Weekly roundup
Hey Parents! 👋
I don’t want to alarm anyone, but the words “back to school” are officially appearing in this newsletter. I know… I’m not ready either. The good news is that this weekend is a fun one! Retro pinball, reptiles on the mountain, wire art at the museum, and a fireworks show to send summer’s final stretch off right.
Friday, July 17 | 11 AM - 7 PM
Starlight Pinball Arcade Presents $5 Fridays!
Lowe Mill
Starlight Pinball Arcade Studio 1022 in classic Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment presents $5 Fridays! Step into a living time capsule of arcade history, where every light, bell, and flipper has been carefully brought back to life. Founded by two friends with a shared passion and over 15 years of combined experience working on arcade hardware, Starlight isn’t just a place to play—it’s a place where classic machines are lovingly restored, refurbished, and kept alive for a new generation.
What to expect: It’s more than an arcade—it’s a hands-on celebration of retro gaming, craftsmanship, and community.
Perfect for: Ages 5-14
Pro tip: Be ready to make some amazing and fun memories!
Cost: $5
Saturday, July 18 | 10 AM - 4 PM
Reptile Day
Burritt on the Mountain
Burritt on the Mountain transforms into a scaled and shelled celebration this July with Reptile Day, a full afternoon of hands-on learning with some of nature's most misunderstood creatures. The North Alabama Zoological Society brings its resident ambassadors — including Apollo the king snake, Twickenham the Sulcata tortoise, and Squirtle the yellow-bellied slider turtle — while retired natural resource educator Beth Girard introduces families to fascinating native species like legless lizards and blue-tongue skinks. Kids will meet Burritt's own snake ambassador, SAL, and discover why these cold-blooded critters deserve our respect and curiosity rather than fear.
What to expect: Presentations, Reptile-themed crafts, fun activities, and more!
Perfect for: This event suits curious kids ages 3 through 14 who are ready to touch, observe, and learn.
Pro tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy on the mountain between activities, and plan time to explore Burritt's historic buildings and the "We the People" exhibits that run throughout the day
Cost: Free!
Saturday, July 18 | 11 AM - 1 PM
Drop-In & CREATE Saturdays: Patriotic Star Sculptures
Huntsville Museum of Art
As America's 250th birthday celebrations continue, the Huntsville Museum of Art invites families to create their own patriotic star sculptures using wire — a perfect way to combine crafting with a bit of history. This drop-in session also offers a chance to explore the museum's collection of wire rabbit sculptures by Josh Cotê, Gracelynn Rose, and Hare-o-space, giving kids a look at how professional artists use similar materials to create whimsical art. It's a relaxed, come-as-you-are activity where families can spend as much or as little time as they like getting creative together.
What to expect: Since it's a drop-in format, there's no need to register in advance — just show up whenever works for your schedule within that two-hour window.
Perfect for: This activity is designed for the entire family, so whether you have toddlers who are just learning to manipulate materials or older kids who want to experiment with more intricate designs, everyone can participate at their own level
Pro tip: Consider staying a bit longer to wander through other museum galleries while you're there — it's a great way to turn a quick craft session into a fuller cultural experience.
Cost: FREE
Friday, July 17 | 6 PM - 8:30 PM
Back to School Bash + Firework Show
Bridge Street
Bridge Street Town Centre's annual Back to School Bash + Fireworks show features activities for everyone and a school supply and daily essentials drive benefiting local students!
What to expect: Face painting, Inflatables, a DJ, and More!
Perfect for: Families with kids getting ready to go back to school
Pro tip: Be ready to stay for the fireworks after!
Cost: FREE
💡 My Weekend Picks
If I had to narrow it down…
Reptile Day - Free, hands-on, and my daughter gets to meet a turtle named Squirtle?! This is exactly the kind of event we live for. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it on the mountain!
Back to School Bash + Firework Show - Inflatables, a DJ, AND fireworks? Sign us up! Plus, the school supply drive is a great chance to teach the kiddos about giving back while having a blast.
Starlight Pinball $5 Fridays - There is something special about watching your kid discover the games you grew up on. Five bucks for a time machine at Lowe Mill? You can’t beat it!
That’s it for this week.
📝 Before You Head Out:
Friday looks like the day to be outside (mid-80s and mostly dry for the fireworks), while Saturday carries a strong rain chance, so have a backup plan for the mountain. The museum’s wire sculpture session is free and air-conditioned if you need it.
And if you’re heading to the Back to School Bash, toss some extra pencils and notebooks in the car for the supply drive. Small thing, big difference for local students.
If you end up at any of these, come say hi! I’ll be the dad at the pinball arcade explaining to my daughter that, no, Daddy is not done with this machine yet, we have one more ball.
Happy adventuring,
Ryan 🚀