There are so many fun things to do in Huntsville that don’t require breaking the bank! This list should give you ideas of things to do that will be fun for the whole family or for a cheap date!
Disclaimer: Prices below may vary based on popularity, date of purchase, etc.
Walk a nature trail or hike – most are free
Huntsville is surrounded by so many wonderful nature trails and hiking trails. Most of these trails are Free!
Monte Sano State Park located in Huntsville has numerous hiking trails with an entrance fee of $5 per adult.
Visit a Museum – prices vary
U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum – $5 adult
Exhibits of artifacts, memorabilia and military equipment from the American Revolutionary War to the present day. Open Wednesday-Saturday 10am-4pm.
North Alabama Railroad Museum – Free self-guided tour
A museum reflecting a love of trains and desire to preserve railroad history. Open everyday during daylight hours. Volunteer staff present on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Huntsville Museum of Art – $5 after 5pm on Thursdays ($12 normally)
Bringing people and art together by acquiring, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting the highest quality of works of art.
Attend a local event – many free
Huntsville has so many events open to the public throughout the year many of which are free! Some of my favorite free events include local parades, local markets, Community Kite Festival, Camp to Amp festival, and PorchFest FivePoints.
Stay up to date with free events here at WeAreHuntsville!
Go on a walking tour – free
Guided History Tours
Every Spring and Fall (April and October) the Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau offer free walking tours in Huntsville and Madison. These are led by local experts focusing on the historic districts. These will be announced on their website and social media platforms.
Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll
On the third Sunday every October, the Huntsville Pilgrimage Association hosts this stroll featuring characters and stories from Huntsville’s historic past.
Explore Downtown Huntsville – free
Downtown Huntsville is beautiful and very walkable. Enjoy your time in Big Spring Park, walk through shops, enjoy coffee or tea, grab a drink at a bar, or a bite to eat at any of the restaurants downtown. You can also explore the Twickenham district full of historic homes on foot or by car.
Walk through Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment District – free
Lowe Mill is a former factory building turned into an artists dream! Filled with studios where local artists sell their creations and services, this is a great place to walk through appreciate and support local artists. There is also a coffee shop, distillery, meadery, and food vendors to enjoy.
Enjoy live music from local artists – free
Huntsville offers many opportunities to listen to live music from local musicians. Live music ramps up Spring-Fall and typically on weekends in numerous locations around the city. Some favorite spots for live music are Stovehouse, Furniture Factory, The Casual Pint, Yellowhammer, Liquor Express and The Open Bottle.
Additionally, Huntsville offers live music at local events such as Camp to Amp, PorchFest, Concerts in the Park, and more.
Trivia – free
Huntsville loves its trivia! You can find trivia in multiple locations typically Tuesday-Thursday. Check your favorite restaurant/bars’ social media pages to see if they offer trivia. You can also check the Brain Blast website for locations, since this is a company that puts on numerous trivia nights in the area.
Go on a scavenger hunt – free
Downtown Huntsville Secret Art Trail
An art trail consisting of 22 stops throughout downtown Huntsville. The trail is within the downtown arts & entertainment district which means you can even purchase an adult beverage along the way and take it with you in your purple cup as you enjoy the art. You can pick up a map at the Downtown Huntsville Visitor Information Center or download the Discover Huntsville app.
Lucky Duck Scavenger Hunt
Search for 15 ducks hidden throughout Downtown Huntsville. This scavenger hunt is especially fun for the kiddos! Pick up a clue card at the downtown visitor center and if you find them all you get a prize!
A permanent outdoor scavenger hunt for 8 bronze trains in downtown Madison. You can pick up a clue card at the Madison Chamber and City Hall and once you’ve completed the scavenger hunt, take your completed card to Zion Popcorn or Filthy Gorgeous on Main Street for a prize!
Go to the Movies – prices vary
Cinemark at Bridge Street offers $6.00 movie tickets on Tuesdays
Price comes out to $8.06 after fees and tax
AMC Valley Bend 18 offers movie tickets under $10 for most regular showings 3pm or earlier, but ticket prices may vary.
BONUS! Watch a sporting event – prices vary
Baseball – Watch the Trash Pandas Double-A affiliate team to the Los Angeles Angels for as low as $8 per ticket for Berm seating.
There is a $2.00 fee plus tax so technically as low as $10.72.
Soccer – Watch the Huntsville City Football Club (HCFC) which is the Nashville Soccer Club’s affiliate in the MLS NEXT Pro league. You can watch for as low as $9 per ticket for Lawn General Admission.
Additional fees apply.
Since a ticket for the above sporting events will be slightly higher than $10 this was included as a bonus.
I hope this list helps you to find fun and affordable things to do in Huntsville!
Savanna Shilt recently moved to Huntsville from small town Arizona and immediately fell in love with this community and how there is always something to do! Being new to the area, she created her social media page TryHuntsville. Trying all things Huntsville including things to do, food, events, local businesses, trails, waterfalls and nearby travel. With her fresh perspective, she’s made it her mission to show locals and transplants what this community has to offer! Engineer by day, and content creator in her spare time, Savanna also loves to travel. She is the queen of finding all the cool spots to visit and things to do everywhere she goes, documenting her U.S. travels on her blog Swift-n-Savvy and her Instagram swift.n.savvy.
