Looking for things to do in Huntsville, AL with kids?
We’ve got you covered! From outdoor adventures to indoor kids activities, Hunstville, AL has no shortage of family fun. They don’t call this Rocket City for anything! There are plenty of space-themed kids activities here, but also museums, parks, wide-open outdoor spaces, and other fun places to visit as a family. Get ready to start planning your next family vacation or day trip to Huntsville!
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Educational Kids Activities – Huntsville, AL
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
One of the most popular destinations in Huntsville is the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Here, kids can learn all about space exploration, explore the solar system by viewing one of the Intuitive Planetarium shows, check out rockets and astronaut suits, or take a spin on the G-Force Accelerator or HyperShip flight simulator.
Space Camp
If you really want to knock this experience out of the stratosphere (see what I did there), register for U.S. Space Camp. Here, kids ages 9-18 and adults can spend a week learning about space science, engineering, and other STEM topics. Few people also know that they offer Black Friday savings on their space camp experience.
Related: Find Space Camp and other family experiences gifts here.
Burritt on the Mountain
Visit a historic site that takes you back in time to glimpse Alabama life in the 1800s at Burritt on the Mountain. Located on Round Top Mountain, kids will love exploring the Burritt Mansion, Historic Park with a one-room schoolhouse, and barnyard. The property once belonged to a local doctor who donated everything to the city. Today is well known for its live historical reenactments, views of Huntsville, and live concert series.
There are also several miles of hiking trails to explore with stunning views of Huntsville. Education events for children and crafting workshops are available for adults too.
Huntsville Museum of Art
Families will enjoy exploring the Huntsville Museum of Art located in Downtown Huntsville. The museum frequently has kid-friendly art activities, events, and performances. Current exhibits feature paintings, sculptures, and other works by local artists.
EarlyWorks Children’s Museum
The Earlywork’s Children’s Museum of Huntsville is a great place for kids to play and learn about history. Children ages 2-9 love the interactive exhibits here including the Talking Tree that regales them with tales of Native American culture and Alabama history.
Constitution Hall Park and Museum
This is the site where the first Constitution of Alabama was drafted in 1819. Although the museum and buildings are currently closed to the public, families can tour the grounds. There are eight buildings here that exemplify life in 1819.
Travel Tip: Look for the plaque commemorating Alan Shepard’s Moonwalk steps away from where Alabama’s first Constitutional Convention was held.
Harrison Brothers Hardware
For a taste of Huntsville’s history, visit Harrison Brothers Hardware. This is the oldest continuously operated hardware store in the United States. The store has been in operation since 1894 and is now a museum. Kids can explore the store and see how things have changed over the years or haven’t.
Travel Tip: Harrison Brothers offers this fun scavenger hunt for visitors. See if you can find all the items and redeem them for a prize!
Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment
Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment is a great place to find art, music, and entertainment for the whole family. The mill is home to over 200 working artists, making it the largest arts facility in Alabama. You can find everything from paintings and sculptures to pottery and jewelry.
Children’s classes are offered on a variety of subjects; pottery, painting, performance art, and more. See the event calendar for these as well as Open Studio Nights when many artists open their workspaces to the public.
For the music lovers in the family, stop into Tangled String Studio which is part guitar making workshop, part acoustic concert venue. You can see how the owner handcrafts guitars and enjoy live music.
If you want to craft your own instrument, the Cigar Box Guitar Store is the place. You can learn to make your own or buy one ready to play. They offer free lessons Saturdays from 12-2pm too.
The mill hosts several events throughout the year, including art festivals, Concerts on The Dock, Saturday Outdoor Market (summer months), and more.
Travel Tip: Some of the best food in the city is available just outside Lowe Mill at Chef Will the Palate food truck. Everything on this vegetarian and vegan menu is delicious. Wash it all down with southern tea from Piper and Leaf, also located at Lowe Mill.
Start planning your next trip today with Kayak.
Active Indoor Kids’ Activities – Huntsville
Trampoline Parks
Get the kids moving at a local trampoline park. There are several to choose from in the Huntsville area, including Altitude Trampoline Park and Urban Air Adventure & Trampoline Park (opening Spring 2022). These parks have a variety of trampolines, foam pits, and obstacle courses.
Curling at the Huntsville Ice Complex
And for something a little different, how about curling? The Huntsville Ice Complex offers public curling sessions where you can learn the basics of this unique sport.
Main Event Huntsville
Main Event is an entertainment complex that offers laser tag, bowling, gravity ropes, rock climbing, arcade games, and more. It’s a great place to spend a rainy day or hot afternoon.
Outdoor Things to Do in Huntsville
One of the great things about living in or visiting Huntsville is the access to wide-open spaces and outdoor activities. If your kids are the outdoorsy type, here are some things to do in Huntsville that they’ll love.
Harmony Park Safari
For animal lovers, make sure to visit Harmony Park Safari. This 2-mile drive-thru safari park is home to animals from all over the world. You can see giraffes, zebras, buffalo, tortoises, ostriches, and more as you drive through the park.
There are also several opportunities to feed the animals and get up close for a photo. The park also has a petting zoo, playground, and picnic areas. It is only open from March through October.
Land Trust of North Alabama
The Land Trust of North Alabama is a great place to explore the outdoors. The trust has over 10,000 acres of land with hiking trails, fishing spots, and more. You can also go canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding on the Flint River.
To rent kayaks or canoes, visit Brown Bear Canoe and Kayak or North Alabama Canoe & Kayak.
Burritt’s Nature Trails
The trails around Burritt on the Mountain are perfect for a family hike or bike ride. They wind around the property and lead to the Land Trust and state park. You can picnic along the way if you want to pack a lunch. Learn more about the trails and download the map here.
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Hiking and Biking Trails
There are several hiking and biking trails in Huntsville, including the Huntsville Land Trust Trails, Monte Sano State Park, and Brahan Spring Park. These trails offer beautiful views of Huntsville and the surrounding area.
Kids will love exploring the nature trails, while older kids and adults can enjoy the more challenging mountain bike trails.
Walking Tour of Historic Sites
Huntsville is rich in history and there are several historic sites to visit. Take a walking tour of some of the most popular sites, including the EarlyWorks Museum Complex, Twickenham Historic District, Constitution Village, and the Huntsville Depot Museum.
Monte Sano State Park
This state park, with its 2140 acres, is also a great place to hike, camp, and picnic. The park has over 20 miles of hiking trails, 14miles of biking trails, as well as a campground, and rustic cabin rentals.
Huntsville Botanical Garden
The Huntsville Botanical Garden is a great place to explore nature with kids. The garden has a variety of gardens, including a children’s garden, butterfly house, and model train exhibit. There are also walking trails, a pond, and a playground. The garden hosts educational programs for kids throughout the year including a family campout during the summer months.
In Spring 2022, Stickwork by artist Patrick Dougherty opened to the public. This large-scale sculpture made of locally-sourced saplings is located in the children’s garden and is a great place to explore and take photos.
U Pick Farms
If you’re looking for a taste of rural life, check out one of the local berry farms. These farms offer pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, and other family-friendly activities.
Disc Golf
If you’re looking for things to do with your kids that are active and outdoors, consider playing disc golf. Huntsville has several courses to choose from, including Brahan Spring Park, Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve, and Dublin Memorial Park.
Big Spring International Park
If you’re looking for outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy, consider visiting Big Spring Park. This park has walking trails, a scenic creek, and a waterfall. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon with the kids and feed the fish or ducks.
Lucky Duck Downtown Scavenger Hunt
The Lucky Duck is a downtown Huntsville scavenger hunt that takes you to all of the best landmarks and historical sites. This is a great activity for kids because it’s both fun and educational. You can find a map with clues online or at the Visitor’s Center.
Huntsville Ghost Walk
The Huntsville Ghost Walk is a guided tour that takes you to some of the most haunted places in the city. This is a great activity for kids who are interested in history and ghosts. Three tours are offered and each last about 90 minutes. They include Twickenham Historic District, Old Town Historic District, and Downtown.
While you’re downtown, stop by the Cotton Row Restaurant.
Madison County Nature Trail
If you’re looking for things to do outdoors, the Madison County Nature Trail is a great option. This scenic hiking trail winds through wooded areas and meadows, offering beautiful views and plenty of wildlife to spot.
Local Mural Walk
Hunstville is home to a number of beautiful murals. Take a walk downtown and see how many you can find. This is a great activity for kids because it’s both fun and educational. You can find a map of the murals online or at the Visitor’s Center. The one pictured below is one of my favorites – Koi Mural by Dustin Timbrook.
Get the Hunstville Secret Art Trail Map here from Downtown Huntsville.
So there you have it – a few ideas for things to do in Huntsville with kids. Whether you’re looking for educational activities, outdoor adventures, or something a little different, you’re sure to find something that everyone in your family will enjoy.
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