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 fun outside your homestead. Â Likewise, you probably want 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 2024
This year, Fall Break is September 28-October 6, 2024. 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!
Looking for a playground fun? Check out our Guide to Playgrounds!
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 | October 6, 1-5 PM- FREE
This well-attended festival includes specialty vendors and 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 are here.
International Festival of North AL | October 5, 10 AM-3 PM- FREE
This one-day, family-friendly spectacular―Open to the Public―spotlights iFest’s Global Performance Area, where you’ll enjoy anything from folk dance and traditional instrumentals to ethnic song and fashions; our Food Truck Caravan –every festival’s favorite!; bustling Open Air Marketplace; International Display Showcase, boasting cultural artifacts, native apparel, travel/historic information, photos, handicrafts, and so much more; and FREE hands-on children’s games and crafting …from around the world!
Nations as diverse as Poland, Ghana, India, Taiwan, Ireland, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, Romania, Panama, Australia, Moldova, and the Philippines have been represented…and each year is bigger and better than the last! More details are here.
Records & Retro | October 6, 11 AM- 5 PM- FREE
This funtacular event will take place at The Orion Amphitheater on Sunday, October 6 from 11 AM -5 PM! Shop over 100 booths featuring all kinds of items! From some of the nation’s most beloved record shops and labels that will have LPs and 45s, to folks who have incredible collections of retro music equipment, cassettes, CDs, VHS, video games, books, clothing, furniture, tchotchkes, and SO much more! The market will also feature live music, DJs, food trucks, and a wonderful day of community! More details are here.
Madison Street Festival | October 5, 9 AM-4 PM
MSF is a FREE community event with live entertainment, performing arts, areas showcasing local businesses, arts and crafts galore, dedicated zones for kids and teens, festival food, sponsor showcases, and fun surprises around every corner! Come ready to shop ’til you drop, learn something new, unleash your creativity, and make unforgettable family memories with us! A FREE shuttle service will be provided from Crosspointe Church and Madison City Stadium to the festival along with Assisted Ride buses. You can also park at Madison City Stadium and walk a short distance to the entrance on Wise Street. Curious about what makes the Madison Street Festival such a tradition? Go to our website at www.madisonstreetfestival.org and explore! Don’t miss the KICKOFF PARADE down Church Street at 9:00 a.m., followed by an opening ceremony on the main stage once the parade wraps up. Please note: From 8:45 to 10:00 a.m., the Crosspointe Church shuttle will drop off at a different spot at the festival. If you ride during this time, head to the Maple Street shuttle stop to catch your ride back. More details are 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
– Check out their fun exhibits, plus their awesome Tinker Lab for kids
Huntsville Botanical Garden
– Festifall Activities, free for members
Huntsville Museum of Art
– $5 After Five: Thursday from 5-8 PM
Alabama Constitution Hall Park
Step back in time and explore the site where Alabama became a state. (and grab some Piper & Leaf tea while you are there!)
US Veterans Memorial Museum
Explore memorabilia, artifacts, and military equipment ranging from the American Revolutionary War to present day.
Weeden House Museum and Garden
Visit the oldest house museum in Alabama!
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.
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