Now that spring has brought warmer temperatures, budding trees, colorful flowers, and a fresh desire for activity in Calhoun County, we wanted to share some upcoming events, whether unique or ongoing, that are great for children and teens, or activities that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Reference our guide for kid’s movie nights, games, clubs, gardening instruction, camping opportunities, and more. But be aware that some of them are fast approaching, so mark your calendars today!

• Solar Eclipse Activities

There’s nothing more fun (or educational) for kids than learning and celebrating a solar eclipse. With one just around the corner–Monday, April 8 to be exact–the Oxford Public Library has 3 different events planned to make this momentous eclipse informative and enjoyable.

• Solar Eclipse Story Times – On Thursday, April 4 at 9:15 am, the library will host 4 different pre-school Story Times, and award each attending family 1 pair of free solar eclipse glasses to be used on the big day. Join us at any of the 4 Story Times on April 4th and your family can earn 1 pair of solar eclipse glasses.

• Solar Eclipse Activity Day – Sunday, April 7 (the day before the solar eclipse), the Oxford Library will host an activity day beginning at 2 pm. Their activities and programs will include all ages, and attendance will be rewarded with a free pair of solar eclipse glasses. On site will be a solar telescope that kids can take turns looking into so as to safely observe the sun.

• Solar Eclipse Viewing Party – The solar eclipse will take place Monday, April 8, and to celebrate and experience it, the Oxford Library will host a viewing party beginning at 1 pm. This outdoor event will take place in their courtyard (weather permitting), where families can bring picnics, beach towels, and get ready to witness (through special eclipse glasses of course) the moment when the Sun and Moon cross paths.

The Oxford Alabama Public Library is located at 110 E 6th Street, Oxford, AL, 36203. For more information call (256) 831-1750.

• Jigsaw Puzzle Race

For jigsaw puzzle aficionados, the Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County will be hosting a Jigsaw Puzzle Race this coming Friday evening, April 5 at 6 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm). Teams of four will compete in a race to see who can solve a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle the fastest for a grand prize. This competition, which requires an entry fee of $5, is for ages 10 and up. To register, visit publiclibrary.cc/puzzle.

The Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County is located at 108 E. 10th St., Anniston, AL 36201. For more information call (256) 237-8501.

• Llama Palooza at Redbird Willow Farm

The 3rd annual Llama Palooza, which takes place this coming Saturday, April 6 at Redbird Willow Farm, is a fun-filled event the entire family can celebrate. Held from 10 am to 3 pm, get ready to interact with lots of cute, friendly animals like rabbits, goats, alpacas, emus, donkeys, and of course, llamas galore! With food trucks, 40 vendors, face painting, and more, you won’t want to miss out. Admission is $15.00 per person for ages 10 and up, (children under 10 get in free). 

Redbird Willow Farm is located at 1100 W Lenlock Ln, Anniston, AL, 36206. For more information call (256) 239-3067 or email redbirdwillowfarm@gmail.com.

• Lego League

From LEGO Masters to LEGOLAND, this popular toy item has provided hours of entertainment for both children and adults alike for decades. The Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County has an ongoing event the second Wednesday afternoon of every month from 3:30 – 4:30 pm for LEGO enthusiasts–the Lego League. April’s meeting, planned for Wednesday, April 10, will include LEGO challenges in the Children’s Department with door prizes included.

The Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County is located at 108 E. 10th St., Anniston, AL 36201. For more information call (256) 237-8501.

• Anime Club

Also hosted by the Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County, their Anime Club is another monthly event that is youth-friendly. Slated for every second Thursday of the month (with the next one scheduled for Thursday, April 11 from 4-5 pm), this club caters to teens who are fascinated with all things Anime. It takes place in the Ayers Room and includes viewing of a new anime title, Japanese-inspired snacks, and prizes.

The Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County is located at 108 E. 10th St., Anniston, AL 36201. For more information call (256) 237-8501.

• Children’s Gardening Class

What better way to celebrate spring than with a gardening class that helps kids exercise their green thumbs? On Friday, April 12 at 4 pm, the Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County is hosting a Children’s Gardening Class where kids will learn about basic gardening and plant care, play games, and bring home a plant to practice their skills in caring for.

The Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County is located at 108 E. 10th St., Anniston, AL 36201. For more information call (256) 237-8501.

• Pokemon Card Club

If you have a child or other kids in your extended family, you’ve probably heard of their passion for collecting Pokemon cards (I was asked to gift two of my nephews collector card albums to house their prized possessions for Christmas). Every third Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 pm, the Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County holds a Pokemon Card Club where attendees can play the official Pokemon Card game and trade cards with their friends. Attendance will also earn them 3 free Pokemon cards to add to their collections.

The Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County is located at 108 E. 10th St., Anniston, AL 36201. For more information call (256) 237-8501.

• Monday Movies at Noon

If you homeschool your kids, you likely keep your eyes peeled for fun during-the-day activities to supplement your children’s school days. Look no further than the Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County, which among its many activities, hosts Monday Movies at Noon every Monday from 12-2 pm. An outside snack lunch is welcome, but kids can also purchase popcorn or drinks for $.50 each to munch and sip on while they enjoy classic children’s movies. Visit publiclibrary.cc/events to stay informed on what’s showing.

• Family Camping Night

Anyone for an outdoor camping adventure? Two family camping events are coming up, the first being Family Camping Night hosted by Camp Lee of Anniston. From Friday, April 26 to Saturday, April 27, set up camp on their grounds and have fun learning camping skills, roasting marshmallows over an open fire to make smores, hiking, and more as a family. The cost is $25 per person (additional children after the first 2 are $15 each).

Camp Lee is located at 70 Camp Lee Main Rd., Anniston, AL. For more information and to preregister, email programs@camplee.org or call (256) 499-6160.

• Seeking Sasquatch Campout

Ever wondered if a Sasquatch could be roaming the mountainous forests of Calhoun County? Join other campers for the event Seeking Sasquatch Campout to get all your questions answered on the elusive beast. This family-friendly camping event takes place Friday, May 17 through Saturday, May 18, featuring another opportunity to sleep under the stars at Camp Lee. Adults and kids will learn camping skills, discuss Bigfoot, play Bigfoot Jeopardy, hike, play hide-and-seek, and take part in other classic camping activities. The cost is $50 per person (additional children after the first 2 are $40 each).

Camp Lee is located at 70 Camp Lee Main Rd., Anniston, AL. For more information and to preregister, email programs@camplee.org or call (256) 499-6160.

***Note: Stay on the lookout for our upcoming complete guide to Anniston’s Noble Street Fest, a premier annual street festival that features bike racing, live music, food, vendors, and other activities for the entire family. It will be taking place Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 11 am – 7 pm in downtown Anniston, Alabama.