Things to Do in Huntsville

Huntsville is quaint and ever-growing, with a huge heart and friendly residents. Not only will you find this town packed with community spirit, but there’s plenty for residents and visitors to experience. Thanks to the area’s expansion in industries for rockets, technology, and the military, the arts scene is thriving, and the trendy selection of museums, galleries, and festivals showcase this year-round. Residents and visitors also enjoy a flourishing food, shopping, and entertainment selection, with more options joining the area all the time. Whether you’re interested in family-friendly things to do or vibrant nightlife, you’ll find it in Huntsville. Read on for Kristin Bridges' list of things to do in Huntsville.

404 Madison St SE, Huntsville, AL

 

One of the most entertaining spots in Huntsville for children and families is the Earlyworks Children’s Museum. The museum is hands-on and focuses on the history of Alabama. Explore keelboats, walk through historical rooms and displays, play, and listen to local tales from a magical Talking Tree. You’ll also find a kidstruction zone, general store, federal house, and more. Younger children have a room dedicated to imaginative play with a farm, grocery store, puppets, fishing, and a treehouse.

1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL

 

This museum has been one of the area's highlights since 1965 and is often called “Earth’s Largest Space Museum.” The space industry put Huntsville on the map, and this museum showcases that history. There are engaging and fun exhibits, a collection of spacecraft, rockets, and other artifacts inside and out. You’ll also find an Intuitive Planetarium, an 8k Digital Planetarium, a Space Shot Simulator, and a Digital Dome Experience on-site. This is the perfect destination for the whole family.

431 Clouds Cove Rd SE, Huntsville, AL

 

If you love animals, this is the perfect spot for a day of family fun. The Harmony Safari Park opened in 1990 and has become an increasingly popular spot where you can go and see animals like zebras, buffalos, and turtles. Interacting with the animals is half the fun and will be an experience you’ll never forget. After you purchase the animal food, you’ll simply drive to the spot where they wander freely and get an up-close experience as they roam toward you.

13800 S Shawdee Rd SE, Huntsville, AL

 

Residents and visitors in Huntsville have ample access to hiking, mountain biking, trekking, and caving, which is unparalleled in other areas. If you want to connect with nature, the elevation changes, trail maintenance, and various terrain levels are perfect for your next adventure.

5000 Nature Trail Rd SE, Huntsville, AL

 

This trail is perfect for anyone looking for a kid-friendly area to hike or picnic in. You’ll find picnic tables, bathrooms, parking, and an easy loop trail at this spot. The stunning setting with its mountaintop lake offers a 1.5-mile loop around the lake and landmarks to explore. Visit the covered bridge, charming outdoor chapel, and old-fashioned log cabin.

3101 Burritt Dr. SE, Huntsville, AL

 

Part outdoor recreation, part open-air museum, Burritt on the Mountain sits on Round Top Mountain, a plateau that connects to Monte Sano Mountain. You’ll find plenty of family activities, field trips, special events, and more here. If you’re searching for the best views of the city, Burritt Mountain has them. Visit during the evening hours for a chance to see the stunning sunset from its cantilevered deck, The View. This spot also includes a cash bar and snacks and is accessible to the public on Wednesday evenings from April through October.

4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL

 

The Huntsville Botanical Garden is one of the best spots in the city for not only enjoying outdoor recreation but plenty of family-friendly fun as well. With over 112 acres of walking trails, thousands of planet species to explore, the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house, and an interactive Children’s Garden, spending an entire day here is easy. Grab a map when you enter and explore outdoor spaces like the Herb Garden, Fern Glade, or Aquatic Garden. Stop by the Anderson Education Center in the Children’s Garden if you have children for a morning of exploration. Each section offers an interactive element, from STEM activities to splash ponds.

 

In addition to the stunning array of gardens and plants, they offer several special events throughout the year. Visitors enjoy the Galaxy of Lights during the holidays, a scarecrow trail in the fall, and several other fun exhibits.

3771 Ivy Ave SW, Huntsville, AL

 

The city recently renovated Brahan Spring Park to include an “everybody can play” splash pad. This sizeable aquatic play area has a space theme and over 51 water features. Guests can enjoy sprinklers, geysers, water cannons, dumping buckets, and roll arches accessible to everyone. The perimeter has benches for parents and picnic tables for those wanting to enjoy lunch or snacks. This is the place to go when the weather gets warm and you want to let the kids have extra fun.

2442 Bankhead Pkwy NE, Huntsville, AL

 

Another excellent spot for family-friendly fun in Huntsville is Monte Sano State Park. This park offers everything from hiking trails and playgrounds to camping and a Japanese garden. Explore the hiking trails, enjoy breathtaking overlooks, let kids burn off energy on playgrounds, or picnic under a shady tree. There are several campsites and cabins for those wanting to get away for the weekend.

200 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL

 

Big Spring International Park has been the heart of Huntsville since the beginning, undergoing a recent remodel to make it even better for families. It is right in the middle of downtown Huntsville and offers the perfect spot for picnics and afternoons of fun. It’s also an excellent spot for local events like Panoply, Concerts in the Park, and the Tinsel Trail. Whether you’re looking for a place to take the kids in the afternoon or simply want to enjoy historic Huntsville in all its beauty, this is the perfect spot.

Huntsville is a great place to live and has a lot to offer people of all ages. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, enjoy an afternoon at one of several museums, have fun with your family, or spend a weekend camping in the park, you’ll find it here. Kristin Bridges, an experienced Huntsville real estate agent, knows the area well and will help you find the home of your dreams close to the activities you enjoy. Reach out today to get started.