best 7 programs in Birmingham, AL

All aboard the STEAM train! Here at Mad Science of Greater Salt Lake, we're not just about science; we're about making it grand and accessible. Our passionate team of professional educators, who double as entertainers, are here to guide your child on an exhilarating journey through the fascinating world of science. We're committed to making learning fun, interactive, and engaging, and we do this through our variety of programs that include after-school activities, workshops, and summer camps. Ready to put a unique spin to your child’s birthday party? We have got you covered! Our parties are far from ordinary, filled with thrilling science demonstrations, hands-on experiments, and captivating activities. We guarantee to turn any party into an exciting event that effortlessly combines learning and fun. We're committed to creating memorable experiences that will not only entertain your child but also instill in them a love for science. Here at Mad Science of Greater Salt Lake, our offerings don’t stop at parties and after-school programs. We also bring the wonder of science to schools and businesses through our educational assemblies, captivating shows, and interactive booths. Our vast experience working with children of all ages, from toddlers to tweens, makes us experts at nurturing your child’s natural curiosity. We firmly believe that introducing them to science at a young age can spark their imagination and fuel their desire to learn more.

Lynn Andrews—affectionately nicknamed “Swim Nazi, Jr.”—is the proud daughter of a swimming instructor and is continuing her family’s legacy of teaching children and adults the importance of water safety. She offers group lessons, designed to help students gain the confidence they need to take the plunge in the deep end of the pool with self-sufficiency. With Lynn at the helm, her students have a supportive environment where they can build camaraderie with their peers, as well as acquire the necessary skills to become strong swimmers. The techniques she uses are highly effective in getting children out of their comfort zone and into the pool.

Jaclyn Horsley Shiflett is a Birmingham native who has had many opportunities to expand her knowledge of dance. Her teaching career began 20 years ago, and four years ago she founded The Dance Studio in Hoover, AL. Here she encourages young artists to pursue excellence in their chosen style of dance. Jaclyn specializes in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Modern, and is also trained in Hip-Hop and Tap. She has studied extensively with Monica Barnett Smith of Exclusively Ballet, alongside Wes Chapman and Roger VanFleteran of the Alabama Ballet, and has also trained at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York, The South Carolina Conservatory, STEPS, Broadway Dance Center, Pineapple London, and Birmingham-Southern College. Here she completed a double major in Dance and Business. As a performer, her favorite role was Dew Drop Fairy (Nutcracker).

Sawyerville, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, is focused on providing opportunity to children and youth in Hale County. Through free summer programs, mentoring, and scholarships, Sawyerville works to expand the possibilities of the children and youth in the area. Sawyerville works to serve God and improve race relations in Alabama by allowing the children and youth to explore and learn about the diverse world around them. This helps to enrich the lives of those living in poverty and provides them with a more hopeful future. The mission of Sawyerville is to provide a better future for the children and youth of Hale County. Through free summer programs, mentoring, and scholarships, Sawyerville works to expand the horizons of both participants and staff, while also improving race relations in Alabama and enriching the lives of those living in poverty.

Winnataska is the perfect place for a weekend retreat! Whether you’re planning a church youth group, college group, family reunion, or just need some peace and quiet, our facilities are here to help. Enjoy the nature of our outdoor pavilion, the serenity of our chapel, or the view of the waterfall from the dining hall porch. And don’t forget about the peaceful, welcoming atmosphere of camping in the off-season! Come join us for a memorable weekend away.

Founded in 2006, Fresh Air Family has expanded to offer more than 400 outdoor activities, ranging from family outings to school field trips to fossil hunts. For the more adventurous, we offer canoeing, birding, caving, and orienteering. Our Gross Out Camp even lets kids explore science without even knowing it. Our outreach of more than 10,000 people includes a diverse mix of young and not-so-young families, married couples, single adults, and children. With highly trained experts leading the way, our mission is to help families explore and appreciate the natural world.