The recent years of growth have transformed Huntsville into a wonderful place to live (or visit!) with children. As a local parent and Huntsville-native, I’ve experience first-hand much of what our city has to offer. Here is my extremely biased list of activities to do in Huntsville with kids:

1. Activities to do in Huntsville: Museums

Earlyworks Childrens Museum

404 Madison St SE, Huntsville, AL 35801

EarlyWorks Children’s Museum features hands-on exhibits designed to inspire learning and creativity for children ages 2-12. Children can enjoy pretend play of all kinds. Tickets are available at the front desk, but on special event days and busy holidays, consider purchasing your tickets online in advance.

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment

2211 Seminole Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35805

Full of dynamic exhibits and artists actively creating, Lowe Mill offers a unique venue for children to learn and explore (accompanied by a grownup). Though Lowe Mill’s offerings go way beyond art. My 7 year old and I particularly enjoy stopping by Piper & Leaf (near the loading dock) for a jar of tea and then heading to the second floor to swing (giant swings with a view!). We also enjoy visiting the kittens for adoption at Cattyshack or grabbing a slice of pizza at Veloce.

Huntsville Museum of Art

300 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801

The art museum offers hands-on, immersive exhibits for children to learn and create. They also host Drop-in and CREATE Saturdays once a month for children ages 3-12. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time or in person, and kids under 6 get in free!

Space & Rocket Center

1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805

It wouldn’t be a visit to Huntsville if you didn’t at least drive by and acknowledge the rocket… Or park and go in! Immerse yourself in space exploration at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Explore one of the world’s largest collections of rockets and space artifacts. Check out the different events and ticketed options.

2. Activities to do in Huntsville: Parks & Playgrounds

Huntsville Botanical Garden

4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805

My kiddo loves the Wicks Family Garden. It features a dinosaur-themed area, a real Space Station node, and interactive installations like a giant sunflower maze, and most importantly, 2 splash pad areas. This fenced off section is attached to the Purdy Butterfly House with air conditioning, vending machines, and clean restrooms! Members get in free, non-members can purchase tickets online or at the door.

Hays Nature Preserve

7161 US-431, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

Visit this nature oasis located in Owens Cross Roads (Hampton Cove). Kiddos can explore wooden playgrounds, bridges, open fields and more. Bring bicycles or strollers to enjoy the paved trail (over the iconic red bridge) or fishing gear to relax by the pond!

Monte Sano State Park

5105 SE Nolen Ave, Huntsville, AL 35801

This state park is nestled at the top of Monte Sano Mountain and offers many hiking trails, a campground, playground, wedding venue, lodge, amphitheater, and even a planetarium! All of these features include the beautiful mountain overlook right nearby.

Madison County Nature Trail on Green Mountain

5000 Nature Trail Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803

Affectionately known to locals as “Green Mountain Nature Trail” because that makes way more sense, this lovely and short trail loops around a scenic pond with wooden bridges and picnic tables near the entrance. Kiddos can explore nature, experience wildlife, and fish in the pond!

3. Activities to do in Huntsville: Sports

Trash Pandas Baseball Game at Toyota Field

500 Trash Panda Wy, Madison, AL 35758

Take your kiddos out to a ballgame! This field is family-friendly with a Kid’s Zone (bouncy house/playground) and a designated grassy hill where restless children are able to move around. Enjoy novelty concessions as you watch the game!

Huntsville Havoc Hockey Game at the VBC

700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801

Havoc hockey games often feature themed nights designed to appeal to children and adults of all ages. Enjoy classic concessions and an exciting atmosphere throughout the game.

4. Activities to do in Huntsville: Fun Restaurants

Good Company Cafe

7500 Memorial Pkwy SW #123, Huntsville, AL 35802

This hidden gem in South Huntsville (new location coming soon to downtown Huntsville!) offers delicious pastries, beverages, and bites. When you walk in, grab a coloring sheet for your little one! My 7 year old can’t get enough of the homemade jam and toast.

Sam & Greg’s Pizzeria/Gelateria

116 Southside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801

Nestled in downtown on the Square (plus a second location in Madison), Sam & Greg’s offers truly delicious pizza and gelato, as well as a unique environment that’s fun for children and families.

Melt

201 Jefferson St N Suite I, Huntsville, AL 35801

Enjoy delicious comfort food (c’mon you can’t beat a mac n cheese grilled cheese sandwich) in an upbeat, family-friendly environment. With boardgames on the porch, children are sure to enjoy their time at Melt.

The Moon Bakeshop

201 Jefferson St N Suite B, Huntsville, AL 35801

This perfectly Huntsville-themed bakery offers a variety of sweet and savory pastries as well as coffee drinks and a curated sandwich selection. (The cruffins are to die for.) Let your kiddos play with chalk on the patio when they’re done eating!

Fluffy Fluffy

2338 Whitesburg Dr Suite B, Huntsville, AL 35801

This novelty restaurant offers giant soufflé pancakes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Drop by with your kiddos for a unique and yummy experience!

BONUS! Activities to do in Huntsville: Seasonal Activities

Hubert Family Farms Tulip Season + Fall Flower Festival

432 Narrow Ln New Market, AL 35761

Huntsville’s iconic tulip farm in the Spring (March-April) and flower fields in the fall (September-October). Take beautiful family photos in the fields and enjoy u-pick blooms for a fresh bouquet (purchased per stem). During tulip season, enjoy other activities like hot air balloon rides, live entertainment, food trucks, and a farm animal petting zoo.

Panoply

700 Monroe St SW #2, Huntsville, AL 35801

During the Month of April, bring your kiddos to Panoply to spark their imagination as they experience local art and live music. Explore hundreds of booths throughout Big Spring Park including special interactive exhibits just for kids! A favorite of our family’s is huge block letters spelling “PANOPLY” and available for anyone to help paint.

Monte Sano Art Festival

5000 Nature Trail Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803

Each September, enjoy art with a view! Hosted at Monte Sano State Park, the festival features over 100 artists as well as food trucks and live music. Some art vendors include interactive art exhibits for children to participate in!

Isom’s Orchard

24012 US-72, Athens, AL 35613

Throughout the summer and fall, enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as fun activities for the kids! They offer many u-picks throughout the season including apples, peaches, flowers, and more. Near Halloween, the orchard transforms into an adorable autumnal oasis full of pumpkins and scarecrows.

Skating in the Park

300 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL, United States, 35801

Take your children to skate on a real ice skating rink nestled in Big Spring Park right behind the art museum. The season is open November-January. Rentals available for the whole family.

Galaxy of Lights at the Huntsville Botanical Garden

4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805

Beginning in November and running through the end of December, the Galaxy of Lights is a must see for families. Choose to stroll the path for a more immersive experience or drive through in the comfort of your vehicle.

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