Plan a Fun-Filled Family Getaway.
December 2021
With the holidays upon us and kids are on a break from school, you may have more time on your hands than you know what to do with. Instead of waiting for school to start again, why not use this time to escape the hustle and bustle of the season and plan fun-filled family outings. Alabama has many options when it comes to activities for the whole family. Below are our top suggestions for family-friendly getaways during this festive season:
U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville:
Whether you want to escape to another world or learn about NASA, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville has activities for the whole family to participate in. While there, you can see the National Historic Landmark, Saturn V Moon Rocket, ( one of only three in the world), participate in interactive activities, see a show at the Intuitive Planetarium (The Southeast’s only 8K Digital Planetarium and Digital Dome), or learn about the Space Shuttle and Space Station programs. Current special exhibits include the “Science of Guinness World Records” and the Star of Bethlehem at the Intuitive Planetarium.
Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham:
Vulcan Park and Museum is home to the world’s largest cast-iron statue, Vulcan. He is made of 100,000 pounds of iron and is 56 feet tall. The statue sits atop Red Mountain in Birmingham, and visitors can take an elevator to an observation deck to see the beauty and wonder of the Magic City. At night, the park has a light show that is choreographed to music. The park’s museum is typically the first stop visitors make when arriving in Birmingham to learn the history and culture of the region. Vulcan’s Magical Nights event is happening now through Dec. 23. Visitors experience the magic of the holidays through lights, food trucks, visits with Santa and cups of hot chocolate.
Anniston Museum of Natural History, Anniston:
Established in 1930, this museum houses seven permanent exhibit halls that explore natural history subjects. One exhibit hall features the "Dynamic Earth '' and focuses on the processes that helped form the planet and of the dinosaurs that once roamed Alabama. You will find on display, fossils, minerals, dinosaur replicas, information about the power of weather, a real chunk of meteorite, and a lifelike recreation of an Alabama cave. The "Alabama Sand to Cedars" exhibit provides a tour of the state from the mountainous forests of North Alabama to the Southern seacoast, showing many of this state’s native animals. The "Attack and Defense" exhibit, showcases the relationship between predator and prey and how different animals react to potential danger, either by chemical, behavioral or physical means. The museum has implemented winter and holiday hours, so it’s best to check their website to plan your visit.
Rosa Parks Museum and Children’s Wing, Montgomery:
This state-of-art interactive museum is an active memorial to the life of civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Located in downtown Montgomery at the site of her arrest, the museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Rosa Parks. The museum’s collection contains a number of historically significant artifacts including Mrs. Park’s arrest records, 1950’s-era Montgomery city bus and original works of art.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile:
Explore the National Historic Landmarks, the winner of nine battle stars: the World War II battleship USS Alabama, and the submarine USS DRUM. In addition, there are over 25 historic planes and military vehicles at the park including the Mach 3 A-12 Blackbird Super Secret Spy Plane. Currently, the park is also featuring a WWI exhibit entitled The Great War. The park is closed on Christmas Day. Please check their website for hours of operation.
