It’s about that time to make those summer vacation plans. A great way to save money is to have a Staycation in your own town!  You can stay at home and enjoy the local sites in your area without the large travel costs.  Since my town is Birmingham I have put together a list of a few free or cheap places to go for a fun Staycation in Birmingham.

This list is for Staycationing in Birmingham.  There are Staycation Ideas for Other Cities found Here.

Don’t forget to check Groupon for extreme discounts on entertainment and Dining out in Birmingham!  Living Social also has great Discounts in Birmingham.

Vulcan Park & Museum

COST: $3 per person after 6pm

If you visit Vulcan after 6pm you can check out the park and observation balcony for only $3 per person.  Take an evening picnic, and then ride up the elevator to see a beautiful view of the magic city at night!

Railroad Park in Birmingham

COST: FREE

Visit this beautiful park for free.  You’ll find lots of room and a playground for the kiddos to play with plenty of green grass for picknicking, frisbee throwing, horseshoes, etc.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

COST: FREE

The Botanical Gardens with more than 10,000 different plants in its living collections and several walking paths is a great place to enjoy the beautiful scenery.  If you like photography then the Gardens would make a great place to get some beautiful shots!

Oak Mountain State Park

COST: $3 for Adults & $1 for Children ages 6-11

Just a few miles south of the City of Birmingham is a fabulous place for outdoor lovers.  Oak Mountain is a fun place to take the entire family.  At Oak Mountain State Park you’ll find fishing, swimming, picnic grounds, wildlife, walking trails including a treetop nature trail, horseback riding, BMX track, golf, and lots more!

 

Tannehill Iron Works State Park

COST: $2 adults, $1 children

Just a little to the west of Birmingham is Tannehill State Park.  Tannehill is a lovely state park with lots of beautiful scenery, walking trails, camping & more.  Visitors can check out the pioneer farm with acollection of 19th and 20th Century farm buildings and the site of the park’s working blacksmith shop.  There are also craft cabins with local artisan demonstrations and other historical structures and buildings.  They also have a working train and a playground for the little ones.  If you go on the 3rd weekend of the month you can experience Trade Days with tons of vendor selling a variety of items.

Fresh Air Family Events

COST: Varies

Want to go rock climbing, trail walking, or geocaching with the family?  How about Hikes for Tikes at the Botanical Gardens?  Be sure to check out the list of Fresh Air Family Events for some great fun coming up!  They have something for all ages.

 

Those are a few great places to get us started.  Tell me your recommendations for a fun Staycation in Birmingham!