On March 12th for the very first time, Railroad Park is inviting families to camp out on Birmingham’s front lawn. At Family Camp-out Night, presented by Publix, families will pitch their tents inside the park and enjoy astronomy lessons, nocturnal animal demonstrations, and camping demos. Tickets available now.  Dinner and breakfast for Family Camp-out participants will be provided by Publix.  

Zookeepers from the Birmingham Zoo will teach the feeding habits and nocturnal ways of owls. Experts from the Birmingham Astronomical Society and Christenberry Planetarium at Samford University will lead campers through the constellations in the Southern sky. Idlewild Adventure Company will demonstrate tips for camping in the city or in the open country. The Boy Scouts of America will lead a session on camping safety and general how-to’s. 

No camping experience would be complete without s’mores! Although campfires are not allowed in Railroad Park, there will be a s’mores bar, with plenty of milk chocolate, graham crackers and melted marshmallows for the classic camping treat. Just before lights out, Reach Out and Read Alabama will lead campers in a read-along. Sunday morning the Birmingham Audubon Society will lead an interactive birdwatching walk before everyone enjoys breakfast and packs up to head home. 

Families must purchase tickets in advance for Railroad Park’s Family Camp-out Night. Visit RailroadPark.org for more information including pricing, the registration form and a recommended packing list. Families must bring their own tents. Because of the activities and nature of this event, Family Camp-out Night is only open to families with children. Railroad Park expects to host similar events for other groups in the future.