Whether you’re here for a summer event like the SEC Baseball Tournament or you're a local looking for creative ways to beat the heat, our beautiful city has something for everyone. Enjoy Hoover has designed a “Summer Day in Hoover” itinerary with both outdoor and indoor activities for the whole family!
Morning
If you’re near the Hoover Met, start your day with a visit to EXPLORE Playground & Splashpad! The 15,000-square-foot playground and 7,000-square-foot splash pad feature an inclusive design, ensuring accessibility for all. The splash pad is open May 15 – September 15, Tuesday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Explore Playground is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Both are free and open to the public.
If hiking or rock climbing is your thing, head over to Moss Rock Preserve for 349 acres of streams, waterfalls and wildlife. This beautiful community has 12 miles of hiking trails and a boulder field for rock climbing. The flowers are also in full bloom at Aldridge Gardens. If you prefer indoor rock climbing, head to Hoover Heights Climbing Center in The Finley Center at the Hoover Met. New sessions begin each hour.
Afternoon
After enjoying lunch at one of our fabulous restaurants, check out the Riverchase Galleria, Alabama’s largest indoor mall, featuring more than 150 stores, or the Stadium Trace Village. Located near Highway 150 and Stadium Trace Parkway, this outdoor shopping center features local boutiques alongside nationally recognized restaurants. Both options are perfect for purchasing a souvenir or a new summer outfit!
After lunch and shopping, you may want to take a break indoors at The Hoover Public Library. Besides enjoying a good book, you can enjoy concerts, theater productions, arts and crafts and countless other offerings. If you’re local, also check out their Summer Reading Challenge events.
Evening
Catch an SEC baseball game under the lights at the Hoover Met. The atmosphere is electric, and the evening breeze makes the bleachers the best seat in the house. See our full coverage on the SEC Tournament on page 8.
The Whole Scoop
The Whole Scoop is a Hoover favorite for more than 15 years.
Here in Hoover, we like to end our days on a sweet note! We highly recommend The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop, a local favorite featuring more than 40 flavors, including dairy-free options, located at 1021 Brock’s Gap Parkway.
Have more time?
One of the best aspects of Hoover is that there is never a shortage of places to go and things to do – and that includes the great attractions tucked just outside of city limits. In just 20 minutes, you can explore the outdoors or race down a waterslide. Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama’s largest state park, offers lake swimming, canoeing, mountain biking and hiking. Alabama Splash Adventure, a combo amusement and water park, boasts theme park and water rides, and a lazy river.