4 Ways to Kick Off Summer in Bessemer

The mercury is soaring past 90 degrees, so it must be summer in Bessemer. You could hide from the heat and humidity in the air-conditioning. However, we recommend embracing the season and all it brings. Celebrate the sunny season with these top Bessemer activities. 

1. Get Wet at Alabama Adventure and Splash Adventure

No matter how old you are, summer signals theme park season. Bessemer has two theme parks on one action-packed site: Alabama Adventure and Splash Adventure. Splash Adventure’s watery attractions will help you beat the heat. Visitors of all ages love its water slides, lazy river, and wave pool. 

Once you’ve cooled off, check out Alabama Adventure’s thrill rides. The Galleon pirate ship, Rampage wooden roller coaster, and other rides will get your blood pumping. Tiny tots aren’t forgotten. They’ll love the Splash Express Train, spinning Teacups, and Little Bumpers, a watery take on the classic dodgem cars. Stunt shows and food vendors add to the fun. 

Alabama Adventure and Splash Adventure are at 4599 Splash Adventure Pkwy. One-day tickets and season passes both include unlimited rides in both parks. 

2. Swim Laps at Bessemer Recreation Center

Bessemer Recreation Center has many attractions designed to keep you moving. The gymnasium and sports courts are popular all year round. However, when summer hits, everyone makes a beeline for the swimming pool. Enjoy a leisurely swim or join one of the classes. The rec center offers learn-to-swim classes that help children become more confident swimmers. Water aerobics classes get adults moving. 

Bessemer Recreation Center is at 100 14th St. S. Hwy. 150. An annual Bessemer Aquatics pass or day pass lets you use the pool and attend lessons. Alternatively, get a Plus Plan that includes all the rec center’s classes all year round. 

3. Make a Splash at McNeil Park

If you’d rather save your pennies, you can cool down for free at McNeil Park. It’s the city’s only park with an outdoor water feature and splash pad. As summer temperatures soar, you’ll see hundreds of local kids splashing and having fun. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch under the shade of one of the park’s trees. McNeil Park also has a walking track, basketball court, and playground. 

McNeil Park is at 1320 20th Ave. N. Admission is free. The park stays open all year round. 

4. Attend the Central Alabama Caribbean Festival

Held in mid-June, the Central Alabama Caribbean Festival is one of Bessemer’s first summer events. It celebrates the food and culture that make the Caribbean one of the world’s most vibrant regions. Sample tasty treats including jerk chicken, goat curry, and shaved ice. The parade is always a highlight. Onlookers love watching the flag bearers and dancers in colorful costumes strut their stuff 

The Central Alabama Caribbean Festival is a one-day event held on a Saturday in mid-June. Dates vary from year to year, so listen out for when it’s next at DeBardeleben Park. Admission is always free. 

Summer days are made for having fun and embracing your inner child. Rather than moaning about the heat, use it to your advantage and kick off your summer the right way in Bessemer.