love attending local festivals, exploring Detroit’s diverse food scene, and venturing outside of Metro Detroit to enjoy the natural beauty of Michigan. With a background in Early Childhood Education, Ashley loves connecting with and supporting families in her community, which is why she is so excited to be a part of LittleGuide Detroit.