Most Montgomery kids' activities are located in downtown Montgomery.
As Alabama's capital and second largest city, Montgomery has its share of activities and attractions, many catering to kids. Montgomery is situated on the Alabama River and is home to historic sites, political landmarks, and recreation activities. Montgomery has a strong African-American heritage and holds a place in the history of the Civil Rights Movement. With a population of just over 200,000, Montgomery makes for a very doable family vacation destination.
Museums
The Hank Williams Museum (thehankwilliamsmuseum.com) is dedicated to the life and legacy of country star Hank Williams and showcases many of the singer's personal artifacts. Williams' clothing, records, portraits and photographs are on display. Kids interested in the arts can head to the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (mmfa.org), which features international, American, southern and Alabama displays, as well as rotating exhibits, a gift shop and cafe. The museum is closed Mondays and admission is free.
Historic Sites
The Civil War Memorial and Southern Poverty Center (splcenter.org) commemorates 40 individuals who fought and died for civil rights. Guided tours are available. Admission is $2 for adults and free for children. The Alabama State Capitol (visitingmontgomery.com) is famous not just for housing Alabama's governing bodies, but for its long tradition of historical importance. A National Historic Landmark, the Alabama State Capitol was the spot where Jefferson Davis was sworn is as president of the confederacy, and where Dr. Martin Luther King ended his Civil Rights March. Admission is free. Old Alabama Town (oldalabamatown.com) covers a four-block area in downtown Montgomery. Its preserved 19th century buildings and homes and costumed actors appeal to kids, who will enjoy learning what it was like to live in Montgomery in the 1800s.
A State Park
The Toulouse National Historic Park (forttoulouse.com) is a short drive outside Montgomery in Wetumpka, Alabama, and is home to American and French forts, as well as a visitor's center, nature trail, lake and campground. There are 39 full-hookup sites for tents and RVs. At the time of publication, tent sites cost $11 and RV sites cost $14. There is a boat launch into Tallopoosa River, as well as "living history" weekends, where visitors can take part is historic reenactments. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children over six, and free for children under six. The park is open year round.
Other
The Montgomery Zoo (montgomeryzoo.com) is home to over 500 animals from five continents and is spread over 40 acres. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for children over three, and free for children two and under. Combination museum and zoo tickets are available for slightly higher rates. Check out the Montgomery calendar of events for a listing of riverfront activities (montgomeryal.gov); spring and summer are particularly busy months for children's activities. A list of recreational facilities can be found on Montgomery's official website (montgomeryal.gov), with listings for sports, parks and other recreational activities and centers.
Tags: Admission adults, free children, Admission adults children, adults children, adults children over