I've been in Hoover for nine years, and I still discover new things to do around here every day. If you ask me, summer is the perfect season to take advantage of the many activities and amenities our city has to offer. And, what makes it even better, is that most of them are free.
Here are five fun activities to try this summer:
You may know it as the climbing wall at The Finley Center. Hours are limited, but this is a prime location for birthday parties or rainy afternoons. There are few experiences that better afford the opportunity to push our kids to face their fears while being certain that the safety features will hold up better than any homemade, "Dad said it was fine" contraption.
My favorite part was the speed wall: How fast can you get to the top?
hoovermetcomplex.com/finley-center/adventure
Photo by Kyle Foshee
Explore Playground & Splash Pad
If you forgot to reserve a spot at The Finley Center, drive just a short way behind it to visit the Explore Playground & Splash Pad. It is fully fenced in with enough spinny things and climbing towers to satisfy the kids that are just below the "I'm too cool for this" threshold. There are a few tables that fill up quickly under minimal shade, so expect the water to be your break from the relentless Alabama humidity.
My favorite part: The splash pad - the water. is. fine.
hoovermetcomplex.com/explore-play
Hoover Public Library
Listen closely. I'm from a very small town. Libraries were not exactly the place to be. Well, this one IS. Of course, I want the books and the quiet, but I also have four kids who want the fun and the loud. HPL has an extensive list of events for kids that includes live, on-stage performances, movie days, and a summer reading program that gets lots of attention. Adults can join book clubs and attend visual arts exhibits, to name a few. I mean, really, why don't I go more?
My favorite part: Live performances for kiddos. Mine love it, even when they act like they don't want to go.
hooverlibrary.org
Photos by Kyle Foshee
Veterans Park
There is way more to do here than I knew about. There's a big field, a big walking track, a big play area and a big, shaded pavilion. But there are also courts for pickleball, beach volleyball, and even lifting weights! I admit, they're all out in the open for the sun to beam down without remorse, which is why I'd spend most of my time in the little creek that runs behind Spain Park High School or the pond where the kids like to wade and net minnows.
My favorite part: The Butterfly Garden (call me old fashioned).
hooveralabama.gov/379/Veterans-Park-on-Valleydale
Photos by Kyle Foshee
Flemming Park
There are actually two spots for this park: The small pavilion with restrooms and walking trail and the kayak and canoe launch down river, both of which require leaving the pavement to reach. The trails lead riverside, and the launch is on the other side of Lake Wilborn's subdivision, right underneath a railroad bridge. I'm telling you, there aren't many places more peaceful.
My favorite part: I mean, come on...
hooveralabama.gov/1503/Flemming-Park