Free (and Cheap) Outdoor Summer Kids’ Activities in Huntsville
The days of children being shoved out the door each day and left to entertain themselves all summer are long gone (yes, I am that old), but that doesn’t mean that today’s kids don’t have plenty of opportunities to spend quality time enjoying nature. Here we’ve listed some of the best ways to enjoy the beauty and wonder of an Alabama summer.
[themify_box style=”lavender rounded” ]For even more FREE family-fun this summer, check out our full 2015 Summer Fun Guide. Filled with information on free summer movies, summer concerts, indoor children’s activities, pools and splashpads, festivals, fairs, carnivals and more! Your children will not be bored this summer! [/themify_box]Tuesdays on the Trail
Location: Varies
Date(s): Tuesdays, June-July
Phone: 256.534.5263
Schedule of Events
Cost: FREE
This award winning environmental education series is offered by the Land Trust of North Alabama on Tuesdays in June and July. Each program is a fun “snapshot” that promotes learning about the unique geology and wildlife of North Alabama and inspires the next generation of land stewards to continue to protect our natural heritage.
NOTE: Space is limited and events are free unless noted. Programs may be cancelled or rescheduled due to rain. Reservations are required (except for Sauta Cave gray bat program) and must be made by calling 256.534.5263.
Wacky Wednesdays at the Garden
Location: 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue (map)
Dates(s): Wednesdays, June – July
Phone: 256.830.4447
Website
Cost: FREE with Membership or Admission
The Huntsville Botanical Garden is a special place any time of year but with numerous water features and this year’s LEGO installation, it’s the perfect place to spend some time this summer. So we’d recommend a visit whenever you are looking for something fun but if you visit on Wednesdays around Noon, and you head over to the Children’s Garden, you’ll get to experience something truly special. Each week centers around a different theme (previous year’s themes included bubbles, dinosaurs, making your own tie-dye shirt,etc.) and several stations are set up throughout the Children’s Garden for little ones to experience many hands-on activities related to that week’s theme.
Play Days at Hays
Location: Hays Nature Preserve (map)
Date(s):Tues/Thur & Sat in June & July
Phone: 256-427-5116
More Info: Website
Cost: FREE
Hays Nature Preserve is another true Huntsville treasure and a great place to go fishing, hiking, or just exploring nature with the kids. But on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in the summer, add free fun and activities to the list of reasons to visit. Led by Operation Green Team, Play Days at Hays is always free but does tend to fill up so get your reservations in as soon as they announce their dates. You won’t regret it!
Time Travel Adventure at Burritt
Location: 3101 Burritt Drive (map)
Date(s): Tuesdays-Sunday, March-Labor Day
Cost: Free with Membership or admission
More Info: Website
This summer your visit to Burritt on the Mountain will have you traveling through time and specifically back to the 1800s. They’ll have fun AND learn about local, state, and national history! Read our Rocket City Mom Parent Review and see why this event is worth the price of admission this summer.
EDITOR’S NOTE: If your children really enjoy their first visit, consider purchasing a family pass to use throughout the rest of the summer and the whole year!
Bridgestreet Carousel Pass
Location: Bridgestreet (Carousel located behind H&M)
RCM Cost: $20 per pass when you show this at kiosk
Date(s): Mon-Sat, 12-8PM & Sun, 12-7PM*
More Info: Website
This is one we are especially excited about because it is ONLY for Rocket City Mom readers! The regular price for a carousel pass is $35. Your little one can ride as often as they like as much as they like through the end of the year with this pass. If you live close enough (or shop often enough) it’s well worth that price, but Bridgestreet has given us even more of an incentive to visit by offering $20 passes when you show this post on your phone at the Guest Services kiosk. What are you waiting for? See you on the carousel!
*Schedule is subject to change and is always weather permitting.
Rocket City Mom is a website about raising children in and around Huntsville, Alabama. Started in late 2010 by a local mom and newcomer to Huntsville, Rocket City Mom has grown into a thriving community of local parents and now boasts a staff of four, thirteen regular contributors, and tens of thousands of Tennessee Valley readers making it the #1 Parenting Resource in North Alabama.