These are normally free to attend, but don't forget to bring along a few bucks for a funnel cake. Hop onto the gondolas for just $7 per person per ride! Discover more about, Ave Maria Grotto, 1600 St Bernard Dr, Cullman, AL 35055, USA, Alabama's got four national forests, so if you're looking for outdoor fun in your Alabama day trips, there's plenty to be had. The cost of admission is only $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 6-18.) The natural environment is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico's turquoise waters. Its part of the Peanuts Around Town public art project, which is now better known as Peanuts on Parade. 19 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Tuscaloosa, AL | TripBuzz Many parks offer free camping, so be sure to check into that. If you're making a list of family-friendly fun in Alabama, this should be near the top. Only two furnaces could be built even on that huge amount of space. Address: 19950 Co Rd 71, Summerdale, AL 36580, United States. More than 100 species of wild birds are cared for here annually over 2,000 individual animals! It definitely should be on your list of places to go! Orange Beach is a mash-up of family adventure, adrenaline and relaxation, making it one of the best Alabama vacations for families. Its a majestic sight to behold, which is probably why its not just a hotspot for climbers, but for photographers as well. With a bike, youll be able to more easily visit the many unique spots on the island, including historic parks, lovely parks, and tropical delights. The Mobile Carnival Museum tells its tales through photographs, costumes, floats, gowns, jewels, and posters, all dating as far back as 1886 and as current as the modern day. Permanent exhibits are diverse, with favorites like the World of Water Aquarium, Explore! Address: 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, United States. Its facades were left to stand there when filming was over, along with all the other dressings of the set. No wonder its one of the best things to do in Alabama and one of the most beautiful places to go in the US! 1. The Birmingham Museum of Art is one of the must do Alabama attractions for art aficionados. Only a year later, a mental breakdown would see his wife, Zelda, admitted to a clinic in Baltimore. Speaking of food, discover a plethora of fresh seafood caught off-the-boat at the Alabama Gulf Coast. Short Creek Falls Source: facebook.com Short Creek Falls Just 10 minutes' drive north of Albertville lies picturesque Short Creek Falls. In 1992, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute opened its doors for the first time, welcoming 25,000 guests in its first week alone. The Sloss Furnaces is an incredibly national historic landmark and one of the most unique things to do in Birmingham, Alabama. Aside from motorcycles, the museum is also home to a fun collection of Lotus racecars the biggest of its kind worldwide! Orr Park in Montevallo, Alabama is also known as The Forest of Faces. A tour of the museum starts with a video that dates back to the 1980s. Drive around Dothan and youll see lots of painted peanut statues! 13. Fort Gaines is an excellent option among Alabama destinations for a sightseeing stop. A guided adventure takes you through Alligator Alley, beginning at the impressive viewing platform elevated above the ground. The Pioneer Village also has several historic buildings including a home, a grist mill and a post office/general store. The Birmingham Zoo is a zoological part that covers 122 acres of its titular town. Love, love, love Christmas At The Falls! There are also some other animals that have been taken in, either you can find bullfrogs, owls, ospreys, and turkeys in different areas of the grounds. Great experience but hey, you guys need a cafe. Ironwork comes from the Southern Hotel and the entire building gives off a vibe that can only be likened to the Gulf Coast. There are also lots of childrens activities your little ones will enjoy. Alabama has a temperate climate all year round, perfect for any kind of adventure anytime! Other fun park attractions include bumper boats and Kids Country which is home to loads of rides just for little ones. We went early, right after they opened and stayed about 3 hours. Address: 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States, Diegoandrade, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. The years were chosen because the former is when the Supreme Court of the United States ruled against racial segregation in schools and the latter is when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Almost every city in Alabama has some type of street festival. Take a self-guided tour through the stunning land and feast your eyes on the flora! Self-guided tours are available from 9-4. These lights come from the dismalites emitting their blue-green light from humid algae-covered rock faces. Amazing collection of military vehicles, metals, and artifacts. It is considered among the finest art collections in Alabama, and perhaps even in the Southeast of the country. Established in 1937 and located in Tuscumbia, Alabama, this unique cemetery is the burial site of more than 185 coon dogs from all across the United States. Its one of the key places of interest for sports fans and was set up in 1929. Festival grounds are open to the public for the first two days. The alligators here have come from all sorts of bad situations, rescued from dangerous environments, and brought here to live a healthier life in a better home. The ride was crafted by Italys Technical Park. Tour Hours: Tues-Sat 10:00am-4:00pm, If you're a country music fan, you simply MUST visit the Hank Williams Museum. Dont forget to stick around for the feedings, which happen three times daily; you might even get to participate! 4. The Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House Museum is one of the key architectural points of interest in Alabama. It reaches the ceiling, 25 feet above, at an angle that makes room for it. a play Weather Station Camera to pretend that you are the person giving the Weather Map on TV, On a cold December day we made our first visit to see the statue of Vulcan which overlooks Birmingham from. People have been known to still be hiking after dark. It is the home of the worlds most comprehensive and fine collections of vintage automobiles and motorcycles. The Cheaha State Park is the oldest state park in Alabama, opened in 1933 and boasting about 2,800 acres of land in Northern Clay and Cleburne. And its completely free to enter the park! It opened in 1955 with only a handful of animals in a firehouse and has since grown to accommodate over 800 individual animals from 200 different species. Once the tour is done, youll get to head to the gator station, where youll be able to hold an adorable baby alligator. Its the centerpiece of the state park and a masterwork of nature! 87 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Foley, AL | TripBuzz Entrance is free at Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum! Come and see some wonderful art displays at the Birmingham Museum of Art and Gallery. It opened its doors in 1951, has the support of an education program, and is home to more than 25,000 exhibits. !Such a variety of plants, shrubs, and animals on site. Sand Castle University. Happy hour every day. There are lots of activities to participate in and enjoy as well, including: Food booths and retail stores are also overflowing! The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is situated on 740 acres of ground in Birmingham. 15 Best Things to Do in Anniston (AL) Written by Lucas Adams Updated on May 26, 2023 Our travel recommendations are based on our personal experiences and research, written by locals and travel experts with deep familiarity with the destination. Theres so much to do in the Cotton State. I've listed 11 of these fun things below. The Birmingham Museum of Art has free admission and it's one of the top art museums in the southeast region. And eye-opening. What are some must-visit attractions in Alabama? If youre keen to explore Dauphin Island, then renting a bike is a must do. 15 Best Things to Do in Anniston (AL) - The Crazy Tourist Experience a slice of the world of university life and feel young again or feel like youre all grown up! Spectre was built along the Alabama River, on a private island. The McWane Science Center is located at 200 19th Street N, Birmingham, AL 35203. It stands at 112 feet and has 34 gondolas holding a total of 140 people. More than 1,500 different artifacts are on display and it boasts one of the biggest collections of its kind. The Memorial and Museum are two sites in town. The Cathedral Caverns are always 60 degrees in temperature, and they greet you with a giant entrance measuring 25 feet in height and 126 feet in width. Sports & Fitness (6) Sights & Landmarks (5) Amusement (4) Tours (4) Shopping (3) Food & Drink (2) Adventures (1) Winter Activities (1) Subcategories All (62) Parks (9) Movie Theaters (5) History Museums (4) Sports Stadiums (Amateur) (2) Bowling (2) Botanical Gardens (2) Nature lovers wont want to miss this park! Eventually, donations and volunteer work allowed for the creation of the raptor barn, followed by a housing area. Backcountry camping is possible in Hartlines Ford, Billys Ford, and Slant Rock. The Unclaimed Baggage Center, which opened in 1970, is one of the businesses that purchase such lost items. There are also many other gardens for people of all ages, such as the biblical garden, fern glade, daylily garden, and herb garden, and theres also a cool nature trail to check out. If youre looking for fun tourist attractions, the Talladega Superspeedway is an amazing way to get your taste of races and entertainment in Alabama. Was very easy to find. If you want to touch music history you MUST visit Muscle Shoals Sounds Studio! Also the conservatory is closed on Mondays, the day we were there. As you pass through the exhibits, youll follow the journey of the movement and end on a positive note, as the institute hopes to light a spark of hope for the future through its message. Aside from the usual park amenities, the Cheaha State Park also has a restaurant and general store. Visit your local tourism center to find out more. He had 63 first-place wins from racing Porches and was advised by his friend, Dave Hooper, to focus on motorcycles due to the common collections of cars already existing. This three-day festival features balloon flights starting at dawn and tethered rides during dusk (weather permitting). Its crown spreads across 50 feet and it has an impressive age of 360 years. Its equal parts fun, intimidating, and breathtaking. By rsdata. Local attractions cover things like museums, shopping, art, and golf. The best part? More than 50,000 wild animals have been helped by the wildlife center, the facility continues to provide medical and rehabilitative aid to the animals that they can help. Top 10 Weekend Getaways in Alabama - Trips To Discover The things to see within the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute are explorable independently through self-guided walks. Pay a visit to Montevallos lovely Orr Park and Tinglewood Trail, another amazing yet cheap things to do in Alabama! There is plenty to do here if you are looking for cheap attractions in Alabama. If youre looking for places to vacation by the sea, or just want a place with a lot of historical activities, youll do well with Mobile, a port city with a rich past. Huntsville Museum of Art is located at 300 Church Street S, Huntsville, AL 35801. Pack up a basket of food and head to the nearest park for a picnic. Entrance to the festival is free of charge. The magnificent Cathedral Caverns were once simply known as the Bat Cave, but it completely naturally looks like a cathedral, earning in its current title. You can also enter the home, which measures 10,500 square feet and dates back to 1935. Mildred would continue to live here, and then the house was entirely donated to the city of Florence. The civilization of Mississippians was made up of chiefdoms that lived in a long rush of land from the coast of the Atlantic to the western Plains. This meant natural materials with lots of horizontal lines, glass windows, and cantilevered roofs. Over 30 Fun Things to Do in Alabama with kids - Trekaroo Family Travel Blog Address: 2703 Battleship Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36603, United States. Museums In Florida. Famous bikes onsite include everything from common brands like Honda and Harley-Davidson to rarer ones like Cagiva and DSK. Each furnace is 60 feet in height and 18 feet in width, and they are surrounded by the items, machines, and tools used in the pig-iron production process. As the only district theater in the state still operating, its certainly one of the best things to do in Alabama. The Neversink Pit is a magnificent geological marvel. The Natural Bridge is one of the must see points of interest in Alabama. Its a beautiful and unique site. He arrived and began carving into them, a mix of whimsical and comedic that add to Orr Parks beauty. If you prefer, you can also just drive along the edge of the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway to get a 23-mile gorgeous view around the rim of the canyon. One of the greatest points of interest for family fun, The Track Family Fun Park is a must-see. Lets take a look at 18 of these activities. Alabama Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise (Editor's Choice) 2. Dothan is considered as the peanut capital of the world, after all! Your trip to Alabama wont be complete without a trusty vacation rental property to stay in. Took our for kids to this dog park in town. Its one of the most beautiful buildings that the great Frank Llyod Wright created in America and the only one by him at all in the state. Kids under 3 years old can ride with you for free! Only six homes, two trees, a church, and columns from an important building remain. Sloss eventually sold his company when he wanted to retire. A donation box sits there where people often drop $1 before driving inside the museum (some people drop more, of course!). Termed as one of the most popular vacation spots, the Huntsville Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Alabama and also one of its top attractions, welcoming about 308,000 visitors on an annual basis. 25 Best Things to Do in Huntsville, AL - VacationIdea.com It is also often used as a venue for concerts and festivals, and theres no entry fee, so its one of the few free things to do in the state. Address: 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776, United States. Here in Alabama, we're proud of our cars. It opened its doors in 1998 and has been thrilling children with informational but entertaining science ever since. One of the most loved spots within the Huntsville Botanical Garden is the Nature Center and Childrens Garden, which is the home of the biggest seasonal butterfly house in America. Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic Choose your favorite, hop into the car, and get ready for a fantastic Alabama day trip! The house itself is interesting to explore. Southern Adventures is located at 2150 Leeman Ferry Circle, Huntsville, AL 35801. The Little River Canyon is a national reserve that can be found close to Fort Payne, on Alabamas Lookout Mountain. This fictional town is an abandoned film set situated on an island along the banks of the Alabama River. Superfans of Williams have plucked the grass from around his grave so much that it was eventually replaced completely with Astroturf, which makes the grave and the grave of Williams wife, Audrey, stand out significantly. Alabamas places to visit are fun, exciting, and unique. Did not have a chance to go to the sub, as there were severe thunderstorms in the area. Table of Contents Sunset Cruise My 11 year old was not fond of the ladders or the closenss of everything (probably not going into the Navy) and there was enough accessible that my strollered 2-year old and spouse were entertained. Other features include an auditorium, time machine, conference room, classrooms, and archives. The reason it looks so run-down is because that version of Spectre was the last to be filmed, so it already looked intentionally bad when filming wrapped. Missed the fair? Captain George B. Wilson became its commander that year on the 16th of August, and about a year later, it would have its first military engagement. The design of the memorial is water-themed and is meant to appear healing and relaxing. Sloss Furnaces is rumored to be haunted. Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. Ive listed 11 of these fun things below. If you feel like getting out for a fun drive, check out the Natchez Trace Parkway. The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is where youll find the USS Alabama, a ship that began construction on the 1st of February in 1940. Address: 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States. Self-guided tours are available from 9-4. More than 25,000 individuals take a trip to Hank Williamss Gravesite annually, which makes it a surprising addition to the top list of Alabama attractions. Address: 509 W Willow St, Scottsboro, AL 35768, United States. The Botanical Gardens is open from dawn to dusk. Gulf State Park Gulf Shores 6. It rests along the Gulf of Mexicos coastline and spans 32 miles. Find out more about the, Unclaimed Baggage, 509 W Willow St, Scottsboro, AL 35768, USA. Visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens--Alabama's largest living museum with a variety of more than 12,000 plants in its living collection. Here's a list of 10 fun, quirky, and cheap things to do in Alabama. Here you can get active with water sports like boating and water-skiing, ride on a Ferris wheel, and watch live performances on stage. . There are many places to go hiking here in Alabama. Sometimes we take libraries for granted. What: Flora-Bama Yacht Club, 17350 Perdido Key . Booking the Best Bed and Breakfasts Near You It is an Art! Let me know in the comments below! Keep in mind that the capitol building will be closed on all state holidays. Theme Parks Near Me in Tennessee. The Bellingrath Gardens and Home have 65 acres dedicated to non-stop color through flowers, no matter what time of year it is. Dauphin Island is set within the Gulf of Mexicos lush waters. We obviously knew of the history and hardships as a result of slavery and the. We recommend visiting Vulcan. Family and kid-friendly accommodations abound in the area, and plenty of restaurants serve kid-friendly menus as well. Went with spouse, 2 kids (11 & 2) and in-laws. Don't forget your flashlight. Attend one of Alabama's many street festivals. Also, the history of Vulcan. As the only maritime museum dedicated to its subject on the planet, its paramount of the list of where to go for education about this gulf at the end of Alabama. 1. 40 Best Fun Things to do Near Me Alabama - Kids Activities For only $6, you can play a round of mini golf or ride go-karts. They have some pretty fantastic holiday events as well. The tour is among the most interesting and cheap things to do in Alabama. We can also use their internet for free. Popular exhibits here include a replica of the bus where the inciting incident occurred, a station wagon restored from 1955, and some original documents relating to this historic event. Address: 51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, United States. Address: 1 Tranquility Base Huntsville, AL 35805 Website: www.rocketcenter.com Also Read: Top 10 Space and Aviation Museums in the USA 2: Birmingham Zoo When planning a visit to Birmingham, Alabama, the Birmingham Zoo should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Alabama. The Southeastern Raptor Center has since helped thousands of birds of prey, treating them and releasing them into the wild as one of the top specialists for this field in Alabama. Don't forget to check out the other area attractions, including the Historic Downtown Helfin and Oxford Center for the Performing Arts. Just grab a towel and a beach chair and you're ready to go. There are a number of fun ways to keep yourself occupied if you visit Little River Canyon. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Alabama with Kids (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor Lions, jaguars, elephants, and more can be seen here. Gulf Shores Things to do with Kids. It boasts its original canons and kitchen to this very day, as well as a blacksmiths shop. Its no surprise that this location is one of the most rewarding spots for history buffs, and its certainly among the states top 10 attractions!