Need a change of scenery that won’t break the bank or your sanity? Load up the car and head to Huntsville! Just a quick hop from Birmingham, the Rocket City is full of epic adventures for kids and grown-ups alike. Rockets? Check. Mountain views? Check. Lots of fun? Oh yeah. Let’s go explore!
Out-of-This-World Adventures
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
You can’t come to the Rocket City without seeing some rockets! Huntsville is home to one of the most iconic space museums in the world. Kids (and adults!) can explore hands-on exhibits, check out real space artifacts, and maybe even chat with someone who helped put people on the Moon. (Keep an eye out for folks in white lab coats with a NASA logo on the back; they’re often retired NASA engineers!) Who knows, maybe you will even spot an astronaut!
Don’t miss the massive Saturn V rocket inside the Davidson Center. It’s one of only three Saturn V rockets left in the world, and standing beneath it is nothing short of awe-inspiri
ng. While you are in the Davidson Center, make your way to the back of the hall to see the Apollo 16 capsule and a Moon rock!
For an unforgettable cosmic journey, head to the INTUITIVE® Planetarium, a state-of-the-art digital dome theater that brings the universe to life. You can’t go wrong with Our Place in Space. You’ll explore the entire solar system with breathtaking new images from missions like Juno and BepiColombo. You’ll fly past solar flares on the Sun, dive into Neptune’s diamond rain, and zoom out to the edge of the observable universe, all with your own guided tour. It’s one of the best ways to experience just how big, beautiful, and mysterious our universe really is.
If you want to take your visit even further, hop on the bus tour to Marshall Space Flight Center for a behind-the-scenes look at where space history was (and still is!) being made. (Just be sure to bring your ID; the bus tour requires a separate ticket and goes onto a working government facility. Bus tour would be better for older kiddos.)
- Ages: Best for 5+
- Admission: $30 adults / $20 children (3–12) / Under 3 free (planetarium shows, simulators and bus tours are extra)
- Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM
- Website: www.rocketcenter.com
- Address: One Tranquility Base Huntsville, AL 35805
Nearby Eats: Bridge Street Town Centre is extremely close by and has several restaurants to choose from! (And you can stop by the LEGO store while you are there!)
History Comes to Life
EarlyWorks Children’s Museum
It’s all about FUN and learning at EarlyWorks Children’s Museum in downtown Huntsville.. EarlyWorks focuses on letting kids learn through hands-on History and STEM exhibits along with exciting and fun activities.
- Ages: Ideal for 2–8
- Admission: $12 for ages 4+, $7 for ages 1-3, free for below 1
- Hours: Tues–Sat, 9 AM – 4 PM
- Address: 404 Madison Street SE Huntsville, AL 358
Constitution Hall Park (right across the street from EarlyWorks)
Did you know Alabama’s statehood began right here in Huntsville? Constitution Hall Park marks the exact spot where delegates gathered in 1819 to draft the state’s first constitution.
It’s a peaceful downtown stop where history quite literally runs through the sidewalks (don’t miss astronaut Alan Shepard’s boot prints around back!). Be sure to swing in nearby Piper & Leaf Tea Co. location while you are there for the perfect iced tea guaranteed to quench your thirst.
Mountain Views, Gardens & Outdoor Fun
Burritt on the Mountain
Perched atop Monte Sano, Burritt offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into life in the 1800s complete with log cabins, barns, farm animals, gardens, a blacksmith shop and costumed interpreters. Be sure to explore Dr. Burritt’s mansion and explore some of the hiking trails!
- Ages: All ages
- Admission: $12 adults / $8 kids (3–12) / Under 3 free
- Hours: Tues–Sun, 10 AM – 4 PM
- Address: 3101 Burritt Drive SE Huntsville, AL 35801
- Website: https://burrittonthemountain.com/
Huntsville Botanical Garden
This sprawling garden is perfect for families—kids can explore the interactive Children’s Garden, splash in the water play area during warm months, and wander trails filled with seasonal blooms. The garden also hosts fun events year-round, including scarecrow trails and Galaxy of Lights. Be sure to check out the Mama Zelda troll and maze!
- Ages: All ages
- Admission: $17–$20 adults / $11–$15 children (3–15) / Under 3 free
- Hours: Daily, typically 9 AM – 5 PM (extended hours in summer or for special events)
- Address: 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue Huntsville, AL 35805
- Website: https://hsvbg.org/
Big Spring International Park
Located downtown, this scenic park is perfect for a stroll, duck feeding, or a picnic. Kids will love the iconic red bridge and the koi-filled lagoon.
Pro Tip: Park here and walk to Constitution Hall Park, EarlyWorks, and nearby shops. Also, make sure you grab some quarters to get food for the ducks and fish!
- Address: 200 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Where to Eat with Kids
Sam & Greg’s Pizzeria
This downtown gem has pizza, gelato, and a rooftop patio. It’s casual, family-friendly, and right near Big Spring Park.
Supper Heroes
Kids will love the superhero theme, and the food is hearty and homemade. A fun stop after your mountain adventures.
Stovehouse
A local favorite for families, Stovehouse offers a wide range of food options all in one place, from tacos and burgers to gourmet grilled cheese. The outdoor seating area includes a green space where kids can run and play while you relax.
Bonus Stop: Don’t miss the Milkshake Bar for a fun treat after your meal!
Pro Tip: Many kid-friendly restaurants in Huntsville offer outdoor seating, so if the weather’s nice, take advantage!
Bonus Stops
Hays Nature Preserve & Playground: Free, peaceful nature trails and a natural playground
Address: 7153 Hwy 431 S. Owens Cross Roads, Huntsville, AL 35763
Website: https://www.rocketcitymom.com/blog/2021/03/03/hays-nature-preserve/
Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment: Family-friendly arts center with frequent events, galleries, and fun snack spots
Address: 2211 Seminole Dr SW Huntsville, AL 35805
Website: https://lowemill.art/
Monte Sano State Park: Hiking, biking, and views—perfect for nature-loving families
Address: 5105 Nolen Ave. Huntsville, AL 35801
Website: https://www.alapark.com/parks/monte-sano-state-park
Final Tips
Bring sunscreen and refillable water bottles
Check out the Rocket City Kids Pass for discounts on some of Huntsville’s attractions and museums! https://www.huntsville.org/rocket-city-kids-pass/
Many attractions are close together—group visits by area to maximize your time
Be sure to follow Rocket City Mom for more Huntsville adventures! Feel free to send us a message or comment on one of our posts if you have any questions!
Whether you’re coming for the rockets, the mountains, or the memories, Huntsville is ready to welcome your crew.
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