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).

Whether you want to stay cool inside or enjoy the beautiful sunny weather outside, this cost-free list includes a variety of outdoor, indoor, concerts and movies, and arts and family fun must-tries.

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!

*Due to COVID-19 some hours and events may be different. Please contact the organizer for details.

For the outdoorsy types:

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

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!

Healthy Huntsville Exercise Classes - Body Combat, Boot Camp, Crossfit, Zumba, and more!

Location: Big Spring International Park

Hours of Operation: varies

Website: For more information on classes provided, visit Healthy Huntsville.



Photo: Parirof2shues

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

Huntsville Parks & Rec Splash Pads - Enjoy splashing this summer at a park.

Richard Showers Center Splash Pad - Free to use, one large pavilion, numerous shaded benches, easy access to bathrooms.

Everyone Can Play Splash Pad - Free to use, a large pavilion available to rent, bathrooms attached.

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.

Dog Parks - 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.

Creekwood Park

City of Huntsville Dogspot

Mill Creek Dog Park

Madison County Jogging Trail - A two-mile jogging trail with 20 exercise stations comparable to a one-hour gymnastics class.

Location: Off Johnson Road, Huntsville, AL 35803

Hours of Operation: Sun up to sundown

Phone: 256-532-3492

Greenways -

Huntsville: Aldridge Creek, Big Cove Creek, Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Hays Nature Preserve, Indian Creek, Madison County Nature Trail on Green Mountain, Wade Mountain Preserve and Madison County Lake near Gurley.

Madison : Bradford Creek, Indian Creek, Mill Creek, Rainbow Mountain Preserve.

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

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

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.

SPACES Sculpture Trail - This tour showcases sculptures in locations across Huntsville and Madison. Brochure available at the Visitor Center.

Locations: UAH, Lowe Mill, Von Braun Center, Downtown Square, Alabama A&M, Madison City Hall, Madison Dublin Park, and Madison Main Street

Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day

Website: For more information on the tour and a guide, click here.

Phone: (Arts Huntsville) 256-519-ARTS

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.

Purple Cup 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.

Location: All over Downtown Huntsville

Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day

Website: Click here to download a free guide.

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.

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

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

Website: Get more details here.

Phone: 256-656-7841

Food Truck All-Stars - Come grab some grub from one of many local food trucks in downtown Huntsville.

Location: Downtown Huntsville

When: Two Food Truck All-Stars events a month from May to October. The brunch edition is on the first Saturday from 10 am - 2 pm around the courthouse square. On third Fridays, the dinner edition is held on Church Street.

Website: Visit the Facebook event for more info.