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

Playground at Hays Nature Preserve – FREE

This natural playground is maintained by Huntsville’s Operation Green Team is super fun and easy to play while social distancing. 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!

Go Apple Picking – $3-5

Scott’s Orchard will offer their Pick-Your-Own Days on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in October until all the apples have been picked. Open 8am to 5pm and only $3 for admission when booking online at least a day before, or $5 walkup admission. Kids can jump on their new Apple Bounce Pad and race on the Trike Track! Spend a day apple-picking then make something yummy in the kitchen with your kids afterward.

Chalktoberfest – FREE

On Saturday, October 3rd from 11am – 2pm this new Bridge Street event will be located around the Belk Courtyard. See some awesome sidewalk chalk art and make your own at this fun, socially distant event. There will be family entertainment and a chance for you to cast your vote for your favorite chalk art creation! More details here.

Halloween BYO 4-Wheeling – $5

Enjoy some slightly spooky fun with a themed Halloween ATV Trail! This is a beginner trail decorated with Halloween props and fun for the whole family. Bring your own four wheelers and/or dirt bikes and ride through at your own pace for just $5. Riding starts at 9:00am and ends at 8:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday in October.

History On a Stick – FREE

Join the Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society Sunday October 4th from 2-4pm for a self-guided walking tour of Downtown Huntsville’s Historical Markers. History will come to life as historical figures such as Tallulah Bankhead, Reverend Joseph Lowery, and Howard Weeden tell stories about each site. Begin your tour and pick up a map at the Harrison Brothers Hardware marker at 124 Southside Square. Please wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines.

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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 Membership 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!

Burritt On the Mountain
– Explore the Whimsical Woods

Cook Museum of Natural Science
– Event Calendar of activities during Fall Break

Earlyworks Family of Museums
– Toys: the Inside Story exhibit

Huntsville Botanical Garden
– Festifall Activities, free for members

Huntsville Museum of Art
– $5 After Five: Thursday from 5-8 PM

U.S. Space & Rocket Center
– Apollo: When We Went to the Moon

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.