SUMMER! It's finally here! But, what is there to do around the area for those who live in Birmingham? Grab your group of friends and try out some of the 37 FREE or cheap things that you can find around the 205.

Not from the "ham", but plan on visiting soon? Don't miss the opportunity to visit these unique attractions!

**Items that require a small fee upon admission.

1. Moss Rock Preserve

Open every day from sunrise to sundown, this park spans over 349 acres of streams, waterfalls, wildlife, rock outcroppings, and forest systems for days worth of adventures!

2. Railroad Park

An outdoor gym, walking track, exercise classes, playgrounds, ponds, a wetlands area... and yoga? If you're looking for a place that offers a great athletic atmosphere, Railroad Park can supply just that! If you're lucky, you may even catch the park on a "Symphony In The Summer" day when the Alabama Symphony comes to perform.

3. Red Mountain Park

Contains 15 miles of trails that are open to hiking or biking between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. Several activities are included throughout the park outside of the trails, but require an admission fee. This is also a hot destination for geocaching, as well as historical iron ore mining sites.

4. What's on Second?

Antiques and collectibles are their specialties! You can look through their online selection before heading downtown, but you're sure to find some interesting pieces on your trip there.

5. Pepper Place Market

One of the largest Farmer's Markets in Birmingham! Full of yummy food, pottery, clothes, and other fine local creation. The Farmer's Market runs every Saturday from 7:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. rain or shine!

6. The Birmingham Barons**

Take me out to the ballgame! General admission tickets are only $7 and get you in on all of the fun of a good baseball experience. Don't miss out on photo opportunities with Babe Ruff, as well as prizes and contests offered throughout the game's nine innings. Check out the site for discounts, deals, and special events taking place!

7. Ed's Pet World

From exotic pets to tropical fish, this pet shop is sure to brighten every pet lover's day. Some of the exotic pets include hedgehogs, sugar gliders, newts, chinchillas, alligators, iguanas, parrots, and several, SEVERAL more!

8. Vulcan Park**

Standing 56 feet tall, Vulcan is the world's largest cast iron statue. Tickets range from $4 - $6 depending on age and time of entrance. Admission includes a beautiful view of the city of Birmingham from Red Mountain, an interactive history museum, and a public park. The museum is open Monday through Sunday, 10:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. and the observation tower is open Monday through Sunday, 10:00 A.M. until 10:00 P.M.

9. The Birmingham Museum of Art

With FREE parking and FREE admission, what more reason do you need to go? Well, the museum contains over 25,000 forms of art in sculptures, decorations, prints, drawings, and paintings with interactive exhibits for children (or the adult's inner child) to explore.

10. Peanut Depot on Morris Avenue

The Peanut Depot uses antique roasters to deliver the best-tasting peanuts to their loyal customers. No oils or preservatives are added, or have been added for over 100 years! The store is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. and Saturday from 10:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

11. Avondale Brewery (Festivals)**

If you're 21 and are looking for not only a bar or brewery, Avondale provides several concerts and events throughout the year at their location. There is a small admission fee, depending on the concert or event that you attend, but prices usually fall around $5.

12. Veterans' Park

Beach volleyball courts, picnic pavilions, a 5K cross country trail, and playgrounds are what you can find at this memorial park. There is also a veterans' memorial, in addition to a four-acre lake and pond with a walking trail for visitors.

13. Don Kresge Memorial Museum

A museum dedicated to the life of Don Kresge and early radio systems.

14. Golden Flake Factory Tour

If you are 5 years or older, YOU can tour the facility in which Golden Flake chips are made and distributed! Tours last around 45 minutes, and guests are given the full history and run down of what it takes to create their delectable crunchy potato chips. Tours are offered Monday through Wednesday at 9:30 A.M., 11:00 A.M., and 12:30 P.M. However, you must register for your tour online before arriving on site.

15. Civil Rights District

This is the area of downtown Birmingham where many of the Civil Rights Movement took place. Locations include the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, Fourth Avenue Business District, Carver Theatre, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

16. Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Home to more than 12,000 plants and over 30 sculptures, The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is Alabama's largest living museum. It is also Alabama's most visited free attraction.

17. Sloss Furnace

Iron was produced here for almost 90 years and helped Birmingham rise as a city. On Saturdays and Sundays, visitors can tour the National Historical Landmark of "Sloss Furnace". Self-guided tours are also available during the week; however, they are closed on Mondays and follow the City of Birmingham Holiday Schedule. Check out their website for more events coming up throughout the summer!

18. Gardendale Splash Pad

A great cool off spot for the kids with splashing fountains, sprinklers, water guns, and dumping buckets of water! The Splash Pad is open Tuesday through Sunday: 10:00 A.M. until dusk.

19. Visit the Statue of Liberty

YES! You can visit the Statue of Liberty right here in Birmingham! It is one-fifth the size of the original and has a lit flame of natural gas for her torch.

20. Aldridge Gardens

With 30-acres of pathways of hydrangeas, galleries, and a lake, this captivating landscape is a great photo opportunity and refreshing "unplug" from the busy world outside the gates. Operating times are between 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. daily.

21. Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

466 acres of exploring through more of Alabama's grand wilderness. There are two swimming areas, which even include a natural rock water slide! Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Hours vary by day (Wednesday through Sunday) and the park is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

22. The Cahaba River (Float)

There are several ways that you can choose to float down the Cahaba River! Just grab a boat, some paddles, and a friend and you've got yourself a journey through Alabama's waters.

23. The Color Tunnel

The abandoned 18th Street underpass was enlightened with a rainbow of new opportunity! Come take a walk through the underpass and experience the Magic City in its evening beauty.

24. Birmingham Library

With several archives of Civil Rights history, the Birmingham Library is any historian's great pass-by for the time. Several events occur periodically throughout the year and can be found on the library's website for more information.

25. Rickwood Field Park

Currently closed for repairs, this great piece of history will be reopening in 2018! Rickwood Field was home to the Birmingham Black Barons and has been standing since 1910. For more information on its reopening and events coming up, you can check out their website.

26. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center

There is a suggested donation of $2, but there is no technical admission. Visitors can hike trails, visit overlooks, tour the nature center, see the wetlands, quarries, mining site, the historic mineral rail line, and search for geocaches only minutes away from downtown Birmingham. (The Nature Center is closed on Mondays; however, the trails are open to the public every day)

27. Historic Antebellum Home & Gardens**

This former plantation home was built between 1845-1850 and was finally added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. The house now serves as a decorative arts museum, which contains a collection of 19th-century furniture. The plantation also includes 6 acres of gardens and scenic landscape for visitors to enjoy during their stay. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. They are open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and Sundays from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

28. McWane Science Center**

Adults can earn access to all four levels of the interactive science museum for only $13 a ticket. Several exhibits are available for exploration and imagination, including an aquarium in the lower level. Weekend hours vary; however, the science center is open 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. on week days.

29. Southern Museum of Flight**

Tickets range between $5 and $7. Exhibits include The Tuskegee Airmen, Vietnam War Helicopters, and much more!

30. Bike Riding

Bring your bike, and take a self-guided tour throughout the Magic City!

31. Dreamland**

Famous for their tasty BBQ, Dreamland has taken over the taste buds of Alabamians for over 50 years now. The Birmingham location provides a fun eating experience with a restaurant menu that will make you feel as fit as a king. Open Sunday through Saturday, 10:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M.

32. The Alabama Theatre (Summer Movie Series)**

Take a trip back in time as you step through the doors of the historic Alabama Theatre. Here, you can catch a modern or classic movie throughout the summer for an admission price of about $8. Other events occur throughout the summer as well and can be found along with times and dates on their website.

33. Bluff Park (Tip Top Grill** & Lover's Leap)

On top of the mountains of Birmingham, lies the area is known as Bluff Park. It is here, that you can find a beautiful view of the valley while enjoying a hot dog or hamburger that is cooked to perfection. The Tip Top Grill has a sweet small town charm that cannot be replaced by any other hotdog and burger joint. This place is the perfect opportunity to watch the sunset and just sit back and relax. Just look for the dancing hotdog, and you'll know you've found it! Open Monday through Friday from 6:30 A.M. - 7:30 P.M. and Saturday from 6:30 A.M. - 3:00P.M.

34. Steel City Pops**

During the summer, all you ever want in the south is a chance to cool off from the Alabama heat. Steel City Pops are made in fruity, creamy, and cookie pops that will make you smack your lips in sweet yummy goodness! Pop prices range from $3-$4.50 and there are several locations around the Birmingham area that can be found. Open Sunday through Thursday from Noon to 9:00 P.M. and Friday & Saturday from Noon to 10:00 P.M.

35. Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame

Free jazz classes are offered to any resident in the state of Alabama every Saturday morning by The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars. You can also find memorabilia, such as paintings, quilts, and instruments within the walls of the museum.

36. Dog Parks

Grab your favorite pooch and check out the amazing opportunities that Birmingham has for you and your best friend!

37. Saturn

A great place to get a cup of coffee, play video games, and chill with friends. Board games, a variety of vintage gaming consoles, and some good ole arcade games are waiting for you at this unique little coffee stop. The coffee shop opens at 7:00 A.M. and turns into a concert venue and bar in the later evening hours. Don't miss their Sunday cereal adventure brunch parties!! Almost any cereal is available for you to choose from, while watching classic 70s/80s cartoons in your PJ's!