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Photo courtesy of Trussville Public Library.
The Trussville Public Library offers a variety of engaging educational programs throughout the summer.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Khalil Mitchell tracks a crawfish in the water of the Cahaba River.
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Photo by Jon Anderson.
The Trussville Sports Complex offers hiking and biking trails.
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Photo courtesy of Grand River Drive-in.
Grand River Drive-in at The Shops at Grand River.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Trussville’s Spare Time.
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Photo courtesy of city of Trussville.
Trussville Community Pool and Splash Pad.
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Photo courtesy of Wildgoose Garden + Pottery.
A pottery class at Wildgoose Garden + Pottery.
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Photo courtesy of The Backyard.
The Backyard behind the Shops at Grand River in Leeds offers guests a variety of outdoor dining options, yard games, and more.
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Photo courtesy of ACTA Theatre.
ACTA Theatre.
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Photo courtesy of Ben Padgett.
Barber Motorcycle Museum is the home of the IndyCarSeries Grand Prix of Alabama and the AmericanPorsche Driving School.
Summer is finally here, and there are plenty of adventures waiting right in our own backyard.
Here are 10 ways to make lifetime memories close to home this summer:
- Float the Cahaba River: Grab your inner tube, canoe or kayak and head to the Greenway for a lazy summer afternoon on the Cahaba. As you relax in this scenic area, you might spot local wildlife. Be sure to pack snacks so you can stay all day. The Greenway is filled with picnic spots. The best river entry points are marked with signs, with several across from the Senior Activity Center.
- Dive into reading at the Trussville Public Library: Don’t miss out on the fun Trussville Public Library has planned this summer. Not only is there summer reading, there are also engaging educational programs for kids, teens and adults. With the Beanstack app, you can track weekly reading by number of books or minutes. Come to the library to cash in on weekly prizes. Check out the full calendar of events at trussvillelibrary.com.
- Discover new hiking or biking spots: Lace up your hiking boots or hop on your bike and head for the Sports Complex. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual cyclist, these 4 miles of trails have options for all skill levels. Once you arrive on site, keep an eye out for trailhead signs and directions to help you navigate. A full trail map is available at trussville.org.
- Brighten a rainy day at Spare Time: Trussville’s Spare Time is again participating in the national “Kids Bowl Free” program, designed by bowling centers to give back to the community. Sign up online to receive weekly e-coupons for two free games per day from May 1 through Sept. 30. Shoe rental is not included, but you can bring your own bowling shoes. Tuesdays are half-off days at Spare Time, with discounted bowling, games and laser tag all day.
- Experience the magic of live theater: Trussville’s charming community theater, ACTA, has been bringing live entertainment to the city since 1986. Upcoming summer performances include “The Drowsy Chaperone” (described as a musical with a comedy) and two shows by ACTA Jr. students: “Descendants: The Musical”' and “Newsies.” Located in historic Heritage Hall, ACTA’s theater has just 89 seats, so grab your tickets fast at actatheatre.com. For more nearby on-stage entertainment, check what’s showing at Virginia Samford Theatre and Red Mountain Theatre.
- Cool off at the pool or water park: When the heat gets to be too much, it’s the perfect time to visit one of the area’s water attractions, including the Trussville Community Pool and Splash Pad and the YMCA, where the summer swim team practices every weekday afternoon. To mix it up, check out splash pads in Springville, Moody and Pell City. The largest splash park in the Birmingham area is located at the Hoover Met Complex. This 4,000-square-foot splash pad is fully inclusive and free. As for water parks, Alabama Splash Adventure, Wild Water Cullman and Spring Valley Beach are all close by, with attractions for all ages. For thrill seekers, Whitewater Montgomery is now open and has rafting for ages 8 and older and kayaking for 14 and older.
- Express your creativity with an art class: Summer is the perfect time to explore creative outlets from painting to pottery. In Trussville, Wildgoose Garden + Pottery has ongoing classes and seasonal monthly workshops. First Baptist Trussville’s Conservatory offers fine art classes for children and adults. Hop over to Leeds to take a class on pottery or candle
