Things to Do in Mountain Brook

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.

A golfer tees off at St. Andrews Links. A little leaguer sends a baseball soaring through the air. A confused family salutes each flag waving on a mini-golf course. These events could all take place at Southern Golf's indoor and outdoor facilities. The company's GolfAchiever simulator recreates the greens, fairways, and weather conditions of the world's most famous courses so players can whack balls toward a projected screen. At the pro shop, staffers fit clubs and sell gear from brands such as Bridgestone and Nike Golf; customers can then test out new equipment on an indoor putting green. Visitors can also practice their swings at the batting cages or on the 18-hole outdoor mini-golf course.

The 18 holes at Frank House Municipal Golf Course embroil golfers in a test of skills and mental toughness as they guide orbs over a lush, emerald carpet. After completing the relatively straight front nine, players must adjust aim for shots on the back nine, where all but three of the holes make severe dogleg turns. One of these doglegs, the 18th, forces players to lay up short of a lake, and then approach over its width or try to freeze it over with an icy glare.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 72 course
• Total length of 6,346 yards from the back tees
• Course rating of 69 from the back tees
• Course rating of 119 from the back tees
• Three sets of tees per hole