Are you looking for some ways to spend some quality and fun time with your beloved family, then Alabama might be a great destination.

It boasts a perfect setting, environment and facilities which ultimately makes any family activities memorable and fun. Plus, if you plan carefully, then you might find some safe and unique things to do.

However, before embarking on such an adventure, you need to make a bucket list and include a variety of activities that every member of your family finds interesting. (This includes kids, pets and friends)

Well, talking about me, I always make preparations prior to the trip day, with additions of everything, where to go, what to do, where to eat, where to rest etc. And, I recommend you to do the same.

-Things To Do In Alabama With Family-

• Visit a Beach
• Drive through a Safari Park
• Go to a Park
• Visit Birmingham Botanical Garden
• Attend a festival
• Birmingham Bus Sightseeing Tour 
• US Space and Rocket Center
• Ride a Dolphin cruise
• Civil Rights Museum
• Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

A) Fun things to do in Alabama with family 😁

Let’s start with some fun things to do in Alabama with family, that every last member of your group will find fascinating and exciting. Because this includes some fun and places like a beach, wildlife etc.

1. Visit a Beach 🏖️

I can confidently say this – the Beach is one of the few places or destinations that everyone in this world finds amusing and fun. There is no way that any member of your family will be disappointed or reject this place.

So, if you want to spend some fun time with your family, then explore a pristine white sand beach and indulge in several beach activities.

Now, for recommendations, there is only one beach that stands supreme among other beaches which is Gulf Shores Beach. It is easily the best family-friendly beach in Alabama, but it’s more than that.

First, all of you are free to engage in water activities, like swimming, surfing, quick dips etc. But, make sure to pay extra attention to your kids, senior citizens plus water level and high tides.

In the evening, don’t forget to gaze at the mesmerizing sunset, amidst three different variants of nature, turquoise water, clear blue sky and a white sandy beach. It’s also a perfect time to have some fine cuisine.

Moreover, this place is really close to Orange town, so all the necessities, hotels, cafes etc are just a walk or short drive away, Plus, don’t forget to enjoy other activities like looking for sea-shells, sunbathing, volleyball and other mini attractions like Zoo, music venue and the Waterville that kids find super fun.

2. Drive through a Safari Park 🦙

After a pristine beach, I have another fun, unique and adventurous place for your family to explore, and it’s Alabama Safari Park.

It is a huge area filled with natural habitats of different animals living together in harmony. Plus, you can explore all of them via your jeep or car. So, for the family, it is a safe, tireless and fun experience.

Now, before moving to entry, you need to buy an entry fee of $24.95 for adults and $17.95 for kids. Besides this, make sure to buy a food bucket. Now, what’s a food bucket? It is the most fun art of this safari park that helps you to engage with different animals while feeding them their favorite food.

Moving forward, just after entering the park, I can predict that your vehicle will be swarmed by a lot of herbivorous animals like zebras, Llamas, deer etc. Don’t panic, it’s their routine (waiting for visitors). Be calm and open the gate slowly, or just hold your food bucket at the windows. The animal will eat it slowly and generously. However, I advise adults to try this first, then kids and other members.

Drive deep in the park and you will encounter a huge variety of animals, like bison, yak, giraffe, elephants and much more. Try to feed all of them, while taking care of your kids. Don’t engage with animals that look terrifying and dangerous.

B) Free things to do in Alabama with family 🆓

If you want to explore some fun places and activities without paying a single penny, then I got you. However, you can’t explore famous attractions, but you have other options, like a nearby fun park, state park and so on.

1. Go to a Park ⛲🧺

For free things to do in Alabama, the first thing that comes to mind is a simple and green park. Plus, Alabama’s parks offer thrilling activities and adventure elements whose prime examples are Oak Mountain State Park and Monte Sano State.

Both of these parks are amazing and have only slight differences. First, let’s talk about similar fun things, so they provide an exceptionally large place for exploration, play etc. Moreover, they are gorgeous and provide several adventure activities, like hiking, camping etc. In fact, you can even have a picnic with your family and try some fine cuisine or homemade cooking.

Picnic is truly the best way to strengthen the bond of your family.

Now, talking about Oak Mountain Park, it also has a charming lake, so picnicking beside the lake plus swimming and boating are also an option. If you want more, then it also has golf, riding activities, farming and many nature programs, all of which are paid.

Next, we have Monte Sano Park which also offers breathtaking activities, the same as Oak Mountain Park, but it also has a playground for kids, with rides, swings etc like. Plus, it is also home to diverse wildlife, so if you are a wildlife lover, it might be a great place and you can even try geocaching (treasure hunting) here. Besides all of these biking is also an option

So, if you are planning to visit a state park, consider ones that are free or at least budget-friendly. Additionally, the thrilling and fun activities might cost some pennies, but you can try them in a secluded place.

Pro Tip  – On Jan 15, April 20, Aug 4, Sep, 28 and Nov 11, every state park is completely free due to national holidays or other specific reasons.

2. Visit Birmingham Botanical Garden 🌹🌺

You can also visit a botanical garden for a leisurely walk while admiring the beauty of some charming and pretty flowers with your whole family.

You don’t have to exhaust yourself, rather it’s an effortless and tireless activity. Moreover, Birmingham Botanical Garden offers this luxurious and serene experience completely free. So, you should grab this opportunity to spend some quality time with your family.

Now, talking about the garden, it is divided into 30 themed gardens that house various varieties of flowers in a different atmosphere. It includes flowers from lush tropical forests to serene Japanese gardens.

For kids, it has few child-themed parks and Educational Opportunities for your family to learn about plants, conservation, and the natural world more engagingly and interactively.

You can also have a small picnic in the park or engage in some family events, like seasonal celebrations, garden tours, storytime sessions, and workshops. In a nutshell, this place has an abundance of family-friendly activities, so I think you should add this in your bucket list.

C) Cheap things to do in Alabama with family 💰

If you don’t mind spending a few pennies, then here I have mentioned two amazing and unique activities that might be worth consideration.

1. Attend a festival 🥳

Another fun thing you can do with your family is participate in a vibrant and lively festival. And fortunately, Alabama has tons of festivals that take place throughout the year and throughout Alabama.

Now, it’s up to you which festival you want to join, but I suggest you join the festivals that are near to your location and are also interesting for the whole family.

Some examples of famous festivals that take place in Alabama are the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery, the National Peanut Festival in Dothan, or the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic in Decatur.

Mostly they are free or in any special case, there is an entry, that will be just a few pennies or budget-friendly. But, it will be all worth it for every single member of your family.

The festivals are an efficient way to socialize and connect with other family members and residents of Alabama while having some amazing and mouthwatering cuisines and beverages. They often have all the fancy things, like music, dance and parties.

Some festivals have kid exhibits whereas some have science fairs, historical re-enactments or agricultural exhibits. In short, there is no shortage of fun things to do at these festivals. So, participating in one can be a great idea.

2. Birmingham Bus Sightseeing Tour 🚎

A bus might be an excellent choice for celebrating some quality family time while exploring both the ins and outs of Birmingham city.

This bus tour offers a comprehensive overview of Birmingham’s top attractions, historical sites, and cultural landmarks. Plus, the pace of the tour is generally appropriate with convenient stops at key points of interest.

During exploration, a guide will be giving an overview or commentary about the history and geography of Birmingham city in various languages. So, it is a great idea to increase your knowledge about this wonderful and crucial city of Alabama.

Now, the duration is almost 1 hour, but it depends on your preference and modification. On the other hand, the price may vary depending on the duration, persons and operators. 

Besides, this is really a great opportunity for your whole family, whether it is your kids, pet or senior citizens to spend a lovely time exploring the whole city with your beloved family.

D) Kid friendly things to do in Alabama with family 👶🏻

If you are looking specifically for kids, then Alabama has plenty of fun and secure things to do that even adults will find amusing. So, here I am mentioning only two of them.

1. U.S. Space and Rocket Center 🚀

US Space and Rocket Center is one of the most famous and family-friendly destinations in Alabama, which always ranks higher in the list of best attractions in Alabama. 

Now, you might ask, what is special about this or why should you visit it with your whole family? Well, there are several reasons for this. First, it is one of the biggest space theme parks in the world with countless space stuff like displays, vocals, rockets, shuttles etc.

Moreover, it has some simulators where you can get a feel of riding a space shuttle or driving a rover on the land of Mars. Plus, it also provides a scuba diving facility and anyone can try scuba diving, even kids. COZ, they have proper gear and professional guidance to experience this wonderful experience.

If you get tired or want a quick rest, then it has several places for refreshment. but I suggest resting in the mini-theater, where you can watch short movies or documentaries about space and NASA.

They even got a live and virtual landing of the Apollo mission, that might give all of you shivers. So, if you want to explain a fun but crucial time with your family that also inspires your kids, then this place might be worth consideration.

2. Ride a Dolphin cruise 🚢

Dolphins are not only intelligent and super cute but also incredibly kid-friendly creatures. That’s why they’re so beloved among children. So, I believe a dolphin cruise could be an amazing experience for your little ones and a delightful adventure for the whole family!

Because, besides dolphins, you can also have a glimpse of the marine life and ecosystem plus some pristine beaches, like Gulf Shores. Now, if you want location or recommendation, then only coastal cities or areas provide this wonderful experience. So, try to visit Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Dauphin Island.

OF COURSE! You need to buy a ticket and advance booking might be a great option. Once you’ve secured your tickets, it’s time to board the ferry, marking the beginning of your scenic boat ride. The first few minutes will be peaceful, allowing you to settle in. However, soon after, get ready for a delightful array of surprises and new experiences!

Try to book a ferry that also offers hands-on engagement with the dolphins in their natural habitat. Because, some operators just drive their ferry along the coast, and that’s it. No personal engagement with dolphins, that sounds like a scam. But, it’s done to maintain and protect dolphins and their natural habitat, so I think it’s a good initiative.

In a nutshell, it’s a wonderful experience. However it might be a little pricey, it’s worth it for the memories created.

If you’re looking to expand your adventure without spending too much, nearby spots like Gulf Shore Beach and State Park are great options to explore.

E) Alabama attractions for families ⟟

If you’re seeking family-friendly and exciting destinations in Alabama, I’ve got two top-notch suggestions that are both safe and enjoyable for all ages.

1. Civil Rights Museum 🧑🏾

If you’re interested in a place that offers both deep historical insights into Alabama and interactive experiences for kids, the Civil Rights Museum is a must-visit.

It is one of the most famous attractions of Alabama that is based on the historic Civil Rights Movement. (A movement aimed to end racism and discrimination against Black Americans)

Now, after entering the museum, you’ll immediately sense the historical ambiance, surrounded by a wealth of artifacts, informative displays, and background vocals. Paying attention to these details offers a truly educational experience.

Plus, while some historical museums may seem dull for kids due to their mature content, the Civil Rights Museum takes a different approach. It presents historical knowledge in an interactive and concise manner, making it engaging for both kids and adults alike.

Here, you will also come across the Iconic Martin Luther King Jr. stuff and the jail where he was kept until his assassination.

After coming outside you will find some parks to scroll and click some pictures with the statue of Martin Luther King Jr. In short, it’s a great place for you and your kids to have a basic idea of your home state’s history.

2. Visit a Bike and Motorsports Museum 🏍️

Finally, cap off your visit with a trip to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, renowned as the world’s largest and most famous motorsport museum.

There are several reasons why I’ve included this place on the list. Nowadays, even kids show a keen interest and admiration for luxurious, unique, and vintage cars. Additionally, seniors can relive their vintage memories while exploring the museum’s collection of vintage bikes and cars.

This showroom or museum boasts an impressive collection of 1200 cars and bikes from 200 different brands and manufacturers. With such a vast array of vehicles, you’ll find no shortage of variety and options to explore.

They even have bicycles and sports cars in case you adore these vehicles more than bikes. Furthermore, Just after entering, you will find yourself amidst a sea of luxurious and vintage vehicles which looks like a paradise with vibrant colors and oil fragrances. It is really attractive and soothing.

Make sure to click some cool and memorable photos to flex on social media and treasure these memories with your whole family.

Additionally, if you’re craving more excitement, don’t miss the adjacent Barber Motorsports Park, where you can experience thrilling racing events and track days.

FAQ

Wrap Up

So, I hope you have a list or idea of things to do that your family might find fascinating and enjoyable.

However, I still recommend planning everything beforehand, considering what each member of your beloved family will find fascinating and fun.

Moreover, planning your activities is not a daunting task at all. Alabama offers numerous family-friendly attractions that are sure to amuse everyone and provide a fantastic time. In addition to these attractions, don’t forget to plan out where to eat and when to take breaks for some rest and relaxation.

Following these steps ensures that your family trip will be anything but disappointing. Most importantly, remember to enjoy yourself! Your happiness sets the tone for the entire family’s experience.