1) McWane Center - a great place for all ages.  Fun and informative exhibits (most hands on ) will keep the child and the inner child busy for a good amount of time.  An IMAX  is located in the museum for extra enjoyment.  A "little" loud and hectic - but worth it for the kids.

2) Birmingham Museum of Art - a "free" art museum.  The taste is eclectic, and the kids may find it a little dry - but with the right traveling exhibits it can be a treasure.  Quite large for a free museum.

3) The Vulcan - is a iron cast scrlpure overseeing Birmingham.  Neat but in a limited way - short trip, low admission price (rain could cause this to became a cancelled side-trip).

4) Museum of Civil Rights - a world class museum giving a real background and true facts concerning the civil rights struggles in USA.  Many of these events took place near the location of the museum.

5) A concert, play, etc. - the Birmingham area is full of all types of night life.  Broadway Across America, Alabama Symphony Orchastra, Concerts, etc. are all available in a degree similar but smaller than Atlanta.  Admission prices have a wide range in these events, so be careful before committing a family of 5 to one of these events.

6) As an after thought - the Alabama Sports Hall of fame is located in this general location.  You probably need to be a sports fan with a good knowledge of Alabama ties to sports to fully enjoy the experience - but it is interesting and well priced for those fitting the situation.