Things to Do in Calera

Painted By U caters to burgeoning artists and crafters of all ages in a studio that invites visitors to create fused glass works, paint ceramic bisques, or color blank canvases. After choosing their piece from a selection of more than 300 ceramic forms, walk-in artists can elect colors from a rainbow of glazes with which to paint mugs, tiles, and pieces of Atlantis. Meanwhile, a glittering array of glass pieces awaits selection as experts help artists fuse and slump their assemblages into vibrant silica masterpieces. The studio's collection of idea books, stencils, and stamps kindle artistic inspiration, while studio assistants lend tips and tricks to creators hard at work. Party-planners can rent out an activity room that accommodates up to 18 guests to forge art-filled birthdays, bridal showers, or ladies' nights.

A go-kart track winds riders around hairpin turns surrounded by trees while a stream gurgles through a professionally landscaped 18-hole mini golf course. Nearby, water balloons arc through the air, splashing into opposing bases and drenching the battlers within. But outside isn’t the only fun spot at Treetop Family Adventure. Inside, children navigate a maze of trip lasers, blast each other with beams and Han Solo quotes in neon-lit, space-themed corridors, and hone their hand-eye coordination on arcade games. At all the attractions, they run and laugh, burning off the energy they’ve built up from hours spent at home. The tiniest of them, aged 10 and younger, can even clamber around in the giant tree that stands as the centerpiece of an indoor playground or enjoy a separate play area for toddlers and teddy bears working on their tea etiquette.

Alabama-born Cynthia Massey Parsons, who will be featured in the 32nd anniversary edition of Who’s Who in American Art, has built her artistic reputation on works in watercolor, acrylic, and graphite. During Paint-A-Long sessions, she leads budding artists through the brushwork of a single painting, helping students pick up sound technique without worrying about inventing a subject or baiting a muse. Her original designs range from modified classics—such as the sky in Van Gogh’s Starry Night transposed over a local skyline—to classic floral still lifes.

A nationally renowned trainer with more than 25 years of equine experience, Anna Owens leads a staff of instructors in the instillation of proper riding form at Lachlan Farm. During lessons, riders establish a firm fundamental foundation and then hone specific skills to achieve their individual goals, whether they are competitive showmanship or mounted vigilantism. Lachlan Farm’s instructors cater to all ages and skill levels, even instructing youngsters aged 2–6 in private mini lessons that focus on the basics. Lessons occur rain or shine, as they can be moved to the facility’s indoor areas if the weather refuses to cooperate.

Since rolling out the green carpet in 1955, the emerald alleyways of Montevallo Golf Club have beckoned club-swingers to tackle its 6,000 yards of 18 Bermuda-grass holes year round. Bunkers speckle the par 71, beckoning errant golf balls to spend the day sunbathing in their sandy beaches. Players hone their swings at the driving range, and dedicated golfers can augment clubs and accessories with gear from the pro-shop.

After working for decades as a successful oil executive, National Senior Games gold medalist Homer Brown decided to shift gears, opening BumperNets in 1999 to promote his beloved sport of table tennis to the masses. Nestled within the Riverchase Galleria Mall, Brown’s well-stocked, interactive emporium lets visitors hone their ping-pong or pool skills under the tutelage of a trained professional, or master the finer points of team management at the foosball table. Homer and his knowledgeable staff help guests deck game rooms in felt-clad pool tables, glittering pinball machines, and skee-ball alleys for rental or purchase, and can assist with onsite assembly.