When we left New York City to become a fulltime travel family, I never would have guessed how much time we’d spend in Huntsville. But we have family there, and it makes for a great “home base” to circle back to, so we’ve spent about a year there altogether. So it’s about time that I share our list of fun things to do in Huntsville AL with you!
Huntsville is a really family-friendly destination, and a mild climate for nine months of the year (it’s really hot in summer!). If you need a place to stay, we like The Westin for a fancier stay or Embassy Suites for a more budget option. For RV parks, check the options on Campspot!
Things to do in Huntsville AL: Museums
Space & Rocket Center. The Space & Rocket Center is one of the city’s major draws, and it’s popular for a reason! This is our #1 on the list of things to do in Huntsville AL. If you have an ASTC-affiliated membership, you can get in free. If not, it’s worth the price! If you’re planning on hitting up two or more Huntsville area attractions, this North Alabama Multi-Attraction Pass includes the Space & Rocket Center and is a great deal.
Botanical Gardens. The Huntsville Botanical Gardens is a wonderful way to spend half a day. The grounds are gorgeous, and it’s a particularly family-friendly garden. There’s a whole kids section that has interactive play areas — bring a bathing suit and towel in warm weather! The garden is included in the North Alabama Multi-Attraction Pass.
Museum of Art. Huntsville’s Art Museum is small, but worthwhile. They have rotating exhibits that are really interesting and offer Thursday night wine and art nights for $5 a person.
Earlyworks Children’s Museum. This children’s museum isn’t the largest we’ve ever been to, but worth a stop on a rainy or hot day. It’s also included in the North Alabama Multi-Attraction Pass, or you can receive a discount with an ACM-affiliated membership.
Burritt on the Mountain. Burritt on the Mountain is a historic mansion and park with gorgeous views of the city. It’s fascinating, and there are plenty of spots to have a picnic lunch with some of the prettiest views you can get of Huntsville. Admission to Burritt on the Mountain is included in the North Alabama Multi-Attraction Pass.
Cook Museum. The Cook Museum is about 30 minutes from Huntsville, but it’s worth a trip out! It’s another small but mightly museum, and my kids love it. It’s compact enough to not be overwhelming with toddlers, but has enough science information to interest older kids. The museum is included in the North Alabama Multi-Attraction Pass.
Jesse Owens Museum. The Jesse Owens Memorial Park is about 40 minutes from Huntsville, but is also worth the trip. It’s a fascinating stop where you can learn about how amazing Jesse was, walk inside his childhood home, and compare your athletic prowess to his long jump record. This museum is also included in the North Alabama Multi-Attraction Pass.
Ave Maria Grotto. The Ave Maria Grotto is about an hour from Huntsville, but so unique that it’s worth the drive, especially if you’re visiting Smith Lake. It’s a park with miniature reproductions of famous buildings. The grotto is included in the North Alabama Multi-Attraction Pass.
Things to do in Huntsville AL: Outdoorsy
Monte Sano State Park. Monte Sano State Park has miles and miles of hiking trails, and a campground that’s lovely and peaceful. The North Plateau Loop offers pretty views and an easy two mile stroll for some light exercise.
High Point Climbing. If you love indoor rock climbing, High Point Climbing is an excellent place to do it! It’s affordable, and family-friendly. Check their website for monthly homeschool days, where kids climb for cheap!
Cathedral Caverns State Park. If you love exploring giant caves full of stalagmites and stalactites, Cathedral Caverns is the place to visit! Book cave tours in advance if you have a specific time in mind. Admission is included in the North Alabama Multi-Attraction Pass.
Waterfall Hikes. North Alabama has dozens of gorgeous waterfall hikes, ranging from easy strolls to harder day hikes. One of our favorites is Sougahoagdee Falls, which is a relatively flat three miles with an absolutely gorgeous payoff at the end. You can walk behind the waterfall, too!
Cave Exploration at Neversink. If you’re looking for a more intimate cave adventure, Neversink Cave Preserve is a fun option for the adventurous. Make sure to bring a helmet and a headlamp and reserve your permit in advance!
Things to do in Huntsville AL: Fun Date Nights
Street Art Downtown. Downtown Huntsville has a surprising amount of beautiful street art to enjoy, and one of my favorite free activity ideas is to take a walking tour of a city’s street art. Check out this map for where to find some cool pieces!
Rage Room. If you feel the need to get out some pent up anger, how about the Rage Room? Smash a variety of items and leave feeling restored. Always a good time!
Huntsville Havoc or Rocket City Trash Pandas Game. Huntsville has its very own sports teams to root for! Check out Huntsville Havoc or Rocket City Trash Panda tickets for a night night out.
Pints & Pixels. Who doesn’t love an old-fashioned arcade? Add in some great brews, and you’ve got the recipe for a good time at Pints & Pixels.
Walk Bridge Street. Bridge Street is an open air mall with dozens of stores, restuarants, and even a movie theatre. It’s a great place to stroll and window shop on a nice evening, and it offers a little something for everyone.
Campus 805. Campus 805 is a great craft brewery with lots of room to chill inside or relax outdoors. It’s perfect for a date night or a place to take the kids to let them run around on the giant field while you enjoy a nice drink and meal.
Things to do in Huntsville AL: Kid Centric
Rollerskating at Insanity Complex. Insanity Complex offers old school rollerskating and arcade games in a fun and casual environment. Our kids love skating there for just $5 on monthly homeschool days.
Trampoline Park. Huntsville has several options for trampoline parks, such as Flow or Altitude. They’re a great way to get kid energy out when the weather is dreary or blazing hot, and they offer monthly memberships for families in town for long enough to enjoy it.
Bricks & Minifigs. Our kids absolutely love Legos, and I love the discounts we get on buying used sets at Bricks & Minifigs. These stores are in many cities around the country, and they all offer discounted used sets, specialty minifigures, and hard-to-find rare pieces. Totally worth a stop!
Tigers for Tomorrow Sanctuary. If you have an animal lover, it’s worth the drive to visit Tigers for Tomorrow to meet these incredible animals. Admission is included in the North Alabama Multi-Attraction Pass.
Things to do in Huntsville AL: Our Fave Places to Eat
Mangia Italian Restaurant. Mangia is a delicious Italian restaurant that makes up for its lack of ambiance with absolutely delectable food. I’ve never tasted better cheesy bread in my life, and we’ve never had a bad meal here.
Taco Mama. Taco Mama has several locations across the South, and it’s always busy because the casual Tex Mex food is so good. It’s a great option for date night or families, and I highly recommend piling your make-your-own nachos high with as many veggies as you can!
Stanlieo’s Sub Villa. Stanlieo’s is a Huntsville classic that doesn’t look like much, but provides crave-worthy sub sandwiches. Our whole family loves eating there, and I especially appreciate how many vegetarian sub options there are.
Al Shish Palace. Al Shish is delicious Lebanese food in a casual setting. Don’t forget to order some fries with a side of garlic dip — you won’t regret it!
Ol Heidelberg Cafe. Ol Heidelberg is a classic German restaurant that’s very popular in Huntsville. Their food is authentic and delicious, and I highly recommend you try out their famous assortment of cakes for dessert.
The Yard Milkshake Bar. Is it even a restaurant list without an outrageous dessert option? The Yard serves over-the-top milkshakes perfect for a special occasion celebration, even if that special occasion is just Friday night.
Things to do in Huntsville AL: Seasonal
Hubert Family Tulips. Hubert Family Tulip Farm is a beautiful Spring excursion for families or anyone who loves flowers. You can take photos in the flower fields and cut your own tulip bouquet to take home.
Apple Picking at Scott’s Orchard. Scott’s Orchard is right outside of town and an excellent option for festive apple picking. Don’t miss the slushies inside at the farm store!
Fall Farm Festival at Lyon Family Farms. There are many options for Fall farm fun in and around Huntsville, but we like Lyon Family Farms. There are outdoor games, tractor rides, giant slides, pumpkin picking, and more. Fall festivals are an essential on the list of things to do in Huntsville AL.
Tinsel Trail. If you happen to be visiting Huntsville at the holidays, don’t miss the Downtown Tinsel Trail! Free to the public, it’s a beautiful way to spend an evening walking around a park filled with Christmas trees decorated in all sorts of styles.
Galaxy of Lights. Although the Botanical Garden is listed above, it hosts a special Christmas celebration called the Galaxy of Lights that’s worth noting here. The garden is lit up with twinkly lights and fake snow, and it’s absolutely magical. Early on in the season you can walk the trail, and that would be my recommendation rather than driving it.
I hope this list helps you with ideas for fun things to do in Huntsville AL! Let me know if I’ve missed anything in the comments.
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