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Today I’ll be sharing all the fun things to do in Huntsville, Alabama. It’s the next stop in our list of great places in the south to visit with kids because of its inarguable beauty. Besides, this city is a vibrant hub filled with everything, from history and the arts to classic family-fun activities.
Since we’ve already talked about several other southern cities, we’re moving on to this gem in Alabama. So let’s take a look at things to do in Huntsville, Alabama.
How To Get To Huntsville With Kids
Depending on your location you can get to Huntsville either by road or air. If you are flying into Huntsville, you will be landing at Huntsville International Airport. From Birmingham, it is about a 1.5-2hr drive.
How To Get Around Huntsville With Kids
Like other cities, Huntsville has various transportation options. The best way to get around Huntsville with kids is by renting a car. If you don’t want to rent a car, your next best option is to use Uber or Lyft.
Where To Stay In Huntsville With Kids
When traveling with kids, you want to be sure to stay at kids friendly hotels. We stayed two nights at Holiday Inn and two nights at Monte Sano State Park. The best kids friendly hotels in Huntsville include:
- Drury Inn & Suites Huntsville at the Space & Rocket Center
- The Westin Huntsville
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville Hotel & Spa
- AC Hotel by Marriott Huntsville Downtown
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Huntsville
Things To Do In Huntsville Alabama With Kids
Huntsville is home to a variety of things to do with kids. Hence, it’s a must-visit for traveling families. From the U.S. Space and Rocket Center to their Museum of Art, the natural beauty of the outdoors, botanic gardens, and much more, there’s something for everyone in this city.
It’s the perfect destination for families because it has something that appeals to every age.
Burritt On The Mountain
This open-air museum is located on Round Top Mountain, a plateau connected to Monte Sano Mountain. It’s the estate of local doctor, William Burritt, who willed his house and land to the city for use as a museum after his death in 1955.
In addition, visitors can tour the historic home along with several log cabins and outbuildings surrounding it.
Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial
This memorial is dedicated to all veterans for their courage, sacrifice, and duty. It’s a somber place designed to allow visitors to reflect on the sacrifices our veterans have made, remember the veterans in their own lives, and honor all who have served.
It also offers an educational look at the country’s military past, the high cost of war, and the sacrifices our servicemen and women have made.
Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial
Alabama Constitution Hall Historic Park & Village
This open-air museum consists of over eight carefully reconstructed buildings of the 1880s like a cabinetmaker’s shop, print shop, confectionary shop, library, and post office. Throughout the village, guides in historic attire also help tell the story of early life in Alabama, including the lives of Black settlers.
Alabama Constitution Hall Historic Park & Village
Independent Musical Productions
This playhouse features a variety of stage shows from well-known classics to contemporary pieces. It’s community theater on a professional level.
Independent Musical Productions
U.S. Space And Rocket Center
U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum
One of the premier military museums in the entire world, this facility features exhibits, memorabilia, artifacts, and military equipment ranging from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Visitors will find everything from small artifacts to vehicles like the Ford Pygmy, the oldest surviving jeep, for instance.
U.S. Space and Rocket Center
One of the most comprehensive U.S. manned space flight hardware museums in the world, the Space And Rocket Center is home to Space Camp and Aviation Challenge. NASA’s Official Visitor Information Center for Marshall Space Flight Center also resides in the building.
As a result, visitors can see everything from the famous Blackbird and Rockets to experience interactive exhibits.
Huntsville Museum of Art
Situated in Big Spring Park, The Huntsville Museum of Art was founded in 1970. It houses a massive collection of art pieces. Their collection features Norman Rockwell and Hudson River School Landscapes, for instance. It also comes with permanent collections and a wide variety of well-known traveling exhibits.
Huntsville Depot Museum
This museum is the oldest surviving railroad depot in Alabama. It’s also one of the oldest in the United States. It was originally built in 1869 as the eastern division headquarters for the Memphis and Charleston Railroad.
Today, however, it serves as a museum devoted to teaching guests young and old about the history of the depot and its role in the state’s history.
Hays Nature Preserve
This is an outdoor park, play area for kids. Aiden spent hours running around here and playing and did not want to leave. It is the perfect place to spend the day. Make sure to pack water and a picnic lunch too.
Earlyworks Museum Complex
This interactive, hands-on museum teaches children about the history of the state with exhibits like a talking tree, grocery store replica, instruments, and more.
Denise Onwere Gallery
Anyone can be an artist at the Denise Onwere Gallery because of its many art-related activities. The gallery offers field trips, art class workshops, art parties, and more, all aimed at bringing art to everyone in the area.
Madison County Nature Trail
This 72-acre park is located at Gren Moutain. Nature lovers keep coming back here because the place allows them to enjoy a 1.5-mile trail that circles the entirety of Sky Lake. You’ll also enjoy a beautiful covered bridge, picnic area, open-air pavilion, and the natural beauty of the area.
Madison County Nature Trail-Green Mountain
Huntsville Botanical Garden
This 112-acre botanical garden is open year-round and features a wide variety of ecosystems. You’ll find meadows, upland and bottomland forests, and wetlands. You’ll also find an array of specialty gardens and native plant collections.
It’s home to The Matthews Nature Trail, featuring the largest accredited trillium collection in the US as well as the Anderson Education Center which houses the largest open-air butterfly house in the county.
Land Trust of North Alabama
The Land Trust of North Alabama is a collection of three nature preserves within Huntsville’s city limits. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, horseback riding, and more. The Trust also offers educational programs that focus on nature conservation and guided hikes.
Harmony Park Safari
This nature preserve features exotic and endangered animals that aren’t shy about getting up close and personal as you drive through the park or explore enclosures. You can see animals like zebras, giraffes, llamas, camels, buffalo, and much more, for instance.
Big Spring Park
This urban park offers beautiful views of the water and open green spaces along with a walking path, ducks, geese, and koi. In addition, the park regularly hosts events like the Panoply Art Festival and Concerts in the Park.
Huntsville Escape Rooms
Enjoy a variety of themes at this escape room complex, where you’ll have 60 minutes to find the clues that will help you leave the room. Themes include The Psych Ward, The Informant, The Executioners, The Hexadron, and The New Atlantis, for instance. This is a great option for families with teens.
Rocket City Arcade & Classic Consoles of Huntsville
Rocket City Arcade offers a huge arcade area as well as selling classic gaming systems and games. Gamers young and old will love all the games to choose from. The best part is that you don’t need quarters because an all-day pass is just $12.95!
Rocket City Arcade & Classic Consoles of Huntsville
Roller Time
Remember the simple joy of roller skating rinks? Introduce the kids to this fun pastime at Roller Time. This rink, for instance, offers skating, eats, and party packages, as well.
Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center
Bowling, food, and good times can be found at this 54,000 square-foot facility. It features 24 bowling lines including 8 VIP lanes, Main St. Lounge, a 7,000 square-foot arcade and prize store, two-story Laser Tag arena, bump carp, escape rooms, and more. You’ll also find great eats and party options.
Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center
Altitude Trampoline Park
This trampoline park is an excellent way for kids to have a great time and burn off excess energy. Take the kids for an afternoon of bouncy fun and snacks, for instance. They also offer party options.
Let’s Play
Your kids will surely love Let’s Play because this indoor soft play center was meticulously designed for children up to 12 years old. It’s a kid-friendly indoor play complex offering things like space-themed structures, foam balls in a cannon area, the spiderweb tower, an obstacle net course, and more.
𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝗪𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐀 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭
– Unclaimed Baggage
– HC Blake Arts Center
– Burritt on the Mountain
– Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
Where To Eat In Huntsville
Real food junkies will also enjoy their stay here because Huntsville offers delicious food options for the entire family. From steak to seafood, Asian flavors, and more, you’ll find something to delight everyone’s palette in Huntsville. We ate at:
These are other places you can eat in Huntsville,
- House of Kabob
- Hildegard’s German Cuisine
- Connors Steak & Seafood
- Yellowhammer Brewing
- Rosie’s Mexican Cantina
- The Po’Boy Factory
- Viet Huong Vietnamese Restaurant
- Cotton Row
- Mango’s Caribbean Cookhouse
- 1892 East
- Sam And Greg’s Galeteria And Pizzeria
- The Boot Pizzeria
There Are So Many Things To Do In Huntsville
We’ve covered a lot of things to do in Huntsville, but there’s still more to be found. From corner gift shops to tucked-away dining options. You’ll find so much more in Huntsville as you explore the city. Hence, make sure Huntsville is on your list of southern cities to visit.
If you are travelling with kids, do make sure to look into these other articles for helpful tips.
- Best Travel Gear for kids
- Must-Have Items When Travelling With Kids
- How To Keep Your Kids Entertained On Flights
- Search for the cheapest flights using Skyscanner
- Make sure to download the Free Skyscanner App which also has super deals!
- Book hotels on TripAdvisor, HotelsCombined, Booking or Hotels
- Book vacation homes on HomeAway or VRBO
- Book very cheap all-inclusive resorts on BookVIP
- Schedule using Viator, Get Your Guide or TripAdvisor Attractions
- Reserve a rental on RentalCars.com, Car Rental 8 or Skyscanner Car Rentals
- Find airport parking for your car on Airport Parking
- Find the best deals on Cruise Direct
- Purchase must have travel insurance through Allianz
