Top 17 Outdoor Activities in Birmingham

Get a taste of history at Sloss Furnaces. This historic landmark gives you insight into Birmingham's industrial past. Open since 1882, the site once operated as a pig iron-producing blast furnace. When the iron stopped pouring in 1971, Sloss Furnaces was converted into a national historic landmark that serves as a place of learning, art, and entertainment. 

The museum gives you a glimpse into the history of iron-making, the lives of those who worked there, and the impact the furnace has on the community. Explore the site on your own, opt for a guided or group tour, or get spooky with a night tour. 

Make sure to check the site’s calendar, as Sloss Furnaces hosts some of the best festivals and concerts in the city, including Dia de los Muertos, Festa Italiana, Magic City Mimosa Festival, and more!

Located in downtown Birmingham, Railroad Park offers 19 acres of fun for visitors to enjoy. It features nine acres of open lawn, a stunning lake, a rain curtain, bi-filtration wetlands, and plenty of ponds and streams. Explore the park to discover more than 600 trees and gardens of annual, biennial, and perennial flowers. 

The park's outer loop is just under three-quarters of a mile, offering the perfect route for runners, walkers, and bikers. Exercise fanatics can also work out at the outdoor gym, which mimics the style of Muscle Beach in California.

The park offers activities for the whole family. Children can play on the playground equipment, climb domes, and watch the passing trains.

Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens are filled with bountiful blooms you won’t want to miss. In operation since 1962, the gardens are one of the most biodiverse areas of the United States. They cover 67 acres in the heart of Birmingham and feature two dozen garden spaces. 

The goal of the Gardens is to promote a passion for plants, gardens, wellness, and environmental education.

When you visit the Birmingham Zoo, you will travel from the trails of Africa to the depths of the sea. The zoo features over 500 animals and 180 species from around the world, offering fun for the entire family. Get up close and personal with pandas, lions, giraffes, bears, elephants, zebras, hippos, and more!

Along with animal exhibits, the Birmingham Zoo features several attractions, including train rides, carousels, gift shops, cafes and restaurants, exciting shows, and more.

Whether you’re looking to head out on a hike or meet the slithering snakes of Alabama, Ruffner Mountain offers something for everyone. This 1,038-acre urban nature preserve was once home to Birmingham's iron ore mines and stone quarries. It’s now a protected space for native flowers, plants, and animals.

Ruffner Mountain features 14 miles of trails for hiking, bird-watching, and exploring. Stop in at the nature center to meet the raptors, turtles, snakes, and owls that live there.

Take a stroll or jump right in at the Cahaba River Trail and Canoe Drop. The Cahaba River flows through the heart of Alabama and offers fun outdoor activities in Birmingham for the entire family. Visitors can swim, hike, camp, paddle, or fish at this outdoor enthusiast's dream. You can even take a guided journey down the river on a canoe tour with the Cahaba River Society. 

Visit the Cahaba River Trail to see the plentiful wildlife that fills the area. As you stroll the trail, birds, owls, and other tree-dwellers will watch you from above. Anglers can grab their fishing rods and head to the river, which is home to over 135 fish species, including spotted bass, bream, crappie, and largemouth bass.

Head out on an all-in-one adventure at Alabama Adventure and Splash Adventure. This water and amusement park is located right outside Birmingham and is open seven days a week. Whether you’re into thrilling roller coasters or refreshing water activities, you’ll find something for every family member. 

The park’s top attractions include the lazy river, 500,000-gallon wave pool, tilt-a-whirl, bumper boats, and more! Start your day at the water park, then head to the amusement side to dry off on a thrill-filled ride.

Make a stop at Alabama’s largest state park to explore 11,861 acres of outdoor fun. Oak Mountain is filled with activities for all age groups, including horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and golf. There are over 100 miles of trails to explore.

The park features other fun attractions, including a pump track, BMX course, inflatable aqua park obstacle course, basketball courts, beaches, lakes, and more!

If you’re not big on nature but are still looking for outdoor things to do in Birmingham, visit The Summit to explore shops, restaurants, and events. This one-million-square-foot lifestyle center is located between Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills. It features nearly 100 stores with something for everyone, including clothing, jewelry, specialty shops, and more.

Enjoy the fresh air as you store-hop at this sprawling outdoor mall. When the day ends, head inside the movie theater to catch the latest blockbuster. 

Grab your clubs and hit the green at Highland Park Golf Course. This 18-hole public course is located in the heart of downtown and is Alabama’s oldest golf course. It underwent a million-dollar renovation in 2019, transforming it into a must-visit destination for golf lovers.

The course is suited for novice and skilled golfers alike, featuring rolling fairways, uphill shots, winding creeks, and pristine greens. When the game is over, relax on the outdoor patio and take in the stunning views of the Birmingham skyline.

Visit the Farmers Market at Pepper Place to shop for Alabama-grown essentials. Whether you’re looking to pick up a gift to take home or grab a freshly baked treat to fuel your day, the market features something for every shopper.

First opening in 2000, the market began with a mission to connect Alabama’s finest produce to Birmingham consumers. Since its conception, the Market at Pepper Place has grown to house over 80 tents weekly and continues to expand. At the height of the season, the market sees over 10,000 visits every Saturday.

In addition to its ever-growing list of vendors, the market offers cooking demos, live entertainment, wellness days, and special events.