Things to Do in Homewood

Under the shadowy cover of nightfall, and by the flickering glow of a lantern, the Birmingham Ghost Walk weaves gaggles of ghost seekers through the city's spirit-populated historical sites. Tour leader Wolfgang Poe leads each march through time, beginning with a group-bonding ritual that tunes minds into the vibrations of Wolfgang's spirit guides. Winding toward the Alabama and Lyric Theaters, walks stop to discuss brothels, taverns, and townhouses long since gone, but not vacated by their former inhabitants. As the moon slinks behind clouds and shadows move into the shapes of embarrassing childhood nicknames, tour-takers shake off spine-tingling chills to finish the adventure at the Tutwiler Hotel. Cameras are allowed and, due to its dark themes and subject matter, the Ghost Walk gives itself a PG-13 rating.

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.

A hardwood maple skating rink shines beneath the glow of neon lights at Funtime Skate Center. In the middle of the rink, a checkered zone invites beginners to get a feel for their wheels as experienced skaters make laps around the rink's outer edge. The rink also does double duty on select days, hosting the Tragic City Rollers as they slingshot and skate their way toward victory and the pride that comes with never wearing shoes. In addition to skating and snacking at the on-site Funtime Café, the center houses four party rooms primed for birthday parties large or small. And, on Friday and Saturday nights, cosmic lighting and sound effects transform the facility into a world of wonderment and gossip-worthy handholding.

Led by director Carla Higginbotham, the instructors of Dance Trance aim to create a fun, lively workout using intuitive, easy-to-follow dance moves and upbeat music. The instructors demonstrate the routine without shouting disruptive directions as students shake and shimmy their way through strength building and cardio drills.

Resident dance champion and National Dance Council of America-certified instructor Sterling Burroughs has been teaching dance for more than 25 years. His impressive teaching career includes 14 Freddie Awards and more than 150 regional and national awards from the Fred Astaire Studio organization. He has trained several award-winning performers in many styles. Now, Sterling leads a team of instructors in teaching these acclaimed techniques to budding dancers of all ages and skill levels. Students learn to gracefully twirl and twist through Latin and ballroom dances such as the rumba, East Coast swing, and the foxtrot. During group and private lessons, instructors help students communicate through movement, from the long, yearning strides of the tango to the slight adjustments to falling powdered wigs performed during the Viennese waltz.

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.