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. Likewise, you probably want to find activities that won’t bust the bank. This year we have made sure to pull together only FREE events for this list!

Fall Break Fun in 2025

This year, Fall Break is October 6-10, 2025. 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!

Family Movie Night at Field Day | October 8, 6 PM- FREE

This week’s movie is Hotel Transylvania (PG). Movie starts at 6 but come earlier if you want to grab some dinner!

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.

Rocket City Mom Big Spring park Scavenger Hunt wide

Alabama Honey Festival | October 5, 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 4, 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.

Madison Street Festival | October 4, 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.

Fall Break Fishing Fest | October 8, 9 AM-12 PM- FREE

Spend some of your Fall Break in nature at Hays Nature Preserve’s Bar Lake for some fishing and fun. Enjoy fishing, a craft, and popcorn. No fishing license required! Please bring your own pole if you have one. A limited amount of poles will be provided. Live bait provided! More Details Here!

Movies in the Park | October 10, 5 PM, movie starts at sunset- FREE

Make sure to bring your own blanket and chairs. Food vendors and music will start at 5PM with the movie starting at sunset. This week’s movie will be Soul (PG). More details here!

HGMS Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show | October 10-11, 10AM – 6PM | October 12, 10AM -5PM- FREE

Vendors with gems, minerals, jewelry, and fossils. Kids activities include gem dig and fossil dig. Door prizes, fun for the whole family!

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.

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.

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.