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Family Center

Turn that frown upside down.

Ways to Play

Keep your family active and entertained in a safe environment. Whether you’re at the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children or considering attending a camp or event on Lake Martin, Children’s Harbor has lots of fun things to offer.

The Family Center

The Children’s Harbor Family Center, located within the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children, offers lots of ways for patients and their families to stay active and have fun during their hospital stay.

Toddler Play Area

Equipped with age-appropriate toys, games and activities — all in a safe environment, the playroom is a great place for young kids to spend time playing and burning off a little extra energy. Parents are welcome to play alongside their kids and help their imaginations blossom.

Make the most of it

Whatever games you play, let the younger kids “lead” for a little while. It helps them build confidence, creative skills and takes the pressure off of parents and older siblings too.

How to get there

The Toddler Play Area is located just inside the Children’s Harbor Family Center. It is available for use from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM on weekdays and weekends. There is no cost. Just sign in at the front desk.


Basketball Court

A quick game of basketball can be a great way to take your mind off things. The basketball court is just under half court with a high-ceiling, great natural daylight and a basketball goal ready to bring out your inner athlete.

Make the most of it

A game of “around the world” with family or others in the hospital provides a healthy break and can brighten everyone’s day.

How to get there

The Basketball Court is located inside the Children’s Harbor Family Center. A basketball is available for use. No reservations required. It’s free to use for patients and their families. Check with the front desk. Available for use from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM on weekdays and weekends.


Game Room

The Game Room at the Family Center offers fun for many ages with arcade-style games, a foosball table, air hockey and multiple Xbox game consoles and games. Younger kids, and some older ones too, also like to see if they can grab a new stuffed toy from the arcade claw machine.

Make the most of it

The Game Room is just around the corner from the Family and Computer Rooms, so everyone in your family, no matter their age, can find something fun to do.

How to get there

The Game Room is located inside the Children’s Harbor Family Center. It’s free to use for patients and their families, and is available for use from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM on weekdays and weekends. Questions? Check with the front desk, contact us at(205) 638-6123.


Computer Desks

Three computers with high-speed Internet connections are available to patients and families. Post updates to social media sites, check email, find local restaurants, research medical information or enjoy some down time playing games online.

Make the most of it

The Game Room, Toddler Play Area and Family Media Room are right around the corner from the Computer Room - so everyone in the family can find something to do nearby.

How to get there

The Game Room is located inside the Children’s Harbor Family Center. It is available for use for patients and their families from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM on weekdays and weekends. Questions? Contact (205) 638-6123.


Fitness Center

Take advantage of the fitness center in the Children’s Harbor Family Center. It includes two stationary bicycles, a treadmill, and a multi-station weight machine. For safety, parents are requested to exercise with their children under 14.

Make the most of it

Even light physical activity has been proven to offer a better mental state and helps us all cope with stressful situations.

How to get there

The Fitness Center is located inside the Children’s Harbor Family Center. It is available for use by patients and their families from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM on weekdays and weekends. Questions? Contact (205) 638-6123.


Lake Martin

For our illness camps, the Children’s Harbor campus on Lake Martin in Alexander City offers many ways for patients and their families to come together and reconnect, often outdoors, in a safe environment for children with health challenges.

Swimming Pool

This unique swimming pool includes a hand-railed ramp that gradually enters the shallow end, several depths for young swimmers and a “deep” end with a twisty slide and room for lap swimming.

Make the most of it

Starting at a depth of only inches deep — children with trachs, medical equipment or other limiting factors can enjoy sitting in or floating on the water.

How to get there

Open from Memorial through Labor Day, the swimming pool is available to illness camps and may also be used by groups for a daily fee in conjunction with a facility rental. See a map for the best route to get there. Check with your camp coordinator or Children’s Harbor staff on specific availability. All water activities must have a Children’s Harbor approved, licensed lifeguard.


Lake Swimming

The Lake Martin inlet is great place to laze and stay cool during the summer, and for the young at heart, it’s also equipped with a large floating trampoline. Fun!

Make the most of it

There is also a large aluminum floating boat dock that is wheelchair accessible. Camps often coordinate boat rides so families can spend time out on the lake.

How to get there

See a map for the best route to get there. Check with your camp coordinator or Children’s Harbor staff on specific availability. All water activities must have a Children’s Harbor approved, licensed lifeguard.


Basketball Court

Grab a group and show everyone your mad basketball skills on the paved half-court basketball court, complete with standard boundaries and a three-point line. Swoosh.

Make the most of it

Dads, take on the kids and see who comes out with bragging rights for (what will seem like) years to come. Don’t forget to stretch!

How to get there

While available to all guests, the basketball course may be reserved for camps or private events during certain times. See a map for the best route to get there. Check with your camp coordinator or Children’s Harbor staff on specific availability.


Activity Room

This large screened-in room with a wraparound porch offers a great place for families to hang out during the heat of the day or on rainy days. It includes several pool tables, …need more info… and is wheelchair accessible.

Make the most of it

Plan ahead to coordinate a simplified pool tournament for children with a prize for the winner. This helps everyone get to know each other and is a fun activity that everyone can be a part of.

How to get there

While available to all guests, the Activity Room may be reserved for camps or private events during certain times. See a map for the best route to get there. Check with your camp coordinator or Children’s Harbor staff on specific availability.


Canoeing

With 12 canoes, plenty of paddles and life vests of multiple sizes, families can take to the water for a relaxing row around the inlet or challenge others to a paddling race around the big water trampoline and back!

Make the most of it

Parents, this is a great opportunity to spend time with children who need a little extra attention. While they may resist it at first, they’ll come back to shore with memories that they’ll treasure.

How to get there

See a map for the best route to get there. Check with your camp coordinator or Children’s Harbor staff on specific availability. All water activities must have a Children’s Harbor approved, licensed lifeguard.


Amphitheater

The outdoor amphitheater is a quaint stage with wraparound-style bench seating near the Harbor Lodge. It provides a perfect setting for outdoor camp meetings, a talent contest or any other imaginative outdoor get-together that requires a stage.

Make the most of it

Get the day started off on a positive note by offering to host a morning devotional or inspirational message during camp.

How to get there

The amphitheater is located in Harbor Lodge at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin. See a map for the best route to get there. Check with your camp coordinator or Children’s Harbor staff on specific availability.


Miniature Golf

This is not your average miniature golf course. Complete with sand traps, tunnels and rock “cliffs” on the green, everyone in your family will be challenged to score a hole-in-one! The entire course is arranged for complete access to those in wheelchairs.

Make the most of it

While you’re there, stop for a minute and take a family photo in the cedar replica of an old covered bridge.

How to get there

While available to all guests, the miniature golf course may be reserved for camps or private events during certain times. See a map for the best route to get there. Check with your camp coordinator or Children’s Harbor staff on specific availability.


Playground

Nestled in the woods is a wheelchair-accessible playground with soft flooring from end-to-end. Swings, slides, rock walls and bridges offer children of many ages a place to let their imaginations run wild.

Make the most of it

Take a family photo on the oversized tire swing. Part of the fun is the effort to prepare for the shot. It will take some planning to get everyone on the swing - which offers a bright promise of giggles and smiles while everyone gets “on board”.

How to get there

While available to all guests, the playground may be reserved for camps or private events during certain times. See a map for the best route to get there. Check with your camp coordinator or Children’s Harbor staff on specific availability.