Summers are short, but they are also VERY, very long in the world of a child. If you need to get out of the house with the family, here are some non-hair-pulling, non-eye-rolling suggestions.
1. Go Bowling
If it’s not something you do very often, it can be a real treat for the family.
Small kids will like: Get the gutter guards and let them have fun just trying to knock the pins down.
Big kids will like: Leave the gutter guards down and make it a competition for high score.
Parents will like: Air conditioned family fun that will entertain all ages.
Booze option: Hit up that bowling alley bar!
2. See an IMAX Movie
Sometimes you just gotta take your kids to a movie.
Small kids will like: Popcorn and a movie…most kids are pretty happy with just that.
Big kids will like: Let them sit in the row in front or better yet, make it an IMAX 3D movie!
Parents will like: Large popcorn, large coke, large candy and the excuse to eat all of that.
Booze option: That depends on how big your purse is.
3. Shakalaka Extreme Air Sports
It has a floor made of trampolines! PRO TIP Reserve your jump time online in advance. Trust us.
Big kids will like: Dodge ball.
Parents will like: That they can jump too. Go on, you know you want to.
Booze option: There isn’t one.
4. Lowe Mill Saturday with Flying Monekey Artist Market
Really small kids might need a stroller, and that’s okay. There are lots of “no touching” scenarios and a stroller helps that.
Big kids will like: The cool factor of the art studios and Happy Tummy’s Peanut Butter Balls.
Parents will like: What’s not to like? Have you even BEEN to Lowe Mill before?
Booze option: No, but you have Pizzelle’s Confections and chocolate beats booze.
5. Street Food Gathering
AKA Food Truck Rally. PRO TIP: The earlier you get there the better. Bring a blanket for picnicking your eats in the park.
Small kids will like: Running around in Big Spring Park and talking you into ice cream, a Suzy’s Pop or shaved ice.
Big kids will like: The hustle and bustle of Church Street, the food and the live music.
Parents will like: The many options that make it possible to stand in line or not stand in line, depending on what you want to eat PLUS throwing a blanket down in the park for a shady spot to eat.
Booze option: You betcha. Hit up the steps of the Museum, the front of Propst Arena, or head up the steps into Downtown Huntsville and get a purple cup to go of your fav beverage.

If you are reading this – this is an older article published by Our Valley Events. The information may be out of date – be sure to check for new info!