Huntsville is the most popular city in the state of Alabama. It’s a year-round destination. From families to individuals, everyone finds here a special corner according to their taste. Plus, there are lots of kid-friendly things available in this beautiful city.
Also known as the Rocket City, Huntsville was earlier named as Twickenham, and later, it was changed to Huntsville after the name of John Hunt. Several world-class museums, restaurants, parks and many other fine attractions make this tourist city a worth visiting spot for your next vacation. Moreover, the city offers multiple possibilities where visitors can explore many free things, and Big Spring International Park and North Alabama Railroad Museum are some of the most popular among these free attractions.
So, read on the list of best free things to do in Huntsville, AL with your family or friends. Hope, these free attractions will fulfil all your desires with which you’re planning to visit this picture-perfect tourist city.
1. Big Spring International Park
Big Spring International Park is a large and green open space that hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year. There are lots of things to explore here. Visitors who are searching for the free things to do in Huntsville, this park is one of the best places to check out.
Kids love to play in the famous red Japanese bridge. For having a nice stroll in the morning and evening, the park is also a nice place.
Address: 200 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 883-3754
Hours: Open everyday for 24 hours.
2. Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve
Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve offers great outdoor adventure opportunities. It is located to the east of Huntsville on HWY 72. This public preserve access is totally free, and the 551-acre nature preserve offers 4.5 miles of trails to explore. From mountain biking to horseback riding, all can be enjoyed in this nature preserve.
There are several environmental education programs, small private gatherings and community gatherings hosted on the 1,920-square-foot Terry Education Pavilion. For picnicking, the pavilion also offers a perfect spot.
The popular and easy trail that most of the visitors go for, is the Moonshine Trail. You need to start from the parking lot to access this trail, and it ends at a nature spring area. Don’t forget to stop at Bird Blind & Habitat. Here visitors can see a variety of birds.
If you are willing to see one of the best and unique natural setting that is above the Moonshine Spring, complete the Amphitheater Trail. This is a 0.2-mile out-and-back trail. There are also many other popular trails, offering opportunities to discover this nature preserve. No trail is too difficult, either.
Address: Huntsville, AL 35811
Phone: (256) 534-5263
Hours: Open everyday from 7 am to 7 pm.
3. Richard Showers Center Splash Pad
The Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Splash Pad is another free thing visitors can explore. This is one of the best recreational centers for families with kids. Don’t miss the chance to explore the fourth free water installation for kids in Huntsville.
There is a large seating area with 12 picnic tables. Plus, various useful amenities like restrooms, bathrooms and locker rooms are available for the visitors’ use. The large pavilion and the shaded benches are perfect for spending a peaceful afternoon.
Opportunities are endless here. There is an outdoor splash pad, indoor pool. Swimming lessons are provided in the pool. Must explore the playground and the outdoor walking track with your little ones.
You might also participate in any of the outstanding programs like Spring Break Program, Summer Camp, health seminars and many other fun-filled programs and activities.
Address: 4600 Blue Spring Rd NW, Huntsville, AL 35810
Phone: (256) 851-4001
Hours: Monday to Friday 8 am through 8 pm; Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm; Sunday from 1 to 5 pm.
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4. Old Town Historic District
The Old Town Historic District of Huntsville is a perfect place to stroll around with history. The houses of this place date back to 1828. Moreover, the houses are built in a variety of styles including Victorian style.
Old Town Historic District is the second historic district in Huntsville. There are many Queen Anne and Greek Revival homes in Old Town Historic District. If you turn your head to Walker Ave., you can discover some rare Spanish style homes, also.
To explore and learn more about the spot, check out the adventurous walking tour that takes place on every Saturday. There are many other popular spots nearby this area that you must visit.
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5. North Alabama Railroad Museum
North Alabama Railroad Museum is located in Chase, just north of Huntsville. When visiting the spot, you can feel the affectionate with which this museum preserves the railroad history. Though visiting the museum is one of the free things to do in Huntsville, AL, donations are always appreciated.
If you want to have a train ride, you have to pay some amount, of course! Besides this, there are self-guided free walking tours available. Self-guided tours are available seven days a week. Visitors can experience the ride on vintage train over the museum’s own Mercury & Chase Railroad.
Don’t miss the main attraction of the museum that features the Chase Depot. It is the smallest union depot in the county. There is a staff who is available on Wednesday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 2 PM to assists the visitors.
Address: 694 Chase Rd NE, Huntsville, AL 35811
Phone: (256) 851-6276
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6. Lydia Gold Skate Park
Lydia Gold Skate Park is a fine skateboard park. Only skateboards and in-line skates are permitted inside the park. You can either watch the skaters or you may also participate.
If you are planning for skateboarding, helmets, knee and elbow pads are strongly suggested.
Address: 200 Cleveland Ave NW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 564-8026
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 am to 7 pm; Saturday and Sunday 7 am to 7 pm.
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7. Maple Hill Cemetery
Maple Hill Cemetery is one of the sacred areas in the city. Here visitors can see the burials of the Huntsvillians who have contributed their life for others. The cemetery is 100 acres and is the largest cemetery in the state of Alabama.
Get ready to see 80,000 graves. Among many graves of notable Huntsville people, the most famous grave is of LeRoy Pope. This cemetery land was originally bought from LeRoy Pope for $100 in 1822. LeRoy Pope is considered the “Father of Huntsville”. General LeRoy Pope Walker, the grandson of LeRoy Pope, who served as the Confederacy’s first secretary of war, has also been buried in Maple Hill Cemetery.
History gets alive just like us inside Maple Hill Cemetery. You can observe and feel the rich history of the Rocket City very closely from this place. And this is the reason that you must visit this historically important place.
Address: 202 Maple Hill St SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 427-5730
Hours: Monday through Friday from 7 am to 4 pm; closed on Saturday and Sunday.
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8. Twickenham Historic District
Want to explore the most dense concentration of antebellum houses in Alabama? Pop into Twickenham Historic District. Twickenham Historic District is the first historic district in Huntsville Alabama. Visitors can explore here the most of the houses that are built in the Federal and Greek Revival architectural styles.
The great architecture of Twickenham Historic District is worth watching thing. Also visit the Weeden House Museum. And don’t forget to take a tour of this beautiful place. You can feel that history is all around in these homes. The construction of the first house was started here in the year of 1818. After that numerous homes were built that still stand today in the district.
Three popular historic houses visitors must check out are Van Valkenburgh Johnston House, Thomas Bibb House and The Public Inn.
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9. Quigley Arts & Entertainment District
Quigley Arts & Entertainment District is one of the most popular designated Arts & Entertainment Districts in Huntsville. There are actually five Arts & Entertainment districts you can explore in Huntsville. The name Quigley has been after a surveyor who created a street map of Huntsville over 115 years ago.
Quigley is open for the visitors everyday, from noon to 11 PM. This entertainment district encompasses the downtown of Huntsville. Visiting this premier destination with your family is one of the best free things to do in Huntsville, AL.
Opportunities are many, the district is home to the famous Big Spring Park. Lots of families with their little kids spend here a great afternoon. Several bars and restaurants are always ready to serve the visitors.
Other popular attractions include Huntsville Museum of Art, Von Braun Center and the Lumberyard Area.
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10. Downtown Huntsville Night Light Trail
Strolling along Huntsville’s Night Light Trail is going to be one of the best free things for you to do in Huntsville. Visitors of all ages like this fun-activity the most. Get ready to explore Downtown Huntsville that changes its colors on everything from buildings and bridges, to big springs and parking garages. Sounds exciting, right?
In Downtown, the most popular places where you can watch the color changing games the most, are Clinton Row Color Walk, West Side Square, Clinton Avenue String Lights, Big Spring Park West and Big Spring Park Parking Garage. Must visit all of these beautiful spots. The evening stroll will certainly give you immense joy.
11. Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial
Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial is a great place to learn about the sacrifices made by the warriors by serving in the Armed Forces Of the USA. The mission of this memorial is to honor and pay tribute to the veterans.
The memorial also provides educational sessions to make the visitors know about the military history of the state. So, it’s a good place for you to go and learn more about the contribution of those great people.
Address: 200 Monroe St NW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 604-3896
Hours: Open everyday from 5 am to 12 am.
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12. Ditto Landing
Ditto Landing is a scenic spot surrounded by mountain foothills. The picture-perfect Ditto Landing Marina is located on the Tennessee River at the southern part of the city. This nice recreation area suits everyone’s taste. The entire land is grassy and you’ll get a large space to stroll & play upon these cushiony grasses with your kids.
For anglers, fishing opportunity is huge as the marina is home to catfish, bass and bream. You might also explore the easy and scenic hiking and walking trails. Let your kids practise cycling in the designated area. Sailboats and yachts can also be found cruising. Boat launch and pavilion rental are also available.
For night staying, camping is a good option.
Address: 293 Ditto Landing Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803
Phone: (256) 882-1057
Hours: Open everyday from 9 am to 6 pm.
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13. Lucky Duck Scavenger Hunt
Lucky Duck Scavenger Hunt, launched in 2013, is a free and fun place with lots of unique attractions. It is a year-round fun place. Kids love to spend their time in this scavenger hunt. The most popular fun activity is finding fourteen hidden bronze ducks. Successful participants can only claim their prize.
Earlier, in the fun game was to find out twelve ducks and later in 2015 the Lucky Duck Scavenger Hunt expanded including two new ducks, and the walking miles were also extended from 2.5 miles to 3 miles on foot.
Address: 500 Church St NW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (800) 843-0468
