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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney
Atlas Linville, 3, and Harper Moses, 4, smile and laugh as Beth Moses pushes them on a swing as Moses talks with Trezmun Linville at the park by the Trussville Public Library on Saturday, July 15, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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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. Photo courtesy of The Backyard.
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Photo courtesy of Trussville Public Library.
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 e. A full trail map is available at trussville.org.
More natural beauty and hiking spots abound at Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve in Springville. This 422-acre tract is brimming with forestry, wildlife and trails for the whole family to explore. Coming up on June 15 is a free, family-friendly event: Big Canoe Creek Jam. This event at Homestead Hollow features live music from local artists and camping. Visit bigcanoecreekpreserve.org to learn more.
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 up and kayaking for 14 and up.
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 making at Earthborn Studios. The summer workshop “How to Make a Fairy House Lantern” is happening June 8, July 20 and Aug. 3. At the Shoppes at Grand River, the new Southern Magnolia Gallery is hosting mini paint parties on Saturday mornings at 11 a.m. in front of the shop.
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. Photo courtesy of The Backyard.
Catch a movie at Grand River Drive-in: Also at The Shoppes at Grand River is a place to drive in and hang out: The Grand River Drive-in. Watch a movie under the stars with refreshments from The Snack Shack. Furry friends can enjoy the off-leash dog park and kids can play at the nearby playground. Movies start at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, rain or shine. More info and tickets available at grandriverdrive-in.com.
Tour a popular Birmingham attraction: Birmingham is brimming with five-star tourist attractions that are worth a visit, even if you’re a lifelong native of the area. Tour favorites like Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute or Vulcan Park and Museum. Attend a movie or concert at the historic Alabama Theatre or take a self-guided tour of Sloss Furnaces, which offers metal arts workshops. There’s also the Southern Museum of Flight, where you can receive a free scavenger hunt activity sheet for the family by mentioning the Cahaba Sun.
Dine al fresco in the Entertainment District: If you haven’t walked through the Entertainment District lately, it’s time to revisit this quaint, lively community hub, which is also the new site of Trussville Saturday Fresh Farm Market. After shopping at one-of-a-kind local shops like Sisters Shirts and Hattie’s Toyland, grab a table at one of several local restaurants with outdoor seating. Enjoy a favorite dish — or try a new one — from spots like Umami, Pinchgut Pies, Trussville Social or Mr. West’s Asian Kitchen.
