Bargain Mom Weekend Round-up: Legos, Zoo, Crafts, Festivals & More

CHRISTIE DEDMAN/NEWS STAFFNot into shopping this weekend?  No problem - there are a ton of great events to help you enjoy your weekend for free or cheap. I've recapped some posts about events at the top.  In the middle you'll find events listed with the Alabama Dept of Tourism. Then I move on to events sponsored by Alabama State Parks. In conclusion you'll see links for more ideas and hot spots across the state and beyond. So let's get started. Fresh Air Family: Free or cheap events this week (Caves, hikes, butterflies, bats & more) Check out the hikes and sites you can participate in this weekend with Fresh Air Family...  Full story » Birmingham Zoo $5 Fun Days Starting in August (Savings of $9 for adults) This is a significant savings on Zoo admission -- mark your calendar and check out the fun day schedule and details here: Full story » Lego Creation Nation Event: Free mega build, help build a giant US map Aug. 3-5 Awesome free Lego event happening Friday through Sunday....  Full story » Home Depot: Free kids workshop cork bulletin board, Saturday (Aug. 4) I love these free craft events -- if you've never taken your child, make plans to check it out Saturday...  Full story » Shelby County residents half-off admission at McWane Science Center August 4 (with coupon) Attention #ShelbyCounty residents -- get in 1/2 price Saturday @McWane with coupon & dirver's license Full story » Bass Pro Shops Hunting Classic Evnet August 3 - 19 (Free classes, product trade-in events & more) Check out the free hunting class...  Full story » Yankee Candle Free Halloween Preview Party Aug. 4 + $10 off $25 couponPosted on Birmingham Bargain Mom on July 31, 2012, 7:40AMYankee Candle coupon and preview party.... Full story »Mindy Woods Barrett shared this tip on the BBM wall: http://www.mountaineagle.com/view/full_story/19672846/article-Saturday-bike-ride-to-benefit-Corner-teenager?instance=homefirstleft
    ALAPARK
    CRUIZIN' AT LAKE LURLEEN
     8/4/2012
    Car, Truck, Motorcycle and Tractor Show
    Saturday August 4, 2012
    8 AM - 2 PM
     
    Event Day Registration Only
    $10.00 Per Show Vehicle Entry Fee
     
    Normal Day Use Fees apply to all entering the park to see the show.
     
    Event put on by volunteers at Lake Lurleen State Park to raise funds for new playground equipment in the park.  Many local businesses have assisted in putting this show together.  Earl Fleming, a dedicated volunteeer at Lake Lurleen State Park, conceived the idea of a car show and and has made it happen. 
     
    Contact Earl Fleming at 205-764-4800 for more information, or call Lake Lurleen State Park 205-339-1558.
    Call (205) 764-4800

    The Civilian Conservation Corps
     8/4/2012
    Legends on the Lookout Series: The Civilian Conservation Corps
    Join DSP staff in learning about how the CCC came about during the Great Depression and about the great men that built DeSoto State Park. See CCC pictures & memorabilia from the 1930-1940s.
    Where: DeSoto State Park’s Campfire Ring in the Improved Campground
    Time: 8:00-9:00 p.m.
    (In case of inclement weather will be located in Nature Center)
    Free to the Public; Great for all ages! Gate will open to the public 30 minutes before program.
     
    Email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov or Call (256) 997-5025

    Garbage Pizza: What a Waste
     8/4/2012
    Let's take a look at how much we waste and use those materials to make a garbage pizza. Do you know how long it takes for a diaper to decompose? How about a glass bottle? Or a soda can? Come find this out.
     
    Meet at 10a.m. at the Campground Pavilion (B-side).
     
    Small donation requested to cover cost of materials.
    Park admission - $3 adults, $1 children (6 to 11)
     
    Email oakmountain.naturalist@dcnr.alabama.gov or Call (205) 620-2520

    Guided Hike at Lake Guntersville State Park
     8/4/2012
    Cutchenmine Trail
    9:00 a.m.
     
    This trail follows an old coal mine road along short creek. In the winter this is a good place to spot herons, wood ducks, and some times eagles. Meet at the old park office on Hwy 227.
    Lake Guntersville State Park
    Event Address:
    1155 Lodge Dr
    Guntersville, Al 35976
    Email patti.donnellan@dcnr.alabama.gov or Call (256) 571-5440
    HERE ARE SOME ATTRACTIONS ACROSS THE STATE WORTH CHECKING OUT:

    Alabama Civil War Trail Features 47 Low Cost Sites + Free Map

    for more details.

    Save on admission by joining the Southern Museum of Flight for $30 for the entire family.

    They have a reciprocal relationship with the center so you'll get in free!

    Go

    ut the Southern Museum of Flight membership








    Montgomery -
    This could be a great time to take the kids to see the capitol, archives, Little White House of Confederacy, Old Alabama Town and more.
    Go here to see a complete list of attractions and options for educational entertainment.


    You might surprise yourself by learning something.
    Most of the government attractions are free.

    Old Alabama Town is not.
    Here's their info:

    Hours and Admission

    Hours: Old Alabama Town is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our last ticket is sold at 3 p.m. We're closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

    Admission: Adults, $10; Children ages 6-18, $5. Free to ages 5 and younger. A 10 percent discount is offered to AAA, military and seniors.





    Cathedral Caverns --
    Go here

    Cathedral Caverns State Park Headquarters 637 Cave Road Woodville, AL. 35776 256-728-8193The Park is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m 

    Here's a brief description:

    The first thing you notice about Cathedral Caverns is the massive entrance. The huge opening measures 126 feet wide and 25 feet high. And it gets even better. Inside the cavern, you will find Big Rock Canyon, Mystery River and some of the most beautiful formations Mother Nature has ever created. Among them, you will see Stalagmite Mountain, The Frozen Waterfall and Goliath, a huge stalagmite column that reaches the ceiling of the cave some 45 feet above!

    Cathedral Caverns is the perfect field trip for your school, church or other group. You can visit anytime, as the cave maintains a comfortable 60-degree temperature year round. Call and make plans today and you will see why we are excited about Alabama's newest state park!

     

    Covered Bridges of Blount County -
    See the remaining 3 bridges still standing.
    NOCCALULA FALLS - GADSDEN
    It's free to see the falls. 
    They do charge admission for the park area:
    Sequoyah Caverns - Fort Payne

    Monday- Saturday
    8:30- 5:00

    Sunday
    Closed

    Caverns Admission

    Adults                          $15.95

    Child (4-12)                   $8.95

    Under 4                          Free

    Group Rates        $10.95/$5.95
    (15 or More)

    GO HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND DIRECTIONS.

    DeSoto Caverns -- order your tickets online and save $1 per ticket:
    Adult Caverns Tour $18.99
    ONE YEAR Adult Cave Tour for just $5 more $23.99
    Child Caverns Tour (ages 3-11) $16.99
    ONE YEAR Child Cave Tour for just $5 more $21.99
    HUNTSVILLE EARLY WORKS MUSEUM FOR KIDS

    Civil War soldiers, a Talking Tree and whimmy diddles - see them all at the EarlyWorks Museums- Alabama Constitution Village, the Historic Huntsville Depot and EarlyWorks Children's History Museum.

    Individual Admission Adult Senior Youth Toddler
    Earlyworks Children's  Museum 12.00 10.00 10.00 5.00
    Constitution Village 12.00 10.00 10.00 5.00
    Huntsville Depot 12.00 10.00 10.00 5.00
    2 Museums 20.00 15.00 15.00 5.00
    THE WORKS - all 3 25.00 20.00 20.00 5.00
    TALLADEGA MOTOR SPEEDWAY HALL OF FAME MUSEUM

    Admission: $12 for adults, $5 for kids age 6-12 and free for kids age 5 and younger.

    Hours:  Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7 days a week with the exception of major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Easter). Extended summer hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week



    ALABAMA SPORTS HALL OF FAME
    Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Closed Saturday & Sunday 

    Admissions:

    $5 Adults
    $4 Senior Citizens
    (60 and over)
    $3 Students
    $14 Families
    TANNEHILL IRONWORKS -
    Rich in Civil War history, camping, hiking and more it's a fun little spot south of Birmingham.
    Admission is $3 for adults.
    Bucks Pocket and High Falls

    --

    Palisades Park in Blount County -- Go here.

    Horseshoe Bend Military Park

    -- Go

    Cullman -- Ava Maria Grotto -- Open daily

    -- miniature Jerusalem.  Go

    Decatur - Pest Control Insect Museum

    -- great for kids.  Go

    Little River Canyon i

    n Fort Payne is a nature lovers' paradise.  Hike down to the bottom of the gorge, check out the falls up close and enjoy some majestic birds.

    You'll spot hawks, eagles, vultures and falcons from overlooks.  Take a picnic.

    There are also a ton of kid friendly parks in downtown Fort Payne.  Go

    www.nps.gov/liri

    Ruffner Mountain Nature Center in East Lake

    -- They've got a brand new nature center and trails galore.


    Moundville in Tuscaloosa

    explore Native American culture and more each day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Go

    primitive craft fair.

    Anniston Museum of Natural History  + Chocolate Exhibit

    Adult/$6

    Senior Citizen (age 60+)/$5.50

    Child(4–17)/$5 & ages 3 & under/free

    This is a fun museum to explore.

    G

    or more info.

    Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5 p.m. Sunday 1–5 p.m.

    Rickwood Caverns State Park in Hayden

    It's $1 to get in and enjoy just the park, trails and playground.

    Cave tours are only available on weekends.

    Saturday and Sunday schedule:

    10:15 a.m.

    12:15 p.m.

    2:15 & 4:15

    Cave Tour Admission Fee:

    Age 12 to adult: $10

    Age 6 to 11: $5

    Under age 6: FREE with parent or guardian

    Group discount: $2 off each person for groups of 25 or more.

    and more.

    Oak Mountain State Park

    C

    heck out the Alabama Wildlife Refuge Center.

    The Wildlife Center: Located in Oak Mountain State Park, it is the largest wildlife rehabilitation center in Alabama and cares for over 2,000 injured and orphaned wild creatures each year. Visitors may view the rehabilitation process through one-way glass and learn about native species.

    $3 for adults

    Mt. Cheaha --

    The tallest point in Alabama is a beautiful drive through the mountains.  Take Bald Rock trail out to a gorgeous overlook.

    Bring a picnic for sure.  There are some great hiking trails.

    on, hours and directions.

    Southern Museum of Flight by the Birmingham Airport will more than likely have a

    spring break kickoff activity for kids soon. For now they do hav ea new kite exhibit starting March 12

    Colorful Kite Tales Exhibit & Programs

    Colorful Kite Tales Exhibition chronicles the colorful history and science of kites. These sixteen panels and an array of kites detail kite basics and historical kiting events Developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services and on loan by the Drachen Foundation of Seattle, Washington.

    Free with Museum Admission

    Members Free

    Group Tours with Hand-on Kite-Making Available - $7 per person

    Go here for more info.

    Active military and their families are admitted free.

    Adults are $6, Seniors & students are $5 - children 3 and under are free.

    Open Tuesday through Saturday 9:30 to 4:30 p.m.

    Vulcan Park is also another option.

    Go here to learn more about their coming events.

    Daily Admission Rates (plus tax) 10 am - 6 pm:

    (Includes park grounds, Vulcan Center Museum and Observation Balcony)

    $6 Adults

    $5 Seniors (65+)

    $4 Children ages 5-12

    Children 4 years and under are admitted free.

    Helen Keller Birthplace in Tuscumbia, AL.

    and more.

    They also have some great kids games and information for you to share with your kids before you get there.

    Address:

    300 North Commons Street, West

    Tuscumbia, Alabama  35674

    (256) 383-4066

    Hours:

    Monday through Saturday 8:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

    Last tour starts at 3:45 p.m. daily

    Home Tour Admission:

    Adults..........................................$6.00

    Students ages 5 -18..................$2.00

    Seniors & "AAA" members......$5.00

    Military (Active and Retired).....$5.00

    Group of 20 or more..................Adults $5 & Children $1.50 (Group reservations requested)

    American Village in Montevallo -

    Go

    sion.

    Mondays - Fridays from 10-4 PM

    Bellingrath Gardens - Mobile
    Go here


    USS ALABAMA -- MOBILE
    Go here




    in Anniston -

    Turk

    /turkey-creek

    Alabama Veterans Memorial off I-459

    .htm


    Birmingham Civil Rights Museum

    is free on Sundays only from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

    : http://www.bcri.org/index.html

    Arlington Antebellum Home

    is open Tuesday through Saturday.

    $5 for adults and $3 for kids 18 and under.

    http://

    htm

    Also --

    - $3 or less for park entrance.

    County Rd 314

    Natural Bridge, AL 35577

    (205) 486-5330

    LIST AND LINKS OF HOW TO FIND MORE TO DO ACROSS THE STATE:

    GO

    F BIRMINGHAM EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.

    GO

    F HUNTSVILLE DECATUR MADISON EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.

    GO H

    ERY EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.

    GO

    LL LIST OF MOBILE EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.

    GO

    LIST OF TUSCALOOSA EVENTS FOR ALL AGES.

    GO

    PARK EVENTS.


    MORE FROM ACROSS THE SOUTH
    If I didn't include enough, check out www.visitsouth.com for more ideas.

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