How much: Adventure Hall + IMAX Combo: Adults (13–64): $25.95, Seniors (65+): $24.95, Kids (2–12): $20.95, Kids Under 2: Free Spark wonder at McWane with hands-on museum exhibits, daily special programs, and breathtaking IMAX® Dome movie- going experiences. From the shark tank to the bubble room, dinosaur bones to Itty Bitty Magic City, you’re bound to have an adventure and learn a thing or two along the way. It even has an aquarium—plus, it’s located practically in our backyard! OWA Parks & Resort 101 S Owa Blvd., Foley How much: General admission: $69.99, Kids under 3: Free This 14-acre amusement park is designed for kids of all ages (including “big kids”—aka you!), with attractions for every age level. From the triple racing waterslides and the lazy river to the dump-bucket tower, you can’t help but have fun. Twist and turn on the Air Racer in Tropic Falls, be scared silly on the family-friendly Mystic Mansion ride, and throw your hands up in delight on the Rollin’Thunder rollercoaster. Not to mention the one-of-a-kind restaurants, shopping opportunities, nightly entertainment, and more that are all located within the 520-acre resort in Downtown OWA. Talladega Superspeedway 3366 Speedway Blvd., Lincoln How much: Prices vary per event; General admission grandstand tickets are free for kids 12 and younger on Saturdays and $50 off on Sundays Get your engines ready to head to the Talladega Superspeedway. It isn’t just a racetrack—it’s an experience that puts you right in the heart of high-speed, edge-of-your-seat excitement. Known as the longest NASCAR oval in the world, Talladega delivers the kind of adrenaline you can feel in your chest as cars thunder past at nearly 200 miles per hour. Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or just looking for a uniquely Alabama adventure, Talladega offers a front-row seat to history, horsepower, and pure Southern excitement. Plus, it’s the only track in NASCAR to offer free camping options.
life of Olympian track star Jesse Owens at the Jesse Owens Memorial Park & Museum in Oakville, and the bravery of the Tuskegee Airmen amid racial biases at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site.
streets, boutique shopping, and an active arts scene. Not to mention the bay views, moss-covered live oaks, and local dining options. Plus, just down the road is the Tanger Foley Outlets, perfect for a shopping day.
Gulf State Park & Pier 20115 State Park Rd., Gulf Shores How much: Price varies by activity
The Wharf 23101 Canal Rd., Orange Beach
Experience the magic of Gulf Shores with soft sand, easy access, and family amenities. Whether you’re looking to enjoy lounging by the ocean on the public beach, fishing off the pier, hiking the trails, or a beach picnic, Gulf State Park offers it all—as well as biking, geocaching, paddling, camping, and more! Plus, you can even parasail and kayak.
How much: Free (attraction prices vary) Take a spin on the Ferris wheel, shop local, watch the nightly laser light show, and dine at one of the fun restaurants along the water at this pet-friendly Entertainment District. There’s something for everyone, with water excursions, escape rooms, arcades, concerts, the marina, and more.
Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 9th St., Calera
Unclaimed Baggage Center 509 W Willow St., Scottsboro How much: Free to shop
How much: Adults & Kids (2–11): $15, Seniors: $14; Museum admission: Free All aboard the Calera & Shelby! Hop on the train for a nostalgic trip back in time riding in restored open-air and vintage enclosed railroad coaches pulled by a first-generation diesel-electric locomotive. Then jump on over to the official railroad museum of Alabama to view the museum’s collections. Be sure to check their calendar for special events! Huntsville Botanical Garden 4747 Bob Wallace Ave. SW, Huntsville How much: Adult: $20, Kid (3–15): $13, Seniors (60+): $17, Kids 2 & under and Members: Free Reconnect with nature as you stroll through diverse ecosystems found across the 118-acre property. Admire beautiful flowers, grassy meadows, and swing or picnic in the shaded woodland paths year-round. You might even discover a giant troll (Mama Zelda) in the kid- friendly Mother Earth Troll Garden. Be sure to wander through the Purdy Butterfly House to witness butterflies up-close from May through September. Little River Canyon National Preserve 4322 Little River Trail NE, Ste. 100, Fort Payne How much: Standard pass: $15 (one per car) This national preserve is filled with the promise of family adventures, with plenty of waterfalls, canyon rims and bluffs, pools, boulders, and sandstone cliffs to explore together. Be prepared for breath- taking overlooks, wooded trails, and peaceful picnic areas. You can fish, ride horses, and rock climb too! Bonus: 4th graders get into parks for free!
Shop till you drop at this one-of-a-kind shopping center filled with the surprising goods that have been left behind in lost, unclaimed luggage. Who knows what you’ll find.… They sell everything from clothes, jewelry, and electronics (like phones and AirPods) to games, books, and art. You might even discover a bobblehead or an interactive droid that you need! U.S. Space & Rocket Center 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville How much: Adult & Senior (13+): $30, Child (5–12): $20, Members: Free, Kids 4 & under: Free Blast off into adventure at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center! It’s more than a museum—this official NASA Visitor Center for Marshall Space Flight Center is an interactive experience that’s out of this world! It features a replica of Explorer I, the satellite that launched America into the space age, the United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, more than 1,500 spaceflight items—including moon rocks and one of only two full-stack space shuttle displays in the world!—and more. Don’t miss the world-class Planetarium and the astronaut training simulators.
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park 2703 Battleship Pkwy., Mobile How much: Adult (12–55): $18, Seniors 55+): $15, Kids (6–11): $6, Kids 5 & under: Free
The Grand Hotel 7855 Scenic Hwy. 98, Fairhope How much: Varies, but walking around is free !
If you’re charting a course through Alabama’s top attractions, the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park is a stop that truly makes waves. Dive into a tour of the WWII warship, tanks, and artillery, and be sure to check out their extensive historic aircraft collection. They even have planes flown for CIA spy missions!
Whether you stay at this high-end beach and golf resort or just stroll around and admire the view, the quaint town of Fairhope that it’s nestled in is worth a visit. Fairhope is a walkable coastal town full of charm and character, with flower-lined
McWane Science Center 200 19th St. N., Birmingham
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