18 Best Fun Things To Do In Alabama With Family

A family trip in Alabama is the desire of many hearts! The state offers so many great things to do and places to visit under a reasonable price, and anyone can easily spend their vacation in this vibrant state. Also, there are some free attractions such as Orr Park and Gulf Shores Museum, visitors can enjoy without paying any fees. Read on to explore the list of fun things to do in Alabama with family, then must visit those places to have some great experiences and memories from this family-fun vacation.

1. DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park

Address: 5181 Desoto Caverns Pkwy, Childersburg, AL 35044

Phone: (256) 378-7252

Hours: Monday from 10 am to 5:30 pm; Friday from 10 am to 5:30 pm; Saturday from 9 am to 5:30 pm; Sunday from 11 am to 5:30 pm; closed from Tuesday to Thursday.

Formerly DeSoto Caverns, the Majestic Caverns is one of the best places you must visit with your family in Alabama. The unique attractions, award winning fudge and guided Caverns Tours are enough to make you and the family members busy for the entire day.

The name of the caverns were DeSoto to honor Hernando de Soto.

Located between the lakes and Appalachian foothills of north Central Alabama, DeSoto Caverns Park boasts a dozen of outside attractions. And the caverns tour lasts for an hour and it include breathtaking attractions like water show, light show.

This adventurous tour is going to be a great memory for everyone. The Majestic Caverns are America’s most historic caverns. And you don’t like to miss this unique hotspot of the country.

2. Orr Park

Address: 277 Park Dr, Montevallo, AL 35115

Phone: (205) 665-2555

Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 8 pm.

Orr Park in Montevallo, Alabama is a great outdoor destination where families can enjoy a wonderful walking trail through trees. In many trees, you’ll see curved faces which are the works of local artist Tim Tingle. In fact, the trail is called Tinglewood Trail.

Admission to the park is free and the attraction is open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. Originally, donated to the City of Montevallo by former Mayor Dr. Milton Orr, the place was filled with only the damaged cedar trees. It was Tim Tingle who transformed those damaged trees into the unique attractions.

Also, the place is so natural and filled with greens, your kids will get the opportunity to interact with nature. Watching cloud formations and imagining any character in these clouds is really a fun game to enjoy with your kids.

The park amenities include covered picnic tables, a small but beautiful playground and a gazebo. Furthermore, Orr Park is definitely a must-to-go place in Alabama for enjoying the great offerings like picnicking, bike riding and soccer playing opportunities with families and groups.

3. Altitude Trampoline Park

Situated in Huntsville, Altitude Trampoline Park is favorite among many families who love to spend their day through participating in amazing and little adventurous games such as the rock-climbing wall, basketball dunking lanes, a trapeze, zip line and so much more!

Located right next to the Target on University Drive, the park is a popular spot for hosting birthday parties. If you’re visiting the park during your kid’s birthday, definitely celebrate his/her special day in this super fun place.

The high energy park is a group fitness place as well where visitors, specially kids, learn and enjoy leading the healthy lifestyle. So, what more can you expect from any place that not only offers entertainment facilities but promote healthy lifestyle, as well. It’s a worth going place for any age group and it is one of the great things to do in Alabama with the family and kids.

4. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Address: 20499 Oak Rd E, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Phone: (251) 256-7008

Hours: Open everyday from 9 am to 4 pm.

A zoo visit is always a super exciting thing to do for anyone irrespective of their ages, and going to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is the best opportunity for you to be up and close with the animals. There are literally tons of things to explore and enjoy.

At the Gulf Coast Zoo, there are 300 animals, visitors can watch. Get ready to amaze while taking the self-guided tour of the zoo. It takes nearly two hours to complete the zoo visit.

The zoo is most popular for its some of the amazing shows. For example, there’s a giraffe feeding station, the family-entertainment place with theme park, interactive animal shows and many more!

Moreover, there is a on site restaurant, picnic areas, and rest stops and benches, as well. The zoo doesn’t keep any shortage of fun things that you can deny going there. Visiting Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is indeed a great thing to do with the families.

5. Children’s Museum of the Shoals

fun-things-to-do-in-alabama-with-family — Children’s Museum of the Shoals

Address: 2810 Darby Dr, Florence, AL 35630

Phone: (256) 284-7107

Hours: Wednesday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm; closed Sunday through Tuesday.

Children’s Museum of the Shoals in Florence, Alabama, focuses on the local heritage and going to the museum and watching the hands-on exhibits and playing tremendous games with your child, is the best way to celebrate your weekend getaway with your kids and other family members.

At the Children’s Museum, your kids can learn about archaeology, art and science. Interestingly, the museum also encourages kids to create their own masterpieces using their imagination power.

Moreover, multiple venues and programs and other variety of attractions make this destination some of the best places to visit in Alabama.

Related: Best Museums To Visit in Alabama.

6. The Park and Resort at OWA

Address: 101 S Owa Blvd, Foley, AL 36535

Phone: (251) 923-2111

How can you miss going to the region’s biggest indoor water park? The 23 theme-park rides along with Big Water Bay’s outdoor wave pool, make the destination one of the most desiring day trip destinations among the families.

Located on the Gulf Coast in Foley, Alabama, OWA, the 520-acre family fun destination is always ready to fulfil all yours fun related desires. Don’t miss to have a ride at OWA’s largest and most thrilling coaster, the Rollin’ Thunder.

The downtown OWA is equally popular for offering opportunities with dining, shopping & live entertainment choices. For night staying, turn your head to the award-winning TownePlace Suites by Marriott.

OWA is fully dedicated to providing entertainment activities for the whole family. And variety of entertainment programs and events, perfect for all ages, are making the park a year-round popular destination in the state.

7. Waterville USA

Address: 906 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Phone: (251) 948-2106

Hours: Monday through Friday 12 to 10 pm; Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 10 pm.

The 20-acre water and amusement park, Waterville USA is another great place to visit with your family and kids. Visitors can enjoy numerous water and amusement attractions in this top-rated amusement park.

Opened in 1986, Waterville is located a quarter-mile from the Gulf of Mexico in the city of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Take your kids to the wave pool or lazy river to have fun with them in water.

The family entertainment park includes escape rooms, as well. Fun opportunities are manifold. So, definitely visit Waterville when you’re in the charming state of Alabama.

Related: Best Things To Do in Selma, AL.

Related: Best Things To Do in Daphne, AL.

8. Huntsville Botanical Garden

Address: 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805

Phone: (256) 830-4447

Hours: Monday and Tuesday 9 am to 6 pm; Wednesday through Saturday 9 am to 8 pm; Sunday 11 am to 6 pm.

Huntsville Botanical Garden is one of the top paid tourist attractions in Alabama. The 118-acre botanical garden, located at 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, Alabama, features amazing trails, nature center and many great attractions to make visitors engaged for the entire day.

Must visit the Biblical Garden where visitors can only encounter the plants and trees that are mentioned in the Bible. Also, there is Daylily Garden where more than 675 daylilies are cultivated.

Exploration opportunities also include visiting the Butterfly House, Aquatic Garden, Herb Garden, Nature Center which overlooks Little Smith Lake, and Vegetable Garden.

Many amazing programs and events are held throughout the year. So, this Alabama attraction must be included in your list of best things to do in Alabama with the family. Furthermore, the U.S. Space Rocket Center, Alabama’s another one of the greatest attractions, is close to the botanical garden.

The botanical garden is a popular destination for couples as well where they can enjoy each other’s company by doing nothing but only being in this magical land and enjoying the beautiful ambience.

Related: Things To Do in Fort Payne, AL.

9. McWane Science Center

Address: 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Phone: (205) 714-8300

Hours: Wednesday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm; Saturday 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday 12 to 5 pm; closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Formerly known as the McWane Center, McWane Science Center, the science museum in Birmingham, Alabama, is no doubt a great place to take your kids where they can not only enjoy the place, but can learn so many science-related things help them to have better understanding about the practical usage of science in our daily life.

Located in downtown Birmingham, the science museum, also the research archive, boasts the state-of-the-art hands-on science center, aquarium and 250-seat IMAX Dome Theater.

For kids, there’s a designated place in the second floor of the museum. The Itty Bitty Magic City Exhibit, an exhibit for little children, features the climbing structure, and a water play area.

The most breathtaking exhibit in this museum include the World of Water Exhibit. The exhibit showcases the marine and freshwater aquatic life that is based on more than 50 water species. This attraction is sure to provide excitement for every member of the family!

10. Gulf Shores Museum

Address: 244 W 19th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Phone: (251) 968-5099

Hours: Tuesday through Friday 10 am to 5 pm; Saturday 10 am to 2 pm; closed on Sunday and Monday.

Gulf Shores Museum is an old house that was constructed before the World War II. The attraction is located in the city of Gulf Shores in Alabama. Must go to this museum for a day trip with your whole family and enjoy the permanent & temporary exhibits those are based on local history.

First as the library, then the youth center, at last the house became the museum. Admission to the museum is free to the public.

Get ready to explore the super exciting programs and events conducted seasonally. Going to Gulf Shores Museum with the family is also some of the best free things to do in Alabama.

11. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Address: 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Phone: (205) 328-9696

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm; closed on Sunday and Monday.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is truly a great place to visit with kids and family. The facility has something for everyone to make this visit a memorable one! The attraction is a large interpretive museum and research center.

Locating in the Civil Rights District, BCRI was opened in November 1992, and the institute’s purpose is to showcase the 1963 Birmingham Campaign through multiple events and exhibits, conducted for year-round.

It’s needless to say, BCRI is the state’s one of the best museums to know the history of African-American life and the struggle for Civil Rights. Many permanent exhibits are there to inspire the visitors.

Moreover, the institute is home to an expansive archive of documents from the Civil Rights Movement. The highlight of BCRI include the walking journey through the museum.

12. Mobile Bay Ferry

Address: 110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Phone: (251) 861-3000

Mobile Bay Ferry is some of the best ways to experience the scenic ambience of the Gulf Coast. The ferry ride usually takes 40 minutes, and the trip covers the wonderful views of two historic forts— Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan at Mobile Point.

The family-friendly ferry ride also allows to experience the stunning sea life, birds and many other small and colorful boats. Attending this ferry ride, specially during summer months, is truly a fun thing to add the much-needed spice to make this Alabama trip more delightful!

The Mobile Bay Ferry operates two ferries— The Fort Morgan and the Marissa Mae Nicole. Remember, the ferries are operative according to the weather condition, so please check out their website before you plan for this trip.

13. USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

Address: 2703 Battleship Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36602

Phone: (251) 433-2703

Hours: Open everyday, from 8 am to 5 pm.

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is a great place for those who love history. One of the most famous historic parks in the state, the Battleship Memorial Park houses the WWII battleship USS Alabama and submarine USS DRUM, both national historic landmarks.

Spend your day in exploring the collection of multiple valuable aircraft and military vehicles. Guided tours are not available, so, be sure to check out each corner of the park to learn and experience new things with your family.

The best part is, there are free kennels for those who want to travel with their pets. Furthermore, for families, there are endless possibilities to make memories with your kids. There is a fishing pier, a bird observatory and picnic areas to hangout together.

14. Legacy Museum

Address: 400 N Court St, Montgomery, AL 36104

Phone: (334) 386-9100

Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm; closed on Monday and Tuesday.

The Legacy Museum, in Montgomery, Alabama, is another great place to visit where you can learn about the history of African-American enslavement. Opened on April 26, 2018, the museum showcases the struggle of those slaves whose life were full of racial bias and lynchings.

The exhibits of Legacy Museum feature artwork by Hank Wills Thomas, Jacob Lawrence and some other prominent artists. The best way to know about those victims’ life, is attending the oral history exhibit.

Moreover, there are interactive media, and multiple data-rich exhibits offering powerful history that is telling the truth!

15. Little River Canyon National Preserve

Address: 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967

Phone: (256) 845-9605

This outdoor attraction is popular for many reasons. First, Little River Canyon National Preserve offers endless possibilities to all age groups. And the second reason is, it offers one of the best ways to make memories in Alabama’s wild nature landscape with your little ones.

Located on the top of Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne and DeSoto State Park, the 15,288-acre United States National Preserve was created in 1992. The national preserve is housing the nation’s longest mountaintop river, the Little River.

The outdoor attraction is best known for offering an informative hike, a fascinating ride in the Wildlife Management Area, and amazing picnic area at Canyon Mount Park. For providing a wide variety of activities, the preserve is very popular among locals and visitors alike.

Bird watching is going to be very delightful here. The most common birds include raptors and vultures. Rock climbing, horseback riding, river kayaking, bicycling are other few engaging activities you must enjoy with family.

The 23,000-square-foot Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center, the visitor center, is a must-to-go place. Camping is strictly prohibited in the preserve, and hunting requires a hunting license either from Alabama or from other state. Fishing also requires Alabama fishing license.

16. U. S. Space and Rocket Center

Address: 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805

Phone: (800) 637-7223

Hours: Open everyday from 9 am to 5 pm.

U.S. Space and Rocket Center is a must-to-visit place. The center has the world’s one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia on display.

The attraction has been the state’s one of the major crowd pullers. So, going to this unique place with the family is certainly some of the best fun things to do in Alabama.

The facility was opened in 1970 and it’s operated by the government of Alabama. The museum also features traveling exhibits from around the world, astronomy shows, along with live entertainment experiences.

17. The Wharf

Address: 23101 Canal Rd., Orange Beach, AL 36561

Phone: (251) 224-1000

Hours: Open 24 hours.

Your visit to the Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama, is going to offer much more to hold your interest! The attraction is the official Entertainment District and it’s popular with offering hundreds of family-friendly events throughout the year.

The place has everything you need to please your family members including kids. There are amazing stores for shopping, the tranquil surroundings to relax and hangout, many restaurants and a place to catch movies.

For kids, there are train ride, ferries wheel to enjoy, although everyone can enjoy these fun things. And don’t forget to catch the nightly SPECTRA Laser Light Experience Show. It’s a unique attraction to add the much-needed spice in this family day trip.

18. Alligator Alley

Address: 19950 Co Rd 71, Summerdale, AL 36580

Phone: (251) 946-2483

Hours: Open everyday from 10 am to 5 pm.

Alligator Alley is truly a fun place to take your kids. The facility gives the opportunity to closely encounter hundreds of alligators and wildlife. The attraction is a swamp sanctuary and it offers elevated boardwalk for save wildlife encounter.

The self-guided tour allows the guests to walk through the breathtaking wildlife viewing opportunities. From nascent to mature, all types of gators are there in the sanctuary. Except this, turtles, bull frogs and ospreys are also viewable.

So, take your kids to this fine place and allow them to get personalized with real wildlife rather than screen-wildlife.

FAQs

1. What is the number 1 attraction in Alabama?

U.S. Space & Rocket Center is the number one tourism attraction in the state of Alabama.

2. Is Orr Park free?

Orr Park in Montevallo, Alabama is a great outdoor destination. Visitors can enjoy the park along with the wonderful walking trail through trees without paying any fees. Admission is always free to the public.

3. What is the history of Orr Park?

Originally the park was home to only storm damaged cedar trees in the early 1990’s. Later, Tim Tingle, a coal miner by trade, took the initiative and transformed the bad trees into the unique trees with faces and other designs.

4. How many altitude trampoline parks are there in the US?

There are 60 altitude trampoline parks in the US as of 2023’s data. The most concentration is in the city of Huntsville with 2 trampoline parks.

5. How big is the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo?

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is spread out over 25 acres area. The zoo is not only to watch animals, but visitors can enjoy many other things in the zoo. For example, there is a gift shop filled with animal-themed “merch”, wide pathways, picnic areas and many more attractions and activities to take part.

6. How much does it cost to get in the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo?

The admission charge varies for different age groups. The charges are $22.95/adult, $19.95/senior and military, $14.95/children under the age group of 3-12. Below the age of 2, kids are free to enter.