Things to Do in Chelsea

At Vestavia Bowl Family Fun Center, kids are encouraged to knock things over. The staff strives to spread a passion for bowling through various youth incentives, from organized leagues to the Kids Bowl Free promotion—a system that awards children complimentary games to take up summer free time. The staff even lends out kits to area P.E. teachers as part of the In-School Bowling Program, furnishing classes with balls, pins, carpeted lanes, and lengthy lesson plans on how to find the ball's finger holes.

By tutoring youngsters in bowling techniques, the center hopes to instill the same fondness for the sport held by its managerial team. Certified bowling coach Keith Henderson heads the pack of competitive players—many of whom boast sanctioned 300 games on their records—and oversees 34 lanes equipped with computers and overhead scoring monitors. For an ethereal gaming environment, black lights illuminate the lanes during select hours and birthday parties. Guests can also test their dexterity at pool tables and arcade games. Meanwhile, the snack bar preps burgers, hot dogs, and wings to pair with draft beers; patrons can even take advantage of Eat & Bowl specials, which offer a combo meal and two games for one price.

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.

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.

Hidden Hills Equestrian Center's owner and trainer, Stephanie Howard Gingles, shares her equine-related wisdom with casual and competitive riders during horse-riding lessons, which cover English-, hunter-, and jumper-style riding techniques and horse-care methods. Hidden Hills Equestrian Center's owner and trainer, Stephanie Howard Gingles, shares her equine-related wisdom with casual and competitive riders during horse-riding lessons, which cover English-, hunter-, and jumper-style riding techniques and horse-care methods. The facility’s lush, emerald expanses and white fences reserve a spacious area for advanced lessons in jumping and horse showing. Students can borrow one of Hidden Hills’ horses for riding lessons and fast-food runs, or can bring along their own steeds. Horse owners can also find adequate lodgings for their four-legged companions in Hidden Hills’ boarding stalls, which include grooming, feeding, and blanketing services.

Along Stepping Stone Farm's 130 acres of pastures, trails, and tree-studded hills, owner Courtney Huguley provides opportunities for students to hone horsemanship skills and connect with natural surroundings. During lessons, Courtney and assistant instructor Melissa Croxton teach students the basics of saddleseat riding, a traditional English style from which many other methods have originated, including jousting with swimming noodles. Once students gain comfort and confidence during private lessons, the instructors introduce them to group lessons with up to four other riders to master walking, trotting, and synchronized neighing.

Weeklong summer camps are also available for younger riders. During these sessions, each camper is assigned to one specific horse, learning responsibility and companionship.

Co-owners Cindi and Barbara put their 57 combined years of fitness passion to use by helming a team of expert instructors and stocking their bright, sunlit studio with cutting-edge equipment. During cycling sessions, instructors help students torch calories and tone muscle groups atop state-of-the-art RealRyder stationary bikes, which behave like real bikes by leaning into turns and cowering at the sound of thunder. They also work to enhance cores with brand-new Reformer machines in guided sessions for individuals or partners.