If you’re looking at ideas for quick getaway trips this spring or summer, you might want to consider Huntsville, Alabama. It’s one of the fastest growing cities in the country, and it’s a hub of science, art, and history, among other things. Lucky for us busy working moms, this means the area is packed full of exciting, fun, and educational things to occupy and delight our little ones!

With so much to see and do, a breakdown of the in’s and out’s of Huntsville’s charm is a must for anyone looking to visit the Rocket City this spring. Let’s jump right in!

It’s Great for Sports Enthusiasts

If you and your family love sports, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in the area. Huntsville is home to a couple of awesome minor league teams including the Trash Pandas in minor league baseball and the Huntsville Havoc for hockey. With spring ball opening soon, the Trash Pandas are gearing up for their spring schedule at Toyota Field. If hockey is more your jam, check out a Huntsville Havoc games. They play in downtown Huntsville at the Von Braun Center Propst Arena. Both teams provide accessible accommodations, which is a relief to many families.

Another sporting option includes a visit to Topgolf in west Huntsville. If you haven’t visited one of their fun locations nationwide, you’re in for a treat. The multi-level driving range is equipped with temperature-controlled hitting bays, golf club sizes for every age, wacky targets, and restaurant-style food and drink served right to your bay. My family has played at Top Golf lots of times, and we’d give it a solid 5 stars approval on the KidFriendlyVenues app.

It’s A Nature Lovers Paradise

If your family likes to get out and enjoy nature, Huntsville has you covered. The east side of the city is home to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain Range. This area is a really great spot for families!

Check out Burritt on the Mountain, located atop Round Top Mountain, for an exciting historic adventure. Here you’ll find a 1930’s mansion, a working farm, and authentic period dress. Kids will love the farm animals, and there are several hiking trails that cross the sprawling 167 acres of the park. Burritt on the Mountain is both wheelchair and stroller accessible.

This fun location has snacks and drinks available for purchase, but there aren’t any restaurants on the property. Be sure to either pack a picnic lunch or plan to eat before or after your visit.

If you want a more laidback nature visit, Monte Sano Mountain is another popular spot. You’ll find historic sites, a playground, and dozens of hiking trails to delight your kids with views of waterfalls, creeks, and breathtaking overlooks. One of the best parts? You can even take along your four-footed fur babies! (Don’t forget to clean up any messes you leave behind!) Last summer, my daughter took part in a week-long day camp which explored the various trails within Monte Sano State Park. She came away with a deep appreciation for nature as well as knowledge on how to get around in the wild.

It's Exciting for Science Fans

If you’ve ever heard of Space Camp, you’ve inadvertently heard about Huntsville, Alabama. This is the home of NASA’s Marshall Spaceflight Center, as well as the nearby U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Driving down interstate-565, you can’t miss the enormous rocket towering into the sky.

My kids have never not liked one of our visits to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. There’s a space museum (full of awesome artifacts that have actually been in space!), as well as thrill rides that mimic zero gravity and speed. You’ll find a cafeteria, gift shop, and other fun and educational exhibits, as well. In fact, the center is a Smithsonian Affiliate, and it has one of the largest space memorabilia museums in the world.

As mentioned earlier, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center is also home to the famous Space Camp. Kids from around the world come to enjoy a week here where they learn practical applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

All in all, Huntsville, Alabama, is an excellent choice for a getaway. Between sports, nature, and science activities you’re sure to have fun for days. The Huntsville area has lots more to offer families, including Point Mallard water park in Decatur, the Unclaimed Baggage Store in Scottsboro, and the Rattle Snake Saloon (a restaurant where you can eat in a cave!) in Florence.

If you’d like to make sure you’re choosing the best kid friendly venues, make sure you download the KFV app. This handy time saving tool helps busy moms by serving up the perfect spots for their families. You won’t be disappointed—with Huntsville or with the KFV app!

Katie C