Indoor Play Atlas
Children's Museums

McWane Science Center

Downtown Birmingham, Birmingham, AL

Downtown Birmingham science museum with Itty Bitty Magic City, water play, climbing, and a café for a full indoor family outing.

Pretend-play diner and storefront area inside McWane Science Center’s Itty Bitty Magic City.

Photo 1 of 4. Pretend-play diner and storefront area inside McWane Science Center’s Itty Bitty Magic City.

Editorial notes

What stands out

Best for a longer half-day or full-day outing when you want real play value plus museum exhibits under one roof.

Good fit

  • Toddlers through elementary-age kids who like hands-on exhibits
  • Mixed-age sibling outings
  • Families who want a full indoor destination with food on site

Consider another option if

  • Quick budget playdates
  • Families looking only for soft-play or bounce-house style activity

Know Before You Go

Food
Bean Sprouts Café is on site.
Supervision model
Caregiver supervised

What to Expect

For kids

  • Babies
  • Toddlers
  • Preschoolers
  • Big kids
  • Mixed ages
  • Museum exhibits

For caregivers

  • Cafe on site
  • Coffee available
  • Food available
  • Caregiver supervised
Visit type
destination outing
Read more about this location

McWane Science Center is one of Birmingham’s strongest all-weather family destinations, blending a full science museum visit with genuinely appealing early-childhood play spaces. Families with younger children will get the most from Itty Bitty Magic City, a large kids’ area with pretend-play storefronts, a secure toddler zone, hands-on water play, and a climbing structure sized for little explorers. Older siblings still have plenty to do throughout the museum, so this is an easy mixed-age pick when you want more than a standard indoor playground.

Hours & Admission

Posted hours

Check posted weekly hours

View full weekly hours
Weekly posted opening hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Based on posted weekly hours. Holidays, private events, seasonal schedules, and special closures may differ.

Admission

Published admission prices
VisitorPrice
Under 2Free
Adults 13 To 64$20.95
Seniors 65 Plus$19.95

Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.

Accessibility

Sensory Support

KultureCity Sensory Inclusive partner

Sensory Support

Sensory bags with fidgets and headphones available for checkout

Sensory Support

Quiet areas marked throughout the museum

Sensory Support

Dedicated sensory room available on Level 1

Sensory Support

Social Story available to preview the visit

Mobility And Access

Elevators and ramps serve all public museum areas

Mobility And Access

IMAX Dome offers descriptive audio at all showtimes

Accessibility and comfort

Sensory-friendly

Location

200 19th Street N

Birmingham, AL, 35203

Get directions

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Sources & Updates

5 public sources on record · Last checked Apr 9, 2026. Time-sensitive details may have changed.

View source and update details
Last check on record
Apr 9, 2026
Sources reviewed
5 public sources

Public sources