10 Magical Reasons to Visit The Garden This Fall
When a new family moves to the Rocket City, one of the first things we like to tell them is to take the kids to the Huntsville Botanical Garden. “It’s my favorite place in the world,” six year-old Lucy likes to tell her friends. While HBG is fun year-round, there’s just something about visiting in the Fall that we like best. Don’t just take Lucy’s word for it…
Top 10 Fall Activities for Families at the
Huntsville Botanical Garden
1. Myths & Magic
Wandering the Garden paths has never been more enchanting! Meet fairies, mermaids, goblins, and other fantastic creatures during the Gardens of Myth exhibit through October 31st. These life-size sculptures tell the stories of mythical creatures from all around the world. Can your kids find them all?
2. Legendary Scarecrows
With a picturesque Pumpkin Patch, nothing says family fun like the ever-popular Scarecrow Trail at the Huntsville Botanical Garden! This year’s scarecrows are sticking to the myths & magic theme, with special scarecrows in the Children’s Garden created by local schools. Amp up the spooky fun for older kids with a Scarecrow Trail Night Hike October 9, 12, 25, or 30th!
Advertisement. Content Continues Below.
3. Garden Give Back Day
Don’t have a membership? You can still sample HBG delights on Garden Give Back Day October 5th. Just bring in a pack of diapers and wipes to donate to the Great Diaper Drive – each item donated allows one person free admission. You’ll be helping local babies stay healthy AND having a fun day!
4. Fall Break Festivities
Our area’s school systems spread Fall Break out over two weeks this year, and HBG offers camp options for both. Flexible options make it easy to attend the whole week or just on the days you need. There will be fun activities planned every day just for kids! Sign up here.
Fall-Themed Crafts: October 8, 10, 15, & 19
Flower Petal Potions: October 9, 11, 16 & 18
Fairy & Gnome Gardens: October 10 & 17
5. BOO-terflies!
Did you know that the Purdy Butterfly House at HBG is the largest open-air butterfly house in the United States? This beautiful 9000 sq. ft. habitat overlooks the entrance pond and is home to thousands of native butterflies, tadpoles, frogs, button quail, turtles and other critters. A fun exhibit will turn it into the the “BOO-terfly” House the last weekend of September!
Advertisement. Content Continues Below.
6. Fall Animal Show
Get into the spirit of the season with Halloween ALIVE, an entertaining and educational live animal program presented by the Alabama 4-H Science School that features raptors, reptiles, and amphibians. A concession stand will offer snacks and you’ll have an opportunity to get your picture taken with one of the ALIVE creatures following the show. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and settle in for an exciting event on October 6th!
7. Campouts & Hayrides
Nothing says Fall like a fun hayride! Hamburgers & Hayrides includes a delicious lunch and lots of outdoor fun on October 11th. Your whole family can sleep under the stars in the safety of the Garden October 19th. Family Campout Night is a great way to see if your little one is ready for overnight outdoor adventures.
8. The Learning Barn is Back!
Stop by and see Karen Mandy, owner of the Learning Barn, and her menagerie of farm animals. All of her rabbits, goats, chickens and pigs are family pets! This kid-friendly petting zoo is only at the Garden for two days October 12 and October 19.
Advertisement. Content Continues Below.
9. The Table
Ditch the kids and spend a lovely afternoon at HBG with your girlfriends! Of course, kids are always welcome at The Table, but it’s our favorite spot for a truly delicious meal with an elegant atmosphere. With an a award-winning chef and seasonal specials, Fall is the perfect time to go for lunch or a Girl’s Brunch.
10. Bootanica!
Hands down, this is our favorite Halloween event in town for the Eight & Under crowd. This spooktacular event is all about Halloween fun, with crafts, games, face painting, music, hayrides, and more. Visit the BOOtterfly House for Trick or Treating and join in the popular Costume Parade! Just get your tickets ASAP for this October 27th event – it fills up FAST!
You Might Also Like…
- 2018 Huntsville & North AL Fall Activity Guide
- 5 Reasons to Be a Member of HBG
- TEACHERS: Book Your HBG Field Trip!
September 28, 2018 @ 12:28 PM
You have a terrific web site. I lived in Huntsville from 1980 to 2004. I witnessed the beginning of the HBG. I am curious do you know who provided the funding for the beautiful building ?
Thank You,
Mike Noble
October 2, 2018 @ 12:32 PM
Hi Mike! I believe they had some generous donations from individuals and the community as well as some grants. I bet they would be happy to tell you more details if you called! We absolutely love HBG.