Alabama surprised me. Traveling through the state with kids, we discovered places that sparked curiosity, made us laugh out loud, and slowed us down in all the best ways. From wildlife encounters to high-octane museums, Alabama blended adventure and education in a way that felt effortless—and fun for everyone.
These are the places that made us lean in, ask questions, and walk away with stories to tell long after the trip was over.
Best Things to Do for Families:
Zooming Through History at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
I didn’t expect the kids to be that into motorcycles—but within five minutes of walking into Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, we were all wide-eyed. The spiral architecture wrapped around levels and levels of gleaming bikes, like a racetrack made of chrome and memories. I looked down over five floors of machines and thought, "This is so much more than I expected."
We saw vintage Harleys, ultra-rare racing bikes, and even the Lotus collection of race cars. The exhibits told stories—not just of machines, but of riders and history. The kids loved the see-through glass elevators and peekaboo windows where you could watch real engineers working in the restoration shop. It was part museum, part workshop, part daydream for anyone who loves speed.
Afterward, we stopped at Big Bad Breakfast in nearby Homewood. I had shrimp and grits with a fried egg, and the kids devoured pancakes and chocolate milk like they’d just raced at Barber themselves. It was the kind of relaxed meal that gave us time to relive our favorite moments.
Where We Stayed: We booked a night at the Elyton Hotel in downtown Birmingham. Stylish but comfortable, and just a short drive from the museum. That night, I lay in bed thinking about how something as niche as a motorsports museum could be that exciting—and that kid-friendly.
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum At a Glance
- Location: 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094
- Vibe: Polished, high-energy, surprisingly fascinating
- Highlights: 1,600+ motorcycles, Lotus race cars, open-view restoration shop
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning for fewer crowds and time to explore slowly
- Cost: $19 adults, $15 kids (ages 4–12), under 4 free
- Hours: Daily 10am–5pm
- Tip: Take the elevator to the top and wind your way down for the full view
Up Close with Big Cats at Tigers for Tomorrow
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Tigers for Tomorrow at Untamed Mountain, but when we rounded a corner and came face to face—safely—with a lioness lounging in the sun, I thought, "Okay, this place is the real deal." The sanctuary isn’t flashy or overdone. It’s raw, wild, and respectfully close to nature.
The kids couldn’t believe how close we were to the animals. Tigers stretched in the grass, wolves trotted past quietly, and a bear swayed in the shade just feet away. The staff spoke passionately about rescue and conservation, and it felt like we were stepping into their world for a few hours. The pace was slow, the trails were dusty, and it was all part of the charm.
We stopped at Wildflower Café in nearby Mentone afterward—a quirky little spot full of character. I had their famous tomato pie and a side of sautéed greens, and the kids shared grilled cheese and fresh fruit. The mismatched chairs and mason jar drinks made it feel like someone’s back porch.
Where We Stayed: We booked a cabin in DeSoto State Park, just a short drive away. Cozy, quiet, and surrounded by trees, it gave us the perfect mix of comfort and wilderness.
Tigers for Tomorrow At a Glance
- Location: 708 County Road 345, Attalla, AL 35954
- Vibe: Wild, grounded, educational
- Highlights: Rescued big cats, wolves, bears, peaceful sanctuary setting
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon—animals are more active
- Cost: $18 adults, $12 children (ages 3–11), under 2 free
- Hours: Friday–Sunday, 9am–5pm
- Tip: Closed-toe shoes and water bottles are a must—the trails are natural and warm
Feeding Camels from the Car at Alabama Safari Park
We rolled down the window and held out a feed bucket. A camel instantly stuck its head inside the car—and the kids burst into squeals of laughter. Alabama Safari Park is a drive-thru safari that had us grinning from the moment we pulled in. I remember thinking, "This is chaos—in the best possible way."
Over 300 animals roam the 350-acre park, and many of them aren't shy. Llamas, deer, and ostriches strolled right up to our windows. The kids were thrilled every time a buffalo or zebra came over for a snack. After the drive, we parked and explored the walk-thru area with goats, kangaroos, and a giraffe feeding platform that made our youngest absolutely giddy.
Lunch was a picnic—sandwiches, apple slices, and lemonade we packed in advance. The park has snack options but not a full café, and eating at a shaded table while watching kangaroos bounce nearby was a highlight.
Where We Stayed: We stayed in Montgomery, about 20 minutes away, at the Staybridge Suites. Spacious rooms, breakfast included, and a pool to cool off after our animal-filled morning.
Alabama Safari Park At a Glance
- Location: 1664 Venable Rd, Hope Hull, AL 36043
- Vibe: Wild, interactive, full of laughs
- Highlights: Drive-thru animal encounters, giraffe feeding, walk-thru petting zoo
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for fewer cars and active animals
- Cost: $22 adults, $16 kids (ages 2–12), animal feed buckets extra
- Hours: Daily 9am–5pm
- Tip: Bring wipes—your hands (and car!) will be a little wild by the end
Stepping into an Underground World at Cathedral Caverns State Park
When we walked through the yawning mouth of Cathedral Caverns, it felt like we were entering a fantasy novel. The entrance is massive—big enough for a semi-truck to drive through—and I remember thinking, "How did I not know this existed before?"
The guided tour took us about 1.5 miles into the caverns, past a frozen waterfall, towering stalagmites, and strange, otherworldly formations with names like “Goliath” and “Mystery River.” The air was cool and the trail easy enough for the kids to manage. Every twist in the path brought gasps and questions. And when the lights dimmed for a moment of total darkness, we all stood still, wide-eyed and whispering.
After the tour, we grabbed lunch at Top Hat Barbecue just a few miles away. I had a pulled pork sandwich with sweet tea, and the kids devoured their chicken tenders in record time. The kind of meal that hits the spot after a chilly cave hike.
Where We Stayed: We booked a cabin at Lake Guntersville State Park, which gave us a lake view and easy access to other nature spots in the area. That evening, we sat on the porch and watched the sky change colors, still talking about the caverns.
Cathedral Caverns State Park At a Glance
- Location: 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776
- Vibe: Mysterious, cool, awe-inspiring
- Highlights: Giant cave entrance, “Goliath” stalagmite, underground river
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round—the caverns stay a cool 60 degrees inside
- Cost: $20 adults, $10 kids (under 6 free)
- Hours: Daily 9am–5:30pm (tours offered hourly)
- Tip: Wear sturdy shoes—it’s a bit damp and can be slippery in places
Reaching New Heights at Cheaha State Park
Cheaha State Park is home to the highest point in Alabama—but it felt much more like a peaceful escape than a tourist checkpoint. The mountain air was crisp, and as we stood on the overlook at Bald Rock, I thought, "This view is worth every winding mile."
The kids loved the accessible boardwalk trail to the overlook and spotting butterflies and birds along the way. We explored trails with waterfalls, found secret swimming holes, and stopped at the stone observation tower for panoramic views. There was space to roam, climb, and breathe—it felt like the kind of place where time stretches out in a good way.
Lunch was at the park’s Vista Cliffside Restaurant, which sits right on the edge of the mountain. I had a grilled chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries, and the kids picked mac and cheese and peach cobbler for dessert. Eating with that view? It felt like a celebration.
Where We Stayed: We stayed in a rustic cabin right inside the park. It had a fire pit, bunk beds, and that cozy, unplugged feeling that lets everyone truly unwind.
Cheaha State Park At a Glance
- Location: 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258
- Vibe: Elevated, peaceful, naturally scenic
- Highlights: Bald Rock overlook, hiking trails, waterfalls, observation tower
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for color or spring for waterfalls
- Cost: $5 per person (12+), $2 kids (ages 4–11), under 4 free
- Hours: Daily 7am–sunset
- Tip: Bring layers—even in warmer months, it’s cooler up high
Exploring Ancient Worlds at the Anniston Museum of Natural History
Walking into the Anniston Museum of Natural History was like stepping into a time capsule. The first thing we saw was a towering dinosaur skeleton, and I heard my youngest whisper, "Whoa." That pretty much set the tone for the whole visit.
The museum blends natural science with storytelling—African savanna dioramas, Egyptian mummies, and Alabama wildlife all under one roof. The kids were totally hooked, hopping between exhibits with flashlights and questions. I especially loved the life-sized animal displays—they were so well done that we forgot we were in a small-town museum.
Outside, the nature trails and bird of prey enclosures added just the right amount of fresh air after the indoor exhibits. It felt like a full-circle moment—learning, exploring, and then stepping right into nature.
Afterward, we grabbed lunch at Classic on Noble downtown. I had a fried green tomato BLT, and the kids went for chicken tenders and a shared slice of strawberry cake. The food was fresh and friendly, just like the town.
Where We Stayed: We stayed at the Hotel Finial, a restored historic inn with charm in every corner. It was close to the museum and offered a quiet night’s rest with southern character.
Anniston Museum of Natural History At a Glance
- Location: 800 Museum Dr, Anniston, AL 36206
- Vibe: Curated, immersive, educational
- Highlights: Dinosaur fossils, ancient Egypt gallery, native animal exhibits
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or early afternoon for a full visit plus time outside
- Cost: $8 adults, $6 children (ages 4–17), under 4 free
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 1pm–5pm
- Tip: Don’t miss the live animal feedings—they’re a hit with the kids
Conclusion
Alabama might not be the first place you think of for a family getaway—but maybe it should be. From zooming through motorsports history and meeting rescued tigers to exploring caverns and mountaintops, this trip reminded me how much the South can surprise you.
What stood out most wasn’t just the variety—it was the heart behind each place. These weren’t just stops on a map; they were hands-on, minds-on, full-of-heart kind of places that brought out the explorer in all of us. If you're traveling with kids and looking for something unexpected, Alabama’s ready to show up big.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Zooming Through History at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
- • Up Close with Big Cats at Tigers for Tomorrow
- • Feeding Camels from the Car at Alabama Safari Park
- • Stepping into an Underground World at Cathedral Caverns State Park
- • Reaching New Heights at Cheaha State Park
- • Exploring Ancient Worlds at the Anniston Museum of Natural History