Huntsville is a city full of friendly people and great attractions. And that’s good news for families heading there for the Horizon Cup in March or the Apollo Cup in May. Whether you want to split up and see the sights or need something to do after your last game, there’s something for everyone in Huntsville. Here are some of our favorite places to visit when we want to relax, get some fresh air, and discover something new.
Huntsville Botanical Garden
Huntsville Botanical Garden is located at 3812 Triana Boulevard, Huntsville, Alabama 35801. It’s open daily from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays until 8:30 p.m., and closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. To ensure that you have a great time at the garden (and avoid any meltdowns), here are some things to know before visiting:
- Plan to spend at least two hours there—the place is huge! Bring snacks or an easy lunch for yourself and your kids so you can relax with them without having to leave the beautiful grounds for food or drinks every hour or so like you would if you were visiting a zoo or playground in another city;
- Wear comfortable shoes because while some of the areas will have benches available, many won’t;
- Bring sunscreen if it’s hot outside—you’ll want to make sure everyone has plenty of protection against sunburns before going inside;
- Bring water bottles! There are several fountains throughout their gardens but no vending machines nearby (and definitely none within 10 feet) so pack up some re-usable bottles instead;
U.S. Space and Rocket Center
When it comes to space and rockets, there is only one museum you need to see. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is a museum and visitor center that has a space theme amusement rides, space exhibits and rocket garden, space shuttle simulator and even offers a camp for kids to learn about the stars in our skies! You can also take a tour of the Marshall Space Flight Center or see where NASA was created!
Huntsville Museum of Art
The Huntsville Museum of Art is a great place to bring your kids for some family-friendly fun! The museum features local and national art exhibits, with a permanent collection that includes works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Joan Mitchell and Bobbie Gentry. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Mondays when it closes at 1 p.m.; admission is always free!
Monte Sano Mountain State Park
Monte Sano is a mountain in Huntsville, Alabama. It’s known as one of the most popular hiking destinations in the area, with two-thirds of its 3100 acres designated as state parkland. The Monte Sano State Park offers great views of Huntsville and its surrounding areas, including Redstone Arsenal and downtown Huntsville. The park also has several trails that are perfect for families to hike together:
- Hiking Loop Trail – This trail takes you through forests and around scenic overlooks where you can enjoy views of Monte Sano Lake below. It’s only 1.8 miles long but is steep enough that it can be challenging for younger children or those who aren’t used to hiking on hillsides (although they shouldn’t worry too much—the path is well maintained).
- Gap Creek Trail – This trail winds through Gap Creek Valley before climbing up into some dense forested areas where there are tall trees blocking out sunlight from above; this makes it easier for hikers to walk without worrying about getting sunburned! There are also some spots along this path where hikers will come across giant boulders; these provide a good place for kids or anyone else who needs a break from climbing uphill all day long!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for family-friendly fun in Huntsville, Alabama, before or after your games, there are plenty of options. Whether you want to spend a day outdoors, learn about space or visit an art museum with your kids, this city has something for everyone!
