1224 McFarland Blvd. NE Tuscaloosa, AL. 35406
205-750-0081
Finding something the whole family wants to do in the summer can feel like a miracle. One kid’s bored, the other’s overstimulated, and you’re just trying to make it through the day without losing your mind. Tuscaloosa has a handful of events that make it easier, not over-the-top, not too far out of the way, just fun stuff that gives everyone something to look forward to.
If you have someone in braces or Invisalign, it’s even more important to plan. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Dr. Whitaker gets that. The team at Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics makes it easy to keep up with treatment without missing out on summer.
This one’s flexible, local, and surprisingly fun for all ages. “It’s a Scavenger Hunt!” is a self-guided mobile game that runs throughout June and beyond, so you can play whenever it works for your schedule. Think of it as a traditional scavenger hunt, but with a modern twist, as you will solve riddle-style clues and search around Tuscaloosa’s busy public areas using just your phone.
Whether your kids are little or in their tween phase, this works because everyone plays at their own pace. You won’t need to keep up with a group or meet a deadline. Most families finish in about 90 minutes, which is just enough time to burn energy without causing meltdowns.
Bonus: It’s active but low-risk, as there’s little likelihood of damaging brackets or interfering with clear aligners. Just pack a water bottle and enjoy the chance to explore your city in a new way.
This one’s a little outside Tuscaloosa, but still close enough to make the list. On Saturday, June 28, head over to Gamble Park in Jasper for a combo event that supports a great cause. The COOL Kids 5K and Car Wash raises money for Camp COOL, which provides summer camp experiences for kids with spina bifida or cerebral palsy. Here’s what to expect:
The vibe is pure community. You’ll be surrounded by people who want to give their kids a good time and do something meaningful. Since it’s open to all ages, there’s no pressure to be fast, just present.
Even if your child has metal braces or aligners, nothing here is off-limits. Bring a towel, a change of clothes, and enjoy the day.
The City of Tuscaloosa knows how to do fireworks right. This free Independence Day celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. on July 4 at the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater. You’ll find live music from the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, a DJ spinning before the show, and a kids’ zone packed with games and activities.
If your child is in orthodontic treatment, just plan, bring a small kit with wax, a travel toothbrush, and an Invisalign case if needed. The event is worth the prep. Fireworks light up the sky above the River District pedestrian bridge, and the setup makes it easy to grab a spot with a view without being overwhelmed by crowds.
It’s one of those nights that doesn’t require much planning to feel like a win.
If you’ve ever dragged your kids to an event hoping for magic and ended up stuck in a hot parking lot with a single face painter and no snacks, you’re not alone. However, Tuscaloosa’s two big art festivals are worth showing up for.
Kentuck Festival of the Arts
In October, this festival takes things up a notch. This one’s nationally known and draws over 270 artists to Snow Hinton Park, which just got a facelift. It’s a mix of contemporary and folk art, demos you can learn from, live music, food trucks, and local craft beer if you’re sneaking in a solo hour while someone else handles the kids.
Not every summer plan needs to be packed with activities. Sometimes, a well-timed outing or local event can give your family exactly the reset it needs. Our team at Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics, along with Dr. Whitaker, is here to help you plan around your child’s treatment, so you don’t have to choose between a great summer and a great smile. Here’s how to make outings easier, whether your child has Invisalign or braces:
If you’re not sure how a particular activity might affect your child’s braces or aligners, just call us. We’ll walk you through it.
Having a plan makes everything less stressful and lets your family focus on the fun.
Braces or Invisalign don’t have to get in the way of a good summer. A little prep makes it easier to enjoy events, travel, or even just a last-minute day out.
If something comes up, Dr. Whitaker is easy to reach, so you can conveniently contact us. The team at Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics can help with quick schedule changes, answer questions, or walk you through how to handle trays or brackets while you’re on the move in our Tuscaloosa office.
May 29, 2025
