Sometimes we think in order to have a little fun, we have to spend, spend, spend to have a good time. Well, you and your wallet are in luck because we have come up with a list of fun things to do in Huntsville for $0.00. (No, you don’t need glasses, and that’s not a typo).
Questions about any items on the list below? No worries! Head on over to our Visitor Center (located at 500 Church Street NW in downtown Huntsville) or give us a call at 256-551-2230 or (800) SPACE-4-U. We're open seven days a week and have a team of Visitor Information Assistants that are standing ready to help you explore the Rocket City!
For the outdoorsy types:
Scavenger Hunts
Lucky Duck Scavenger Hunt
All ducks are located outside, so hunt at your convenience. Start at the downtown Visitor Center to see a sample duck and start hunting for the duck hidden outside. Clues to begin the Lucky Duck Hunt can be picked up at the Visitor Center and are also available to download at huntsville.org. Stop back by the Visitor Center to pick up a complimentary prize when you complete the hunt!
Location: Hidden all across downtown Huntsville
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day - you can do this on your schedule!
Website: Find out more and receive clues to begin the hunt by clicking here
Phone Number: 256-551-2230
Trains on Main in Madison
Explore Downtown Madison as you do a scavenger hunt for trains. Look high and low for these metal choo-choos!
Location: Hidden all across downtown Madison
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day - you can do this on your schedule!
Website: Find out more and receive clues to begin the hunt by clicking here
Phone Number: 256-551-2230
Parks + Greenways
Big Spring International Park
Enjoy the famously friendly ducks, geese, and koi. Walk across the red bridge and enjoy the cherry trees from Japan.
Location: Downtown Huntsville
Hours of Operation: You can enjoy Big Spring International Park any time of day or night!
Huntsville/ Madison County Greenways
Location: Huntsville and Madison City
Hours of Operation: Sun up to sundown
Website: Check out the City of Huntsville's website for a complete list of greenways in Huntsville and Madison.
The Land Trust North Alabama
Volunteers maintain miles of public trails for hiking, biking, bird watching, or picnicking, on 8 nature preserves including Chapman Mountain, Wade Mountain, Monte Sano, Blevins Gap, and Bethel Springs Preserve.
Location: 2707 Artie St. SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
Hours of Operation: Office: M-F, 8 am-4 pm, Trails open every day sun up to sundown
Website: Get more details on Land Trust of North Alabama's site.
Phone: 256-534-5263
Click here for accessible hikes.
Fun in the Water:
Pools & Splash Pads
Bicentennial Park
Enjoy splashing in the water fountain’s jumping jets in this park where Huntsville commemorates its first 200 years.
Location: Behind the EarlyWorks Museum in downtown Huntsville.
Hours of Operation: Sun up to sundown
Website: Click here to learn more.
Phone: 256-551-2230
Richard Showers Center Splash Pad
Free to use, one large pavilion, numerous shaded benches, and easy access to bathrooms.
Everyone Can Play Splash Pad
Free to use, a large pavilion available to rent, bathrooms attached.
Waterways + Waterfalls
Ditto Landing - Located on the Tennessee River. Fish, swim, picnic, and explore along the scenic riverbanks.
Location: Halfway down the Tennessee River at 293 Ditto Landing Rd, Huntsville, AL 35803
Website: Visit Ditto Landing's page for more info and check out the special events.
Phone: 256-882-1057
Lydia Gold Skate Park - 7,500 square feet street section, banks, quarter pipes, boxes, pads, stairs with rails.
Location: 200 Cleveland Avenue NW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Hours of Operation: Sun up to sundown
Website: Click here to learn more.
For the Pups
Dog parks are a perfect fun and free way to spend an afternoon with man's best friend, and Huntsville/Madison County has several great options to choose from. A few of those options are listed below.
Kids Space Playground - Plenty of play areas, picnic tables, and shade for a fun afternoon.
Location: On Airport Road, SW Huntsville
Hours of Operation: Sun up to sundown
Website: Rocket City Mom will give you a playground guide including great info on Kids Space.
Neighborhood Parks - Sports facilities and parks for tennis, volleyball, softball, baseball, soccer, and frisbee disk golf.
Location: Huntsville/Madison County neighborhoods and sport facilities
Hours of Operation: Parks/facilities may vary
Website: Get the full list of area parks with this neighborhood recreation guide.
Photo Credit: Joe Hendrickson
Huntsville/Madison County Birding Trail - A series of mostly roadside stops throughout Madison County. Brochure available.
Location: All over Madison County
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day
Website: Click here to download a free guide and brochure.
Phone: 256-551-2230
Madison County Marker Challenge - Historical markers dot city streets and rural roads throughout Huntsville and Madison County telling stories of its people, places, and past events. Visit the website to select one of seven trails then download a map or use the handy mobile app to find all the markers and map your progress.
Location: All over Madison County
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day
Website: Click here to download a free guide.
Veterans Memorial Park - This park recognizes veterans of Madison County, Alabama, and instills a sense of pride and respect for all veterans and visitors as well as their loved ones.
Location: Downtown Huntsville with parking along Monroe Street
Hours of Operation: Sun up to sundown
Website: More is available here on their website.
Phone: 256-604-3896
The Patriot’s Mosaic - A 15-foot x 15-foot patriotic image made up of 1296 5-inch square photographs of veterans. Walk the grounds of the depot daily, 9 am-5 pm at no charge.
Location: Historic Huntsville Depot and Museum in downtown Huntsville off Church Street
Hours of Operation: Daily 9 am-5 pm at no charge. Admission is charged for depot tours.
Website: Check out the Vision of Vets website for more information on the display.
Downtown Huntsville Secret Art Trail - Downtown Huntsville has a fun way for you to get a much-needed dose of art in your life while enjoying a walk outdoors. Since it is located entirely in the Quigley Arts & Entertainment District, you have the option of choosing to purchase an adult beverage to take with you as you stroll downtown’s nooks and crannies with your purple cup. Don't forget the new Mae Jemison inspired art in Big Spring Park.
Location: All over Downtown Huntsville
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day
Website: Click here to download a free guide.
Downtown Huntsville Night Light Trail - See all of the different lights along the Downtown Huntsville Night Light Trail. From Big Spring Park to the Clinton Row Color walk, see how Huntsville has a glow-up when the sun goes down.
Location: Throughout downtown Huntsville
Hours of Operation: From 7pm - Midnight
Website: Learn more from Downtown Huntsville Inc. website.
North Alabama Railroad Museum –This is the smallest Union depot in the country. Walk the grounds at no charge.
Location: 694 Chase Road, Huntsville, AL 35811
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9 am - 4 pm, Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm
Website: Visit the North Alabama Railroad Museum website for more information.
Phone: 256-851-6276
Photo Credit: JennyinDixie
Twickenham, Old Town, and Five-Points Historic Districts - Drive or walk through several historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places. Tour using your smartphone and the Digital Huntsville History Tour or a brochure available at the Visitor Center.
Location: Huntsville historic districts
Hours of Operation: Find the full list of walks and times here.
Website: Get a list of areas guides here.
Civil Rights Driving Tour - Take a drive to see some of the spots to highlight the history of Huntsville's Civil Rights story.
Location: Throughout Huntsville
Hours of Operation: Available sun up through sun down.
Website: Get a list of places here.
Self-Guided Downtown Historic Madison Walking Tour - Download the free Walk Historic Madison Smartphone app for Androids and Apple Products
Location: Official tour starts and ends at the parking lot located at the intersection of Martin and Garner Streets however you can start the tour at any point along the route.
Hours of Operation: Dawn to dusk
Website: Visit the Facebook page online.
Historic Maple Hill Cemetery - Established in 1818, Maple Hill is the largest cemetery in the state of Alabama.
Location: 202 Maple Hill Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801
Hours of Operation: Dawn to dusk
Website: Visit their website for more info here.
Foundations of Faith Trail – Madison County has 15 churches over 100 years old.
Location: All across Madison County
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day
Website: Click here for more information or come by and receive a brochure at the Visitor Center.
Bridge Street Town Center - There is a walking trail around a 5-acre lake, pet-friendly access (dogs must be leashed), three waterfalls, two fountains, and interactive Pop Jet Fountain for kids. Weekend musical entertainers, free WiFi service, bicycle racks as well. Brochure available at the Visitor Center.
Location: 365 The Bridge Street #106, Huntsville, AL 35806
Hours of Operation: Store and restaurant hours may vary. Sunday-noon-7 pm, Monday-Thursday-10 am-9 pm, Friday & Saturday-10 am-10 pm
Website: Map of stores, restaurants, and special events can be found here.
Phone: 256-327-8400
For those not working on their tans (indoors):
Antique Stores - Here are 7 antique stores on the Alabama Antique Trail located in Madison County:
Locations:
Railroad Station Antiques Mall 315 Jefferson St Huntsville, AL 35801 Phone: 256-533-6550
Fire House Antiques & Collectibles 10095 S Memorial Pkwy Huntsville, AL 35803 Phone: 256-880-9111
Rivenbark & Roper Antiques 900 Bob Wallace Ave, Suites 111 - 112 Huntsville, AL 35801 Phone: 256-564-9800
The Antique Market 11595 South Memorial Pkwy Huntsville, AL 35803 Phone: 256-270-9636
Vintage Market & Paint Studio 4800 Whitesburg Dr. SW Huntsville, AL 35802 Phone: 256-964-7580
Willowbrook Shoppe 7900 Bailey Cove Rd Se Huntsville, AL 35802 Phone: 256-270-7181
Packards Antiques Center 11110 South Memorial Parkway Huntsville, AL 35803 Phone: 256-881-1678
Hours of Operation: Hours vary by shop
Website: Get the full antique list and shopping trail here.
Harrison Brothers Hardware Store - Established in 1879 and preserved for you to step back in time, Harrison Bros is the oldest operating hardware store in Alabama.
Location: 124 Southside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday - 9:30 am-5 pm, closed Sundays
Website: Learn more about Harrison Bros here.
Phone: 256-536-3631
Parkway Place Mall - Kid’s play area on the 2nd floor, walking, and window shopping.
Location: 2801 Memorial Parkway S, Huntsville, AL 35801
Hours of Operation: 10 am-9 pm, restaurant hours may vary.
Website: For maps of stores, restaurants, and the kids play area visit here.
Phone: 256-533-9094
For those who want to catch live music:
Stovehouse - Enjoy the Food and Leisure Garden while listening to music Friday and Saturday nights. They offer a jazz brunch on Sundays.
Location: 3414 Governors Dr. SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
Hours of Operation: For hours click here.
Website: More information and the event calendar can be found here.
The Camp & MidCity- Hear live and local music along with drive-in movies during the summer!
Location: 5909 University Dr., Huntsville, AL 35806
Hours of Operation: For hours click here.
Website: More information and the event calendar can be found here.
Email: info@thecamphsv.com
Our friends at HuntsvilleMusic.com always have the latest on their calendar.
For the art and food lovers:
Artist Market - Shop or just enjoy some local artists work at Lowe Mill A&E.
Location: Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
Hours of Operation: Saturdays, Noon-4 pm
Website: Find more information and other events here.
Phone: 256-533-0399
Art Walks - Fifty local vendors, live music, people, and puppy watching.
Location: Downtown Square
When: 4:30 pm-8:30 pm, 1st & 4th Friday (rain dates on Thursdays) from June-August
Website: Visit here for more details.
Greene Street Market - Farmer’s market, music, kid’s activities, and bikes for use during market hours.
Location: Corner of Greene Street and Eustis Avenue
Hours of Operation: Thursdays from May through October. The hours are 4 pm - 8 pm from May-August, 4 pm - 7 pm in September, and 3 pm - 6 pm in October
Website: Visit their website for more info.
Phone: 256-682-4429
Madison City Farmers Market - Homegrown produce and handmade crafts.
Location: 1088 Hughes Road, Madison, AL 35758
When: April-November on Saturday Mornings
Website: Get more details here.
Phone: 256-656-7841
Market at MidCity - More than 40 vendors attend this family friendly market each Sunday hosted at The Camp in the MidCity District.
Location: 5909 University Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35805
When: March-November on Sunday afternoons
Website: Get more details here.
Oakwood Farms Market - Each Friday you will find everything from bowties to amazing vegan food at this new market on the Oakwood University Campus.
Location: 5001 Adventist Blvd NW, Huntsville, AL 35806
When: April-October on Friday afternoons
Website: Get more details here.
Downtown Huntsville Food Trucks - Come grab some grub from one of many local food trucks in downtown Huntsville.
Location: Downtown Huntsville
When: The first and third Friday of each month in Big Spring Park.
Website: Visit the Downtown Huntsville Inc website for more information.
