Fall Break Staycation Ideas in Huntsville for $5 Or Less

If you’re staying in town for Fall Break and you’ve forgone the myriad camps, you *might* at some point during the week be looking for some fun outside of your homestead. Likewise, you’re probably wanting to find activities that won’t bust the bank. Just in case, we’ve put together several great options that are all $5 or less!
Outdoor Fall Break Fun in 2023
This year, Fall Break is October 2-6, 2023. Browse our ideas below for some free and/or cheap things to do that won’t make your wallet cry!
Playground at Hays Nature Preserve – FREE
This natural playground is maintained by Huntsville’s Operation Green Team is super unique and a fun place to play. Hays Nature Preserve also includes over 10 miles of trails and greenways that follow the Flint River, so you can also hike, fish, or do a little creek stomping while you’re there. Pack a picnic lunch and you’ve got an instant fun & free afternoon!
Fall Break Fun at Hayes Nature Preserve
Don’t miss out on the extra fun of special programming at Hayes Nature Preserve. Learn more here.

Big Spring Park Scavenger Hunt – FREE
Pack a picnic and head to Big Spring Park in Huntsville for a totally free scavenger hunt created just for kids by your friends here at Rocket City Mom. We give you 12 clues to help you find different locations all around the park! These clues were written with kids in mind – younger ones might need some help from you, but they aren’t so tough that most kids ages 6-12 couldn’t figure them out on their own.

Alabama Honey Festival – FREE
On Sunday, October 1st from 1-5 PM the 4th Annual Alabama Honey Festival is happening in Hampton Cove! This well attended festival includes specialty vendors, food trucks and will feature honeybees behind a viewing area. Educational programs will feature honeybees behind viewing glass, beekeepers, specialty vendors, food demos and food trucks. More details here.
Parks & Recreation – FREE
Area parks are a great option for fun because they wear your little ones out, they are easy play dates when other children are present (and they will be during fall break), and they are completely FREE! Before you head out the door be sure to check out our Parks Guide or better yet download our FREE Explore Huntsville smartphone app (available via the iTunes or Google Play stores). The app will tell you which parks are near you, what amenities they have, and if your GPS is turned on you can get a map with turn by turn directions!
Hunt for Ducks Downtown – FREE
Take the kids to explore downtown Huntsville in the gorgeous Fall weather! First, stop by the Huntsville Visitor Center and pick up a Lucy Duck Scavenger Hunt card. Track down all the cute little brass ducks hidden downtown and you could win a prize! You’ll walk A LOT, so be sure to have plenty of time. You can also download the scavenger hunt card here, but be sure to stop into the CVB when you’re done.
Take a Hometown Staycation
Fall Break is a great time to explore your hometown, and several local attractions are hosting fun activities for kids and families throughout the week. If you are already a member of these attractions, there is little to no extra cost to participate! And you can download the Rocket City Kids Pass and save 20% admission to major Rocket City attractions and museums!
Burritt On the Mountain
– Explore the historic park & barnyard
Cook Museum of Natural Science
– Event Calendar of activities during Fall Break
Earlyworks Family of Museums
– Toys: the Inside Story exhibit and more, plus their awesome new Tinker Lab for kids
Huntsville Botanical Garden
– Festifall Activities, free for members
Huntsville Museum of Art
– $5 After Five: Thursday from 5-8 PM
Indoor Fall Break Fun
Behold the Bookshelves!
Whether you visit virtually or in person (our favorite) the Huntsville Madison County Public Library is guaranteed to have something that will keep your kids of all ages occupied and entertained. Check their calendar here to see what’s happening and get in on all the FREE fun.
You Might Also Like…
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.