Babypalooza Magazine Winter 2023

Babypalooza

We’ll help your new family get off to a beautiful start.

If you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, we know you have questions. The physicians at Grandview Obstetrics & Gynecology are here to help answer them. And with new providers, including Benjamin Rauh, D.O., it’s easier than ever to make an appointment. From nutrition and exercise to birth plans and post-delivery support, we are trained and focused on giving you personalized maternity care. And, we’re proud to deliver at The Birthing Center at Grandview Medical Center.

To schedule an appointment, call 205-946-1974 or visit MyGrandviewOBCare.com.

Grandview OB/GYN also includes Drs. J.C. Brock, Emily Craner, Dale Greene, Margot Potter, Natalie Reddington, Erin Showalter and Lewis Schulman

Dr. Rauh is an employee of Affinity Physician Services, LLC d/b/a Grandview Medical Group.

Benjamin Rauh, D.O. OB/GYN

FOUNDER / CEO

Cecilia Pearson

EDITOR AT LARGE

LaTanya Bayles

ART DIRECTOR

Amy Heise Murphree

WRITERS

Kim Hildenbrand

Gabriella Lacomb

Julia Sayers

VIDEO PRODUCER

Robyn Sirmans

GRANDPARENTS TO PRECIOUS, CINNAMON, AND THE GOOSE

Cecil & Francine

Lifestages Media Inc., Copyright 2004-2022. Lifestages Media Inc. publishes Babypalooza Magazine quarterly. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Publisher assumes no liability for unsolicited art, photographs, manuscripts, or other material.

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in Babypalooza Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lifestages Media Inc. Information provided should not be interpreted as medical instructions; editorial content is not intended as medical advice. Consult appropriate healthcare professionals prior to taking any action. Although great care has been taken in compiling and checking the information given in this publication to ensure accuracy, the authors, Lifestages Media Inc., and its servants or agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for the continued currency of the information or for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this magazine, whether arising from negligence or otherwise or for any consequences arising therefrom. The appearance of an ad in Babypalooza Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service.

From the Founder

BABYPALOOZA HAS BEEN AROUND so long that our first cover babies are going to college. Can you believe that? We have learned over the years that you stay with us after birth and love staying connected to the community. For that reason, we created Toddler Too, where we provide the resources you need for your big kids. In this issue and on the APP we have the Ultimate Camp Guide. Starting on page * you can find camps for toddlers as young as three years of age for arts, sports, and all-around adventure.

For more resources, visit our City Guide for New Parents available on the app and at babypalooza.com

Stay Connected!

Cecilia “CC” Pearson

WHAT YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP MAY CHANGE OVER TIME, BUT PROTECTING YOUR HEALTH ALWAYS MATTERS.

Hot Off the

Press

1GIRL TALK

GRANDVIEW MEDICAL CENTER held a special event for mothers and daughters to have open, honest conversations about puberty. GIRL TALK! encouraged girls to talk about what's going on with their bodies and empowerment.

The morning was led by a panel of Grandview physicians including Ashley Gooding, M.D., and Mackenzie Woodson, M.D., with Complete Women’s Care of Alabama, Virginia Winston, M.D., with Women’s Health Specialists of Birmingham, and Erin Showalter, D.O., with Grandview Medical Group OBGYN. Panelists encouraged attendees to ask questions and freely talk about issues that they had never felt comfortable addressing before.

CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA INDY GRAND PRIX BARBER VINTAGE MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM, Alabama's premier INDYCAR event announced the event has a new title sponsor, Medical Properties Trust. Through Medical Properties Trust’s philanthropic vision, the event will be named “Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix."

“We are honored to be the primary beneficiary of Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix,” said Tom Shufflebarger, President and CEO of Children’s of Alabama. “We have enjoyed our partnership with Medical Properties Trust for many years, and we cannot thank them enough for making Children’s an even bigger part of this amazing weekend.” Race weekend is April 28 - 30

AT BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK

3EMBRACE MOTHERS MOM’S NIGHT OUT THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM AND THE PENNY FOUNDATION HOSTED a free event to celebrate the resiliency and tenacity of mothers with its Embrace Mothers Mom’s Night Out. Mothers attended an evening featuring a film screening and fellowship at the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema. The movie screened was “Waiting to Exhale,” which organizers described as a film about four women navigating family, love, and career life.

Embrace Mothers Mom’s Night Out was made possible through the MAYORS FOR A GUARANTEED INCOME (MGI) program. In addition, MGI supports EMBRACE MOTHERS, a guaranteed income pilot supporting 110 Birmingham single mothers and women in mothering roles with $375 per month for 12 months. This pilot is part of a broader effort to understand and support the needs of Birmingham women and families.

Birmingham clinic offers innovative approach to caring for

Morning Sickness

BY JULIA SAYERS GOKHALE

MORNING SICKNESS can be one of the most challenging aspects of pregnancy. Most pregnant women experience at least some form of nausea during pregnancy, according to the National Library of Medicine, and one-third will experience vomiting. Some cases—less than 3 percent—develop hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of nausea and vomiting. Many of those women end up in the ER, but often without the care they really need. Dr. Andrew Housholder is out to change that.

While working as an ER doctor, Dr. Housholder would see a couple patients a month with hyperemesis gravidarum. He would also see that they weren’t receiving the proper treatment. Morning sickness is often looked at as something that women should suffer through. A doctor gives them medication as more of a bandaid than a cure. Dr. Housholder saw the distress that these patients experienced, waiting until they were incredibly ill to come into the emergency department and get fluids. After they were released from the ER, there were no other options except to go back to the ER again in a week when their symptoms got severe.

But Dr. Housholder knew that more could be done. He ruminated over the idea of giving pregnant patients

Dr. Housholder would also see that they weren’t receiving the proper treatment. Morning sickness is often looked at as something that women should suffer through. A doctor gives them medication as more of a bandaid than a cure.

suffering with severe nausea and vomiting early access to quality care. Working with his wife Kelly, the idea of opening a morning sickness clinic came to fruition.

“Currently, the societal norm is pregnant folks must suffer through morning sickness,” says Kelly Housholder. “The reality is that there is a lot that can be done for patients with moderate to severe morning sickness with IV infusion therapy, but most pregnancy care clinics aren't set up for IV infusions. But IV fluids and medications are sometimes the only way to keep patients hydrated and feeling well enough to continue working and taking care of their families.”

Until the Morning Sickness Clinic opened in

Birmingham in October, there was no physician or practice in the U.S. dedicated to treating nausea and vomiting from pregnancy (NVP). Patients often saw their pregnancy healthcare providers for their symptoms, but those practices don’t have the resources to treat patients as aggressively as is needed. Early treatment of NVP can also prevent patients from developing full-blown hyperemesis gravidarum.

“You actually don't have to be throwing up to be completely dehydrated from nausea,” Kelly says. “If your symptoms are keeping you from eating and drinking normally and keeping down your prenatals, you might be at risk for dehydration.”

Patients with hyperemesis gravidarum often lose more than 5 percent of their weight during pregnancy due to vomiting, and they are often unable to work or help take care of their family due to their extreme illness. Though an estimated 3 percent of pregnancies suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum, it’s likely that number is severely underestimated, according to the HER Foundation, a national nonprofit focused on research and education for hyperemesis gravidarum.

“In the first month that our clinic was open, we estimate that over half our patients who have HG were undiagnosed, supporting the supposition that the percentage is well over 3 percent,” Kelly says.

With his clinic, Dr. Housholder aims to take a holistic look at the woman’s condition. He typically spends 45 minutes to an hour discussing the patient’s symptoms and treatment plan. The clinic offers a comfortable setting, bedside electrolyte machines, IV therapy and blood tests. Dr. Housholder can prescribe medications to ease nausea and vomiting. And the best part: women can schedule appointments directly online at a time that works for them. The clinic also offers iron infusions for anemic pregnancies and IV fluids to breastfeeding mothers who are struggling with milk production (where dehydration might be the culprit).

Since many women with hyperemesis gravidarum need careful monitoring, Dr. Housholder also developed an app that he can use to track a woman’s symptoms to adjust their treatment as needed. The Housholders are also working with HER Foundation to help further their research into causes as well as the most effective treatments for pregnancy-related illnesses. In the clinic, they follow HER foundation treatment protocols for hyperemesis gravidarum.

When it comes to the cost for care, it just didn’t sit right with Dr. Housholder that it would be a cash pay clinic. So, he worked with insurance company requirements (including Medicaid) to lay down plans for a clinic that would allow services to be covered under insurance in the same way that primary care doctor's visits are covered, rather than an emergency room bill. Access to care for everyone is a big part of his model.

Says Kelly: “It is our hope that this way of taking care of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy catches on throughout the country, changing the way pregnancy healthcare is viewed in the first trimester and beyond.”

Until the Morning Sickness Clinic opened in Birmingham in October, there was no physician or practice in the U.S. dedicated to treating nausea and vomiting from pregnancy (NVP).

KID'S

CAMPS

Advent Episcopal School

Aldridge Gardens

ArtPlay

Birmingham Children’s Theatre

Birmingham Fencing Club

Birmingham Zoo

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Babypalooza Magazine GUIDE CAMP 2023

Dawson Music Academy

Fresh Air Family

High Point Climbing

Hoover Met Complex

Indian Springs

Itty Bitty Bakers

Kidcam Camp

Levite Jewish Community Center

Mason Music

McWane Science Center

Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena

Red Mountain Theatre

Samford Academy of the Arts

Spring Valley School

The Dance Foundation

Tippi Toes Birmingham

Virginia Samford Theatre

YMCA Of Greater Birmingham

UAB Recreational Center

For more detailed schedules, activities, unique features, and active registration links of each camp visit the Ultimate Kids Camp Guide on the Babypalooza Website + APP.

Childrens of Alabama

{Attending Camp}

BY EMILY FORSYTHE

DAN MARULLO, PH.D. PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGIST & NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST

RECENTLY, WE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF SPEAKING WITH DR. DAN MARULLO, A PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGIST & NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST AT CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA. With 30 years of experience as a camp counselor, primarily with special needs children, he was able shed some light on questions many parents have about sending their kids off for camp. According Dr. Marullo, attending camp can be an incredibly beneficial and growth-inducing experience for young people across all age groups, especially those with special needs.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CHILDREN GOING TO CAMP?

Attending camp provides an opportunity for kids to build their interpersonal skills and grow in independence. It's a place where they can hone leadership skills, develop a strong sense of community, and become better at collaborating with others.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO THE PARENTS WHEN CHILDREN GO TO CAMP?

Enrolling children in summer camps can be a great opportunity for both kids and their parents. While it gives the young people a chance to gain independence, it also allows the adults to learn more about how resilient and adaptable their child is in new situations. Having an organized and secure setting for their child helps ease the burden of parenting for some amount of time.

WHAT SHOULD PARENTS CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A CAMP FOR THEIR CHILD?

Prior to enrolling their child in a camp, it is important for parents to ensure that the program has the proper accreditations and features experienced personnel along with suitable facilities. Such research will help ascertain whether the camp provides a safe and quality experience for the youngster.

AT WHAT AGE IS A CHILD READY FOR CAMP?

Day camps can be incredibly helpful for preschool children as it provides them with a sense of structure and order similar to what they receive from preschool. Overnight camps are typically open to those aged 7 to 9, although some will accept even younger kids of 6 years old or more.

Attending camp provides an opportunity for kids to build their interpersonal skills and grow in independence. It's a place where they can hone leadership skills, develop a strong sense of community, and become better at collaborating with others.

WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU OFFER PARENTS SENDING THEIR CHILD TO CAMP FOR THE FIRST TIME?

To ensure both you and your child are well-prepared for camp, there are several steps that must be taken. Particularly in the case of younger children or those with special needs, or even when a child is away from home for the first time, it is vital they learn the skills needed to manage separation and loneliness. Additionally, parents should devise strategies to cope with their own anxiety over sending their kids away.

To sign up for the Partners in Kids Health Newsletter and for more information on this or other health and safety topics, visit www.childrensal.org.

Childrens AL org

WATCH OUR INTERVIEW WITH DR. MARULLO TO GET MORE DETAILS THESE CAMP TIPS.

In the little moments and major milestones of childhood, we are here for our patients and their families – helping, healing, teaching and discovering.

{Art, Music &

THE DANCE FOUNDATION

1715 27TH CT S

HOMEWOOD, AL 35209

JUNE 12 - JULY 21

Once Upon a Ballet

Ages 6 - 9

$175

JUNE 13 - 15

Once Upon a Fairytale

ARTPLAY

1006 19TH ST S

BIRMINGHAM, AL 35205

JANUARY 12 - 16

Discovering The Visual Arts Camp A

Ages 6 - 12

$290

JUNE 20 - 30

2023 Musical Theatre Camp 2: Magic Treehouse - Pirates Past Noon

Ages 6 - 12

$475

BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE

2130 RICHARD ARRINGTON JR BLVD N BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203

MARCH 27 - MARCH 31

Spring Break Out!

Ages 8 - 18

$299

JUNE 5 - JULY 21

Imagination Party!

Ages 4 - 7

$250

JUNE 5 - JULY 21

Players Studio

Ages 8 - 13

$450

MASON MUSIC

3187 CAHABA HEIGHTS ROAD

BIRMINGHAM, AL 35243

MARCH 27 - 31

Spring Break Music Camp for Preschoolers

Cahaba Heights Studio

Ages 3 - 5

$200

JUNE 5 – 9

JUNE 19 - 23, Mountain Brook Studio

Ages 4 - 5

$110

JUNE 19 – 23

JULY 10 - 14

Adventures in Enchanted Lands

Ages 6 - 9

$175

DAWSON MUSIC ACADEMY

1114 OXMOOR RD

BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209

JULY 17 - 21

Summer Music Camp 2023

Ages 4 - 10

$150 - $250

JULY 17 - 21, Greystone Studio

JULY 24 - 28, Bluff Park Studio

Songs of the Sea Music Camp for Preschoolers

Cahaba Heights Studio

Ages 3 - 5

$200

JUNE 5 - 9

Mason Music Camp for Beginners

Greystone Studio

Ages 6 - 9

$225

MAY 30 - JUNE 2

Mason Music Ukelele Camp for Beginners

Bluff Park Studio

Ages 6 - 10

$220

Mason Music

Dance Camps}

RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE

1600 3RD AVE S BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233

MARCH 25

Play Day: Gotta Catch 'Em All

Ages 7 - 12

$70

MARCH 27 - 31

Play Making: PAW Patrol

Ages 4 - 6

$180

MARCH 27 - 31

Spring Sprouts: Hakuna Matata

Ages 7 - 8

$300

MARCH 27 - 31

Play Making: Peppa Pig

Ages 4 - 6

$180

MAY 30 - JUNE 2

Play Making: Where The Wild Things Are

Ages 4 - 6

$144

SAMFORD ACADEMY OF THE ARTS

1939 S LAKESHORE DR BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209

JUNE 12 - 16

Adventures in Music

Ages 6 - 18

$395

JULY 24 - 28

Strings Camp

Ages 8 - 13

$325

JUNE 26 – 30

July 17 - 21

Bulldog Art Camp

Ages 6 - 10

$350

TIPPI TOES BIRMINGHAM

THE CHURCH OF BROOK HILLS ELC 1221 BOUNDARY STREET BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242

JULY 10 - 14

Ice Cream Dance Camp

Ages 4 - 8

$250

JUNE 19 - 23

Tutus and Tiaras Princess Camp

Ages 4 - 8

$250

VIRGINIA SAMFORD THEATRE

1116 26TH ST S BIRMINGHAM, AL 35205

JUNE 5 - 9

Stars Camp VST

Ages 7 - 18

$350

JUNE 5 – 9

JUNE 12 - 16

STARS Summer Studio

Ages 11+

$350

Mason Music

ADVENT EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

2019 6TH AVE N BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203

JUNE 5 - AUGUST 4

ADVENTure Camp

Ages 4 - 10

$400

ALDRIDGE GARDENS

3530 LORNA RD HOOVER, AL 35216

JUNE 5 - 30

American Girl Doll Camps

Ages 5 - 9

$130 - $150

JUNE 5 - 30

S.T.E.A.M. Camps

Ages 5 - 9

$130 - $150

JUNE 5 - 30

Art in the Gardens Camps

Ages 5 - 9

$130 - $150

BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS

2612 LANE PARK RD

BIRMINGHAM, AL

MAY 30 - JULY 21

Children’s Summer Camps

Ages 4 - 12

$160

Advent Episcopal School

Camps}

KIDCAM CAMP

OAK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

200 TERRACE DRIVE PELHAM, AL 35124

MAY 30 - AUGUST 4

Kidcam Summer Day Camp

Ages 5 - 13

$176 - $195

BIRMINGHAM ZOO

2630 CAHABA RD

BIRMINGHAM, AL 35223

MARCH 20 - 24, 27 - 31

Spring Camp

Ages 5 - 10

$60

MAY 30 - AUGUST 4

Summer Camp

Ages 5 - 10

$60 - $85

HOOVER MET COMPLEX

5500 STADIUM TRACE PKWY

HOOVER, AL 35244

JUNE 5 - 10

Hoover Met Complex Summer Camp

Ages 6 - 12

$156 - $195

INDIAN SPRINGS

190 WOODWARD DRIVE

PELHAM, AL 35124

JUNE 5 - JULY 28

Camp Indian Springs

Ages 5 - 13

$250

LEVITE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER (LJCC)

3960 MONTCLAIR RD BIRMINGHAM, AL 35213

JUNE 5 - AUGUST 11

Camp J: Find Your Fun

Ages 6 - 13

$244 - $325

SPRING VALLEY SCHOOL

2701 SYDNEY DR BIRMINGHAM, AL 35211

JUNE 12 - 16, 20 - 23

Camp Spring Valley 2023

Ages 1 - 8

$50 - $75

UAB CAMPUS RECREATION CENTER

1501 UNIVERSITY BLVD. BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233

MARCH 27 - 31

UAB Spring Break Camp

Ages 5 - 12

$160 - $180

YMCA OF GREATER BIRMINGHAM

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

MAY 30 - AUGUST 4

Y Summer Day Camp

Multiple Locations in Birmingham

Ages 6 - 12

$196

Advent Episcopal School

{Sports Camps}

BIRMINGHAM FENCING CLUB

1581 MONTGOMERY HIGHWAY 109 HOOVER, AL 35216

MAY 29 - JULY 28

Beginner Fencing Camp

Ages 7 - 13

$300

HIGH POINT CLIMBING

4766 HIGHWAY 280 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242

MARCH 27 - 31

Spring Break Camp 2023

Ages 5 - 14

$234 - $259

MAY 29 - JUNE 2

Summer Camp 2023

Morning Session

Ages 5 - 14

$234 - $259

JUNE 5 - 9

Summer Camp 2023

Afternoon Session

Ages 5 - 14

$234 - $259

PELHAM CIVIC COMPLEX AND ICE ARENA

500 AMPHITHEATER RD PELHAM, AL 35124

MARCH 27 - 31

Spring Break Camp

Ages 6+

$295

JUNE 12 - 16

Summer Break Camp 1

Ages 6+ $295

JULY 10 - 14

Summer Break Camp 2

Ages 6+

$295

Special Interest Camps}

ITTY BITTY BAKERS

MEETS IN PRIVATE HOMES

MAY 30 - JUNE 1

Tangled Baking Camp

Mt. Laurel

FAMILY

VULCAN PARK AND MUSEUM

1701 VALLEY VIEW DR

BIRMINGHAM, AL

MAY 30 - JULY 28

Gross Out Day Camp

Ages 6 - 10

$275 - $325

Ages 5 - 7

$120 - $140

JUNE 5 - 8

Dr. Seuss Baking Camp

Rocky Ridge

Ages 3 - 5

$120 - $140

JUNE 12 – 14 - Inverness

JUNE 26 – 29 - Rocky Ridge

Storybook Baking Camp

Ages 3 - 5

$120 - $140

JUNE 20 - 22

Art Lovers Baking Camp

Bluff Park

Ages 5 - 7

$120 - $140

JUNE 27 - 29

Bluey Baking Camp

Riverchase

Ages 3 - 5

$120 - $140

MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER

200 19TH ST N BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203

MARCH 27 - 31

Spring Break Camp 2023

Ages 4 - 11

$50 - $70

JUNE 5 - JULY 28

Summer Camp 2023

Ages 4 - 11

$180 - $345

2023 Summer Music Camps

FAMILY TRAVEL SPONSOR

Where the Wild Things Are

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY TO EXPLORE THESE FUN AND EDU CATIONAL ANIMALFOCUSED DESTINATIONS FOR SPRING BREAK.

by Kim Hildenbrand

Find

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium

251-861-7500

www.disl.org

www.sealabestuarium.com

Featuring 31 aquariums totaling 30,000 gallons and more than 100 species, the Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) is a teaming with fun and information.

The exhibit captures the four key habitats of coastal Alabama. Mobile-Tensaw River Delta (the state’s largest wetland) reveals the American alligator, turtles, and a primitive air-breathing fish called a gar. The Mobile Bay (a shallow estuary) exhibit features spot stone crabs, horseshoe crabs, blue crabs, oysters, spadefish, and flounder, as well as a replica of the legs of Middle Bay lighthouse and a jetty. The Barrier Islands exhibit showcases the home of islands that run parallel to the shore to protect it from waves and wind. Look for shrimp, blue crabs and hermit crabs.

Finally, the exhibit on the Gulf of Mexico (the night largest body of water in North America) features invertebrates and vertebrates, including an octopus, barnacles, lobsters, eels, seahorses, red snapper, sharks, jellyfish and schooling fish such as spadefish. Families can also stroll the Living Marsh Boardwalk (a salt marsh with information on various grass and wildlife), witness a real-time weather station in action, and browse the gift shop.

Children will love observing stingrays in the large touch pool, exploring a French sailing vessel replica in the Billy Goat Hole gallery, and, while walking the Living Marsh Boardwalk, following the adventures of Mr. Sand: a fun cartoon character who tells the story of the evolution of barrier islands.

An important resource center for the study of marine life, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) was founded in 1971 by the State Legislature. Surrounded by Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound, and the waters of the Gulf, the DISL allows researchers to study a wide range of marine science activity.

photography by: DISL

Dinosaur World

711 Mammoth Cave Road

Cave City, KY 42127

270-773-4345

dinosaurworld.com/kentucky

Take a trip back in time and discover how the earth appeared when dinosaurs roamed. Stroll through 20 acres of nature and encounter 150 life-sized dinosaurs—including some of the scariest predators. The whole family will enjoy coming face to face with ancient giants among the lush garden setting and paved walkways. Also, don’t miss the Mammoth Garden to see Woolly Mammoths in all their glory. If you want a break from the outdoors, you can view fossils (both cast and real) in the museum and catch an educational film on dinosaurs in the Movie Cave.

Children can also dig for fossils, pan for minerals and gems, help unearth a life-size Stegosaurus skeleton from beneath the sand, play on the play a dino guessing game.

Be sure to pack a picnic lunch to dine with the dinos, as no food is available in the park.

Tennessee Aquarium

If your children love sea creatures, it’s time to plan a road trip to Chattanooga to come face to face with a variety of freshwater and saltwater species. Located on the city’s riverfront, River Journey exhibit features otters, catfish, turtles, trout, and more. Ocean Journey, the second exhibit, introduces visitors to penguins, stingrays, and butterflies, as well as a breathtaking coral reef that’s home to large sharks and schools of fish.

Don’t to miss the new Alligator Bayou in the Delta Country exhibit. Get up close and personal with a dozen alligators patrolling the waters in front of a Cajun shack and learn about the importance of wetland habitats. Also check out the new Gopher Tortoise habitat with underground viewing and enjoy more fish species than ever. Have your children download the free TN Aquar-

ium app so they can become “High-Tech Animal Trackers.” Children become biologists hot on the trail of a rare, threatened, or rarely seen animal. The app will send notifications when they approach these habitats, and they can unlock hidden content that offers an inside view of these fascinating creatures. For more than just the aquarium experience, purchase combo tickets with add-on adventures. There’s also a 3D IMAX movie theater. This spring, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar 3D and Humpback Wales

3D will be showing. Another attraction is the River Gorge Explorer Cruise. High-tech boats will take your family on a smooth 2-hour trip down the river to spot wildlife. Purchase a Backstage Pass and get behindthe-scenes VIP access to touch and even feed some animals.

You deserve to create ha y memories with your family, not just coordinate them .

A FAMILY RESORT WITH EVERYTHING YOU WANT

5 Outdoor Pools Indoor Pool Kid’s Activities & Crafts Fitness Center

Racquet Club & Tennis Lessons

Full-service Spa

Waterfront Restaurant

Poolside Bar & Grill

Ice Cream Shop

Sports Bar & Grill

Booking direct with Spectrum Resorts at The Beach Club Resort & Spa means you can enjoy every second of your vacation without stressing over the details. You’ll find everything you need right at the resort, with priority access and premium perks that promise a VIP experience. Amenities, activities, accommodations – we handle it all for a hassle-free stay that makes you the hero of your family’s vacation.

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WITH $99 DOWN on vacations +90 days in advance.

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BOOK DIRECT THROUGH SPECTRUM RESORTS FOR A WORRY-FREE VACATION EXPERIENCE.

Spectrum guests receive added benefits including discounts on onsite dining, spa, and shopping, freshly laundered coverlets with every stay and only $99 down on vacations booked more than 90 days in advance.

} Family Event Picks

FEBRUARY 20

Washington’s Birthday

AMERICAN VILLAGE

$9 - $11

www.americanvillage.org/washingtons-birthday

Washington's Birthday, also known as President's Day, is an annual event honoring the first President of the United States, George Washington. On this holiday, visitors to the American Village can partake in family-friendly activities run by costumed historical interpreters, which take place from 10 to 4 PM. One of the day's highlights is sharing birthday cake with George Washington at noon. This year's celebration promises to be extra special, with a patriotic music concert featuring the 18-member Cahaba Chamber Chorale and 89 students from the Ramsay High School Choral Department scheduled at 2 PM.

FEBRUARY 25, MARCH 11, 28 - 29 & APRIL 1

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE

$10 - $15

www.bct123.org/goldilocks

This classic fairy tale comes to life with charming characters, lively music, and stunning costumes. Join Goldilocks as she ventures into the forest encounters the three bears, and learns the valuable lesson of respecting others' property. This family-friendly production is perfect for children of all ages and will leave a lasting impression.

FEBRUARY 25

Don’t Tell Me I Can’t Fly

BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE

$10 - $22

bct123.org/fly

A new play titled "Tonia Bridge" depicts the story of a nine-year-old African-American girl growing up in a working-class home in Milwaukee in 1964. The protagonist, Tonia Bridge, struggles to reconcile her artistic soul with her parents' fears and practicality. She tries to please her mother by wearing conservative clothing and tries to impress her father with a science project. Still, she ultimately finds her path by allowing her parents to see her true self, complete with flaws, beauty, and potential. The play explores identity, family, and self-expression themes in a time of cultural change.

FEBRUARY 26

Beaker Bash 2023 - I Am A Scientist

MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER

FREE

mcwane.org/events/beaker-bash/?keyword=Events

The Beaker Bash 2023 aims to inspire the next generation of leaders in science through interactive and engaging activities. The event focuses on creating "AHA" moments when children connect with science topics, "WOW" moments when they explore science with their senses, "AWE" moments when they witness science in action, and "WOOHOO" moments when they complete science challenges. By providing hands-on experiences, the event hopes to foster a love and excitement for science in children.

MARCH 4

Family Night at the Museum

ALABAMA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

FREE

MARCH 4

CHILI COOK-OFF

BROOKWOOD VILLAGE

$15

exceptionalfoundation.org/chili

The event is family-friendly and features live music, a kids' zone, and unlimited chili tasting. All proceeds from the event directly benefit The Exceptional Foundation. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to enjoy delicious food and support a great cause.

almnh.museums.ua.edu/familynight

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Family Night at the Museum is sponsored by the Alabama Museum of Natural History and The University of Alabama’s Graduate School. This year’s theme is Around the World! This campus and the community-wide event will bring graduate departments together to create interactive activities.

Moreover, attendees will have the chance to win door prizes, and enjoy a multilingual story time for kids, and the first 200 people will receive a bag full of goodies.

CREATING MOMENTS WORTH CELEBRATING.

Ranked No. 5 in the Nation in Obstetrics & Gynecology by U.S. News & World Report WOMEN

We aim for excellence in women’s health and are committed to delivering unparalleled nationally recognized care through every step of our patient’s journey. Whether we are delivering babies, helping to create families or developing solutions to improve the lives of women, our priority remains our patients and their families. We strive to help create those special moments along the way that are worth celebrating.