Family Activities in Huntsville, AL: From A Huntsville Family Photographer

Huntsville

December 18, 2025

Huntsville, AL is Perfect for Families

Huntsville, AL is a beautiful place for families to live. It is continuing to grow and offers beautiful scenery, friendly people, and plenty of activities. As someone who moved to Huntsville about a year ago my family and I have been exploring all that Huntsville has to offer. Whether you are looking for outdoor activities, free weekend events, or hiking around Huntsville there is so much to offer.

Outdoor Family Activities

Big Spring Park

Big Spring Park in Downtown Huntsville is a great spot to spend an afternoon or a Saturday. The park includes plenty of walking paths to take a casual stroll. There are also duck food dispensers to allow little ones fun with feeding the ducks. Big Spring Park is also nearby other things to do downtown such as museums, restaurants, coffee shops, and more! Whether you are looking to take a quick stroller or spend the afternoon in Downtown Huntsville Big Spring Park has a lot to offer.

Monte Sano State Park

Monte Sano State Park offers camping, incredible views, and several great hiking trails. The park has several spots to just sit and enjoy nature or an afternoon picnic. There are also several hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult to explore throughout the park. The North Plateau Loop in Monte Sano State Park is one of my personal favorites. It offers some great views and is an easier hike for a casual afternoon.

Huntsville Botanical Gardens

The Huntsville Botanical Gardens is a fun family friendly activity to see all the beautiful flowers and nature throughout. Around Christmas time the gardens also do Galaxy of Lights, which is a beautiful display of Christmas lights all throughout. Be sure to look at their website to see what nights are for walking or driving through the Galaxy of Lights.

Cathedral Caverns State Park

Cathedral Caverns State Park is located just outside of Huntsville, AL. Book online for a tour of the caverns before going. The tour allows you to walk through the caverns, which is a fun experience to see. The walk through the caverns is easy for children and adults. It is also a fun family activity that your kids will enjoy!

Family Friendly Hikes near Huntsville, AL

Huntsville, AL has numerous hiking trails nearby and many of them are a great family friendly activity. Some popular spots for hiking trails to checkout are Monte Sano State Park, Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve, Green Mountain Nature Preserve, and Madison County Nature Trail. Green Mountain Nature Preserve has Alum Hollow trail, which is an easy to moderate hiking trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall. Madison County Nature Trail is an easy trail surrounding a giant lake. This trail is a great option for kids to be able to walk as well. It is also the place to be when the fall leaves change colors!

Indoor Family Activities

U.S. Space and Rocket Center

Huntsville, AL is known as the Rocket City so the U.S. Space and Rocket Center was a must for family activities. Whether you are new to Huntsville, just visiting, or have lived here for a while the U.S. Space and Rocket Center is a must do family friendly activity. It is filled with history, displays, and interactive activities that will interest the whole family. There is even a kids area within the space and rocket center to allow children some interactive play during your time there.

EarlyWorks Children’s Museum

The EarlyWorks Children’s Museum is located in Downtown Huntsville. This is a great option for a family activity in Huntsville on a rainy or cold day! This children’s museum is hands-on and allows children the opportunity to have fun playing during your time there. If you are local to Huntsville the museum offers family memberships that allow you to visit throughout the year.

Free Family Activities in Huntsville, AL

Huntsville Public Parks

One of our favorite parts about Huntsville is all the great public parks for children to play. Some popular parks include Kids Space Park, Mark Russell Recreation Center, Sandra Moon Community Complex, Kid’s Kingdom at Dublin Park, and Sunshine Oaks. Whether you are in Madison, Dectaur, or South Huntsville there a great public park options all throughout Huntsville, AL and the surrounding areas.

Downtown Huntsville Events

Downtown Huntsville offers numerous free events throughout the year that are great for the whole family. At Christmas time there is Tinsel Trail, which includes numerous decorated trees to stroll around Big Spring Park. There are also movies in the park, festivals, and numerous events throughout the year. If you are looking for a family activity definitely check out what is happening Downtown that week for family friendly events.

How to Turn Family Activities into Lasting Memories

Many ordinary family activities can make a great opportunity to create lasting memories for your family. Lifestyle photography sessions can offer the opportunity to have your next family photography session while your family is playing at the park, having a picnic, or taking a stroll around Big Spring Park. Many of these fun family activity spots are also great spots for family photos. Consider booking a family photography session paired with a fun family activity either before or after your session.

Book a Huntsville Family Photographer for Your Next Adventure

As a Huntsville family photographer some of my favorite locations for sessions are also great places for family activities. This makes it easy to have a family day capturing your family portraits and then doing a fun activity as a family. If you are interested in learning more about booking a family photography session with me click here! Also, be sure to follow along on Instagram to stay up to date on mini sessions, news, and more!

KELSEA ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY