The best things to do in Hoover

“Family-friendly chain offering a sports-bar-style setting for American food & arcade games.”

“0 tri-tracking simulators that mirror real ball flight. Grab a bay for practice, leagues, or a friendly match, and explore memberships or home-install options.”

From the Bessemer newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Whether you’re wrangling kids or date night plans, Putter Up brings high-tech indoor mini golf with FX lights, interactive obstacles, and automated scoring, plus an arcade, pinball, and a golf simulator with 30+ sports. Grab food or a green-cup drink from Campus 124 neighbors and keep the good times rolling.”

From the Hoover newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Nonprofits rarely feel this fun. Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema screens independent films and documentaries in cozy theaters, mixes in spotlights and series, and backs it all with a proper bar, free lobby events, classes and the Book + Film Club, plus the annual Sidewalk Film Festival.”

From the Birmingham newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Highland Park Golf Course is Birmingham’s historic 18-hole hangout with awesome downtown views and a fun yet challenging layout. After a million-dollar 2019 refresh, the greens and vibe are dialed in, and the range and lessons at The Learning Center will tune up that pesky slice.”

From the Birmingham newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Swing by the John Lewis Mural, a powerful piece by local artist Dewon Moton that channels the late congressman’s good-trouble spirit and nudges us to come together with purpose. A quick stop that hits you right in the civic pride, then sends you back into the week fired up.”

From the Birmingham newsletter, August 13, 2026

“Lucky Strike Birmingham nails the sweet spot between league-night lanes and arcade chaos, with 40 lanes, billiards, and a legit sports bar turning out solid bites and cocktails. Perfect for a quick after-work hang or family-friendly weekend, and recent upgrades keep the vibe fresh with big screens and music.”

From the Vestavia Hills newsletter, September 10, 2026

“For a weekend reset or quick after-work loop, RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley serves up the photogenic Ridge, the refreshed Valley with TifEagle greens, and The Back Yard, a walking-only nine par 3s you can finish in about an hour.”

From the Hoover newsletter, August 26, 2026

“If you’re a member or the lucky friend-of-a-member, Mountain Brook Club offers that Tradition of Excellence vibe, beautiful architecture, and genuine Southern hospitality. Perfect for a low-key round or family unwind... a gentle nudge to actually enjoy your own backyard this week.”

From the Birmingham newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Clue-themed rooms at this chain facility challenge players to solve puzzles, decipher codes, and uncover clues to escape.”

“Upscale spot for wine by the glass or bottle served alongside eclectic tapas in a refined setting.”

“, and Pete Dye) plus state-of-the-art aquatics, fitness, racquet sports, and genuinely good dining, The Country Club of Birmingham is where golf-obsessed locals find their happy place and everyone else finds an excuse to linger.”